Sony STR-DN1080 review
May 10, 2019
The STRDN1080 is a flagship receiver from Sony’s line. However, by requiring under $600 for the product, the company tries to prove that it’s not necessary to break the bank to get everyt...
Read MoreSony STR-DN1050 vs. Sony STRDN1080 - choose the best one
Sony STR-DN1050 7.2 Channel Hi-Res 4K AV Receiver
Redesigned remote, adding support for both aptX and NFC, one or two less HDMI inputs but adds a third HDMI output to support the second zone, and improved second zone support (any source not just analog). The receiver has a nice feature set (NFC, WiFi, Bluetooth w/Apt-x, colorful OSD) for the price. The 1050 was very easy to set up in a 5.1 mode with outdoor zone 2 speakers. The receiver with the main goal of setting a system to listen to FLAC audio files hosted on PC. The FLAC files are visible to any device on local the network through the popular DLNA standard. Bluetooth function works great and is easy to pair with cell phone/iPod.
Pros of Sony STR-DN1050:
- The total output power hits the 700 W mark, which should be enough for you.
- It supports different wireless connection interfaces, like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.
- It also has different standard connectors, so you can connect almost any kind of device.
- It can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app. That is quite useful, since you do not need to use any special devices.
- It can use network or a USB device as a source of media content.
Cons of STR-DN1050:
- It does not support internet radio. However, it is not a major flaw.
- IIt does not support the DSD audio formats.
- IBuilt-in decoders do not support Dolby Atmos, DTS neural:X, Dolby surround. Therefore, you may have some troubles playing files, which need these decoders.
- IOccasionally the receiver will lose HDMI sync with TV.
It may seem that the Sony STRDN1080 vs Sony STR-DN1050 comparison is not that important, but the difference between the models is very huge. However, the receiver comparison between Sony STR-DN1050 vs STRDN1080 requires us to move to the next model.
Sony STRDN1080 7.2 Channel AV Receiver
For an existing 7.1 system, if you want to add Atmos height speakers, you either need to eliminate your surround back speakers or get a receiver capable of 9.1 or more.
Outputs sound from all connected speakers. When 2-channel or monaural audio signals are input, the receiver outputs sound from all speakers without adding any surround effect. The smartphone app works well. The on-screen user interface is nice and attractive.
Pros of Sony STRDN1080:
- The built-in Chrome Cast Music is a great feature (through Bluetooth, USB, and DLNA Media Server are also supported).
- The amp can both transmit and receive Bluetooth signals (and switching between these modes is easy).
- The total output power is 1155 W, which is a lot. It will be enough for you to enjoy your favourite music.
- It supports the major part of modern audio formats, including the DSD audio format.
Cons of STRDN1080:
- The built-in decodes do not support DTS neural:X, Dolby surround, Dolby digital plus, Dolby True HD.
- IIt has only one AV input and one Optical digital plus input.
- IIt does not have an input for a dedicated XM or Sirius Tuner as some earlier SONY receivers did.
Sony STRDN1080 vs STR-DN1050 - final comparison chart
Sony STRDN1080 versus STR-DN1050 is quite challenging to compare and it is difficult to understand what model you should choose. The only advice is to understand what you expect from a device.
If you need a powerful device that is able to play the DSD audio format, and you are not going to connect many devices that use the AV interface, then Sony STRDN1080 is right what you need. If you need something simpler - then STR-DN1050 will be right for you. I hope this receiver comparison will help you a lot.
