Sony STR-AN1000 8K 7.2 channel A/V receiver review

The world of receivers continues to evolve, as more and more features push the limits of what these boxes can accomplish. With higher resolution and framerate video, as well as more and more streaming options, it can all be a bit overwhelming to choose. Yet thanks to the tremendous legacy of Sony, consumers have grown to expect a robust, effective solution that provides an easy-to-use model at the heart of their home theatre setup. Does the Sony STR-AN1000 8K receiver live up these expectations? Read on to find out!

Specifications for the Sony STR-AN1000 8K receiver

• Weight: 9.4kg
• Dimensions: 17 x 6.25 x 13.13”
• 7 channels amplification
• High resolution wireless audio
• HDMI Audio codecs: Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital, DTS: X, DTS HD MA / DTS HD HR, DTS, DSD
• Video upscale to 4K/8K
• 4K 120Hz support
• HDR—HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
• Calibration Mic
• Streaming services: AirPlay2, Roon Tested, Works with Sonos, Chrome Cast, Spotify Connect

Setting up the Sony STR-AN1000 8K receiver

The Sony STR-AN1000 8K receiver is a one-stop shop, supporting six HDMI inputs (two are 8K compatible), two HDMI outputs, a number of digital and analog inputs, and speaker poles to drive 7 channels of audio. With an ability to broadcast to wireless speakers as well it’s primed for expansion, whether you’re setting up a regular surround layout or through the use of height channels setting your system to accommodate Dolby Atmos, DTS-X, or 360 degree audio playback.

While there are those that will find the menu system of the STR-AN1000 to be a bit austere, I appreciated its no-nonsense, white text-on-black screen simplified support. Sure, it lacks some of the colourful icons of previous models, but it’s super simple to find exactly what you’re looking for, and with labels like “watch” and “listen” it takes all the guesswork out from what you’re trying to adjust.

Out of the box there’s auto calibration settings, including a stereo microphone and included plastic stand. A visual representation of a wood-floored room and various speaker locations dials things in nicely, including your ability to pair wireless speakers if they are part of your setup.

Streaming and the STR-AN1000

Any modern receiver has to make use of the wireless ecosystems we’ve come to rely upon, and the Sony receiver is top notch when it comes to this kind of compatibility. Built-in connections include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi control, Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Chromecast, and even Roon for those with massive audio libraries and the patience to organize them.

The model ships with a “Works with Sonos” badge, which is terrific, until you read the fine print. In order to integrate the STR-AN1000 with a full Sonos system you’ll still need the Sonos Port, which itself costs half as much as this receiver. Still, with that combination you’ll have full control over a multi-room setup, and for those willing to invest it’s a good method of blasting music throughout your house.

Sound on the Sony STR-AN1000 receiver

It’s pretty remarkable how we’re able to have theatre-quality sound driven at home from what’s essentially an entry-level full featured receiver—but thanks to the latest in digital processing and robust amplification circuits we’re treated to a very capable unit indeed. From music to movies, everything I threw at the STR-AN1000 did the trick audio wise, and while it couldn’t match the punch of my reference monoblocks for sheer impact and subtlety, the fact that it was close at all when driving full-range speakers shows how far this technology has come. Though this isn’t a model with drool-worthy wattage claims, it does a very good job at what it needs to, driving speakers with appropriate levels of volume while maintaining a subtlety of presentation that’s definitely welcome.

Without direct comparison to its competition, I found that the Sony shone brightly when playing back audio, even with challenging recordings like Hans Zimmer’s score for “Dune” on 4K UHD, or even the new Atmos mix of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon”. It showed little signs of straining with the audio blasting away.

With the built in amplification you can either setup for a traditional 7.2 setup (L/C/R, side and rear surround, twin subwoofer RCA outputs) or 5.2.2 (L/C/R, side surround, a pair of high speakers for Atmos). There are no additional RCA audio ports for connecting auxiliary amplification to augment the 7.2 setup, though through using wireless speakers you can definitely increase the total amount of signals being broadcast. While this is more than sufficient for most users, those looking to drive an even more robust surround setup may have to look to more premium models.

While there are RCA inputs for additional audio sources, anyone needing vinyl playback will require a standalone phone preamp.

Video on the Sony STR-AN1000 receiver

With 8K passthrough on two of the HDMI inputs, as well as 4K 120Hz compatibility for gamers with the latest consoles, it’s clear that the ST-AN1000 will do much of the heavy lifting for those needing such robust video switching. The system does a decent job with 4K/8K upconversion as well, though many of the current television sets do exceptionally well by simply sending the source material unimpeded to be scaled internally.

While you can tweak various video settings, the best use of the ST-AN1000 on the video front is to simply set and forget, making for a very painless way of cycling through inputs with assurances that even the highest of resolution and framerates is getting sent to your monitor of choice without fuss.

Final thoughts

A good, solid, well-engineered receiver, the Sony STR-AN1000 once again firmly establishes Sony as a stalwart in the home theatre environment. Thanks to its robust streaming options and good build quality, as well as an easy-to-use interface and workable auto calibration, this is a more than capable unit for a mid-level home theatre setup. Thanks to its many streaming features this model will work as well for audio enthusiasts as it will for the movie and gamer crowd, with the receiver settling in nicely as the central switcher for all of your audio and video sources.

Explore the full range of home theatre receivers available on bestbuy.ca today.