Sony TA-AN1000 is a 5.1.2 (or 7.2) channel device with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. A positive aspect of this model is the presence of six HDMI inputs, while in most competing devices their number is reduced to four. Additionally, the Sony TA-AN1000 has two HDMI outputs, meaning it is capable of delivering 8K video and surround sound to two different living areas.
The remaining connectivity options are quite modest: optical and coaxial inputs, Bluetooth, as well as Wi-Fi and Ethernet. As expected, Sony has good HDR compatibility, with HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision formats with additional support for IMAX Enhanced.
Wireless connectivity with this amplifier is also a highlight as it supports multiple connectivity standards. This includes Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and even Sonos work, allowing you to connect this AV amplifier to your own multi-room Sonos setup.
The AV receiver has an excellent set of streaming features, including Chromecast, UPnP and Spotify Connect. Chromecast support means you can play music through the AV receiver from any Android smartphone, or from the Chrome browser and dozens of compatible apps. You can also control the Sony TA-AN1000 using your Google Home smart speaker.
If you set the unit as the default music playback system and say, for example, “Hey Google, play Herb Alpert,” the Sony TA-AN1000 will turn on, set the desired input and start playing Tijuana Brass through Spotify, Google/YouTube Music or Pandora. The AV receiver also has a proprietary multi-room system, which is now called Music Center.
It has been improved from the previous version to make transferring music between compatible Sony components easier and more stable.
It also became possible to use a wireless subwoofer and wireless rear channels produced by the same company. Sony STR-DN1080 was created on the basis of the very successful Sony STR-DN1080 model. However, the biggest difference between the two models is that the DN1080 is an AV receiver, while the AN1000 is an AV amplifier.
This simply means that you won’t find an antenna for radio signals on the latest model. The new model also sounds a little different, more focused on home theater. However, the Sony TA-AN1000’s sound quality is superior to many of its competitors.
Specifications Sony TA-AN1000
- 7.2-channel amplifier
- Output power: 7×85 W (at 6 Ohm load)
- Decoders Dolby True HD, DTS-HD, Prologic IIz, Dolby Atmos, DTS X.
- DSP HD Digital Cinema Sound
- Advanced DCAC
- AirPlay 2 calibration system, DLNA, Google Cast, Bluetooth
- Playback of audio files: MP3, WMA, ACC, FLAC, WAV, DSF, DFF
- Dimensions 430 x 156 x 331 mm
- Weight 9.8 kg