HDMI inputs x 6
HDMI outputs x 2
ARC/eARC eARC
HDMI 2.1 options VRR and ALLM on all ports, 4K 120Hz/8K 60Hz on two inputs and two outputs
Amplification 7 channels
HDR codecs HLG, HDR10, Dolby Imaginative and prescient
Audio codecs Dolby Atmos, Atmos Top Virtualization, DTS:X, Sony 360 Actuality Audio
Streaming AirPlay 2, Spotify, Chromecast Constructed In, Works with Sonos, Bluetooth
Voice assistants Google Assistant
Verdict Sony’s successor to the superb STR-DN1080 is a brilliantly balanced, spacious and precise-sounding AV amp that has instantly received us over and continues to impress us each time we use it.
For
- Spacious presentation
- Exact and detailed sound
- Spectacular dynamics
Towards
- Some rivals are higher geared up
- Arrange is extra concerned than some
HDMI inputs x 6
HDMI outputs x 2
ARC/eARC eARC
HDMI 2.1 options VRR and ALLM on all ports, 4K 120Hz/8K 60Hz on three inputs and two outputs
Amplification 11 channels
HDR codecs HLG, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Imaginative and prescient
Audio codecs Dolby Atmos, Atmos Top Virtualization, DTS:X, DTS Digital:X
Streaming AirPlay 2, HEOS, Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Bluetooth, Roon Examined
Voice assistants Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri
Verdict The Denon AVC-X3800H’s wealthy and muscular sound secured it a spot on our 2022 Awards checklist, though its efficiency comes at a extra premium worth.
For
- Refined, heat sound
- Selection of calibration software program
- Future-proofed connectivity
Towards
- Bland exterior
- Some rivals have extra sonic drive
- Increased worth than predecessor
Sony’s newest AV amp, the TA-AN1000, has already gone face to face with the Denon AVR-X2800H, popping out victorious because of its glorious sound efficiency. Beating an Award-winning AVR is a formidable feat in its personal proper, however what in regards to the costlier Denon AVC-X3800H?
The Denon is extra highly effective and options extra channels of amplification, which implies it ought to be higher proper? Properly, it is not as easy as that, as we present in our overview, so how do these AV amplifiers really examine to 1 one other?
Sony TA-AN1000 vs Denon AVC-X3800H: Worth
Sony’s first new AV Amp in practically seven years (for the UK and European markets no less than) is sadly double the value of its earlier mannequin, the STR-DN1080. It’ll retail £999 / €999 when it launches in June, which comes out to roughly $1250 within the States and AU$1885 in Australia. There’s a comparable mannequin within the States known as the STR-AN1000 which prices $800; nevertheless, we can not verify if its efficiency matches that of the European variant.
The Denon is that can be purchased proper now, so in contrast to the Sony, you will not have to attend round when you want an AV amp proper now. It launched roughly six months in the past for £1499 / $1700 / AU$2550; nevertheless, it has since been topic to cost reductions and gross sales, so it could actually now be discovered for nearer to £1200 within the UK.
That being mentioned, even with its worth reductions, the Denon remains to be costlier than the Sony, so when you’re on a finances, the Sony is the higher alternative.
**Winner: Sony TA-AN1000**
Sony TA-AN1000 vs Denon AVC-X3800H: construct
As to which of those amplifiers appears to be like higher is down to non-public style, as neither are essentially the most eye-catching items of kit that we have ever seen. These monochromatic metallic packing containers are each rehashes of earlier designs, with the Sony utilizing an virtually an identical design to the STR-DN1080, whereas the Denon is eerily much like its AVC-X3700H predecessor in appears to be like.
Each are sturdy and well-made, with an excellent quantity of performance with out wanting cluttered. You may discover shortcut buttons to allow stereo mode, change inputs and navigate menus on the entrance facias of each AV amps, in addition to a port to attach the included microphones for computerized calibration. It is price noting right here that each supply intuitive set-up processes, with the Sony arguably being the extra concerned of the 2 because of its extra measurements – you may want a tape measure readily available for set-up.
Neither of those AV amps are the top of design; nevertheless, if we’ve to select one, it must be the TA-AN1000. We really feel that Sony’s barely edgier aesthetics give it a bit extra character, with its split-level aesthetic and asymmetrical dials – however your opinion might differ.
**Winner Sony TA-AN1000**
Sony TA-AN1000 vs Denon AVC-X3800H: options
Whereas the Sony isn’t any slouch within the options division, its clear that the Denon prices extra for a cause, because it contains extra of virtually all the pieces. The Sony TA-AN1000 options seven channels of amplification which might be configured as much as a 5.1.2 or 7.1 association. The Denon AVC-X3800H, however, ups this to 11 channels of amplification, with a most configuration of seven.1.4. This makes it a no brainer for individuals who do not wish to select between rear surrounds or the extra peak channels.
The Denon additionally has the Sony beat on the subject of HDMI 2.1 connectivity, with the Denon possessing three HDMI-in connections and 7 HDMI out, all of which assist 4K/120Hz or 8K/60Hz. The Sony, as compared, has two in and 6 out, with solely two of the HDMI 2.1 outputs supporting 4K/120Hz or 8K/60Hz.
HDR and audio assist are a lot of the identical, with the Denon simply edging out the Sony with its function set. Each AV amplifiers assist HDR10, Dolby Imaginative and prescient and HLG, nevertheless, the Denon throws HDR10+ into the combination, which ought to please Samsung TV house owners. Each AV amps additionally assist Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, though the TA-AN1000 will get Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping function, which makes use of phantom pseudo-speakers to be able to improve verticality and create a satisfying bubble of sound across the consumer.
Wi-fi connectivity on each amps is great, with the Sony providing Apple AirPlay, Chromecast Constructed-in, Spotify Join and Works with Sonos – which lets you combine your private home cinema set-up right into a Sonos multiroom set-up if in case you have one. The Denon drops the Sonos compatibility, but it surely does have HEOS, Denon’s streaming platform that permits you to immediately hyperlink music streaming providers, together with Tidal and Deezer – which the Sony is lacking.
The AN1000 additionally options an intuitive and brisk automated set-up course of utilizing the included microphone. It does ask you to take some extra measurements earlier than you can begin this course of, which is rather more concerned than different AVR set-ups we have carried out earlier than; this contains measuring the peak of your ceiling, the space between your seating place and the TV and the peak of the TV, so be ready for that.
The Denon makes use of an Audyssey-backed automated system which might take as much as eight completely different measurements based mostly on microphone positioning. This does require you to maneuver the microphone across the room, but it surely does not ask you to measure your house beforehand. Each techniques have their quirks, however they’re each helpful in their very own rights and did not require a lot handbook tweaking.
It is protected to say that the Denon wins the options battle, nevertheless, that is to be anticipated with the upper price ticket. The Sony remains to be a well-kitted-out AV amp with loads of performance, however it could actually’t fairly compete with the Denon.
**Winner: Denon AVC-X3800H**
Sony TA-AN1000 vs Denon AVC-X3800H: sound
This is the place issues get attention-grabbing. On the finish of the day, sound efficiency is the be-all and end-all of those units, and by chance they’re each excellent-sounding amps. One is a 2022 Award-winner, the opposite a successor to a Corridor of Fame entry, so there are actually excessive expectations, and so they each ship. That being mentioned, they go for 2 completely different approaches, and when evaluating them side-by-side, we felt there was a transparent winner.
Beginning with the Denon, its muscular, highly effective and easy sound ticks many packing containers after we think about cinematic sound. Bass particularly is highly effective, though not overdone, and there’s a good spacious really feel to the sound general. There is not a lot to significantly criticise in regards to the Denon’s heat and refined sound; it is wealthy, muscular when it must be, and an general crowd-pleaser.
The Sony, nevertheless, pushes the boat out with each side of its sound presentation. It encompasses a detailed, exact and articulate sound that’s each insightful and fascinating. The actual spotlight of the Sony its expressive dynamics, which add a splendid sense of weight and punch to automotive crashes and explosions. Bass is taut and snappy, which might be attributed to the Sony’s exact nature, and all the pieces from vocals to instrumental preparations is superbly textured and emotive.
Each AV amps supply a spacious association of sound, but it surely’s the Sony that feels barely extra enveloping. That is heightened (fairly actually) with the 360 Spatial Sound Mapping function turned on. Nevertheless, this does end in a barely much less exact sound – though it actually elevates moments of big-scale motion.
Put merely, the Sony calls for consideration with its actually participating and energetic efficiency. In distinction, comparisons show that the AVC-X3800H cannot maintain the room in the identical manner. The chances are you will not be listening to those amplifiers facet by facet, so if you have already got the Denon, you should not really feel pressured to improve, because it’s nonetheless an Award-winning AV amp.
That being mentioned, the Sony is the clear winner when it comes right down to sound efficiency, with its meaty and textured efficiency that’s the definition of cinematic.
** Winner: Sony TA-AN1000 **
Sony TA-AN1000 vs Denon AVC-X3800H: verdict
With its excellent sound and cheaper worth, the Sony is the plain alternative right here. Regardless of the Denon taking the sting within the options division with its extra channels of amplification and 4K/120Hz HDMI connections, it is the Sony’s highly effective, dynamic and balanced sound that had us entranced throughout our testing.
The caveat, in fact, is that the Sony is not commercially obtainable fairly but, so if persistence is not your forte, then the Denon might be yours a lot faster. Nevertheless, we actually really feel just like the Sony is well worth the wait.
MORE:
Learn our full Sony TA-AN1000 overview
In addition to our full Denon AVC-X3800H overview
And take a look at our full checklist of the finest AV receivers
