HDMI inputs x 6
HDMI outputs x 2
ARC/eARC eARC
HDMI 2.1 options VRR and ALLM on all ports, 4K120Hz/8K60Hz 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 wonderful STR-DN1080 is a brilliantly balanced, spacious and precise-sounding AV amp that has instantly gained us over and continues to impress us each time we use it.
For
- Spacious presentation
- Exact and detailed sound
- Spectacular dynamics
In opposition to
- Some rivals are higher outfitted
- 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, 4K120Hz/8K60Hz on three inputs and two outputs
Amplification 7 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 AVR-X2800H took residence the Product of the 12 months Award in its class final 12 months for a cause. Its wonderful characteristic set and spacious sound presentation make it a really likeable AVR.
For
- Glorious connectivity
- Authoritative however spacious sound
- Person-friendly full-screen interface
In opposition to
- Look wants a refresh
- Some may crave extra bass weight
- Dearer than earlier mannequin
Earlier than us stand two AV amplifiers: one is a successor to a beloved amp that now resides in our Corridor of Fame, and the opposite is a contemporary Product of the 12 months Award-winner from 2022. It is the Sony TA-AN1000 versus the Denon AVR-X2800H, a battle between two titans within the present residence cinema amplifier market.
As you may think about, there’s loads using on these residence cinema amplifiers from Sony and Denon respectively, as they’re doubtless in fierce competitors in your cash in the event you’re at the moment available in the market for a mid-range residence cinema amp. Fortunately, we have examined each and may also help you make the correct determination.
Sony TA-AN1000 vs Denon AVR-X2800H: worth
The Sony TA-AN1000 is unique to the UK and Europe and can price £999 / €999 when it launches in June. Purely for reference, that equates to roughly $1250 within the States and AU$1885 in Australia. There’s a considerably equal mannequin within the US referred to as the STR-AN1000, which retails for $800, though we can’t verify if its efficiency matches that of the European variant.
The Denon AVR-X2800H, however, is offered in much more areas. It launched at £869 / $1200 / AU$2399, which is a contact cheaper than the Sony, and now that it has been on sale for just a few months, reductions are actually accessible. You may see the most recent, lowest costs for every mannequin beneath.
** Winner: Denon AVR-X2800H **
Sony TA-AN1000 vs Denon AVR-X2800H: construct
Which of those AV amps has the higher styling will likely be down to non-public style, however it’s price noting that each use recycled designs from earlier fashions. The Sony harkens again to the STR-DN1080, with an virtually similar construct apart from some minimal labelling modifications and the elimination of the radio antenna, as this new AN1000 mannequin is an AV amplifier, not an AV receiver.
The most important change between this new Sony mannequin and its predecessor is the distant, which is a shrunken-down model of the DN1080’s. It gives many of the identical performance however with much less wasted house.
The Denon additionally makes use of a tried and true design, with the X2800H trying virtually similar to the X2700H that went earlier than it, which in flip regarded a complete lot just like the X2600H. In the end the Denon appears to be like tremendous and it options strong building, however it is not precisely what we might name visually putting. Taking part in it protected is how we might describe the Denon’s styling, as its boxy black brushed metallic construct does not do a lot to attract the attention.
To us, the Sony is the extra curiously constructed AV amp, with its asymmetrical dial placement and shiny strip working alongside the highest third of the system, which homes the built-in show.
On the finish of the day, they’re each huge metallic containers that are not precisely the top of aesthetic design, but when we needed to choose one based mostly purely on appears to be like it will be the Sony.
** Winner: Sony TA-AN1000 **
Sony TA-AN1000 vs Denon AVR-X2800H: options
Beginning with the Sony TA-AN1000, it options seven channels of amplification, which might be configured in as much as a 7.1 or 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos association. It has two HDMI 2.1 output connections and 6 HDMI 2.1 inputs, though solely two are rated for 4K/120Hz or 8K/60Hz.
HDR compatibility is nice with the Sony, because it helps HDR10, Dolby Imaginative and prescient and HLG, though it is lacking out on HDR10+, one thing that will delay Samsung TV homeowners. Audio format help can also be wonderful, as this amp helps Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping (360 SSM), which makes use of phantom audio system so as to simulate a wider sound subject. In apply, 360 SSM is a surprisingly efficient system that provides a lovely bubble of sound round us throughout our testing.
The Sony can also be nicely outfitted in terms of wi-fi connectivity, which incorporates Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Join, Chromecast and even Works with Sonos, which implies you may combine this amp together with your Sonos multi-room setup you probably have one.
The AN1000 additionally includes a blisteringly quick automated setup course of utilizing the included microphone, though it does require you to take some further measurements earlier than you can begin this course of, which is way more concerned than different AVR setups we have completed earlier than. The Denon makes use of an Audyssey-backed automated system which might take as much as eight totally different measurements based mostly on microphone positioning. Each methods have their quirks, however they’re each helpful in their very own rights.
The Denon AVR-X2800H takes the whole lot nice concerning the Sony and builds upon a few of what it is lacking. This consists of an extra 4K/120Hz HDMI 2.1 socket, HDR10+ help and HEOS, which is Denon’s personal multi-room music-playing software program and permits for connecting Deezer and Tidal. The Denon can also be an AV receiverso it may be tuned to obtain radio alerts. We’ll depart you to determine whether or not that is a helpful asset.
** Winner: Denon AVR-X2800H **
Sony TA-AN1000 vs Denon AVR-X2800H: sound
That is the make or break part for these residence cinema amplifiers; we will largely forgive ageing designs and a missing characteristic right here and there, however sound efficiency is paramount on this head-to-head. Fortunately, each the Sony and the Denon are top-notch performers, however one reigns supreme…
As its Product of the 12 months Award standing could counsel, the Denon AVR-X2800H is a superb residence cinema amp. It gives a extra spacious and refined sound compared with its predecessor, which is shocking because it shares most of the identical parts because the AVR-X2700H.
The Denon gives a better unfold of sound, with an emphasis on clear and crisp replica of upper frequency sounds. The wealthy and heat traits of Denon AVRs are additionally discovered right here, though bass is considerably toned down with the X2800H, which can delay those that favor some further kick to their explosives.
Transferring onto the brand new Sony on the block, the TA-AN1000 sounds frankly superb. With its crisp, clear and exact sound that’s as fulfilling as it’s correct, it makes any movie we run by it sound full of life and textured. There’s an emotive high quality to the Sony that’s extra understated than the Denon, and that elevates vocal performances with enhanced element and emotion.
The Sony additionally kicks out a formidable quantity of bass, with a deep rumble that’s impactful however not overdone. As a complete, the Sony is splendidly balanced, with a pure but cinematic aptitude that the Denon simply cannot fairly match. Very similar to the Denon, it too is exceptionally spacious, particularly with the 360 Spatial Sound Mapping mode turned on, though it is price noting that the Sony is not fairly as articulate on this mode.
Whereas the Denon supplies a heat, wealthy and highly effective efficiency, the Sony gives enhanced subtlety, texture and dynamics, making it an much more joyful hear, and subsequently making it the amp we might choose of the 2 choices right here. The AVR-X2800H has a hotter tone, however the Sony is punchier and provides weight to dramatic moments with its snappy dynamics and extra participating presentation.
** Winner: Sony TA-AN1000 **
Sony TA-AN1000 vs Denon AVR-X2800H: verdict
Whereas every of those residence cinema amplifiers is great in its personal proper, it is the Sony that takes the sting within the sound division, which is the important thing space that these AV amps have to nail.
If you have already got the Denon, then you definitely should not really feel pressured to improve as it’s nonetheless a five-star AVR, however in the event you’re available in the market for a brand new residence cinema amp, then we advocate ready for June when the Sony releases. Good issues come to those that wait, and on this case, it’s going to imply you get a better-sounding residence cinema.
The actual query now’s how does the Sony TA-AN1000 examine to the costlier Denon AVC-X3800H? Keep tuned for that head-to-head…
** Winner: Sony TA-AN1000 **
MORE:
Try our full evaluation of the Sony TA-AN1000
And our evaluation of the Denon AVR-X2800H
Need extra AV amp inspiration? Discover our picks for the greatest AVRs
