When setting up a home theater system, the AV receiver acts as the brain and heart of your entertainment setup. Today we'll compare two popular Sony receivers - the newer STR-AN1000 ($598) and the battle-tested STR-DH790 ($348) - to help you make the right choice for your needs.
Before diving into the comparison, let's understand what these devices actually do. An AV receiver serves three main functions:
Think of it as an intelligent command center that takes your various inputs (gaming consoles, streaming devices, Blu-ray players) and ensures everything looks and sounds its best through your TV and speakers.
The STR-DH790 was released in 2018, while the STR-AN1000 arrived in 2023. In those five years, we've seen major advances in gaming, streaming, and home theater technology. The biggest changes include:
The STR-AN1000 supports the latest HDMI 2.1 standard, which means:
The STR-DH790 handles:
For most current content, the DH790's capabilities are perfectly adequate. However, if you're a serious gamer or want to future-proof your system, the AN1000's additional features become more valuable.
Both receivers support 7.2 channels, meaning seven main speakers and two subwoofers. However, there are important differences:
The STR-AN1000 offers:
The STR-DH790 provides:
In real-world use, the power difference isn't as dramatic as the numbers suggest. Most home theaters won't need more than what the DH790 offers unless you have a large room or particularly power-hungry speakers.
When considering value, we need to look beyond just the price difference of $250. The STR-AN1000 includes several future-facing features that might become more important over time:
However, if you're primarily watching movies and TV shows in a typical living room setup, the STR-DH790 offers excellent value. It handles 4K content beautifully and provides immersive Dolby Atmos sound at a more accessible price point.
In my experience testing both receivers, the practical differences are most noticeable in these scenarios:
The AN1000's HDMI 2.1 features make a real difference for serious gamers. The reduced input lag and smoother motion are immediately apparent in fast-paced games.
Both receivers handle movies admirably. The AN1000's better room calibration creates a slightly more refined sound stage, but the DH790's performance is still impressive.
The AN1000's enhanced streaming capabilities and better DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) provide noticeably better music reproduction, especially with high-resolution audio files.
The STR-AN1000 has a more modern interface and better room calibration, making initial setup more precise but potentially more complex. The STR-DH790 offers a simpler, more straightforward setup process that many users might prefer.
Choose the STR-AN1000 if:
Choose the STR-DH790 if:
Both receivers excel at their respective price points. The STR-AN1000 represents Sony's latest technology and future-proofing, while the STR-DH790 offers tremendous value for more typical home theater setups.
Remember, the best choice depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Don't feel pressured to spend extra for features you might never use, but also consider how your needs might evolve over the next few years.
The good news is that either receiver will provide excellent home theater performance - the main question is whether the AN1000's additional features justify its higher price for your particular situation.
| Sony STR-AN1000 ($598) | Sony STR-DH790 ($348) |
|---|---|
| HDMI Version - Determines future-proofing and gaming capabilities | |
| HDMI 2.1 (8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, gaming features) | HDMI 2.0 (4K/60Hz, basic features) |
| Power Output - Important for larger rooms and demanding speakers | |
| 165W per channel (handles any speaker setup) | 90W per channel (sufficient for most setups) |
| Room Calibration - Better calibration means more accurate sound | |
| Advanced D.C.A.C. IX with 360 Spatial Sound | Basic D.C.A.C. with standard calibration |
| Video Processing - Critical for latest gaming consoles and 8K TVs | |
| Full HDMI 2.1 features (VRR, ALLM, 8K upscaling) | Basic HDR support (HDR10, Dolby Vision) |
| Audio Formats - Determines sound quality and immersion | |
| Enhanced Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 360 Reality Audio | Standard Dolby Atmos, DTS:X |
| Streaming Features - Affects ease of music playback | |
| Advanced (Chromecast, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect) | Basic (Bluetooth only) |
| Future Readiness - Consider your upgrade plans | |
| Full 8K, latest gaming features, high-res audio | 4K ready, basic gaming support |
| Value Proposition - Consider your actual needs | |
| Premium features at higher cost (worth it for enthusiasts) | Excellent basics at mid-range price (best value for most) |
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