After being almost completely absent from the home theater market for over five years, the Japanese manufacturer is stepping back into the sector with the new Sony TA-AN1000. This 7.2 channel AV receiver delivers 165W per channel and benefits from HDMI 2.1 inputs that are compatible with 8K UHD HDR at 60 fps and 4K UHD at 120 fps. It supports the VRR and ALLM gaming technologies, as well as DTS:X and Dolby Atmos tracks across 5.2.2 channels. Sold for €999, can the new Sony TA-AN1000 compete with market leaders such as the Yamaha RX-A2A, Marantz Cinema 60 and Denon AVR-X2800H?
Sony TA-AN1000: packaging & accessories
The Sony TA-AN1000 AVR comes with a remote control and batteries, a power cable, a microphone for the acoustic calibration, a two-position stand for the microphone and an installation guide.
Sony TA-AN1000: presentation
Design
The Sony TA-AN1000 AV receiver has the same design as its predecessors, notably the 2018 Sony STR-DH590 that is still in the brand’s catalog, and the multi award-winning Sony STR-DN1080. Without claiming to be as compact as the Marantz NR-1510 and Marantz Cinema 70S models, the Sony TA-AN1000 is reasonably sized, with a reduced height of 15cm and a depth of 33cm. Consequently, it can be easily installed inside a recess in a piece of furniture or on a shelf in a TV cabinet.
The Sony TA-AN1000 AVR’s aluminum chassis has a shiny black band running across the front panel. Beneath this are a number of controls to facilitate speaker activation, switch between the two HDMI outputs (output 1, 2 or 1 + 2), select a DSP filter, and activate the pure direct or 360 Spatial Audio mode. Finally, two large potentiometers complete the picture. Unsurprisingly, the first lets you select the source, while the second provides precise volume adjustment.
The remote control that comes with the Sony TA-AN1000 is even more comprehensive. It makes navigating through menus easier and provides quick access to the main features. It is much more compact than usual (same format as the remote controls for the brand’s Blu-ray players) and much simpler, offering only the essentials. The design is very ergonomic, making it comfortable to hold. It’s easy to use in daylight, but the lack of backlighting makes it difficult to identify the buttons during a home theater session in the dark.
Wireless surround sound
The Sony TA-AN1000 AV receiver can power up to 7.2 channels and deliver 165W into 6 ohms in hi-fi conditions. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatible, the two rear surround channels can be assigned to the front channels to create a 5.2.2 channel system. For the rear effects, the Sony receiver can use standard wired surround speakers, or a pair of Sony SA-RS5 or Sony SA-RS3S wireless speakers. Conveniently, it is also possible to connect the Sony SA-SW5 or Sony SA-SW3 subwoofers wirelessly. A real advantage compared to Denon and Marantz receivers that only provide wired connections. Better still, when the Sony TA-AN1000 is connected to a compatible Sony TV, it can use Acoustic Center Sync technology to transform the television into a center speaker. This gives the impression that the sound is actually coming out of the screen.
The Sony TA-AN1000 also stands out from the competition with the Sony 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology. The latter is capable of creating virtual speakers for the vertical and surround channels to create immersive sound while limiting the number of actual speakers in the room. Sony 360 Reality Audio is also used to envelop the listener in a 360° musical sound field with compatible tracks.
DCAC IX calibration
To provide the best possible audio reproduction in any room, the Sony TA-AN1000 AV receiver features an auto-calibration system based on DCAC IX (Digital Cinema Audio Calibration) technology. This technology uses the included microphone to calculate the speakers’ distance from the listening position, their height and their characteristics to adjust the sound pressure level of the driver and fine-tune the crossover frequency. As a result, the acoustic flaws of the room are reduced as much as possible, as well as unwanted resonance and bloated bass, to achieve the best spatialization and allow the user to turn the volume up high without experiencing auditory fatigue.
8K and 4K UHD
Two of the Sony TA-AN1000’s six HDMI inputs comply with the HDMI 2.1 standard to stream 8K UHD content at up to 60 fps and 4K UHD content at up to 120 fps. This provides a smooth, comfortable display, especially when playing video games on a PS5, PC or Xbox Series X. Gamers also benefit from support for VRR technology, which automatically adapts the refresh rate of the TV or projector to the connected console or PC, and ALLM (Auto Low Latency mode) to maximize smoothness. Moreover, the Sony TA-AN1000 receiver is compatible with HDR formats, including Dolby Vision, to optimize the dynamic range so that you can enjoy as many details as possible in the dark and light areas of the image.
The Sony TA-AN1000 is certified IMAX Enhanced for greater ease of use. The receiver automatically adjusts its audio and video settings in order to provide content that complies with the director’s mix. All IMAX Enhanced certified content is processed to offer a bright UHD HDR image with great contrast, as well as immersive sound.
Connectors
All the sources connected to the Sony TA-AN1000’s six HDMI inputs can be streamed to the two HDMI outputs, which are also 8K compatible. They can be used separately or simultaneously, depending on your needs. They are joined by four RCA inputs, an optical input, a coaxial input and two composite inputs. There are two subwoofer ports, as well as a Zone 3 pre-out. The latter allows you to connect a second receiver to provide sound in a second zone. It is a shame that it can’t be used as a Front output to connect a power amplifier dedicated to the front speakers.
Streaming
Equipped with a WiFi and Ethernet controller, the Sony TA-AN1000 AV receiver can be easily connected to the local network for audio streaming. It can then receive music via AirPlay 2 or Chromecast. Its Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect compatibility lets you enjoy tracks on both these platforms directly from the official mobile app. Thanks to the DLNA protocol, the Sony TA-AN1000 can read Hi-Res tracks, including DSD files. This playback is also possible from a USB device.
In addition to music streaming, the AirPlay 2 and Chromecast protocols allow you to add the Sony TA-AN1000 AVR to a multi-room system. Therefore, you can listen to online music services or the sources connected to the TA-AN1000 on other compatible receivers, speakers and devices. This AV receiver is also compatible with Sonos, which allows you to create a multi-room system with connected speakers and equipment from the American brand.
Sony TA-AN1000: key specifications
- Number of channels: 7.2 or 5.2.2
- Power: 2 x 165W (6 ohms, 1kHz, 0.9% THD)
- Speaker impedance: 6 to 16 ohms
- AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Bluetooth
- DCAC IX automatic calibration
- Certified IMAX Enhanced
- 6 HDMI inputs (2 x HDMI 2.1)
- ALLM and VRR gaming features
- HDR, Dolby Vision and HLG compatible
Sony TA-AN1000: listening conditions
For our review, we connected the Sony TA-AN1000 AVR to a Klipsch 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos speaker pack. The latter included the Klipsch RP-8060FA front, Klipsch RP-504C II center and Klipsch RP-502S II surround speakers. Then, we connected the receiver to an Elipson Planet M 5.1 pack. The sources were the Panasonic DP-UB820 Blu-ray player and an Apple TV 4K. Lastly, the main HDMI output was used to connect the Epson EH-TW-9400 projector, then the LG HU85LS ultra-short throw projector.
The Sony TA-AN1000 AV receiver is fully functional as soon as it is first turned on. That said, it is recommended to set it up by entering the menu language and the speaker configuration used. It is possible to manually enter the gain and the distance between each speaker, but it is simpler and more reliable to use the acoustic calibration. To do so, you must connect the included microphone and place it in the listening position, at ear height. The sounds, their volume and reverberation in the room are then measured and analyzed to perform a correction in accordance with the characteristics of each speaker and the listening room.
Sony TA-AN1000: listening impressions
Whether it was with the Klipsch or the small Elipson Planet M speakers, the Sony TA-AN1000 receiver had the oomph and energy to reproduce movie soundtracks dynamically and powerfully. With Spider-Man Homecoming, the fight scenes were impactful and lively. The Sony TA-AN1000 AVR was exceptionally responsive, delivering its full power as soon as the slightest action occurred on screen. The sonic impact of explosions was phenomenal, allowing us to physically feel the battle unfold. The sound reproduction was credible and put us right at the heart of the action.
The Sony TA-AN1000’s spatialization of sound effects was very realistic. The sound flew across the room to surround the listener, making us feel as if we were participating in the action. Transitions from one channel to the next were smooth and natural, helping to create a realistic and precise ambience. On Blade Runner 2049, the Sony TA-AN1000 plunged us into the dark world of this futuristic dystopia. The film’s sonic panorama created a mysterious and richly detailed atmosphere that transported us to the heart of a futuristic Los Angeles. Footsteps on wet concrete, the hum of advertising screens and an unsettling soundtrack punctuated the film’s heavy mood. The experience was captivating.
With both the Klipsch and the Elipson systems, the calibration performed by the Sony TA-AN1000 increased the level of the center channel slightly. This resulted in a perfect reproduction of dialogues, which were still clear and intelligible, even when the soundtrack became raucous on the other channels. All vocal nuances were perceptible with astonishing clarity, whether the actors were whispering or shouting.
When listening to music in stereo, the Sony TA-AN1000 displayed great clarity, resulting in crystal-clear, fresh reproduction. The receiver’s energetic character provided tracks with dynamic rhythm, with plenty of low-end dimension. The various frequencies were well articulated, with a pleasant neutrality. On rare occasions, however, there was a slight brightness in the highs.
Sony TA-AN1000: compared to…
Yamaha RX-A2A: available at the same price, the Yamaha RX-A2A AV receiver is a 7.2-channel, 100W model also equipped with HDMI 2.1 inputs and outputs. For home theater, the Yamaha AVR has even greater neutrality while retaining the dynamic nature of the Sony model. However, it isn’t as subtle with certain nuances, as some of the smallest details tend to get lost in the soundstage.
Marantz Cinema 60: sold for €1,390, the Marantz Cinema 60 is a 7.2-channel model compatible with 8K/4K UHD. It benefits from a full pre-out section, making it easier to connect a separate power amplifier. With both movies and music, the Marantz receiver provides a softer, rounder sound, resulting in a warmer reproduction. The Sony TA-AN1000 is more dynamic, energetic and transparent.
Sony TA-AN1000: who is it for?
The Sony TA-AN1000 AV receiver is ideal for creating your first home theater installation while still enjoying the latest technological innovations. It is aimed at both movie buffs and gamers with its 8K UHD, 4K 120 fps, ALLM, VRR and Dolby Vision compatibility. The ability to connect surround speakers and a subwoofer wirelessly makes it easy to use, limiting the number of cables visible in the room. Whatever the content, this Sony receiver is extremely energetic and efficiently distributes sound all around the listener. A real tour de force that enables you to fully dive into the atmosphere of the movie.
Sony TA-AN1000: conclusion
Traditionally associated with brands such as Yamaha, Denon and Marantz, the AV receiver market now features a new major player. The Japanese manufacturer proves its credentials in this segment with this beautiful Sony TA-AN1000 receiver. Its dynamic character, transparency and ability to deliver a richly detailed sound make it a worthy competitor to the big names in the sector. It accurately reproduces the ambience of the program being viewed, with precise placement of each piece of information in space. It brings action scenes to life as they unfold around the listener.
We liked:
- The energy it brought to the sound
- The precisely placed sound effects
- The ability to connect a wireless subwoofer and surround speakers
We would have liked:
- Backlighting on the remote control
- A front pre-out
- Softer highs
