Today we're comparing two popular AV receivers: the $569 Denon AVR-S760H and the $598 Sony STR-AN1000. Both are excellent choices for powering a home theater system, but they take different approaches to delivering immersive entertainment. Let's dive into what makes each special and help you choose the right one.
Before we compare these specific models, let's talk about what modern AV receivers do. Think of them as the command center for your home theater - they process audio, switch between video sources, and power your speakers. The best ones handle the latest audio formats like Dolby Atmos (which adds height channels for more realistic sound) and video features like 4K/120Hz passthrough (crucial for next-gen gaming).
The technology has evolved significantly in recent years. When the Denon AVR-S760H launched in 2021, it brought HDMI 2.1 features to a more affordable price point. The Sony STR-AN1000, released in early 2023, built upon this foundation with advanced spatial audio processing.
Both receivers support modern surround formats, but they handle audio processing differently. The Denon takes a traditional approach with excellent implementation of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Its Audyssey room correction system (which adjusts audio output to sound best in your specific room) is straightforward and effective.
The Sony introduces something special - 360 Spatial Sound Mapping. This technology creates "phantom" speakers between your physical speakers, potentially making a 5.1.2 setup (five surround speakers, one subwoofer, two height speakers) sound more like a much larger system. In practice, this works surprisingly well, especially in rooms where speaker placement isn't ideal.
Both receivers handle 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video, but the Denon edges ahead with three HDMI 2.1 inputs compared to Sony's two. This matters if you're planning to connect multiple next-gen gaming consoles or a high-end PC.
They both support HDR formats (High Dynamic Range, which improves picture contrast and color) including HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG. The video processing is essentially transparent - meaning it doesn't degrade the picture quality passing through.
On paper, the Sony offers more power (100W vs 75W per channel), but in real-world use, this difference is minimal. Both receivers can comfortably drive most home theater speakers to room-filling volumes. The key is their ability to maintain clean sound during complex movie scenes, which both handle admirably.
Here's where we see significant differences. The Denon features an excellent setup assistant that walks you through every connection and configuration step. Its on-screen interface is intuitive, and the remote control is well-designed.
The Sony's setup process is more complex, and its interface feels dated by comparison. However, it offers deeper customization options for audio enthusiasts who enjoy fine-tuning their system.
Both receivers offer extensive wireless options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect. The Denon includes HEOS multi-room audio support, while Sony provides integration with their Music Center app.
For future-proofing, both are well-equipped with HDMI 2.1 features, though the Denon's extra HDMI 2.1 input provides more flexibility. They both support variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM) for gaming.
In a dedicated home theater setting, both receivers excel but in different ways. The Denon AVR-S760H delivers reliable, accurate sound reproduction that home theater enthusiasts will appreciate. Its straightforward operation means less time tweaking settings and more time enjoying content.
The Sony STR-AN1000 shines in challenging room layouts where its spatial mapping technology can help overcome less-than-ideal speaker placement. It's particularly impressive with height effects in Dolby Atmos content.
At $569, the Denon represents excellent value, offering all essential features for modern home theater without unnecessary complexity. The Sony's $598 price tag is justified if you'll benefit from its advanced spatial audio processing or plan to integrate it with other Sony products.
For most users, I recommend the Denon AVR-S760H. Its combination of features, ease of use, and value is hard to beat. The interface and setup experience are more polished, and it handles all current audio and video formats beautifully.
However, the Sony STR-AN1000 is a compelling choice if you're intrigued by its spatial audio capabilities or need its specific features. Its phantom speaker technology can create a more immersive experience in some rooms, and its slightly higher power output might benefit certain speaker combinations.
Remember, both receivers will serve well as the heart of a home theater system - the key is choosing the one that best matches your specific needs and preferences. Consider your room layout, connected devices, and how much time you're willing to spend on setup and customization when making your decision.
| Denon AVR-S760H ($569) | Sony STR-AN1000 ($598) |
|---|---|
| Release Date - Newer models have better gaming support and features | |
| 2021 | 2023 |
| Power Output - Determines speaker driving capability and headroom | |
| 75W/channel (8 ohms) | 100W/channel (6 ohms) - Marginal real-world difference |
| HDMI 2.1 Inputs - Critical for next-gen gaming and 8K sources | |
| 3 inputs (better for multiple gaming consoles) | 2 inputs |
| Room Correction - Important for optimizing sound in your space | |
| Audyssey MultEQ (proven, user-friendly) | DCAC IX with 360 Spatial Mapping (more advanced but complex) |
| Setup Experience - Impacts initial configuration and daily use | |
| Superior guided setup, intuitive interface | More complex setup, deeper customization options |
| Multi-room Audio - Enables whole-home audio distribution | |
| HEOS built-in (works with other HEOS devices) | Sony Music Center (limited to Sony ecosystem) |
| Video Processing - Affects picture quality and gaming performance | |
| 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM (excellent gaming support) | 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM (similar capabilities) |
| Voice Assistant Support - Enables hands-free control | |
| Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri (full integration) | Works with Google Home, Alexa (basic control only) |
| Unique Features - Special capabilities that may matter for specific uses | |
| Better gaming support, easier operation | 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, acoustic center sync with Sony TVs |
For most home theater setups, the $569 Denon AVR-S760H offers better value and easier setup. However, the $598 Sony STR-AN1000 excels in rooms with challenging acoustics thanks to its advanced spatial mapping technology.
The Sony STR-AN1000 offers 100W per channel at 6 ohms, while the Denon AVR-S760H provides 75W per channel at 8 ohms. In real-world usage, this difference is minimal for most home theaters.
The Denon AVR-S760H has an advantage with three HDMI 2.1 inputs compared to the Sony STR-AN1000's two, making it better for connecting multiple gaming consoles that support 4K/120Hz.
The Sony STR-AN1000 justifies its higher price if you'll benefit from its 360 Spatial Sound Mapping or plan to integrate with other Sony products. Otherwise, the Denon AVR-S760H offers better value.
The Denon AVR-S760H features a more user-friendly setup assistant and intuitive interface compared to the more complex setup process of the Sony STR-AN1000.
Yes, both the Denon AVR-S760H and Sony STR-AN1000 support Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and other modern surround sound formats.
The Sony STR-AN1000 offers more advanced room correction with 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, while the Denon AVR-S760H uses Audyssey MultEQ, which is more straightforward but still effective.
Both receivers support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video passthrough, making them future-proof for upcoming video sources.
Both offer similar streaming features, but the Denon AVR-S760H has more robust voice assistant integration and HEOS multi-room audio, while the Sony STR-AN1000 works best within the Sony ecosystem.
Both perform well with music, but the Denon AVR-S760H tends to have a warmer, more natural sound, while the Sony STR-AN1000 offers more precise detail.
The Denon AVR-S760H offers more HDMI 2.1 inputs and better voice assistant integration, making it more versatile for most users compared to the Sony STR-AN1000.
Both receivers can handle large rooms effectively, but the Sony STR-AN1000 might have a slight advantage with its higher power rating and spatial mapping technology, while the Denon AVR-S760H remains capable for most room sizes.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: crutchfield.com - audioadvice.com - bestbuy.com - denon.com - bestbuy.com - smarthomescope.com - bestbuy.com - bombayaudio.com - manuals.denon.com - cocoontech.com - zkelectronics.com - tomsguide.com - electronics.sony.com - klarna.com - crutchfield.com - cnet.com - skybygramophone.com - bestbuy.com - sony.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - youtube.com - us.community.sony.com - sony-asia.com
