If you're building or upgrading a home theater system in 2024, you're likely considering either the newer Sony STR-AN1000 ($599) or the established Onkyo TX-NR5100 ($440). Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your setup.
Modern AV receivers are essentially the command centers of home theater systems. They handle everything from processing audio signals for your speakers to switching between video sources while ensuring the best possible picture quality reaches your TV. But not all receivers are created equal, and the technology keeps advancing.
The most significant recent changes have been the adoption of HDMI 2.1 features (which enable things like 4K gaming at 120Hz) and more sophisticated room correction systems that help your speakers sound their best in any space.
The Sony STR-AN1000, released in early 2023, represents Sony's latest mid-range offering. It brings several new features to the table, including their impressive 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology, which creates virtual speakers to fill gaps in your surround sound setup.
The Onkyo TX-NR5100 came out in 2021 but remains competitive thanks to its forward-thinking HDMI 2.1 implementation and solid core features. While it's older, it was ahead of its time in supporting features that are only now becoming common in gaming and video content.
The Sony offers more power on paper, rated at 165 watts per channel into 6 ohms. The Onkyo provides 80 watts per channel into 8 ohms. While these numbers might seem drastically different, the real-world difference isn't as large as it appears because of the different impedance ratings. Still, the Sony does have more headroom for demanding speakers or larger rooms.
When it comes to sound quality, both receivers deliver excellent performance for their price points. The Sony's more recent design brings slightly more refined audio processing, particularly noticeable in how it handles object-based surround formats like Dolby Atmos (which places sounds in specific locations around you, including overhead).
Both receivers support all the latest video features you'd want:
The Sony has a slight edge with better upscaling of lower-resolution content and more sophisticated HDR tone mapping, but for most users, these differences will be subtle.
Room correction technology helps compensate for your room's acoustic properties to deliver better sound. The Sony's Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX is more advanced than Onkyo's AccuEQ, providing more detailed measurements and adjustments. If you're serious about getting the absolute best sound in a challenging room, this could be a deciding factor.
Both offer plenty of connectivity for most setups, but the Sony's extra HDMI inputs provide more flexibility for complex systems.
Both receivers support all major streaming platforms and voice assistants, but the Onkyo has slightly better integration with streaming services. The Sony counters with better integration with other Sony products through features like BRAVIA Sync.
At $440, the Onkyo TX-NR5100 represents excellent value, providing all the essential features most users need. The Sony STR-AN1000 at $599 justifies its higher price through better room correction, more power, and newer audio processing features.
In practical terms, both receivers will serve well in a typical home theater setup. The Onkyo might be the smarter choice if you're working with a medium-sized room and typical speakers. The Sony makes more sense if you have a larger space, challenging room acoustics, or plan to use more demanding speakers.
Consider these questions:
While the Sony STR-AN1000 is technically superior in several ways, the Onkyo TX-NR5100 remains a compelling choice thanks to its excellent value proposition. For most users, the Onkyo will provide everything needed for a great home theater experience, while the Sony offers worthwhile upgrades for those willing to spend more.
Remember, the best choice depends entirely on your specific needs and circumstances. Either receiver will serve as a capable heart of your home theater system for years to come.
| Sony STR-AN1000 ($599) | Onkyo TX-NR5100 ($440) |
|---|---|
| Power Output - Determines ability to drive speakers and fill larger rooms | |
| 165W per channel (6Ω) - More headroom for demanding setups | 80W per channel (8Ω) - Sufficient for most medium rooms |
| HDMI Ports - Affects how many devices you can connect | |
| 6 inputs, 2 outputs - Better for complex setups | 4 inputs, 2 outputs - Adequate for most users |
| Room Correction - Critical for optimizing sound in your space | |
| Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX - More sophisticated measurements | AccuEQ - Basic but effective calibration |
| Audio Processing Features - Impacts surround sound quality | |
| 360 Spatial Sound Mapping + Standard formats - Creates virtual speakers | Standard Dolby Atmos/DTS:X - All core formats covered |
| Video Features - Important for gaming and future-proofing | |
| 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM - Latest specs | 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM - Same core capabilities |
| Release Date - Indicates technology generation | |
| 2023 - Newer processing, more refinements | 2021 - Proven reliability, mature firmware |
| Speaker Compatibility - Affects what speakers you can use | |
| 6-16Ω - More flexible with speaker choices | 4-16Ω - Similarly flexible range |
| Multi-room Capability - Important for whole-home audio | |
| Zone 2 + Wireless options - More flexible | Zone 2 - Basic multi-room support |
The Sony STR-AN1000 has an edge for movie watching thanks to its 360 Spatial Sound Mapping and superior room calibration. However, the Onkyo TX-NR5100 still delivers excellent movie performance at a lower price point.
The Sony STR-AN1000 is priced at $599, while the Onkyo TX-NR5100 costs $440, making it about $160 less expensive.
The Sony STR-AN1000 offers 165W per channel (6Ω), compared to the Onkyo TX-NR5100's 80W per channel (8Ω). The Sony has more power for larger rooms or demanding speakers.
Yes, both the Sony STR-AN1000 and Onkyo TX-NR5100 fully support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for immersive surround sound.
Both receivers support 4K/120Hz and gaming features like VRR and ALLM. The Sony STR-AN1000 has more HDMI inputs, but the Onkyo TX-NR5100 performs equally well for gaming.
Yes, both the Sony STR-AN1000 and Onkyo TX-NR5100 support 8K/60Hz passthrough, making them future-proof for upcoming 8K content.
The Sony STR-AN1000 features more advanced Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX, while the Onkyo TX-NR5100 uses simpler AccuEQ calibration.
The Sony STR-AN1000 has 6 HDMI inputs, while the Onkyo TX-NR5100 has 4 HDMI inputs. Both have 2 HDMI outputs.
The Sony STR-AN1000 was released in 2023, while the Onkyo TX-NR5100 was released in 2021.
Both support major streaming services and offer WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity, though the Onkyo TX-NR5100 has slightly better streaming service integration.
The Sony STR-AN1000 is better suited for large rooms due to its higher power output compared to the Onkyo TX-NR5100.
The Onkyo TX-NR5100 offers better value with core features at $440, while the Sony STR-AN1000 justifies its higher $599 price with advanced features and more power.
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: 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 - crutchfield.com - hifiheaven.net - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - audioholics.com - onkyo.com - support.onkyousa.com - bestbuy.com - onkyo.com - audiolab.com - support.onkyousa.com - youtube.com
