{"id":4986,"date":"2014-09-12T16:07:34","date_gmt":"2014-09-12T04:07:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/?p=4986"},"modified":"2016-04-11T19:07:17","modified_gmt":"2016-04-11T07:07:17","slug":"sony-str-dn1050-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/sony-str-dn1050-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Sony STR-DN1050 Product Review 2014"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>What Hi*Fi &#8211; A seriously good amp that balances muscle and subtlety with stacks of features at a great price. Sony raises the bar once again Tested at \u00a3500.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/blog-sep14-5img.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4988\" src=\"http:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/blog-sep14-5img.jpg\" alt=\"Sony STR-DN1050 \" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Our Verdict<\/strong><br \/>\nA seriously good amp that balances muscle and subtlety with stacks of features at a great price. Sony raises the bar once again.<br \/>\nFive Stars!<\/p>\n<p><strong>For<\/strong>:<br \/>\nBig, muscular sound<br \/>\nWide soundfield<br \/>\nLots of fine and subtle detail<br \/>\nRhythmic and musical<br \/>\nWell-featured<br \/>\nEasy to use<\/p>\n<p><strong>Against<\/strong>:<br \/>\nA touch of brightness at high volumes<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/blog-sep14-6img.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4989\" src=\"http:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/blog-sep14-6img-300x187.jpg\" alt=\"Sony STR-DN1050 \" width=\"500\" height=\"313\" srcset=\"https:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/blog-sep14-6img-300x187.jpg 300w, https:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/blog-sep14-6img.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>We can\u2019t say we didn\u2019t have high expectations of the STR-DN1050. As the successor to the Award-winning <a href=\"http:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/sony\/str-dn1040\/review\">STR-DN1040<\/a> and the big brother to the five-star <a href=\"http:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/sony\/str-dn850\/review\">STR-DN850<\/a>, all eyes are on it to impress.<\/p>\n<p>No pressure, then. Fortunately, Sony knows a thing or two about what makes a great AV amp at this price, and the STR-DN1050 is quite the audience pleaser.<\/p>\n<p>From set-up to performance, this 7.2-channel amp with 165W per channel (into 6 Ohms) has been carefully considered at every single step, and it shows.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"section-title closed processed\" style=\"color: #45464a;\">Set-up<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/blog-sep14-1img.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4990\" src=\"http:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/blog-sep14-1img-300x187.jpg\" alt=\"Sony STR-DN1050 \" width=\"500\" height=\"313\" srcset=\"https:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/blog-sep14-1img-300x187.jpg 300w, https:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/blog-sep14-1img.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Like its smaller sibling, the 1050\u2019s interface has been designed to make things as simple for the user as possible.<\/p>\n<p>It pipes up with its Easy Setup menu, prompting you to run the auto calibration and set up your network connection as soon as you switch the amp on for the first time.<\/p>\n<p>The auto calibration experience is a swift and pleasant one, and surprises us with its accuracy \u2013 we tweaked a few results but largely they tallied with those from much lengthier, more in-depth set-ups.<\/p>\n<p>The menu system on the amp is equally enjoyable, offering bold, easy-to-navigate menus, and we have to give Sony credit for the pared down remote too \u2013 it\u2019s refreshing to see an amp remote that doesn\u2019t require its own manual to explain which button does what.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"section-title closed processed\" style=\"color: #45464a;\">Sound quality<\/h3>\n<p><iframe src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/oTkIw4VIJzI?rel=0\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>When it comes to performance, Sony has certainly not rested on its laurels either.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s been a lot of internal tweaking gone into trying to push the sound quality of the &#8216;1050 past that of the STR-DN1040, including an improved power amp circuit and jitter-reducing tech borrowed from the company\u2019s pricier ES range.<\/p>\n<p>We put all this to the test with Fast and Furious 6, and are greeted with a familiar character to last year \u2013 the 1050 is a big-sounding, muscular amp that immediately makes you sit up and pay attention.<\/p>\n<p>Its low-end is neighbour-botheringly weighty, giving real grunt to a bevvy of revving car engines, all while remaining full of detail and agility. This is nicely balanced out by an articulate, spacious midrange and clear treble that all come together to produce a truly cohesive sound in a wide soundfield.<\/p>\n<p>Add in expert handling on dynamics and pin-sharp precision and the result is a thoroughly engaging and exciting listen, even at lower volumes.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/blog-sep14-2img.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4991\" src=\"http:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/blog-sep14-2img-300x187.jpg\" alt=\"Sony STR-DN1050 \" width=\"500\" height=\"313\" srcset=\"https:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/blog-sep14-2img-300x187.jpg 300w, https:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/blog-sep14-2img.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>If you want to blow away some cobwebs though, this amp can take it. Nudge the volume up and it becomes more impressive still, enveloping you in a sound that is bigger, fuller and dynamically richer.<\/p>\n<p>You might notice the occasional touch of brightness in the treble at these levels, but nothing that becomes annoying or tiring \u2013 this amp is endlessly listenable.<\/p>\n<p>Just as it performs with the blockbuster content, so it does with dialogue and more subtle sound effects, proving itself to be one of the most detailed amps we\u2019ve tested at this price.<\/p>\n<p>Voices are crisp and textured, clarity is second to none and sound placement is spot on, putting you at the centre of the action in a very natural but impactful way.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a lot of what we loved in the 1040, but bigger and more refined, particularly when it comes to detail and clarity across the frequency range. It\u2019s these subtle tweaks across the board that all add up to an impressive performance indeed.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/blog-sep14-3img.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4992\" src=\"http:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/blog-sep14-3img-300x187.jpg\" alt=\"Sony STR-DN1050 \" width=\"500\" height=\"313\" srcset=\"https:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/blog-sep14-3img-300x187.jpg 300w, https:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/blog-sep14-3img.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"section-title closed processed\" style=\"color: #45464a;\">Features<\/h3>\n<p>Feature additions are more obvious, and you can now count on aptX Bluetooth being on board, DSD playback via wi-fi and USB (previously only via HDMI) and NFC for one-touch pairing with compatible devices.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s also an extra MHL (mobile high-definition link) connection, so you can use one for big-screening video and apps from mobile devices, while keeping the other free for a Chromecast, for example.<\/p>\n<p>Inputs are largely the same as last year, with six HDMI inputs with 4K upscaling and 3D\/4K passthrough, and three out.<\/p>\n<p>There are also four sets of inputs for analogue audio, three for composite video, one coaxial and two optical \u2013 though how long we\u2019ll see these on receivers at this price is up for debate.<\/p>\n<p>One of the HDMI outs goes towards the 1050\u2019s fairly extensive second-zone features, outputting any HDMI source independently from the main zone as well as offering active and passive zone outs for network and USB audio (which supports up to 24-bit\/192KHz) and Bluetooth.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/blog-sep14-4img.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4993\" src=\"http:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/blog-sep14-4img-300x187.jpg\" alt=\"Sony STR-DN1050 \" width=\"500\" height=\"313\" srcset=\"https:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/blog-sep14-4img-300x187.jpg 300w, https:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/blog-sep14-4img.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Alongside Bluetooth, DLNA and AirPlay capabilities, you\u2019ll find Spotify Connect functionality, which is new this year, as well as a number of music services built into the amp, including TuneIn Radio, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/qobuz\/music-streaming\/review\">Deezer<\/a> and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/sony\/music-unlimited\/review\">Sony Music Unlimited<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The latter three are available and browsable via the on-screen Music menu (or via Sony\u2019s companion app, Songpal), while Spotify is used directly via its own app on your smartphone or tablet, as with all Connect-compatible kit.<\/p>\n<p>Once connected, the amp talks direct to <a href=\"http:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/spotify\/review\">Spotify<\/a> itself, and not your phone or tablet, with the amp remote capable of controlling your currently playing playlist.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll need to use the Spotify app for browsing and the like, but the Connect functionality does mean you\u2019ll get the full Spotify experience, including access to generated playlists and radio stations.<\/p>\n<p>The only thing the Sony doesn&#8217;t have \u2013 unlike the identically priced Onkyo TX-NR636 \u2013 is <a href=\"http:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/news\/dolby-atmos-what-it-how-can-you-get-it\">Dolby Atmos<\/a> capability, which the Onkyo will get as a firmware upgrade in September.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"section-title closed processed\" style=\"color: #45464a;\">Stereo performance<\/h3>\n<p>No matter which way you choose to listen to music, we found all methods to be quick to connect and easy to use. Like the 850, the 1050 has a real charm with music, holding together well in stereo for a rhythmic, musical performance.<\/p>\n<p>Switch up to a CD and it\u2019s a fuller and richer sound, with improved precision and dynamics over streamed content. There\u2019s certainly less of a bright edge here than we found in the 850, with the weightier character of the 1050 able to resonate into its stereo performance too without overpowering the overall balance and timing.<\/p>\n<p>The Songpal app is new this year and a worthwhile download.<\/p>\n<p>You are able to connect via Bluetooth for controlling music services, but connect via wi-fi (which you can actually set up via the app if you skipped it in the Easy Setup) and you\u2019ll have the ability to change sources and tweak EQ settings for each one.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s not as in depth as some control apps, like those from Yamaha or Pioneer, but it is easy to use and delivers the functionality that most people will need.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"section-title closed processed\" style=\"color: #45464a;\">Verdict<\/h3>\n<p>Following the success of the STR-DN1040 was never going to be an easy task, but Sony has undoubtedly managed it, packing in features to the 1050 that we missed last year and refining an already-excellent performance to make it even better.<\/p>\n<p>Sony has raised the bar once again for the competitive \u00a3500 AV receiver market \u2013 how high can the competition jump?<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"section-title closed processed\" style=\"color: #45464a;\">Full Specs<\/h3>\n<p>Manufacturer Website Address: http:\/\/www.sony.co.uk<br \/>\nBrand Name: Sony<\/p>\n<p>Product Type: A\/V Receiver<\/p>\n<p>Manufacturer: Sony Corporation<\/p>\n<p>Manufacturer Part Number: STRDN1050<\/p>\n<p>Product Name: Sony STR-DN1050<\/p>\n<p>Product Model: STR-DN1050<\/p>\n<p><strong>Interfaces-Ports<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>HDMI: Yes<\/p>\n<p>Number of HDMI Inputs: 6<\/p>\n<p>Number of Digital Optical Inputs: 2<\/p>\n<p>Number of HDMI Outputs: 3<\/p>\n<p>HDMI Version: HDMI 1.4<\/p>\n<p>iPod Supported:Yes<\/p>\n<p>USB: Yes<\/p>\n<p><strong>Technical Information<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Minimum Frequency Response: 20 Hz<\/p>\n<p>Streaming Service: AirPlay, Spotify, TuneIn, Pandora, Music Unlimited<\/p>\n<p>Internet Streaming: Yes<\/p>\n<p>Maximum Frequency Response: 20 kHz<\/p>\n<p>Total Harmonic Distortion THD: 0.1%<\/p>\n<p>Multizone: Yes<\/p>\n<p><strong>Network and Communication<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Ethernet: Yes<\/p>\n<p>Wireless LAN:Yes<\/p>\n<p><strong>Video<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Upscale Scan Format: 4K UHDTV<\/p>\n<p><strong>Physical Characteristics<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Width: 429.3 mm<\/p>\n<p>Depth: 329.4 mm<\/p>\n<p>Height: 172 mm<\/p>\n<p>Dimensions: 172 mm (H): 429.3 mm (W): 329.4 mm (D)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Power Description<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Operating Power Consumption: 240 W<\/p>\n<p><strong>Miscellaneous<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>DLNA Certified: Yes<\/p>\n<p><strong>Audio<\/strong><br \/>\nSound System: Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Dual Mono, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution, DTS 96\/24, DTS, DTS-ES, DTS-ES Discrete, DTS-ES Matrix, DTS Neo:6<\/p>\n<p>Audio Channels: 7.2<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tuner<\/strong><br \/>\nFrequency Band: FM, AM<\/p>\n<p><strong>What Hi-Fi? additional specs<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Power (watts): 165<br \/>\nHDMI inputs: 6<br \/>\nHDMI outputs: 3<br \/>\n4K upscaling: Yes<br \/>\nWi-fi: Yes<br \/>\nBluetooth: Yes<br \/>\nDimensions (hwd, mm): 172 x 430 x 329<br \/>\nWeight (kg): 10<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Hi*Fi &#8211; A seriously good amp that balances muscle and subtlety with stacks of features at a great price. Sony raises the bar once again Tested at \u00a3500. Our Verdict A seriously good amp that balances muscle and subtlety with stacks of features at a great price. Sony raises the bar once again. Five [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[6],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4986"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4986"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4986\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6387,"href":"https:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4986\/revisions\/6387"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4986"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4986"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abtec.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4986"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}