The catch
Denon AVR-X1800H
A TV and projector cannot both be connected directly to one HDMI output.
Side by side
Denon AVR-X1800H vs Sony STR-AN1000: Sony serves two displays, Denon brings phono, neither powers four heights
Quick verdict
Three 4K120 sources, a phono-only turntable or a separate front-speaker amp make AVR-X1800H the choice. Two displays or compatible Sony wireless rear speakers make it STR-AN1000. Seven channels is the limit on both, so four height speakers call for a different model.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
This pair divides over three fast sources and two displays
Denon satisfies the requirement of three 4K120 inputs yet has one display output. Sony has two outputs but just two 4K120 inputs. If both requirements are firm, neither receiver covers the complete direct-wiring plan.
Where this comes from
Required: at least 3 4K120 inputs and 2 HDMI outputs. X1800H = 3 and 1. STR-AN1000 = 2 and 2. Neither meets both conditions.
The catch
Sony STR-AN1000
Of its six HDMI inputs, just two support 4K120.
Denon AVR-X1800H
- Why pick it
- Three 4K120 devices stay connected directly
- You have an MM turntable or a front-channel power amp to connect
- The catch
- A TV and projector cannot both be connected directly to one HDMI output.
Sony STR-AN1000
- Why pick it
- A TV and projector both stay connected
- You will use compatible Sony SA-RS3S or SA-RS5 rear speakers
- The catch
- Of its six HDMI inputs, just two support 4K120.
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What this page compares
Denon AVR-X1800H vs Sony STR-AN1000 on gaming inputs, two displays, wireless rear speakers and a turntable, so you can fit the receiver to the equipment you own.
Three 4K120 sources, a phono-only turntable or a separate front-speaker amp make AVR-X1800H the choice. Two displays or compatible Sony wireless rear speakers make it STR-AN1000. Seven channels is the limit on both, so four height speakers call for a different model.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
I run two consoles and a gaming PC at 4K120
Three suitable inputs are on Denon. Sony has two, which leaves one source needing another route or a lower video mode.
- Denon AVR-X1800H
- Better fit
- Sony STR-AN1000
- Caution
I want a TV by day and a projector by night
Sony has two HDMI outputs, Denon one. If the displays do not match, check the output settings.
- Denon AVR-X1800H
- Not suitable
- Sony STR-AN1000
- Good
My turntable comes without a built-in phono stage
An MM input is included on Denon. For a phono-only MM source, Sony needs an external stage.
- Denon AVR-X1800H
- Good
- Sony STR-AN1000
- Caution
I plan to run Sony SA-RS5 rear speakers
Sony names these wireless rears as compatible. Their power and placement requirements still apply.
- Denon AVR-X1800H
- Not suitable
- Sony STR-AN1000
- Good
In practice
Differences you will notice
This pair divides over three fast sources and two displays
Denon satisfies the requirement of three 4K120 inputs yet has one display output. Sony has two outputs but just two 4K120 inputs. If both requirements are firm, neither receiver covers the complete direct-wiring plan.
How we worked this out
Required: at least 3 4K120 inputs and 2 HDMI outputs. X1800H = 3 and 1. STR-AN1000 = 2 and 2. Neither meets both conditions.
A turntable with phono output only alters the shopping list
A moving-magnet cartridge can go straight into the phono input on Denon. Sony needs a separate phono stage unless the turntable already supplies line-level output. Check that before you treat the two receiver prices as the whole cost.
How we worked this out
An MM phono input is listed for X1800H. The STR-AN1000 rear connection guide lists line-level analog audio but no phono stage. Somewhere in the chain, a phono-only MM cartridge needs that stage.
Going wireless in the rear does not lift the speaker-channel ceiling
Sony's rear-speaker option can change how cables are routed. It does not make its seven-channel layout into a nine-channel 5.1.4 system. Buy the compatible rears for the connection convenience and not as a processing expansion.
How we worked this out
Compatibility with SA-RS3S and SA-RS5, and layouts of 7.2 / 5.2.2, are documented by Sony. 9 main channels are required for five ear-level plus four height speakers.
Plan your receiver connectionsLay out my system
Check a documented speaker layout against HDMI sources and external-amplifier plans.
Denon AVR-X1800H
Handles your setup
Runs 5.1.2 on its own built-in amplifiers. Takes 3 HDMI devices, 1 of them at 4K/120Hz.
Sony STR-AN1000
Handles your setup
Runs 5.1.2 on its own built-in amplifiers. Takes 3 HDMI devices, 1 of them at 4K/120Hz.
A powered subwoofer does not count toward the speaker channels. This checks one main room. Check Zone 2, bi-amping and unusual speaker assignments yourself. Leave room for ventilation, and confirm HDMI settings, cables and speaker impedance before you install.
Option A
Denon, AVR-X1800H
AVR-X1800H
This seven-channel Denon includes Audyssey MultEQ XT and HEOS, plus three 4K120 inputs. It is a targeted pick for a room with one display and two height speakers.
- Best for
- A single-display 5.1.2 room using Audyssey MultEQ XT
Facts we checked
- 4K120 inputs: 3 of 6 HDMI inputs
- HDMI display outputs: 1
- MM phono input: Yes
- Main-channel pre-outs: Front left and right
Option B
Sony, STR-AN1000
STR-AN1000
Sony wireless rear-speaker compatibility and two HDMI display outputs come with seven amplifier channels, enough for 7.1 or 5.1.2. Two of its six HDMI inputs handle 4K120.
- Best for
- A 5.1.2 system using Sony wireless rears
Facts we checked
- 4K120 inputs: 2 of 6 HDMI inputs
- HDMI display outputs: 2
- MM phono input: No
- Main-channel pre-outs: None
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Denon AVR-X1800H | Sony STR-AN1000 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4K120 inputs | 3 of 6 HDMI inputs | 2 of 6 HDMI inputs | Only on Denon do a pair of consoles and a gaming PC fit directly at 4K120. Exact video formats still matter. |
| HDMI display outputs | 1 | 2 | Two displays can stay connected to Sony with no need to move the display cable. |
| MM phono input | Yes | No | With Sony, a turntable that has no built-in phono stage needs an additional stage. |
| Main-channel pre-outs | Front left and right | None | Denon can pass its front pair to a stereo power amp you already have. |
| Sony wireless rear support | No matching Sony connection | SA-RS3S and SA-RS5 supported | Sony's rear-speaker route is specific to certain models and is not universal wireless compatibility. |
| Powered main channels | 7 | 7 | A five-speaker base plus two heights runs on either. Neither powers nine main speakers. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Denon AVR-X1800H
- The Sony wireless-rear connection path is not something it offers.
With Sony STR-AN1000
- It gives you neither a phono input nor full-range front pre-outs.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
A second display counts for less than three 4K120 sources
Go with Denon AVR-X1800H. The third high-frame-rate input is on Denon.
You cannot do without two display outputs or Sony wireless rears
Go with Sony STR-AN1000. Those connection paths come from Sony.
I need three 4K120 inputs along with two display outputs
Neither model fits. Only one half of this direct-connection requirement is met by either receiver.
Decision guide
How to decide
AVR-X1800H suits three 4K120 sources, a phono-only turntable or a separate front-speaker amp. STR-AN1000 suits two displays or compatible Sony wireless rear speakers. Four height speakers need a different model, since both are seven-channel receivers.
Sketch the video connections first
The trade-off between these receivers crosses over, and that is useful. A third high-frame-rate source fits on the Denon, while a second display fits on the Sony. Write down both counts, since a general HDMI 2.1 label does not tell you if the full room can stay connected.
See which equipment you can keep
With a turntable and a stereo amplifier already in the room, the Denon can be the less disruptive replacement. Its MM phono input and front pre-outs may let you keep both without extra adapters. The Sony makes more sense when what you want to keep is a compatible set of its wireless rear speakers.
Do not assume every wireless speaker pairs
Only explicitly supported rear models get the Sony benefit, and ordinary Bluetooth speakers cannot stand in for SA-RS3S or SA-RS5 surrounds. Before buying a bundle, check power access and the supported placement, and add the speaker cost when you compare offers.
What this page can’t tell you
- US connections and speaker layouts are what these checks address. Amplifier output, room-correction results and sound quality are things we have not measured. HDMI format, firmware and display compatibility still need a check.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the AV receivers we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denon AVR-X1800H |
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| Sony STR-AN1000 |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Denon AVR-X1800H
Three 4K120 devices stay connected directly
See price & reviews on AmazonSony STR-AN1000
A TV and projector both stay connected
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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