The catch
Sony STR-AN1000
Just two HDMI inputs handle high frame rates.
Side by side
Sony STR-AN1000 vs Denon AVR-S770H: Sony offers wireless-rear options, Denon takes a third fast source plus phono
Quick verdict
Compatible Sony wireless rears and two display outputs point to the Sony AN1000. Three fast HDMI inputs, HEOS and a direct MM turntable connection point to the Denon S770H. Each powers a real 5.1.2 layout.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Three fast sources and two displays divide the verdict
The third fast input is on the Denon, and the second output is on Sony.
Where this comes from
AN1000 has two 4K120 inputs and two outputs, whereas S770H has three 4K120 inputs and one output.
The catch
Denon AVR-S770H
One display output, no more.
Sony STR-AN1000
- Why pick it
- You plan to add Sony SA-RS3S or SA-RS5 wireless rears
- Your TV and projector need to stay connected
- The catch
- Just two HDMI inputs handle high frame rates.
Denon AVR-S770H
- Why pick it
- Your three 4K120 sources need receiver inputs
- Everyday listening includes an MM turntable and HEOS
- The catch
- One display output, no more.
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What this page compares
Sony AN1000 vs Denon S770H on wireless rears, two displays, three fast HDMI sources, phono inputs and real 5.1.2 speaker layouts.
Compatible Sony wireless rears and two display outputs point to the Sony AN1000. Three fast HDMI inputs, HEOS and a direct MM turntable connection point to the Denon S770H. Each powers a real 5.1.2 layout.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Rear speakers: Sony SA-RS3S or SA-RS5
Sony documents the compatibility outright, along with a calibration workflow.
- Sony STR-AN1000
- Better fit
- Denon AVR-S770H
- Caution
Three 4K120 sources plug in directly
S770H has three suitable inputs, AN1000 two.
- Sony STR-AN1000
- Caution
- Denon AVR-S770H
- Better fit
A TV and projector stay plugged in together
Two outputs on Sony, one on the other.
- Sony STR-AN1000
- Better fit
- Denon AVR-S770H
- Caution
An MM turntable, phono only
An MM phono input is included on S770H. Sony needs a separate stage.
- Sony STR-AN1000
- Caution
- Denon AVR-S770H
- Better fit
In practice
Differences you will notice
Three fast sources and two displays divide the verdict
The third fast input is on the Denon, and the second output is on Sony.
How we worked this out
AN1000 has two 4K120 inputs and two outputs, whereas S770H has three 4K120 inputs and one output.
Virtual surround gives you no extra powered channels
Do not count Sony's phantom-speaker processing as a physical 7.1.2 layout.
How we worked this out
The manual documents seven main amplified channels wired for 7.1 or 5.1.2, and it describes a perceived 7.1.2 effect as a separate matter.
Even a wireless rear plan comes with a setup requirement
Before you use the spatial-mapping feature, compatible Sony rears have to be connected for the receiver's auto calibration.
How we worked this out
For 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, Sony documents SA-RS3S and SA-RS5 support and requires calibration with the speakers connected.
Plan your receiver connectionsLay out my system
Check a documented speaker layout against HDMI sources and external-amplifier plans.
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.
Denon AVR-S770H
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
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
- 7 main processing channels and 7 built-in amplifier channels
- Of 6 HDMI inputs, 2 support 4K120 video
- 2 HDMI outputs
- Room setup by Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX
- Subwoofer outputs aside, 0 full-range main-channel pre-outs
Option B
Denon, AVR-S770H
AVR-S770H
You can use the seven amplifiers for 7.1 surround or for 5.1.2 with two heights. With six HDMI inputs and HEOS, it suits a system that mixes movies, games and music.
- Best for
- Your first 5.1.2 setup, with multiple sources
Facts we checked
- 7 main processing channels and 7 built-in amplifier channels
- Of 6 HDMI inputs, 3 support 4K120 video
- 1 HDMI output
- Room setup by Audyssey MultEQ
- Subwoofer outputs aside, 0 full-range main-channel pre-outs
- Before ventilation space, the chassis is 6-inch high with antennas horizontal
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Sony STR-AN1000 | Denon AVR-S770H | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4K120-capable HDMI inputs | 2 | 3 | A third fast source connects straight to the Denon. |
| HDMI display outputs | 2 | 1 | On Sony, a TV and a projector can both stay connected. |
| Dedicated MM phono input | No | Yes | A phono-only turntable needs a separate phono stage with Sony. |
| Room calibration | Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX | Audyssey MultEQ | Calibration workflows and processing features are not the same. |
| Documented rear-speaker route | Sony SA-RS3S and SA-RS5 wireless compatibility | Wired speaker-terminal layouts | Sony has a wireless-rear option that is specifically documented. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Sony STR-AN1000
- Lacks a dedicated phono input.
With Denon AVR-S770H
- This receiver's setup record documents no Sony wireless-rear compatibility.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
You plan to add Sony SA-RS3S or SA-RS5 wireless rears
Go with Sony STR-AN1000. Once the required setup and calibration are done, it works with the specified Sony wireless rear models.
Your three 4K120 sources need receiver inputs
Go with Denon AVR-S770H. All three sources fit on its three designated 4K120 inputs.
The receiver has to power four physical height speakers
Neither model fits. Neither the documented processing layouts nor the internal-amplifier ones cover this requirement. Pick a receiver that has the physical configuration you need.
Decision guide
How to decide
Sony AN1000 is for rooms using compatible Sony wireless rears and two display outputs. Denon S770H is for rooms needing three fast HDMI inputs, HEOS and a direct MM turntable connection. A real 5.1.2 layout is powered by both.
Take the wiring advantage you will really use
A specific rear-speaker connection problem is what Sony's compatible wireless rears can solve. They are separate products and still need their own power arrangement. For the Denon, the comparison record documents conventional wired layouts. Both receivers support five ear-level speakers plus two heights, so Sony's spatial-mapping terminology should not be used to count extra physical amplifier channels.
Tally high-frame-rate inputs apart from screen outputs
Six HDMI inputs on the Sony include two that support 4K120, against three out of six on the Denon. The Sony also has two HDMI outputs where the Denon has one. A third gaming source points toward the S770H, whereas a room with a TV and a projector points toward the AN1000. Routing through a TV input with eARC can change the wiring, but then you have a TV compatibility check to do.
Factor in music sources and calibration work
An MM phono input and HEOS streaming come with the S770H. On the AN1000, a phono-only turntable needs a separate phono stage, and network music runs over its own paths. Auto calibration also has to be done on the Sony before its spatial-mapping feature works as intended. Choose around the equipment and setup process your household will use, and do not read a processing name as a sound-quality ranking.
What this page can’t tell you
- No listening comparison was done, and virtual or phantom channels are kept out of the physical-speaker planner.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the AV receivers we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
18 of the 34 models checked meet every need here: “Put in two height speakers”, “Run a TV and a projector”, and “Plug an MM turntable straight in”.
18 models fit, out of 34 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “Put in two height speakers”, “Run a TV and a projector”, and “Plug an MM turntable straight in”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony STR-AN1000 |
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| Denon AVR-S770H |
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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.
Sony STR-AN1000
You plan to add Sony SA-RS3S or SA-RS5 wireless rears
See price & reviews on AmazonDenon AVR-S770H
Your three 4K120 sources need receiver inputs
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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