The catch
Yamaha RX-A2A
Serving a TV and a projector directly isn’t possible from one HDMI output. High-refresh use calls for hardware and format checks.
Side by side
Yamaha RX-A2A vs Sony STR-AN1000: Yamaha handles more sources, Sony keeps two screens connected
Quick verdict
A TV and projector, or a documented compatible wireless-rear option, point to Sony, which keeps a TV and projector connected to two HDMI outputs. When seven HDMI sources or an MM turntable without its own phono stage matter more, A2A is the choice. A2A has one display output and needs a board-revision check for high-refresh gaming. Both stop at seven main channels.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Extra inputs don’t do anything for the second screen
Your family might watch the TV in daylight and lower a projector screen for films, with no need for both displays to be on at once. Two HDMI outputs on Sony let both cables stay plugged in. The seven inputs on A2A don’t help with this output problem, since it has one HDMI display output. If an external switch is already installed and verified for the required formats, the difference may vanish. With both Sony outputs active, check the format limits for shared displays instead of assuming each keeps its top mode.
Where this comes from
Two displays that stay connected, matched against one physical output versus two. Convenience of connection is kept apart from the ability to run both displays independently at once.
The catch
Sony STR-AN1000
Of the six inputs, just two are high-refresh connections. An MM turntable with no phono stage needs one supplied externally.
Yamaha RX-A2A
- Why pick it
- Seven HDMI sources or an MM phono input are needed, and you use one display.
- Your compatible network music setup already runs on MusicCast.
- The catch
- Serving a TV and a projector directly isn’t possible from one HDMI output. High-refresh use calls for hardware and format checks.
Sony STR-AN1000
- Why pick it
- Your TV and projector should stay connected with no external output switch.
- A difficult speaker-wire route could be solved with compatible optional Sony rears.
- The catch
- Of the six inputs, just two are high-refresh connections. An MM turntable with no phono stage needs one supplied externally.
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What this page compares
Yamaha RX-A2A vs Sony STR-AN1000 for a TV-and-projector room, record player and full source cabinet, looking at output count, phono needs and gaming limits.
Either seven-channel network receiver suits a first 5.1.2 living-room setup. They really diverge once the same system also has to handle records, several players and two displays.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
TV and projector both on direct connections
Two HDMI outputs are on Sony.
- Yamaha RX-A2A
- Caution
- Sony STR-AN1000
- Better fit
An MM turntable that has no built-in phono stage
The MM input is built into Yamaha. Sony needs a suitable stage.
- Yamaha RX-A2A
- Better fit
- Sony STR-AN1000
- Caution
Seven HDMI sources left connected
Seven direct inputs are on Yamaha.
- Yamaha RX-A2A
- Better fit
- Sony STR-AN1000
- Caution
Four physical heights on top of five ear-level speakers
Seven main channels are on each.
- Yamaha RX-A2A
- Not suitable
- Sony STR-AN1000
- Not suitable
In practice
Differences you will notice
Extra inputs don’t do anything for the second screen
Your family might watch the TV in daylight and lower a projector screen for films, with no need for both displays to be on at once. Two HDMI outputs on Sony let both cables stay plugged in. The seven inputs on A2A don’t help with this output problem, since it has one HDMI display output. If an external switch is already installed and verified for the required formats, the difference may vanish. With both Sony outputs active, check the format limits for shared displays instead of assuming each keeps its top mode.
How we worked this out
Two displays that stay connected, matched against one physical output versus two. Convenience of connection is kept apart from the ability to run both displays independently at once.
A record player changes how many boxes you need
An MM turntable that outputs phono level can connect to the built-in MM input on A2A. Sony needs a suitable external phono stage, unless the turntable already has one. In a room that mixes films with occasional records, that means another component, a power requirement where applicable, and a cable pair to fit in. When the turntable already has a line-level output, either receiver can use a suitable line input, and Yamaha’s phono advantage shrinks a lot. Never connect an amplified speaker output to either line input.
How we worked this out
Phono against line-level signal path, matched against a system shared by music and film. Cartridge type and turntable output are still conditions for compatibility.
Seven sources may mask a tighter limit on gaming
A2A has room for one more permanently connected HDMI player, but only three of its inputs are high-refresh capable, and their board and format requirements need checking. Sony has six inputs in total, two of them high-refresh routes. A household with two consoles and several ordinary video players may fit on either. A compatible gaming PC is where the source map changes. Count the actual formats before you decide whether the seventh socket or the third fast route is the feature that saves you a switch.
How we worked this out
Total input count against capable input count, matched against consoles, a PC and ordinary players. No blanket compatibility is claimed for every 4K120 output format.
Plan your receiver connectionsLay out my system
Check a documented speaker layout against HDMI sources and external-amplifier plans.
Yamaha RX-A2A
Check this one yourself
Make sure this unit has the required HDMI hardware update before you count on 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
Yamaha, US black standalone receiver
RX-A2A
Seven HDMI sources or an MM phono input are needed, and you use one display.
- Best for
- Seven HDMI sources or an MM phono input are needed, and you use one display.
Facts we checked
- HDMI displays: One output
- Permanent HDMI sources: Seven inputs
- MM record player: Built-in MM phono input
- High-refresh inputs: Three 24 Gbps inputs, verify board and format
Option B
Sony, STR-AN1000
STR-AN1000
Your TV and projector should stay connected with no external output switch.
- Best for
- Your TV and projector should stay connected with no external output switch.
Facts we checked
- HDMI displays: Two outputs
- Permanent HDMI sources: Six inputs
- MM record player: External phono stage needed if absent from the turntable
- High-refresh inputs: Two capable inputs
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Yamaha RX-A2A | Sony STR-AN1000 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI displays | One output | Two outputs | Both main-room display cables can stay connected on Sony. |
| Permanent HDMI sources | Seven inputs | Six inputs | Yamaha has one extra direct source slot. |
| MM record player | Built-in MM phono input | External phono stage needed if absent from the turntable | Look at the turntable output before you budget for another box. |
| High-refresh inputs | Three 24 Gbps inputs, verify board and format | Two capable inputs | Neither input total tells the story for gaming routes. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Yamaha RX-A2A
- If you use a separate display-routing device, it has to support the entire signal chain.
With Sony STR-AN1000
- Optional wireless rear speakers, along with any phono stage you need, are extra purchases.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Separate cables for the TV and the projector have to stay in place
Go with Sony STR-AN1000. Two outputs come with Sony.
One display, seven players and a turntable with MM phono-level output
Go with Yamaha RX-A2A. Yamaha brings together the additional input and a built-in MM stage.
Decision guide
Before you buy
Fewer external boxes and cable swaps is the goal, yet source capacity and display capacity are different problems.
What this page can’t tell you
- No overall ecosystem winner and no sound-quality winner are named. Wireless speakers, external phono stages and routing devices count as separate hardware.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha RX-A2A |
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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.
Yamaha RX-A2A
Seven HDMI sources or an MM phono input are needed, and you use one display.
Your compatible network music setup already runs on MusicCast.
See price & reviews on AmazonSony STR-AN1000
Your TV and projector should stay connected with no external output switch.
A difficult speaker-wire route could be solved with compatible optional Sony rears.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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