★★★★★ 5
Glad I pulled the trigger on this.
I was researching many similar A/V Receivers and reviews for all were about the same I felt. Some would keep the first one they bought (around 1k range or less) and others would return them and buy a different brand that was in the price same range.
I was able to buy this model for the cheaper price that has popped up at $565.94 (before tax). I read a review at Cnet Best AV Receivers for 2024. I normally use a grain of salt when reading reviews at sites like Cnet but since I couldn't find what I felt was a real end user consensus of go with this one not that one I then based my purchase off this line from the Cnet review "If you're spending under $1,000, there are four main receivers to choose from -- the Sony STR-AN1000, the Yamaha RX-V6A, the Onkyo TX-NR6100 and the Denon AVR-970H. All offer excellent performance, so the short answer about which to buy is whichever is available for the lowest price." That stuck with me since I did get this for cheaper than the Onkyo TX-NR6100 (a brand I would consider first).
If I had more in my budget I might have gone with the more expensive Onkyo TX-RZ50 due to it's great reviews as well but this Sony STR-AN1000 does have a bunch of future proof features that I wanted.
So far I am impressed with the Sony STR-AN1000 and have not seen any downside. I did pair this system with Klipsch Reference Series 5.2 Home Theater Pack with 2X R-625FA Floorstanding Speakers, R-52C Center Channel Speaker, 2X R-41M Bookshelf Speakers (as found on Amazon). That also comes with 1xReference R-12SW 12" Subwoofer. So far it has been great!
Based on my research I would recommend you buy Oxygen Free Pure Copper wire instead of slightly cheaper 2 Core Parallel (Stranded CCA) Copper Clad Aluminum Wire Strands (for example). The cheaper ones that aren't pure Copper that may not deliver as well. That is going to be based on your own personal experience but I suggest spend once for something and not twice.
I did not buy any banana clips to use with this receiver but I also forgot how much of a pain it can be unscrewing the caps and having to thread the speaker wire. SO I might suggest that if are on the fence about such a purchase.
We only use Blu-ray or internet based streaming options with our setup through a Chromecast Ultra. I tested my Blu-ray of Ghostbusters Frozen Empire. The intro with the thunder and lightning could be felt and heard just like what I would expect in real life using this receiver and speaker setup. The system has no issue sending 2160p 4K HDR content through to the TV and of course the 5.1, Dolby Atoms, etc through as stated for support in documentation.
I have not taken the system beyond a volume for 40 for testing different audio sources as I am breaking in the new speakers but the delivery really starts jumping up at about 34.
I decided to switch from using sound bar systems to a full A/V Receiver and proper speaker setup due to sound bar systems underdelivering (even at the higher prices) or killing themselves due to trapped heat (I am talking about my personal experience with LG). Yes the initial cost is more but there is a difference between hearing what you are watching and experiencing it and longevity of product.
I plan to keep this setup of mine for as long as possible and do not currently anticipate any need to replace short of conditions out of my control. I would recommend based on pricing or your personal preference of brands.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2024


