Sony STR-DN1050 vs Denon AVR-X1400H review

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An affordable AV receiver is always a good option to consider, so Sony STR-DN1050 vs Denon AVR-X1400H comparison definitely makes sense.

Amplifier

Considered AV receivers have the same number of channels 7.2. Regarding power, then STR-DN1050 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 120/6 when AVR-X1400H has a power of 80/8, 120/6. The THD is 0.09% for the STR-DN1050 but 0.08% for the AVR-X1400H.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 96 KHz/24-bit for STR-DN1050 and 192 KHz/24-bit for the AVR-X1400H. Both the STR-DN1050 and the AVR-X1400H support Bi-amping. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

Both models have the ability to connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Sony STR-DN1050 has support for AirPlay, and its competitor in our comparison - AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Spotify can be used on each receiver. Compared AV receivers retain the quality of 4K/60Hz signal when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode is implemented in each of the devices. The STR-DN1050 can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the AVR-X1400H. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the AVR-X1400H.

Extensive connections

The Sony STR-DN1050 has 6/3 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 6/1 HDMI connectors of the Denon AVR-X1400H. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the STR-DN1050. Of the two receivers in our comparison, HDMI CEC is present only in the AVR-X1400H. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.2. Receivers do not have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.

Additional features

The STR-DN1050 supports 2 Multi-room zones, versus 3 for the AVR-X1400H. The STR-DN1050 supports voice control via Google assistant, and the AVR-X1400H - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. An ECO mode is only available for the AVR-X1400H. Both STR-DN1050 and AVR-X1400H can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The surround sound technology DTS:X is supported by devices under review.