Having had an opportunity to test Sony STR-DN1080 vs Marantz SR5012, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the STR-DN1080 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 120/6, while the SR5012 has a power of 100/8. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the STR-DN1080 it is 0.09%, but for the SR5012 it is 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the STR-DN1080 received the model 96 KHz/24-bit, but the SR5012 is equipped with 192 KHz/24-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Sony STR-DN1080 and Marantz SR5012 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. The contenders have differences in the supported services from Apple - AirPlay versus AirPlay, AirPlay 2 respectively. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Sony STR-DN1080 works with TIDAL, Pandora, but the Marantz SR5012 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud.
Support for the HDR function can only boast of each of the AV receivers. The quality of 4K/60Hz signal remains unchanged when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector via HDMI for both receivers. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the STR-DN1080 and the SR5012. Video scaling is only possible with the SR5012. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the SR5012.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the STR-DN1080 has 6/2, and the SR5012 has 8/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the STR-DN1080. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. STR-DN1080 and SR5012 support the standard HDCP 2.2. Unlike most receivers, our models do not have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. For voice control in the STR-DN1080 is used Google assistant, but in the SR5012 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. There is an ECO mode in SR5012. The Sony STR-DN1080 and the Marantz SR5012 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available both models. A DTS:X surround technology is supported by devices from our comparison.