Denon AVR-S660H vs Sony STR-AN1000

vs

Being able to compare Denon AVR-S660H and Sony STR-AN1000 gave us an insight into what of them would be better for home theater configuration. According to the results of our review, Denon AVR-S660H received 6.7 points out of 10 possible, and Sony STR-AN1000 was rated 8.5 points. The release date of AVR-S660H is 2021, and STR-AN1000 is 2023. STR-AN1000 is more performable in terms of audio broadcast than the AVR-S660H.

Main advantages Denon AVR-S660H over Sony STR-AN1000

Main advantages Sony STR-AN1000 over Denon AVR-S660H

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 6 and 8, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Denon AVR-S660H supports 5.2-channels sound, but Sony STR-AN1000 supports a 7.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced. The differences between the models in terms of RMS power are significant - for the STR-AN1000 this value is 165/6 W/Ohm, and for the AVR-S660H it is 100/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the AVR-S660H 6 out of 10, and the STR-AN1000 - 8.

Bi-amping is the amplification of one speaker with two amplifiers. This amplification method has a positive effect on sound quality. Bi-amping is possible on the STR-AN1000.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Sony STR-AN1000 has Pure Direct mode.

Most receivers now come with a microphone included. It is with the help of this microphone that the auto-calibration system functions, which adjusts the sound of the receiver to the room.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Denon AVR-S660H scored 7, and Sony STR-AN1000 scored 8 out of 10.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

DLNA is the perfect way to use your local cloud storage to stream movies and music directly to a TV. You can use the DLNA protocol only with Sony STR-AN1000.

MHL combines the functionality of the HDMI and MicroUSB interfaces and lets you connect any mobile devices to a receiver. The STR-AN1000 has MHL support for streaming content from external devices.

Streaming services

Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.

Extensive connections

The presence of many connectors makes the receiver more versatile. But there are also narrowly targeted models, the number of connectors which are limited to a certain area of use. And when choosing their own receiver, users need to consider exactly your goals for using the receiver. For extensive connection, Denon AVR-S660H got 7 points, but Sony STR-AN1000 received 8 points.

Denon AVR-S660H is equipped with 6/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Sony STR-AN1000 has 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the AVR-S660H has a Phono interface.

Video features

The AV receiver is the heart of the home theater. And in this case, support for all current video formats ensures the best user experience, so it is very important to consider this when choosing a device. Video features of the AVR-S660H were rated 8 out of 10 against the 9 for the STR-AN1000.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, both receivers received a score of 10 out of 10.

Multi-room

As the center of a home media system, each multichannel receiver has an additional set of terminals for connecting the second set of speakers to create additional audio space in Zone 2 or even Zone 3 where audio can have the separate source.

Multichannel surround

For the ability to create multichannel surround sound, each of the receivers received 8 points out of 10.

Dolby Atmos' particularity is that this is the object-oriented sound format, that is, each audio signal object is independently sounded and connected to its spatial position. Sony STR-AN1000 can create 3D sound due to the Dolby Atmos support.

DTS:X is an algorithm used by the processor to create sound scenes, where sounds connected directly to objects rather than channels, and to determine the optimum sound output distribution in space. Surround sound with DTS:X is available on the STR-AN1000.

IMAX Enhanced is a licensing and certification program under which home theater devices deliver crisp 4K HDR pictures and powerful sound as it was designed by the IMAX engineers. The STR-AN1000 licensed by IMAX.