SONY STR DN1080 HOME CINEMA AMPLIFIER REVIEW | Henry Reviews

Experience is everything, and with sound being one of the most emotional senses we have. Being able to experience film or music in a new dimention truly changes the way you enjoy your free time.
I review the home cinema amplifier from Sony, the STR-DN1080.
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Music used under license
Music by: Joakim Karud / joakimkarud
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Disclaimer
* This video is not a paid for or sponsored video.
AO.com have kindly provided the featured product(s) in exchange for an honest and frank review.
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[@JOSON47]

A gentle review for a mind blowing product.

[@jonathanr2830]

Excellent review. I appreciate your thoroughness and overall presentation. This STR-DN1080 is a phenomenal balance of quality build, features, performance, and value. I have researched and auditioned this thing ad nauseam, and I plan to soon purchase one with some Sony SSCS5's, SSCS8 center, and SACS9 sub for our secondary "home theater"/music/hobby room. Please bear with me. I snagged a non-Atmos STR-ZA3000ES a few months ago on sale for less than the occasional sale price of this unit, along with all aforementioned Sony Core Series speakers for a 5.1 set up. The ES unit has some very different but nice features; but no Atmos, no WiFi, and no Bluetooth. However, the ES has a great power supply and innards that help it produce amazing home theater and music matched with those speakers. During movies, the 3D effect with the 5.1 non-Atmos unit is extremely impressive, and we do not feel that it is second-rate without Atmos and extra overhead effects. Not at all. Sony offers an ES unit very similar to this reviewed 1080, the STR-ZA810ES. I understand that it has some upgraded innards that may upgrade the sound quality a bit. My point, from what I see and hear, Sony has a wide selection of truly excellent products for every taste, budget, and feature checklist. To me, the most important thing Sony does is focus on the production of exceptionally good sound quality in well-made products. My direct experience with my ES set up is very similar to that of others who give very positive reviews about the SQ across the entire receiver line, including the STR-DN1080. Competitors certainly make great products, and I do not mean to knock them; but to my ears, Sony nails excellent sound quality at least as well as or better than most of them. Simply put, hearing is already believing, and getting the 1080 is a no-brainer for me and my requirements.

[@kritmil00]

I was sold when he mentioned, "FM radio".

[@HenryReviews]

Still a shame no DAB though :(

[@vincewhite486]

Very nice video…I just purchased one and what a great product.

[@ckapasa]

Hello Henry. Very helpful review. You're the first review I have watched for STR-DN 1080 that has mentioned a very key function of the Amp. Listen > Web Services. Other reviews did mention the casting functionality but not in the way you have explained it. Im a Spotify and Tidal user (trying to switch between services) and this very function has sold this device. Im now going to upgrade from STR-DN 1000 to this one. THANKS :-)

[@JorgeBurrezo]

You can use tidal with the remote???

[@theprince08853]

Thanks for an actual review of this amp unlike all of the other videos on KZbin.

[@HenryReviews]

Glad it was useful 👍🏼

[@lisahoogvliet]

I purchased mine in November 2017. I have Polk T50 towers, Polk TL2 center and Polk TL2 surrounds (4) and a Polk sub PSW10. With my 65" LG OLED B7A, I have a pretty low cost amazing home theater. I love the sound this receiver has.

[@HenryReviews]

Sounds like you have a lovely set up there! I have been so impressed with the receiver, it’s delivered way beyond my expectations

[@lisahoogvliet]

Henry Reviews thank you. I'm really happy with what I have. I had an old Sony receiver years and years ago. I upgraded to a receiver with HDMI back in 2011. Should have stayed with Sony. I ended up getting a Pioneer VSX921K and I felt the old Sony sounded so much better. When I went 4K, I knew I was going back to Sony. Enjoy!!!!

[@1mykalfury]

Awesome Lisa! That's what it's all about ... F.U.N. ! Fun with Home Theater is the entire ball of wax. Sounds like you've attained audio nirvana for now. But, the Fun continues in HT as we stretch our boundaries. That's when the bug really bites! ~ peace

[@davidcole2337]

Sounds like awesome A/V Receiver. I got the Onkyo 5.2 A/V Receiver for $199 and does 4K HDR Pass through and basically runs all the formats except Dolby Atmos or DTS X.

[@GarettMcDermid]

Henry, you mentioned the chromecast feature has video support - I wish it did but it doesn't. I checked the manual to confirm. Most new TVs have it anyway, so I guess you can go audio out from the TV to the receiver, or I can plug in my existing chromecast ultra to the receiver and go video out from there.... just wish I could have one less thing to plug in...

[@gevelaargevelaar4026]

Great review and great product!

[@Deniskamir]

How to switch on “Network standby” and “Remote Start” function for EU model ? This functionality were switch off on EU models and its need for airplay and for internal build in Chromecast

[@bobdigi500]

I bought this last month and I love it. It's a few years old now but it does everything I need. Louder than I need, more HDMI ports than I need and even 1 more subwoofer port than I need! It sounds great and is easy to use!

[@armandoleroy3465]

I guess it is kind of randomly asking but does anybody know a good website to watch new tv shows online?

[@ricardokylo7249]

@Armando Leroy Flixportal =)

[@armandoleroy3465]

@Ricardo Kylo Thanks, signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :) I appreciate it !

[@ricardokylo7249]

@Armando Leroy happy to help xD

[@MrSportbike]

Great Review . Can you use ordinary speakers mounted in ceiling?

[@Buxtonchappy1]

I currently have a Yamaha rx-v681 amp. I'm liking the look of this Sony unit. Do you think this would be a worthwhile upgrade? I have monitor audio mass 5.1 speakers along with a pair of onkyo Atmos speakers.

[@stevenferguson1435]

Great review Henry!! .. how would this unit compare with an Onkyo tx nr 696b .. regards

[@isaacomoboye8668]

Good review, Can I connect 7.2 with the zone?

[@Steve30x]

I've seen two different versions of this amp in video reviews. The inputs and outputs are slightly different in both of them. I'm watching a channel called The Great Wave and @ 0:35 he shows the back of his one which looks different to this one.

[@davidmitchell8490]

I've had one of these for 5 months running 7.1in an ideal speaker arrangement. My room is approx. 18' x 13' (6m x 4m) and there is more than enough power here into 6 ohm speakers to deafen the neighbours never mind me! Audio performance is very clean and dynamic from blue ray, cd and yes, even from Amazon Alexa Dot via bluetooth and 193 mbps mp3's. For the impatient I'd agree the UI is a tad slow in operation but I find it pretty intuitive on screen. I agree that for more serious radio listeners the fact that there is no coax input to connect a proper antenna will steer them away from this product. There is no manual supplied and no cd manual either, just a quick start sheet. Like all of these receivers it runs hot especially if its enclosed without sufficient air circulation around it. It's relatively small (repeat"relatively")compared with other similar receivers.Terrific value for money all round though considering its spec and excellent sonic performance.

[@emilioperot9107]

I currently have a dn-1030, which takes 2-3 seconds to UI to show menu/switch input, etc. Has been improved these UI response times in this new model?

[@HenryReviews]

Switching from input to input doesn’t really show much delay, about 1-2 seconds maximum.

[@druglord57]

At 2:22 I’m pretty sure that the Chromecast is only for audio on this receiver which kind of sucks. Why not just use Bluetooth?

[@ahmedhashmi3584]

Can I add an external amplifier to this avr to get the full 165 watts usage?

[@TrumpetSAE]

How do you cast video via Chromecast using this device? I have this reciever but can only cast audio to the Chromecast

[@Botticknickers]

super video

[@carlosgarridorey87]

Hey Henry nice review I want to change my current receiver but I'm between this one and the Onkyo nr777 cause the second one has thx certificate what you think about these thanks a lot

[@marklouieadame]

This unit got hi res and using earc the sound difference is huge

[@moiseslopez5672]

How would this work with a svs sb16

[@navarajbasnet1729]

out standing

[@crenge]

What Guage wire do you suggest?

[@Powerman3000]

Does it support OSD on 4k?

[@user-ms8qg2rz5s]

Is there any Sony make cd play pare with ?

[@jimboedmonds]

I want the benefit of LDAC for hi res streaming. But I want to play vinyl as a condition for buying this product. I’ve read in other places that a turntable can be connected without a pre amp. Has anyone purchased this AVR and tried with success?

[@XALIRATE]

Nice 👌🏼 What speakers are you using with the Amplifier?

[@HenryReviews]

Currently, I am using Cambridge Audio, I have been looking into alternatives in the market like Monitor Audio, but seem to work quite well with this amp.

[@XALIRATE]

Henry Reviews Nice. Definitely not a cheap set up then but gotta love some epic audio 😎

[@agmills86]

@@HenryReviews im looking at getting this reciever the next few weeks, so a year or so after your review, going to go for the minx 22s from cambridge audio, the guys at richer sounds thought this would work well for me

[@yavorchernaev39]

How is the headphone output? Nobody talks about the headphone output in these receivers.

[@180ballybollock]

i got one but no coaxel fm socket just a wire which is as much use as a chocolate fire guard

[@HenryReviews]

It is a real shame given the other additions on this unit. I also was disappointed there was no dab. But, it is still a really good av unit

[@Targavz]

I would like to buy this receiver. There are even new ones on eBay. An enigma is bothering me! If a device (DVD) that has an hdmi output is connected to, for example, the Video 1 input via hdmi. Is it possible to connect an analog device to the analog input of the Video 1 receiver (video and audio), for example, a VCR? Input settings ?????? Does the receiver recognize both signals at the same input? I read the user manual where there is no explanation for such a connection. It is only stated. hdmi and input name change. My question is whether it is possible to simultaneously connect to the input with the same name Video 1 (hdm and analog) and whether the receiver automatically recognizes it? Unless! Is it possible to choose hdmi or analog through the menu setting? Does it allow this possibility when several devices are running and the other is not being used at the same time!? I hope you understand my question!

[@awwbollocksthen1359]

Now click on the red dragon twice to hear it in action!

[@jayjustgames1725]

Is this receiver good enough to push Klipsh speakers ?? R28f

[@HenryReviews]

I would suggest double checking the specs for both the speaker and the amp, but from what I can see there would be no issue at all powering them.

[@jayjustgames1725]

@@HenryReviews thanks

[@RubiHammer]

I had this receiver for the last two years and a half. Following a firmware update, I experienced issues with the setup menu not showing. Sony recommended doing a factory reset. I did the factory reset, which ended in the receiver getting stuck in an infinite memory clearing loop. This seems to be a known issue for all of Sony 10XX series receivers, for years, yet the issue isn’t fixed, and Sony doesn’t take responsibility for it. It seems that a factory reset attempt may result in killing the logic board. Now I have a brick with a Sony logo. I ordered a new Denon.

[@georgiodavid]

So don't you recommend it today?

[@RubiHammer]

@@georgiodavid I would not.

[@adonai7770]

How about eARC??

[@Laissez_Faire]

You just gave us the same information from the website. But with some wrong information also. The airplay doesn’t send video to the screen. Neither does chrome cast

[@beenasty6980]

I'm torn between this one and the STR-ZA 1100ES.....

[@tammywilmoth2881]

I've owned this receiver for over a year. Couple of cons....first you can't adjust the speaker sound settings with music on. So frustrating, I cannot equalize and hear what I'm equalizing at the same time. 2nd, don't drop the remote or the center button will pop off. 3rd, we have an open concept living area and the remote doesn't work at all if you're over around 10 ft away. My firestick and tv remote work fine but not the sony receiver remote.

[@thegrimyeaper]

No phono for my turntable?! What? And I thought I finally found something I could plug everything into without having a separate box for everything.

[@HenryReviews]

Hi thegrimyeaper you can still connect a turntable if you have a phono equaliser in line. More info can be found here helpguide.sony.net/ha/strdn108/v1/en/contents/TP0001221302.html

[@HenryReviews]

It is a shame as being able to just have one box would have been great and something that a large amount of people still use, so still a valid addition for Sony to keep on board.

[@Zockopa]

Well,even if it had a phono input,the phonostage would be certainly a lipshitz design with a single dual channel opamp in smd tec pinched between the input sockets,so you will do better with a external phonostage anyway.

[@vampirrecs]

Go for the YAMAHA AVENTAGE RX-A770.It has a great phono preamp

[@xusiaxod6255]

What's a 'turntable'???

[@vincewhite486]

Does this product work with two subs?

[@liberty0758]

Yes. That's what .2 stands for

[@ericmoorehead1100]

Does this receiver support eARC?

[@KrashTheMusician]

No but the sony es1000 supports earc, which is the newer version of this receiver

[@godfreymahimbalifidelis7730]

How much USD??

[@vagomaniac]

All good but nothing about the sound quality though.

[@ronramsey1181]

No phono?

[@HenryReviews]

Unfortunately not

[@rafacq]

There is only one thing missing from this receiver and that is NO information about the video signal and audio decoding. When you press the display button while using the receiver all it shows is the source! Unlike Yamaha and Denon which show you great information on video and audio status, with visual displays of speakers currently in use and DD or Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, etc. Come on Sony!

[@tjCooper88]

4k OSD display at 60hz? Most aren't.

[@steve4321able]

This thing makes my speakers sound like mud and the EQ settings are limited.

[@HansHaest]

Backround music to high!

[@kanagarajgelakttikalpilamp2406]

Hai Ana perass

[@moiseslopez5672]

Can you connect a car subwoofer to think

[@HenryReviews]

I think you possibly could. If you are just using it with speaker cable into the amp itself then technically it should be able to. Unsure what the resulting output of sound would be like though. Although sometimes a sub is a sub, a speaker is a speaker!

[@moiseslopez5672]

Henry Reviews where would I connect it too? I purchased this yesterday and was told I could.

[@HenryReviews]

If you visit www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/audio-components-receivers-amplifiers/str-dn1080#manuals it explains where to plug in your speakers. Its quite helpful.

[@1mykalfury]

Heaven sakes man! You never even told us how good the ATMOS and DTS-X performance was. The wi-fi BS is Not why we buy an ATMOS receiver. We buy an AVR for surround sound not for preppie Bluetooth crap. Yes crap! This Sony is an excellent AVR meant for Home Cinema 1st & all the other BS 2nd. Next time, please tell us what the ATMOS & DTS-X was like ok? ~ peace

[@HenryReviews]

Thanks for the feedback on the review, much appreciated. I’ll ensure I cover some of these things in future videos.

[@vincentchen9513]

i dont think you can use this amp as a chromecast to stream video to your tv

[@HenryReviews]

The amp states chrome cast support. I only tested audio.

[@druglord57]

And no am

[@Dave30867]

At only 9kgs it wouldnt have a lot of output power 165watt @ 6 ohms not 8 ohms .so not that powerful.

[@Dragonfire-tn2jg]

Lose the background music.

[@HenryReviews]

It’s gone in all new videos and upcoming ones too :)

[@fototyz]

Why does everyone rate this product so highly.... I’ve had one for six months I find the quality of sound weak and lack lustre with poor interface and near useless sound options..... 🥴

[@TheOrtaDirek]

Hi ✋🏼sorry if its dumbest question you ever got 😄but i’m about to refresh all my devices and they cost alot 😕 I’m planing to get 1080 and zappiti duo 4k hdr media player. I want to watch my 4k hdr movies from media player. But i saw something about hdcp 2.2 on internet which says copies can’t be played thru hdcp 2.2. Is it true ? Woıld avr prevent me to watch 4k hdr content from non disc players with hdmi ? This 2.2 thing just got in my head last night and i feel bad because i was about to done my shopping list😔

[@liberty610]

I had this for a week. Wasn't impressed. Sent it back and got a Denon AVR-X2500h for the same price. It's been like going from a station wagon to a Mercedes. The Denon blows this thing out of the water in both sound and function.

[@amateurcyclists3857]

John Lockwood no way denon can beat this one. This has poor connectivity but has excellent sound

[@liberty610]

@@amateurcyclists3857 No, I disagree. It was close in the music category, but the Denon sounded better, it functions better, and didn't give me a single issue. The Sony has clunky controls all the way around, would constantly change sound presets on me unless I pushed the direct sound option, and it took way too long to switch inputs on it. I would get a black screen for 3 to 5 seconds when switching HDMI inputs. The Denon is almost instantaneous. The Sony also didn't pass through all the data to my LG OLED like the Denon does. With the Sony, it would send the video and audio signals fine, but not the data that the LG needed to know which video preset to switch to (like cinema or game). Every electronics store rep and every rep I talked to a Crutchfield said I should take the Denon over the Sony. And I'm glad I did. I just feel it's an all around better unit. Sony makes great products in other markets, but their home theater equipment needs overhauled.

[@sindhukannan154]

@@liberty610 I don't think Denon sound quality is better than Sony, unless it is high end model, any day sound quality is better in sony

[@liberty610]

@@sindhukannan154 Everyone has an opinion!

[@Bassicalyspeaking]

Umm 😐 firstly the list is not endless, secondly this receiver is annoying the onscreen user interface menu is slow, really slow, my old 1050 has a much faster UI, if buying with the HDMI zone in mind it’s a fuss to control, sounds good but hugely disappointing, everything else it offers seems good but the sound quality is perhaps its saving grace, mine is going on eBay in favour for something better.

[@HenryReviews]

Definitely some good points.

[@TrionicSeven]

Reviews audio equipment. Doesn't record voice without echo. Puts up loud background music. I can barely hear what you are saying...

[@HenryReviews]

Recorded using Rode Microphone with no post processing other than the background music. Thank you for the feedback on the loud music, I will keep it in consideration for the future videos.

[@FloridaTwoWheelAdventures]

Henry Reviews yes, I agree. Great review but annoyingly loud background music can ruin a review. Especially when it drowns out the receiver audio you shared. Otherwise, very informative.

[@HenryReviews]

All videos are now without music. No echo is ever added. Sorry it was distracting

[@victorvek5227]

The music on every one of your videos is distracting & utterly annoying. There’s no prerequisite “must add shitty background music” on KZbin. Please stop.

[@Msigw]

This isn’t a review at all, it’s a list of “features”. Amazingly ironic as well, considering how poor the audio is. Literally better off just borrowing a smart phone from the last 5 years.