The Sony STR-AN1000 and Denon AVR-X1800H are two of the most popular 7.2-channel receivers for a first Dolby Atmos system. They have the same channel count and the same number of HDMI inputs, but very different strengths.
The short answer
The Denon AVR-X1800H (~$849) is the better value for most people: three full-speed HDMI 2.1 inputs, Audyssey MultEQ XT, a phono input, and support for 4-ohm speakers, for about $300 less.
Choose the Sony STR-AN1000 (~$1,148) if you own a Sony BRAVIA TV, want 360 Spatial Sound Mapping to make a smaller system sound bigger, need two HDMI outputs, or stream with Chromecast or Sonos.
Side-by-side
| Sony STR-AN1000 | Denon AVR-X1800H |
|---|
| Price | ~$1,148 | ~$849 |
| Channels | 7.2 (5.1.2 with Atmos) | 7.2 (5.1.2 with Atmos) |
| Power rating | 120W + 120W (6 ohms, 1kHz, 0.9% THD) | 80W per channel (8 ohms, 20Hz to 20kHz, 2 channels driven) |
| Rated speaker impedance | 6 to 16 ohms | 4 to 16 ohms |
| HDMI inputs / outputs | 6 / 2 | 6 / 1 |
| 8K/60 and 4K/120 inputs | 2 | 3 |
| Room correction | D.C.A.C. IX with 360 Spatial Sound Mapping | Audyssey MultEQ XT, Dynamic EQ |
| Streaming | Chromecast, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Works with Sonos, Roon Tested | HEOS, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect |
| Bluetooth | Receive and transmit (to headphones) | Receive and transmit (to headphones) |
| Phono input | No | Yes (moving magnet) |
| Wireless rear speakers | Sony wireless speaker option | No |
| Extra zones | Zone 2 (HDMI), Zone 3 (speaker or line) | Zone 2 |
| Subwoofer outputs | 2 | 2 |
Both are 7.2-channel receivers built for a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos system, and both have six HDMI inputs. Don't compare their watt ratings directly: Sony measures at a single frequency (1kHz) into 6 ohms, while Denon measures across the full 20Hz to 20kHz range into 8 ohms, which is a stricter test. In practice, both have enough power for typical speakers in a living room.
Where the Sony wins
- 360 Spatial Sound Mapping. The calibration mic measures where each speaker sits, then the receiver creates phantom speakers between them. A 5.1 or 5.1.2 system can sound wider and taller than its speaker count, and Tom's Guide called it the best reason to buy this receiver.
- Two HDMI outputs, for a TV and a projector, both with 8K and 4K/120.
- Chromecast built in, Works with Sonos, and Roon Tested, on top of AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect.
- Sony TV extras. With a compatible BRAVIA TV, Acoustic Center Sync lets the TV's own speakers act as part of the center channel. It also passes through the PS5's Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode features.
- Wireless rear speakers are an option, if running wires to the back of the room isn't practical.
Where the Denon wins
- It costs about $300 less.
- Three full-speed HDMI 2.1 inputs instead of two, so a PS5, an Xbox Series X, and a gaming PC can all run 4K/120 without swapping cables.
- A phono input for a turntable. The Sony has none, so you'd need a separate phono preamp.
- Audyssey MultEQ XT measures up to eight listening positions, and Dynamic EQ keeps bass and surround detail full at low volume. Audyssey's optional MultEQ Editor app lets you fine-tune the results.
- Rated for 4-ohm speakers. Sony rates the AN1000 for 6 to 16 ohms, so check your speakers' impedance if you're choosing the Sony. Our speaker impedance guide explains why it matters.
Which should you buy?
Best for most people~$849
Denon AVR-X1800H
7.2 channels · 80W · 3 full-speed HDMI 2.1 inputs · Audyssey MultEQ XT · HEOS · phono input
Choose the Denon if you want the better value. It has more full-speed gaming inputs, a phono input, proven Audyssey room correction, and support for 4-ohm speakers, for about $300 less. It's our step-up pick for a first Atmos system.
Worth knowing: its seven amplifiers cap Atmos at 5.1.2, the same as the Sony, and it has only one HDMI output. There's no Dirac Live option at any price. See our Onkyo TX-RZ30 vs Denon AVR-X1800H comparison if that matters to you.
Check price on Amazon
Prices change often — verify current pricing on Amazon.
Best for Sony TVs and smaller systems~$1,148
Sony STR-AN1000
7.2 channels · 360 Spatial Sound Mapping · 2 HDMI outputs · Chromecast · Works with Sonos
Choose the Sony if you own a BRAVIA TV, want a 5.1 or 5.1.2 system to sound bigger than it is, need a second HDMI output for a projector, or stream with Chromecast or Sonos.
Worth knowing: only two inputs handle 4K/120, there's no phono input, and it isn't rated for 4-ohm speakers. Some owners report a faint hiss with 360 Spatial Sound Mapping turned on.
Check price on Amazon
Prices change often — verify current pricing on Amazon.
Other receivers to consider
- Sony STR-AZ1000ES (~$1,498): the AN1000's features plus custom-install control for Control4, Crestron, and similar systems.
- Denon AVR-S770H (~$700): a cheaper Denon with the same 5.1.2 layout and HEOS streaming, but simpler Audyssey MultEQ room correction.
- Yamaha RX500A (~$600): a new budget 7.2 model with 4K/120 on all four inputs. See our Yamaha RX500A vs RX-V6A comparison.
To see every Sony and Denon model, see the Sony lineup and the Denon lineup on our receivers page.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sony STR-AN1000 better than the Denon AVR-X1800H?
Not for most people. The Denon costs about $300 less and has three full-speed HDMI 2.1 inputs (the Sony has two), a phono input, Audyssey MultEQ XT, and support for 4-ohm speakers. The Sony is better if you want 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, two HDMI outputs, Chromecast, or Acoustic Center Sync with a Sony BRAVIA TV.
What is Sony 360 Spatial Sound Mapping?
It uses the calibration microphone to measure where each speaker is, then creates phantom speakers between your real ones, so a 5.1 or 5.1.2 system sounds wider and taller than its speaker count.
Does the Sony STR-AN1000 have a phono input?
No. Sony lists optical, coaxial, and four analog inputs, but no phono input, so a turntable needs a built-in or separate phono preamp. The Denon AVR-X1800H has a moving-magnet phono input.
Can the Sony STR-AN1000 power 4-ohm speakers?
Sony rates it for 6- to 16-ohm speakers. If your speakers are rated at 4 ohms, the Denon AVR-X1800H, which supports 4-ohm speakers, is the safer choice.
Do both receivers support Dolby Atmos?
Yes. Both decode Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and both have seven amplifiers, so each runs a 5.1.2 Atmos layout with two height speakers.