Sony STR-DN850 Review

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Review of Sony STR-DN850 powered by the Slant community.

SpecsUpdate

Frequency Response 20 - 20000 kHz, at 1 kHz

ARCYes

Output Impedance per Channel 6 Ohm

Type of connections HDMI input, HDMI output, subwoofer output, LAN, SPDIF input, USB, audio line-in, composite video/audio input, headphones, monitor output

Tuner Bands AM/FM

Power Consumption Operational 240 Watt

W x D x H (inches) 16.9 x 13 x 6.1

HDR No

Has Zone B No

Tuner TypeDigital

Internet Streaming Services Spotify, TuneIn

Sound Output Mode Surround Sound

Automatic calibration Yes

HDCP 2.2 compatible No

Network connectivity Interfaces Bluetooth, IEEE 802.3u (Fast Ethernet), Near Field Communication (NFC), Wi-Fi

HDMI Pass-Throughup to 4K

Surround System Class7.2 channel

DLNAYes

Output Power per Channel 110 Watt, 95 Watt

Supported Digital Audio Standards AAC, AIFF, FLAC, MP3, WAV, WMA

Built-in Decoders DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby TrueHD, DTS decoder, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS-ES Matrix 6.1, DTS-ES decoder, DTS-HD High Resolution, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX

Weight 18.74 lbs

USB inputYes

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) 0.09 %, 1 %

3D TechnologyYes

Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking

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Pros

Pro
An increased depth of sound

Its seven speakers add more depth and detail to the sound when compared to a standard five speaker system. In addition, dual sub-woofers offer more optimal listening positions and has increased headroom. Together, the 7.2 channel configuration creates a more immersive and fuller sound for your system.

Pro
Good interface

It has a simple and easy to understand interface that shows all the necessary information while still making it pleasant to look at. This can be applied to the remote as well. It isn’t cluttered with buttons but still offers the same functionality.

Pro
Access to multiple streaming services

Can access some of the regularly used streaming services through its Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections. These streaming services are Spotify, TuneIn and Apple’s Airplay.

Pro
An extra option for control

The application SongPal is being used as an another controller to manipulate the receiver. It provides the very basic options, such as, source selection, playback of music, volume settings but even includes adding different types of effects to the audio.

Pro
Additional music playback

Has a USB port at the front and Bluetooth connectivity with NFC support to give you additional music playback choices.

Pro
Supports 4K resolution

For its 5 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output it has 4K pass-through and can even upscale video to a 4K resolution.

Cons

Con
Not future-proof

None of the HDMI ports have HDCP 2.2 support which will prevent the user from experiencing copyrighted 4K quality content. Additionally, it doesn’t employ Dolby Atmos technology which is used to create an extra immersive sound. Currently these technologies are not widespread but will probably become more prevalent as time goes on.

Con
Unreliable sound setup

The sound calibration can be a hit or miss. It will either perform accurately and set up your system to a good standard or widely misrepresent the sound. Not suited for people who don’t like to rely on their ears for sound modification.