Sony STR-DN1020 7.2 Channel 3D/Network Home Theater Receiver - Review

The STR-DN1020 features both HDMI and analog video inputs, but continues the trend of eliminating S-video inputs and outputs.

The STR-DN1020 has the ability to processes and upscale incoming video sources to 1080p, which is becoming more common on home theater receivers in this price range. However, unlike some home theater receivers at this price point, STR-DN1020 provides good video processing and scaling. The STR-DN1020 does not alter native 1080p source signals that the receiver passes along to a TV or video projector.

What this means is that irrespective of the video upscaling of standard definition sources, the STR-DN1020 provides excellent pass through and switching of HDMI source signals and I did not have any HDMI handshake issues.

In addition, the STR-DN1020 passed the majority of the video performance tests found on the Silicon Optix HQV Benchmark DVD. For a more complete look at STR-DN1020's video performance, refer to my video performance test results.

3D

Like most new home theater receivers that have reached store shelves in the past year or so, the STR-DN1020 has the ability pass 3D signals. There is no video processing function involved, the STR-DN1020 (and other 3D-enabled home theater receivers) merely serve as neutral pathways for 3D video signals coming from a source device on their way to a 3D TV.

As hoped, the 3D Pass-Through function of the STR-DN1020 did not appear to introduce any added artifacts associated with 3D performance, such as crosstalk (ghosting) or jitter that wasn't already present in the source material, or in the video display/glasses interaction process.

Sony provides two main internet radio access options: vTuner and Slacker. However, other services that are becoming common on receivers from other manufacturers, such as Pandora, Rhapsody, and Spotify are not included in the Sony internet offering landscape at the time of this review.

The STR-DN1020 is also DLNA compatible, which allows for access to digital media files stored on PCs, Media Servers, and other compatible network-connected devices. Using the Sony's remote and onscreen menu, I found it easy to access music and photo files from my PC's hard drive.

In addition, the STR-DN1020 also incorporates compatibility with Sony's HomeShare system, which allows it to stream music to compatible devices (provided your home network supports both wired and wireless signal transfer), such as the Sony SA-NS400 Wireless Network Speaker via the Party Streaming Mode. Also, on the reverse end, if you have a Sony device that has already initiated a "Party" (serving as host), the STR-DN1020 can join in and stream the content being sent by the "host device" for playback on the STR-DN1020's home theater audio setup.

The front mounted USB port can be used to access audio files stored on a USB flash drive or an iPod (however, an additional iPod dock is also provided). The only downside is that there is only one USB port, which means you cannot plug in iPod and USB flash drive at the same time. Although not a big deal, it would be great to have two USB ports for more connection convenience.

What I Liked

1. Good overall audio performance.

2. Dolby Pro Logic IIz adds speaker placement flexibility.

3. Good analog to HDMI video conversion and upscaling.

4. 3D pass-through function works well.

5. Internet Radio.

6. DLNA compatibility.

7. Runs cool over extended use time periods.

What I Didn't Like

1. Dolby Pro Logic IIz processing not that effective.

2. No analog multi-channel 5.1/7.1 channel inputs or outputs - No S-video connections.

3. No dedicated phono/turntable input.

4. Zone 2 operation via preamp outputs only.

5. No digital optical audio input option on front panel.

6. No front mounted HDMI input.

The Sony STR-DN1020 is a good example of how video processing and the internet have been incorporated into home theater receivers, without sacrificing traditional core audio processing functions. In addition to all the audio features you would expect a home theater receiver to have these days, additional features such as Dolby Prologic IIz, 3D passthrough, Internet Radio, DLNA functions, and a USB port for connection of flash drives and other compatible devices (such as an iPod) are also included.

For more flexibility, the STR-DN1020 also has two subwoofer line outputs (thus the .2 reference in the 7.2 channel description), and can also run a 2nd Zone audio system with the addition of an external amplifier.

On the other hand, the STR-DN1020 does not have a dedicated Phono input for a turntable, nor does it have any S-Video inputs or outputs.

One other notable omissions, is the lack of of 5.1 channel audio inputs as well as the lack of 5.1/7.1 channel preamp outputs. What this means is that if you have an SACD player or DVD-Audio compatible DVD player that does not have an HDMI output, then you will not be able to access multi-channel SACD or DVD-Audio content from those devices using analog audio connections. However, it must be pointed that these connections are now rarely included in home theater receivers in this price range.

Taking all into consideration, although the STR-SN1020 doesn't have some connection options that may be desirable by some, such as multi-channel analog audio inputs, a dedicated phono input, or S-Video connections, the STR-DN1020 does offer the required connectivity and practical features for new generation source components, such as 3D-enabled Blu-ray Disc Players and LCD/Plasma TVs, iPods, the internet, and network-connected media servers and players. For its suggested suggested retail price of $499.99 it is definitely worth consideration.

Now that you have read this review, also be sure to check out more about the Sony STR-DN1020 in my Photo Profile and Video Performance Test Results.

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.