The range of supported HDR types is exemplary, with HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ all offered on the video side, and Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro 3D and even IMAX Enhanced for audio.

In terms of sound quality though, this JBL is in a whole different league, delivering music and movies with a truly rare maturity and sophistication and if we were building a high-end home cinema from scratch, it would be the first component on the shortlist. While its format support is thorough, its amplification for just seven channels and current lack of HDMI 2.1 connections (all of the sockets are 18gbps HDMI 2.0s but a hardware upgrade to HDMI 2.1 will be offered towards the end of 2021) are trumped by Denon receivers costing around a sixth of its price tag. When hunting for an AV receiver or amplifier, it can be hard not to get caught up in the battle of the tech specs and those who become too focused on comparing spec sheets may well overlook the JBL Synthesis SDR-35. Sony has unfortunately discontinued the STR-DN1080 and it's now almost impossible to buy a new one in the UK It's worth considering a second-hand unit, though, and there's still decent availability in the US – for now. Dynamically speaking, it's a fun and exciting listen, equally at home rendering tranquil, quiet moments as it is huge, wall-shuddering explosions - in a word, enthralling. There's an incredible amount of detail from natural, expressive voices to layers of insight and depth surrounding each sound effect. The feature-packed Sony STR-DN1080 sounds fantastic, reaching deep into its reserves to deliver a performance packed with punch, dynamism and authority in a way we haven’t heard from home cinema amplifiers at this sort of price.

well, let's just say you'll have to spend an awful lot more cash to get better performance. This hugely talented AV receiver was best in class when we originally tested it and remains sensational value for money.Īnd as for the sound it makes. The fact that this was our Product of the Year for two years in a row – and picked up a fourth Award in 2020 – tells you all you need to know.

Pioneer class d amp