Sony STR-DN1040 really is packed with functionality, including eight inputs HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and rotation. Sony was one of the few bright spots of the AV receiver, slothlike market with last year's STR-DN1030 to be first with long features like rotation, built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Internet access in reception, $ 500.
Instead of resting on its laurels, Sony goes further with his two new AV receivers, packing in more features. STR-DN840, STR-DN1040 and continue to stand alone in this year's offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and rotation while the STR-DN1040 has upped the ante with 8 HDMI inputs and the overhaul of the user interface.
Here's how I would break down the most important features:
STR-DN840 ($ 450): 7.2 channels, six HDMI inputs, integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, DLNA compatible, rotation and onboard from streaming Pandora, Slacker, vTuner, and Sony's music unlimited
STR-DN1040 step ups ($ 600): eight HDMI inputs, advanced graphical user interface, dual HDMI outputs
I was underwhelmed many of the proposals, but 2013 AV receiver these new models from Sony is undeniably impressive. STR-DN840 is particularly outstanding value; Onkyo TX-NR626 only ($ 500 street) offers built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth at a fair price, and STR-DN840 adds AirPlay for 50 dollars less. I have not had any practical with the STR-DN840 another time, but from the spec sheet is the early favorite for best AV receiver values of the year.
STR-DN1040 is no slouch. Additional HDMI inputs are a nice plus, but the real upgrade is graphical user interface (GUI). I've had some hands on time with the new GUI STR-DN1040 and it's better than anything else in its price class.
The graphics look modern and affordable (especially compared to what you usually get), plus it's very responsive, feels more like you would find on an early video game console than the usual limp AV receiver menu. Simple, plain English menu almost seemed impossible task to make AV receiver that everyone can use, "Although 64-button remote puts a damper on that. More customization options would be nice--you cannot change icons for each of the entrances--but it's a great start to what we hope is the new trend for AV receivers.
Sony announced several other home audio products to its line of show in Los Angeles. There is a new premium priced sound bar HT-CT660 ($ 400), which offers a similar feature set to the down-HT-CT260 ($ 300), including built-in Bluetooth and wireless subwoofer, but adds three HDMI inputs and a more powerful 330-Watt amplifier.
There are also two new home theater in a box system 5.1, BDV-N8100W ($ 700 United States) and BDV-7100W ($ 600), both of which feature a built-in Blu-ray, integrated Wi-Fi, some streaming services (including Netflix, Hulu plus and Pandora) and Wireless rear speakers. BDV-N8100 steps up to 3 way floor standing speakers in the front.