Audio Performance: The STR-DN1080 supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, providing a cinematic surround sound experience. It’s designed to adapt to various room setups with flexible speaker solutions, including a ‘phantom surround back’ option for those with limited speaker setups. The receiver can handle High-Resolution Audio playback up to 24 bit/192 kHz via USB or DLNA network connection, ensuring high-quality sound for both movies and music.

Connectivity: It offers extensive connectivity with six HDMI inputs, all supporting 4K HDR content with HDCP 2.2 protection. The receiver also features Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, and AirPlay, making it easy to stream audio from various devices. For multi-room audio, the Sony | Music Center app can be used to group and control different Sony speakers or soundbars.

Design and User Interface: The receiver’s design is straightforward, with a volume knob and selector knob on the front panel. The interface, while functional, has been noted for some sluggishness in navigation, particularly with the on-screen display. However, the overall setup process is user-friendly, especially with the auto-calibration feature which optimises sound based on your room’s acoustics.