Main trade-off
Denon AVR-X1800H
One HDMI output cannot directly connect both a TV and projector.
Head-to-head
Denon AVR-X1800H vs Sony STR-AN1000: Sony connects two displays, Denon adds phono, neither runs four heights
The short answer
Choose AVR-X1800H for three 4K120 sources, a phono-only turntable or a separate front-speaker amp. Choose STR-AN1000 for two displays or compatible Sony wireless rear speakers. Both are seven-channel receivers, so four height speakers need a different model.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
Three fast sources and two displays split this pair
Denon meets the three-input 4K120 requirement but offers one display output. Sony offers two outputs but only two 4K120 inputs. If both requirements are firm, neither receiver covers the complete direct-wiring plan.
What this is based on
Required: at least 3 4K120 inputs and 2 HDMI outputs. X1800H = 3 and 1. STR-AN1000 = 2 and 2. Neither satisfies both inequalities.
Main trade-off
Sony STR-AN1000
Only two of its six HDMI inputs support 4K120.
Denon AVR-X1800H
- Choose it for
- Keep three 4K120 devices connected directly
- Connect an MM turntable or front-channel power amp
- Main trade-off
- One HDMI output cannot directly connect both a TV and projector.
Sony STR-AN1000
- Choose it for
- Leave a TV and projector connected
- Use compatible Sony SA-RS3S or SA-RS5 rear speakers
- Main trade-off
- Only two of its six HDMI inputs support 4K120.
About this comparison
Denon AVR-X1800H vs Sony STR-AN1000 for gaming inputs, two displays, wireless rear speakers and a turntable. Match the receiver to your existing equipment.
Choose AVR-X1800H for three 4K120 sources, a phono-only turntable or a separate front-speaker amp. Choose STR-AN1000 for two displays or compatible Sony wireless rear speakers. Both are seven-channel receivers, so four height speakers need a different model.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
I have two consoles and a gaming PC for 4K120
Denon offers three suitable inputs. Sony offers two, so one source needs another route or a lower video mode.
- Denon AVR-X1800H
- Better fit
- Sony STR-AN1000
- Caution
I want a TV for daytime and a projector at night
Sony provides two HDMI outputs. Denon has one. Check output settings with mismatched displays.
- Denon AVR-X1800H
- Not suitable
- Sony STR-AN1000
- Good
My turntable has no built-in phono stage
Denon includes an MM input. Sony needs an external stage for a phono-only MM source.
- Denon AVR-X1800H
- Good
- Sony STR-AN1000
- Caution
I want to use Sony SA-RS5 rear speakers
Sony explicitly lists these compatible wireless rears. Their power and placement requirements still apply.
- Denon AVR-X1800H
- Not suitable
- Sony STR-AN1000
- Good
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
Three fast sources and two displays split this pair
Denon meets the three-input 4K120 requirement but offers one display output. Sony offers two outputs but only two 4K120 inputs. If both requirements are firm, neither receiver covers the complete direct-wiring plan.
How we reached this conclusion
Required: at least 3 4K120 inputs and 2 HDMI outputs. X1800H = 3 and 1. STR-AN1000 = 2 and 2. Neither satisfies both inequalities.
A phono-only turntable changes the shopping list
Denon can take a moving-magnet cartridge directly through its phono input. Sony needs a separate phono stage unless the turntable already supplies line-level output. Check that before treating the two receiver prices as the whole cost.
How we reached this conclusion
X1800H lists an MM phono input. The STR-AN1000 rear connection guide lists line-level analog audio but no phono stage. A phono-only MM cartridge needs that stage somewhere in the chain.
Wireless rears do not raise the speaker-channel ceiling
The Sony rear-speaker option can change cable routing. It does not turn its seven-channel layout into a nine-channel 5.1.4 system. Buy the compatible rears for their connection convenience, not as a processing expansion.
How we reached this conclusion
Sony documents SA-RS3S and SA-RS5 compatibility and 7.2 / 5.2.2 layouts. Five ear-level plus four height speakers require 9 main channels.
Plan your receiver connectionsPlan my setup
Check a documented speaker layout against HDMI sources and external-amplifier plans.
Denon AVR-X1800H
Supports your setup
Supports 5.1.2 using the receiver's own amplifiers. Connects 3 HDMI devices, including 1 at 4K/120Hz.
Sony STR-AN1000
Supports your setup
Supports 5.1.2 using the receiver's own amplifiers. Connects 3 HDMI devices, including 1 at 4K/120Hz.
A powered subwoofer is separate from the speaker-channel count. This checks one main room. Zone 2, bi-amping and unusual speaker assignments need another manual check. Allow ventilation space and confirm HDMI settings, cables and speaker impedance before installing.
Choice A
Denon, AVR-X1800H
AVR-X1800H
A seven-channel Denon with Audyssey MultEQ XT, HEOS and three 4K120 inputs. It is a focused choice for one display and two height speakers.
- Best matched use
- One-display 5.1.2 with Audyssey MultEQ XT
Checked facts
- 4K120 inputs: 3 of 6 HDMI inputs
- HDMI display outputs: 1
- MM phono input: Yes
- Main-channel pre-outs: Front left and right
Choice B
Sony, STR-AN1000
STR-AN1000
Seven amplifier channels support 7.1 or 5.1.2, with Sony wireless rear-speaker compatibility and two HDMI display outputs. Two of its six HDMI inputs handle 4K120.
- Best matched use
- A Sony wireless-rear 5.1.2 system
Checked facts
- 4K120 inputs: 2 of 6 HDMI inputs
- HDMI display outputs: 2
- MM phono input: No
- Main-channel pre-outs: None
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Denon AVR-X1800H | Sony STR-AN1000 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4K120 inputs | 3 of 6 HDMI inputs | 2 of 6 HDMI inputs | A console pair and gaming PC fit directly at 4K120 only on Denon. Exact video formats still matter. |
| HDMI display outputs | 1 | 2 | Sony can leave two displays connected without moving the display cable. |
| MM phono input | Yes | No | A turntable with no built-in phono stage needs an additional stage with Sony. |
| Main-channel pre-outs | Front left and right | None | Denon can send its front pair to an existing stereo power amp. |
| Sony wireless rear support | No matching Sony connection | SA-RS3S and SA-RS5 supported | Sony offers a model-specific rear-speaker route, not universal wireless compatibility. |
| Powered main channels | 7 | 7 | Either runs a five-speaker base plus two heights. Neither powers nine main speakers. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose Denon AVR-X1800H
- It does not provide the Sony wireless-rear connection path.
If you choose Sony STR-AN1000
- No phono input or full-range front pre-outs are provided.
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
Three 4K120 sources matter more than a second display
Choose Denon AVR-X1800H. Denon has the third high-frame-rate input.
Two display outputs or Sony wireless rears are essential
Choose Sony STR-AN1000. Sony provides those connection paths.
I require three 4K120 inputs and two display outputs
Choose neither. Each receiver meets only one half of this direct-connection requirement.
What matters in practice
How to make the call
Draw the video connections before choosing
This pair has a useful crossed trade-off. Denon accommodates a third high-frame-rate source. Sony accommodates a second display. Write down both counts, because a general HDMI 2.1 label does not tell you whether the full room can stay connected.
Check the equipment you can keep
A turntable and stereo amplifier can make Denon the less disruptive replacement. Its MM phono input and front pre-outs may let you retain both without extra adapters. Sony makes more sense when the equipment you want to retain is a compatible set of its wireless rear speakers.
Avoid assuming every wireless speaker will pair
The Sony benefit belongs to explicitly supported rear models. Ordinary Bluetooth speakers are not interchangeable with SA-RS3S or SA-RS5 surrounds. Check power access and the supported placement before buying a bundle, and include the speaker cost when comparing offers.
What this comparison cannot tell you
- These are US connection and speaker-layout checks. We have not measured amplifier output, room-correction results or sound quality. HDMI format, firmware and display compatibility still need checking.
What the facts say
What the comparison shows
Useful conclusions from the current AV receivers comparison, followed by the checked facts used to reach them.
See the checked facts and calculation notes
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denon AVR-X1800H |
|
|
|
| Sony STR-AN1000 |
|
|
|
Ready to choose?
Check the price. Read the owner reviews.
Open either model on Amazon to check the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Denon AVR-X1800H
Keep three 4K120 devices connected directly
See price & reviews on AmazonSony STR-AN1000
Leave a TV and projector connected
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.