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Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
161 of 165 people found the following review helpful.
Best receiver I've owned so far - it is packed with features
By Juniorverse1
This is the best A/V receiver that I've owned so far. I've owned an Onkyo TX-SR606 and a Sony STRDH520 in the past. This receiver pumps out better sound and has ten times the number of features.
I'll skip going in to too much detail about things like the 5 HDMI inputs, the wattage, and the other bullet points that are clearly listed in the extensive product description here on Amazon. Instead, I'll focus on some of the other questions that I'd be left with as a potential buyer.
== BLUETOOTH ==
This A/V receiver allows for audio streaming over Bluetooth, so you can play music directly from your phone for example. I tested this feature using my Samsung Galaxy Nexus running Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean). This replaces my previous method of streaming audio from my phone, the Logitech Wireless Speaker Adapter for Bluetooth Audio Devices that I had connected to my older Sony STR-DH520. This receiver can remember pairing information for 9 Bluetooth devices.
== WI-FI / NETWORK ==
There is an antenna on the back of the receiver for connecting via Wi-Fi. The range was fine in my living room. There is also an Ethernet port for a wired connection (my preference).
Before you customize the receiver's settings too much, be sure to download the latest update using the settings menu. The download was fast on my internet connection, but the update itself took about 30 minutes to be installed. After restarting, some of my speaker settings were lost and needed to be reset.
Using the network connection, you are able to play music on network DLNA servers, which I was able to do using mp3 files stored on my Windows 7 computer in another part of the house. (The receiver cannot play DRM-protected files.) There are also a number of services available using the "SONY Entertainment Network (SEN)". Many of the services, like Pandora and Slacker music streaming, are free and require minimal setup. For example, I linked to my Pandora account after logging in to SONY's special website (listed on the screen) and entering the receiver's code, so all of my Pandora stations and presets show up. I was also able to connect to Slacker's example stations without having to connect to any account. There are some other services available, including vTuner and a pay service called "Music Unlimited".
Another available feature is "Party Streaming", which requires Party Streaming-compliant devices. 20 of these devices can be saved to the list at a time. You may also play music from your compatible iOS devices using AirPlay.
There is an iOS/Android app called "SONY Media Remote" that allows you to control many aspects of this receiver from your smartphone via Wi-Fi. I installed on on my Galaxy Nexus running Android 4.1 and it works surprisingly well. Response time is just as fast as the regular remote. Personally, I probably won't use it all that much only because I prefer tactile buttons instead of a touchscreen when using a remote, but it will still be a cool thing to show off to visitors. :)
== AUDIO AND VIDEO ==
Yes, the audio and video is great, especially after using the included auto-calibration microphone. I am using this receiver with a Dish Network receiver, a PS3, a Logitech Revue with Google TV, a three year old 46-inch Samsung LCD TV, and an Energy 5.1 Take Classic Home Theater Speaker set. HDMI handshaking (the amount of time it takes for audio/video to connect when changing inputs) does not take too long, a few seconds at most. The speaker connections on the back allow for twisting the speaker wires and clamping them in, or you can use banana-plugs as I do.
== GUI MODE ==
Most of the advanced features of this receiver are best used in GUI mode, which is a crude-looking, text only screen representation of the menus and information like the currently playing Pandora song. This feature is slightly obnoxious and could have been so much better because all of the text displays only a few characters at a time and then scrolls the rest at a very slow pace, even though there is plenty of room on the screen to display more characters at a time. It would be great if they would fix this in a future downloadable update.
== ONE MONTH LATER ==
I am a huge fan of sci-fi/action movies that have incredible special effects and sound... sometimes at the expense of storylines. Movies like "2012" and "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" come to mind. Well, I just watched "Battleship" on BluRay with this receiver and my Energy speakers. I turned the volume up louder than I have ever done with my other receivers. My ears are almost bleeding. I can't even critique the movie all that much because the visuals and the audio were so amazing with this setup.
== SUMMARY ==
This is a great receiver, and I am very happy with it. There are many features that I haven't delved into because I do not have compatible devices (an iOS device, Party Streaming devices, etc). But the features I have used above are great and are ones that I have never had on a receiver before.
Please feel free to leave a comment if you have any specific questions about this product and I will try and answer them as best as I can!
66 of 68 people found the following review helpful.
Fantastic New Receiver
By C. Hesman
SONY STRDN-1030 RECEIVER
So, I finally exchanged my Sony STRDH830 for the NEW SONY STRDN-1030 on Sunday.
One Word - "AWESOME"
The STRDH830 was and is a fantastic receiver and only had it for a few days until I heard the STRDN1030 was due to be released.
I swapped it out and man am I Really impressed. Right out the box worked like a charm. Did a few setup steps for Decoding Master Audio and TrueHD. Then I setup the Built in Wireless Network (yes, I said Built in Wireless) and did a firmware update. All worked just flawlessly.
The next day I setup SONY REMOTE APP on my Android HTC inspire, did a few tweaks and finally was able to, not only control the receiver, but also stream my music on my phone to the receiver. All functions of my Music Player app controlled my song list. networked my Laptop to the receiver wirelessly and was able to stream my music on it to the receiver and control my song list from the Laptop.
My previous Sony STRDH830 did not have these bells and whistles and I honestly thought I would never really use it. Well, I was wrong. I just love it. Audio Decode on Movies beautiful. HDMI handshaking and In/Out just works. Picture Quality Transfer to HD33 from HDMI out is excellent.
The only cons to the STR-DH830 as well as the STRDN1030, or any Sony receiver right now is it has a terrible GUI interface displayed on the screen. This really doesn't bother me, because once setup, i just use my remote or phone to make any changes and totally control the receiver without the onscreen GUI. Also, the remote is way to cluttered. Very hard to navigate. Too many buttons.
This can be a good thing bcause there is all the functions u need on the darn thing Would be nice if it was backlit but many competitives don't offer it anyway.
I recently returned 4 receivers within a 3 week period and settled on the STRDN1030. CNET just did a recent review of the STRDN1030, Onkyo RXX 616 and the Yamaha XXX 573 and compared the Sony sound quality as equal to Denon 1912. At this price range and features, and since it has a wireless antenna, Cant beat the value and build quality.
I highly recommend it.
39 of 43 people found the following review helpful.
STR-DN1030 Review
By C. Chenevert
I purchased the str-dn1030 Sony A/V receiver to replace an old school Panasonic Receiver I've owned for over a decade. I have a TiVo HD and PS3 Slim input into the str-dn1030 via HDMI. The str-dn1030 outputs to a wall hung 42" Panasonic Plasma via HDMI. I have internet connected to it via Ethernet. I operate my A/V system with a Harmony 900 (fully RF).
The str-dn1030 connected to a 5.1 system and the automatic speaker calibration feature (via the included mic) was very smooth and easy. I really enjoy the sound quality of this unit. The music and sound effects from the opening bank robbery sequence in The Dark Knight (on Bluray) were simply lovely.
Video is beautiful.
The GUI on the str-dn1030 is almost laughably bad looking and unintuitive, but is perfectly functional with the assistance of the user manual. I am truly perplexed at how bad the GUI is given how Sony can clearly deliver a better product. Perhaps this will be improved in a future firmware update. All this being said, I find the str-dn1030's bad GUI is better than the no GUI on my old Panasonic Receiver.
The delay in getting an image from the PS3 or TiVo to my Panny 42" display upon initially powering on the unit, or when switching inputs, was initially jarring for me. It isn't ridiculously long, but definitely noticeable compared to the near instantaneous sound and signal transmission I had enjoyed with my video outputs going directly to the display (via HDMI) and my audio outputs going directly to my old receiver (via Optical).
FYI, an inactivity power off feature appeared to have been enabled by default at the factory with my unit. I thought I was initially going crazy when watching Netflix Instant streaming when the str-dn1030 "spontaneously" powered off on my several times in a row. Sure enough the unit was set to power off automatically after a period of inactivity (10 minutes if I recall correctly).
I love the str-dn1030's bluetooth audio streaming function. Especially where the str-dn1030 fires up instantly from standby as soon as you "connect" a paired device via bluetooth. I discovered another tricky spot with the user manual. The glossary refers you to page 101 for Bluetooth Pairing...don't fall for it! Go to page 82 instead.
I think the build quality of the unit is very good and overall I'm very pleased with the daily functioning of this device.
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Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
A+
 Welcome to pure power, crisp audio and an unlimited music selection. Stream wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet with built-in wireless, Bluetooth, and AirPlay technologies. This 145W x 7 receiver not only produces massive wattage and high-resolution audio, it also creates an immersive sound stage for Blu-ray movies, games and so much more. |  |
| 7.2 Ch. Of Power | Wi-Fi Built-in | AirPlay | |||||
| At 145W per channel, this powerhouse envelopes you in a new level of sound performance (145W x 7 @ 8ohms 1kHz 0.9% THD with 1 ch. driven). | Get connected to the Internet and your home network to access more music than you can imagine including music stored on your computer, music services built-in, or AirPlay. | Easily stream your music from your iPhone/iPod Touch, iPad or iTunes5 along with compatible music apps like Spotify, iHeartRadio, and many more. Simply touch the AirPlay logo when it appears and select the STR-DN1030 to amplify your tunes. |  |
Technology
Wonderfully Wi-Fi Wirelessly expand your home network right into your living room. With the convenience of built-in Wi-Fi, it’s easy to connect to music services, access music stored on your computer,9 or even AirPlay enabled devices connected to your home network. |
Seamless AirPlay Integration Access music from your iPhone/iPod Touch, iPad, or iTunes5 along with compatible music apps like Spotify, iHeartRadio and many more. Simply touch the AirPlay logo when it appears and instantly start streaming any of your favorite music services. |
Built-in Bluetooth Connect via Bluetooth and start streaming the latest hits, your all-time favorite songs or discover all new music to listen to on any Bluetooth enabled smartphone or tablet. Unlock more music options for your living room, regardless of the device they’re on. | |||
Now Streaming Music streaming at it’s very best. Navigate the latest from Pandora, Music Unlimited, Slacker, and vTuner and find exactly what you're looking for.9 You'll never run out of amazing things to listen to and there's always something on. |
Well Connected Get versatile HD connection options with seven HD inputs. Five HDMI inputs (up to 1080/24p capable) mean you can hook-up your PS3 system plus your Blu-ray player with room for three more HDMI-capable devices.6 3D pass-through capability allows you to enjoy Blu-ray 3D movies, 3D video games and other 3D content with compatible player and HDTVs.¹ |
High Definition Digital Cinema Sound Innovations by Sony’s expert sound engineers add instant auditory depth perception for dramatic, cinematic sound that closely mimics what you would experience at the movie theater. For better effect positioning, try using Front Height mode to enable vocal height and 3D effects that have the power to make action sequences, concerts and movies even more immersive. |
Product description and full feature list
audio entertainment experience to the edge with features like built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay and
more. Check out the full list below.
| 7.2 Ch. Of Power 145W per channel, with 1015 Watts, this powerhouse envelopes you in a new level of sound performance. (At 145W x 7 @ 8ohms 1kHz 0.9% THD with 1 ch. driven) Wi-Fi Built-in Get connected to the Internet and your home network to access more music than you can imagine including music stored on your computer, music services built-in or AirPlay.9 AirPlay Easily stream your music from your iPhone/iPod Touch, iPad or iTunes5 along with compatible music apps like Spotify and iHeartRadio. Simply, touch the AirPlay logo when it appears and select the STR-DN1030 to amplify your tunes. Bluetooth Built-in Play your music out loud - stream it from your smartphone or tablet to the receiver. Works with a Bluetooth enabled device such as an iPhone, Windows phone, Android, Blackberry, Kindle Fire, and many more. Network Services Music streaming at it’s very best. Navigate and enjoy the latest from Pandora, Music Unlimited, Slacker and vTuner.9 7 HD Inputs Get versatile HD connection options with seven HD inputs. Five HDMI inputs (up to 1080/24p capable) means you can connect a Sony PlayStation³ entertainment system, Blu-ray Disc player, and 3 more HDMI-capable devices, for high definition video and audio.6 Two component inputs (1080/60i capable) provide added HD-capable connectivity and versatility. Sound Optimizer No longer do you have to miss out movies dynamic sound effects when you need to keep the volume low, the sound optimizer enables you to hear the smallest sound effect at low volumes. This dynamic feature gives you the best reproduction of sound effects while keeping the intended sound stage at high or low volume levels. | Up Convert/Upscales Video Signal to Near HD via HDMI Improve image quality of analog connected devices to near HD.³ Analog connected device signals are converted to digital and output via HDMI, making one cable connection from the receiver to the HDMI-enabled TV possible.³ HD Digital Cinema Sound and Front High Speakers Optimize your receiver to mimic the sound characteristics of movie theaters. Front Height mode enables vocal height and 3D effects¹ for better positioning of effects giving added depth to visuals and concerts. Imagine as a helicopter comes from above and lands – you’ll hear the change in height as the effect unfolds on-screen. Control with Your iPhone or Android Devices with Free Apps Download the free Media Remote and Network Audio Remote apps from the iTunes or Google Play app stores and use your iPhone or Android devices to control volume, inputs and receiver function with the Media Remote and control your network music with the Network Audio Remote.8On-screen Graphical User Interface Set-up and control the A/V receiver with intuitive on-screen graphical user interface. Change inputs, adjust settings and confirm volume levels on-screen. iPod/iPhone Music and Video Playback Via USB5 Listen to music and watch video stored on your iPod or iPhone while charging your device through the receivers front USB input.53D Pass-through Compatible with Blu-ray 3D movies, video games and other 3D content.¹ | Advanced Blu-ray Disc Audio Decoding Experience sound closer to the way it was captured with LPCM, Dolby trueHD, ProLogic IIz and dts-HD master audio codecs.² Advanced Digital Cinema Auto Calibration - Quick Speaker Set Up Ensure you get the best sound experience from your A/V receiver and speakers with the Advanced Digital Cinema Auto Calibration, which offers auto phase matching. Simply place the included microphone where you will be seated and settings are automatically optimized based on the distance, delays and placement of your speakers. Audio Return Channel Eliminate the need for extra cables connected to your TV. This feature allows audio to be sent from your compatible TV to your receiver through the same HDMI cable already being used to send audio and video to your TV.7 Standby Pass-through of Audio & Video Conveniently access all your HDMI connected devices without having to power on the receiver.6 Assignable Digital Audio and Video Inputs Get the most out of each audio and video input with the ability to reassign inputs to support connected devices. BRAVIA Sync Capable (HDMI CEC) Conveniently operate and control select Sony BRAVIA Sync devices with one remote including: Sony Blu-ray Disc Players, BRAVIA HDTVs, Sony home theater products.4 24p True Cinema (Pass-through) Watch Blu-ray Disc movies in their native frame rate (24 frames per second) when paired with a 24p HDTV and playback device like a Blu-ray Disc Player or PlayStation gaming console via HDMI cable.³ |
| STR-DN1030 | STR-DH830 | STR-DH720 | STR-DH520 | STR-DH130 |
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1. Requires 3D content, 3D HDTV, 3D glasses and HDMI cable (at least 10.2 Gbps).
2. Requires HDMI cable and LPCM capable receiver.
3. Requires HDTV with equivalent display and HDMI cable sold sep.
4. Syncs with BRAVIA Sync or Theatre Sync products
5. iPod support is limited to the following players: iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano 1st, 2nd & 3rd generation, iPod 4th& 5th generation
& iPod mini. iPhone support is limited to the following models: iPhone 3G, 3GS and 4G models.
6. Requires HDMI cable sold sep.
7. Requires HDTV and HDMI cable sold sep.
8. Requires devices connected to the same wireless home network.
9. Broadband speed of at least 2.5 Mbps recommended (10 Mbps for HD). Content subject to change and may requires fees.
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