AV Receiver Reviews

Sony STR-DN1030 A/V Receiver HT Labs Measures

HT Labs Measures

Two channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads:
0.1% distortion at 118.8 watts
1% distortion at 134.7 watts

Five channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads:
0.1% distortion at 81.5 watts
1% distortion at 90.4 watts

Seven channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads:
0.1% distortion at 65.4 watts
1% distortion at 78.2 watts

Analog frequency response in Analog Direct mode:
–0.05 dB at 10 Hz
–0.01 dB at 20 Hz
+0.05 dB at 20 kHz
–2.53 dB at 50 kHz

Analog frequency response with signal processing:
–0.40 dB at 10 Hz
–0.10 dB at 20 Hz
–0.43 dB at 20 kHz
–64.97 dB at 50 kHz

This graph shows that the STR-DN1030’s left channel, from CD input to speaker output with two channels driving 8-ohm loads, reaches 0.1 percent distortion at 118.8 watts and 1 percent distortion at 134.7 watts. Into 4 ohms, the amplifier reaches 0.1 percent distortion at 145.9 watts and 1 percent distortion at 167.7 watts.

There was no multichannel analog input to measure. THD+N from the CD input to the speaker output was less than 0.008 percent at 1 kilohertz when driving 2.83 volts into an 8-ohm load. Crosstalk at 1 kHz driving 2.83 volts into an 8-ohm load was –80.85 decibels left to right and –79.56 dB right to left. The signal-to-noise ratio with an 8-ohm load from 10 hertz to 24 kHz with “A” weighting was –107.52 dBrA.

From the Dolby Digital input to the loudspeaker output, the left channel measures –0.04 dB at 20 Hz and –0.44 dB at 20 kHz. The center channel measures –0.04 dB at 20 Hz and –0.49 dB at 20 kHz, and the left surround channel measures –0.04 dB at 20 Hz and –0.50 dB at 20 kHz. From the Dolby Digital input to the line-level output, the LFE channel is +0.03 dB at 20 Hz when referenced to the level at 40 Hz and reaches the upper 3-dB down point at 116 Hz and the upper 6-dB down point at 119 Hz.—MJP

Video Test Bench
The Sony STR-DN1030 does not perform upconversion when passing an HDMI input to an HDMI output. The receiver passed all of our HDMI 1080p in to HDMI 1080p out tests—Video Clipping, Luma Resolution, Chroma Resolution, and 3D passthrough, all 1080p in to 1080p out—with no issues.—TJN

COMPANY INFO
Sony Electronics
(877) 865-SONY
sony.com
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
byanrabeu's picture
Submitted by byanrabeu on January 14, 2013 - 9:57am

I recently purchased the Bose CineMate Series II Digital Home Speaker System. It hooks up to my receiver using Red and White Audio Cables. It works fine with the TV and Auxiliary Jack for my Android.

HOWEVER when I connect through Bluetooth, the STR-DN1030 only powers the wired speakers and NOT the Bose connected with the Audio Cables. Any Suggestions as to what is going on here?

jebbj19's picture
Submitted by jebbj19 on November 21, 2013 - 2:55am

Yes, I was seriously laying prostrate when replacing my older Sony 5200 ES with this less expensive hidden treasure. This had more modern up to date interface (namely five hdmi inputs, built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, air-play and room correction) all in one receiver. I love that it has room for dual subwoofer outputs which help to extend my bass to present true home theater with a definite drive and punch to the sound. After connecting my seven in wall speakers (polk sr-80's, two martin-logan subs, two Blu-ray players one panny and another sony 400 disc changer) it became apparent that in my opinion this was a great move especially since it can all be controlled with an I-pad app. Thanks Sony will move to the 1040 when I incorporate 4K into the setting.

byanrabeu's picture
Submitted by byanrabeu on January 14, 2013 - 10:45am

For anyone that is wondering in regards to my previous post; many new home theater systems connect through Audio Cables. The Bluetooth function does not pick up "Zone 2" audio cables. Bluetooth will only work on output to your wired speakers. The only way your connected Audio Cables for a home theater system will work is if you have audio cables going into the receiver as well from whatever source (auxiliary jack or tv). I plan to try hooking up a Belkin bluetooth with audio jacks to feed into it. I will provide feedback if it works.

rsw1941's picture
Submitted by rsw1941 on October 30, 2013 - 2:56pm

Mark,

Thank you for your review of the Sony DN1030. I bought it a couple of months ago when I replaced my ancient Sony 4:3 XBR 250-pounder with a Panasonic TC-P60ST60. The plasma is mostly dialed in and it is stunning. The receiver is OK, with the exceptions you noted. The remote is a bit retarded, and you cannot listen as you adjust audio settings ... ARGH!@#$

My first color TV was an RCA CT-100, with a low serial number, so I'm old as dirt.

My input components include:

Sony 300-CD changer - optical output.
A new Panasonic Blu-ray player DMP-BDT220 - HDMI output
DISH Network HD DVR - HDMI output.

I never thought to check to see if the receiver had audio level adjustments for each input device. As far as I can tell it doesn't. Is that normal? What am I missing? Does the industry view HDMI audio levels as all meeting a standard like "line level"? I can tell you the levels are wildly different, and there doesn't appear to be a way to adjust them either at each input device or on the receiver.

An educational primer on HDMI or suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Steve

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