Audio T Verdict
The Sony TA-AN1000 is a particularly interesting AV amplifier because Sony has concentrated just as much on the spatial placement of sound as it has on the usual list of surround formats and HDMI specifications.
At its core it is a seven-channel amplifier, capable of powering a conventional 7.2 speaker system or a 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos arrangement. Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced are all supported, but Sony's standout feature is 360 Spatial Sound Mapping.
After the supplied stereo calibration microphone has measured the three-dimensional position of the speakers using D.C.A.C. IX, 360 Spatial Sound Mapping can create additional phantom speaker positions around the room. This means the system is less dependent on every physical loudspeaker being positioned at a theoretically perfect angle, which is particularly useful in real living rooms rather than purpose-built cinemas.
The video side is equally current. There are six HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs, with HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, eARC, VRR and ALLM supported. Two inputs, labelled GAME and MEDIA BOX, can handle 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz, making them the correct connections for current high-frame-rate consoles and other compatible sources.
It is worth understanding the amplifier specification properly. Sony quotes 120W + 120W into 6 ohms under its specified two-channel test condition. That should not be read as 120 watts continuously from every one of the seven channels at the same time, but the substantial 10.3kg chassis and 240W rated power consumption make it clear this is considerably more than a lightweight soundbar replacement.
Music support is unusually comprehensive too. Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Sony Music Center, home-network playback, Bluetooth, Works with Sonos, Roon Tested, 360 Reality Audio and high-resolution files including native DSD up to 11.2MHz are all supported.
There are some limitations worth knowing. There is no phono input for a turntable, no full set of multichannel pre-outs for adding external power amplification later, and only the two subwoofer outputs are provided as main-zone pre-outs. The UK TA model also has no FM or AM tuner.
For a seven-channel home cinema, particularly one built around a Sony BRAVIA television, the TA-AN1000 offers an unusually cohesive combination of room calibration, immersive sound, modern HDMI connectivity and system integration.
Sony TA-AN1000 7.2-Channel 8K AV Amplifier
The Sony TA-AN1000 is a seven-channel home cinema amplifier supporting Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 8K video, 4K/120Hz gaming and Sony's 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology.
Key features include:
- Seven channels of built-in amplification
- 7.1-channel audio decoding
- Two subwoofer pre-outs
- 120W + 120W quoted output into 6 ohms
- Dolby Atmos
- DTS:X
- IMAX Enhanced
- 360 Spatial Sound Mapping
- D.C.A.C. IX room calibration
- Automatic Phase Matching
- Speaker Relocation processing
- Phantom Surround Back
- Acoustic Center Sync
- Center Speaker Lift Up
- Six HDMI inputs
- Two HDMI outputs
- 8K/60Hz support on GAME and MEDIA BOX
- 4K/120Hz support on GAME and MEDIA BOX
- VRR
- ALLM
- HDR10
- HLG
- Dolby Vision
- HDMI eARC and ARC
- 4K and 8K video upscaling
- Apple AirPlay 2
- Chromecast built-in
- Spotify Connect
- Works with Sonos
- Roon Tested
- 360 Reality Audio
- High-Resolution Audio
- Native DSD playback
- Wi-Fi
- Ethernet
- Bluetooth receiver and transmitter modes
- Sony Music Center control
- Optional Sony wireless rear-speaker compatibility
- Optional Sony wireless subwoofer compatibility
- Zone 2 HDMI output
- Zone 3 powered or line-level audio
Seven Channels of Amplification
The TA-AN1000 contains seven built-in power-amplifier channels.
Those channels can be assigned in several ways depending on the loudspeaker configuration.
Common home cinema arrangements include:
- 5.1
- 5.2
- 7.1
- 7.2
- 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos
- 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos
7.2 Does Not Mean Nine Amplified Channels
The TA-AN1000 contains seven power-amplifier channels.
The .2 in the 7.2 description refers to two physical subwoofer pre-out connections for powered subwoofers. Subwoofers contain their own amplification.
A 7.2.2 or 5.2.4 system would require more than the seven powered speaker channels available from the TA-AN1000.
120W + 120W Power Specification
Sony specifies amplifier output at:
- 120W + 120W
- 6-ohm load
- 1kHz test frequency
- 0.9% THD
This is Sony's published stereo test condition and should not be interpreted as a simultaneous 120W output from all seven amplifier channels.
Real multichannel power depends on speaker load, programme material, channel activity and power-supply demands.
6 to 16-Ohm Speaker Compatibility
Sony specifies passive loudspeakers with nominal impedance between 6 and 16 ohms.
Speaker impedance is not fixed at one value across the entire frequency range, so a nominal specification is only part of amplifier matching.
If you are considering particularly demanding loudspeakers, speak to Audio T about system matching before purchase.
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos adds height information to conventional surround sound.
With seven available amplifier channels, the TA-AN1000 can run a 5.1.2 or 5.2.2 Atmos system using:
- Front left and right
- Centre
- Surround left and right
- Two height or overhead channels
- One or two active subwoofers
The height channels can use suitable ceiling, on-wall, upward-firing or other compatible speaker arrangements depending on the room.
DTS:X
DTS:X is also supported for compatible film and music soundtracks.
Like Dolby Atmos, it allows sound to be positioned within a three-dimensional listening environment rather than being restricted entirely to a conventional horizontal speaker plane.
IMAX Enhanced
IMAX Enhanced certification supports compatible IMAX Enhanced picture and audio content.
Actual programme availability depends on the film, disc or streaming service being used.
360 Spatial Sound Mapping
360 Spatial Sound Mapping is one of the TA-AN1000's defining features.
Using position information measured during D.C.A.C. IX calibration, the amplifier creates additional phantom speaker locations around the listening space.
The number and position of these virtual speakers depend on the physical loudspeaker configuration.
The objective is to produce a more continuous surround field even when room layout prevents every physical speaker from sitting in an ideal textbook position.
Why Phantom Speakers Can Be Useful
Real living rooms frequently contain:
- Doors
- Windows
- Furniture
- Asymmetric walls
- Open-plan areas
- Shared seating positions
That can make ideal speaker placement impossible.
360 Spatial Sound Mapping cannot remove the need for sensible speaker installation, but it gives the processor more information with which to create a convincing soundfield from an imperfect physical layout.
D.C.A.C. IX Calibration
Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX is Sony's automatic speaker-measurement system.
The supplied stereo calibration microphone and microphone stand are used to measure the system during initial setup.
D.C.A.C. IX can determine information including:
- Speaker distance
- Speaker level
- Three-dimensional speaker position
- Relative height
- Phase relationships
This information is then used by the amplifier's calibration and spatial-processing systems.
Automatic Phase Matching
Automatic Phase Matching is designed to improve phase consistency between connected loudspeakers.
This can be particularly useful in a home cinema containing several different speaker types or where physical positioning varies between channels.
Speaker Relocation
Speaker Relocation processing can virtually adjust the perceived position of physical speakers.
Again, this should not be seen as an excuse for arbitrary installation, but it gives the TA-AN1000 more flexibility in rooms where physical placement has unavoidable compromises.
Center Speaker Lift Up
A centre speaker normally sits underneath the television or projector screen.
Center Speaker Lift Up uses processing to move the perceived centre image upwards so dialogue appears closer to the actors on screen.
This can be particularly useful with a large television where a low furniture position puts the physical centre speaker well below picture height.
Acoustic Center Sync
With a compatible Sony BRAVIA television, Acoustic Center Sync can combine the TV's compatible speaker system with the dedicated centre channel.
The aim is to anchor dialogue more closely to the screen while retaining the scale and output of a conventional centre speaker.
This is particularly attractive with compatible BRAVIA televisions using screen-based audio technology.
Six HDMI Inputs
The TA-AN1000 provides six rear HDMI inputs.
They are intended for sources including:
- Games consoles
- 4K Blu-ray players
- Streaming boxes
- Satellite and cable receivers
- Media players
- Other HDMI sources
Two 8K and 4K/120Hz HDMI Inputs
The six HDMI inputs are not identical.
The following two inputs support the highest-bandwidth formats:
- GAME: up to 8K or 4K/120Hz
- MEDIA BOX: up to 8K or 4K/120Hz
The remaining HDMI inputs support video up to 4K/60Hz.
Connect 4K/120Hz Sources to GAME or MEDIA BOX
A PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X or other source requiring 4K at 120Hz should be connected to the GAME or MEDIA BOX HDMI input.
The BD/DVD, SAT/CATV, VIDEO and SA-CD/CD HDMI inputs do not provide the same 8K/4K120 bandwidth.
Use the Correct HDMI Cable
Sony specifies an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable capable of 48Gbps for 8K and 4K/120Hz signals.
The correct high-bandwidth setting must also be selected within the amplifier's HDMI Signal Format menu and, where necessary, on the connected television.
8K at 60Hz
Compatible sources can pass video at up to 8K/60Hz through the GAME and MEDIA BOX inputs.
The connected television or projector must also support the required 8K signal format.
4K at 120Hz
4K/120Hz pass-through is particularly useful for current-generation games consoles and gaming PCs.
A compatible game, source, television and Ultra High Speed HDMI cable are all required.
Variable Refresh Rate
VRR allows a compatible display to alter its refresh rate according to the frame rate produced by a games console or PC.
This can reduce visible tearing when gaming frame rates fluctuate.
Auto Low Latency Mode
ALLM allows compatible source equipment and displays to switch automatically into their low-latency gaming modes when appropriate.
HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision
The TA-AN1000 supports pass-through of:
Sony does not list HDR10+ among the TA-AN1000's supported HDR formats.
Two HDMI Outputs
Two HDMI outputs provide greater installation flexibility.
The main HDMI output connects to the primary television or projector and supports ARC/eARC.
The second HDMI output can either mirror the main system or be configured for Zone 2 operation.
HDMI eARC
Enhanced Audio Return Channel allows compatible high-resolution audio to travel from a television back to the TA-AN1000 through HDMI.
This is particularly useful when using:
- Google TV apps
- Netflix
- Disney+
- Prime Video
- Other applications built into the television
The television and amplifier must both have eARC enabled and correctly configured.
BRAVIA Sync
HDMI-CEC functionality is provided through Sony's BRAVIA Sync system.
This allows compatible products to share basic control information for functions such as power, input selection and volume.
Video Upscaling
The TA-AN1000 includes video scaling up to 4K or 8K.
Upscaling can adapt lower-resolution sources to a higher output resolution, but it cannot recreate picture information that does not exist in the original source.
A native high-quality 4K source will generally remain preferable to heavily processing a poor lower-resolution source.
Four Analogue Audio Inputs
Four stereo analogue audio inputs allow conventional line-level source equipment to be connected.
Suitable examples include:
- CD players
- Network streamers
- DACs
- Older analogue AV sources
No Phono Stage
The TA-AN1000 does not include a dedicated moving-magnet or moving-coil phono input.
A turntable requires either a built-in phono stage or an external phono pre-amplifier before connecting to one of the TA-AN1000's normal analogue inputs.
Optical and Coaxial Digital Inputs
Legacy digital audio connectivity includes:
- One optical Toslink input
- One coaxial S/PDIF input
These can be useful for older televisions, CD transports and other digital source equipment.
Two Composite Video Inputs
The TA-AN1000 retains two composite video inputs and one composite monitor output for older analogue video equipment.
These connections should not be confused with modern HDMI video and are mainly useful for legacy sources.
Two Subwoofer Pre-Outs
Two line-level subwoofer outputs allow one or two compatible active subwoofers to be connected.
Using two subwoofers can provide benefits beyond simply creating more bass.
Carefully positioned dual subwoofers can help produce more even low-frequency coverage across multiple seats by interacting with room modes differently.
No Full Multichannel Pre-Out Section
The TA-AN1000 does not provide analogue pre-outs for all seven main speaker channels.
The main-zone analogue pre-outs are for the two active subwoofers.
This means it is not designed as a seven-channel AV processor that can later be expanded with separate power amplifiers for every channel.
Headphone Output
A front headphone socket allows conventional wired headphones to be used.
A dedicated two-channel headphone sound field is available.
Bluetooth Receiver Mode
The TA-AN1000 can receive Bluetooth audio from compatible phones, tablets and other devices.
This provides a quick wireless option where full network streaming is unnecessary.
Bluetooth Transmitter Mode
Bluetooth can also operate in the opposite direction.
In transmitter mode, audio from the amplifier can be sent to one compatible Bluetooth headphone or speaker.
Speaker Output Is Muted in Bluetooth Transmitter Mode
Sony specifies that the amplifier's connected loudspeakers do not produce sound while Bluetooth Transmitter mode is active.
LDAC Bluetooth Transmission
Sony provides LDAC and SBC options when the TA-AN1000 is transmitting Bluetooth audio.
LDAC provides higher available data rates with compatible receiving equipment, although wireless stability depends on the local Bluetooth environment.
Wi-Fi and Ethernet
The TA-AN1000 can join the home network using either Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet.
For a permanent home cinema installation, Ethernet is often worth considering because the amplifier is unlikely to move once installed and a wired connection removes dependence on local Wi-Fi strength.
Apple AirPlay 2
AirPlay 2 allows compatible Apple devices to send music to the TA-AN1000 over the home network.
This provides straightforward integration with iPhone, iPad and Mac systems.
Chromecast Built-In
Chromecast built-in allows music to be selected within compatible Cast-enabled applications and sent directly to the amplifier.
This also forms part of Sony's support for compatible 360 Reality Audio services.
Spotify Connect
Spotify Connect allows the Spotify app on a phone, tablet or computer to control playback directly through the TA-AN1000.
The mobile device acts as the controller rather than continuously sending the music over Bluetooth.
Works with Sonos
The TA-AN1000 includes Works with Sonos integration.
Once a compatible Sonos device on the same network has been configured, the amplifier can associate it with:
- A selected input
- A preset volume
- A chosen output zone
Starting playback from the Sonos system can then switch the Sony amplifier to the configured source and volume.
Works with Sonos Is Not Sonos Built In
The TA-AN1000 does not itself become a complete Sonos player simply because it carries Works with Sonos compatibility.
A compatible Sonos device and Sonos system are required for this integration.
Roon Tested
Sony lists the TA-AN1000 as Roon Tested.
This is different from Roon Ready certification.
Roon Tested indicates that Roon has tested compatibility with the product's supported connection methods, rather than the amplifier containing a native Roon Ready network endpoint.
Sony Music Center
The Sony Music Center app can be used to control compatible network and multi-zone functions from a phone or tablet.
This can be particularly useful when the amplifier is installed in a rack or when controlling Zone 3 from another room.
Home Network Playback
DLNA DMP and DMR functionality allows compatible music stored on computers and network servers to be played through the TA-AN1000.
Supported high-resolution formats include:
- FLAC
- ALAC
- WAV
- AIFF
- DSF
- DSDIFF
Native DSD to 11.2MHz
Sony specifies native DSD playback through compatible USB or network sources at up to 11.2MHz.
DSD files can therefore be handled without first converting them into conventional PCM when the appropriate playback mode is used.
360 Reality Audio
360 Reality Audio is Sony's object-based immersive music format.
Compatible recordings can position individual musical elements around the listening space rather than limiting playback to conventional left/right stereo.
Compatible music services and source applications are required.
DSEE Ultimate
DSEE Ultimate is Sony's processing system for lower-quality or compressed digital audio.
It analyses the incoming music and attempts to restore some information lost through compression.
It should not be confused with genuine high-resolution source material, but it can be useful with compressed libraries and streams.
Pure Direct
Pure Direct provides a simplified audio path for customers who want to minimise unnecessary processing during music playback.
The preferred mode will depend on whether room correction, bass management and other processing are beneficial in the particular system.
Optional Sony Wireless Rear Speakers
The TA-AN1000 can work with compatible Sony wireless rear-speaker systems.
Sony's current product information includes compatibility with products such as:
- SA-RS5
- BRAVIA Theatre Rear 8
Compatibility can depend on current firmware and product generation, so check the latest Sony compatibility information when adding wireless speakers to an existing TA-AN1000.
Optional Sony Wireless Subwoofers
Compatible Sony wireless subwoofers can also be added without running a conventional analogue subwoofer cable across the room.
Sony currently lists compatible products including:
- SA-SW3
- SA-SW5
- BRAVIA Theatre Sub 7
A conventional wired active subwoofer can alternatively use either of the TA-AN1000's two RCA subwoofer outputs.
Zone 2 HDMI
The second HDMI output can be configured for Zone 2.
This allows compatible HDMI video and audio from the main equipment location to be sent to another television or AV system in a second room.
Zone 2 video has some format restrictions compared with the main output, so high-bandwidth gaming formats should normally be reserved for the main room.
Zone 3 Audio
A third audio zone can be created using either:
- The assignable Surround Back/Height amplifier terminals
- The dedicated Zone 3 analogue line output
The Zone 3 line output can operate at either fixed or variable level.
This allows another amplifier or active audio system to be used in a different room.
Assigning Zone 3 Uses Shared Amplifier Channels
The Surround Back/Height amplifier terminals are shared with Front B, Bi-Amp and Zone 3 functions.
If those two power-amplifier channels are assigned to another room, they cannot simultaneously operate as surround-back or height channels in the main system.
Bi-Amp Capability
The assignable rear amplifier channels can alternatively be used for compatible front-speaker bi-amplification.
This requires speakers with separate bass and treble terminals designed for bi-amp operation.
Again, assigning these channels to the front speakers means they are no longer available for surround-back, height or powered Zone 3 duties.
Front B Speakers
The assignable amplifier channels can also operate a second pair of front loudspeakers.
This can be useful where two different pairs of speakers are used in the same room, subject to the amplifier's speaker-assignment settings and impedance requirements.
Graphical User Interface
Setup is handled through an on-screen graphical interface displayed on the connected television.
This provides access to:
- Speaker configuration
- Room calibration
- HDMI settings
- Network configuration
- Bluetooth
- Zone control
- Input assignment
- Sound fields
Supplied Calibration Microphone
A stereo calibration microphone and dedicated microphone stand are included.
Using the supplied stand correctly is important because D.C.A.C. IX measures both horizontal and vertical loudspeaker position.
TA-AN1000 or a Soundbar?
Choose the TA-AN1000 When
- You want real separate loudspeakers
- Physical surround channels are important
- You want a 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos system
- You need several HDMI sources
- You want freedom to choose speakers and subwoofers
- You want D.C.A.C. IX room calibration
- You want upgrade flexibility
- Music playback matters as well as films
Consider a Soundbar When
- Minimal cabling is the priority
- There is no room for multiple speakers
- The installation must remain visually discreet
- A simpler one-box system is preferable
- Full-size passive speakers are impractical
TA-AN1000 and BRAVIA 8 II
The TA-AN1000 is a natural partner for Sony's current BRAVIA televisions.
With the 55-inch BRAVIA 8 II or 65-inch BRAVIA 8 II, the amplifier can take advantage of Sony-specific functions including Acoustic Center Sync alongside standard HDMI eARC and BRAVIA Sync.
TA-AN1000 and UBP-X700K
The Sony UBP-X700K 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player provides a high-quality physical-media source for the TA-AN1000.
A typical connection is:
- UBP-X700K HDMI output to TA-AN1000
- TA-AN1000 HDMI output to television or projector
- TA-AN1000 decodes and amplifies the soundtrack
For conventional 4K/60Hz Blu-ray playback, a standard 4K-capable HDMI input is sufficient and there is no need to occupy one of the two 4K/120Hz gaming inputs.
Turntable Connection
A turntable can be used, but the TA-AN1000 does not contain its own phono stage.
The signal path should therefore be:
- Turntable
- Suitable MM or MC phono stage
- TA-AN1000 analogue line input
A turntable with its own switchable built-in phono pre-amplifier can alternatively connect directly at line level.
TA-AN1000 or Stereo Amplifier?
The TA-AN1000 is designed first and foremost as the heart of a multichannel home cinema system.
A dedicated stereo amplifier may still be preferable where:
- Only two speakers are required
- Music is the overwhelming priority
- No HDMI switching is needed
- No surround processing is required
- A phono stage or specialist stereo connectivity is more important
Where one system needs to handle films, television, games and music through several loudspeakers, the TA-AN1000 is much more appropriate.
UK TA-AN1000 Versus STR-AN1000
Be Careful With Online STR-AN1000 Specifications
The UK and European model is the TA-AN1000.
North American reviews frequently cover the closely related STR-AN1000 receiver.
The UK TA-AN1000 has no FM or AM radio tuner, so tuner specifications from the STR-AN1000 should not be copied onto this product page.
Firmware Updates
The TA-AN1000 is network updatable and Sony continues to provide firmware through its support platform.
Keeping the amplifier on current firmware is recommended for compatibility, security and feature improvements.
If the amplifier is installed in a system that is normally disconnected from the internet, check Sony's support site periodically for updates.
Dimensions and Installation
The TA-AN1000 measures approximately:
- 430mm wide
- 156mm high
- 331mm deep
Weight is approximately 10.3kg.
Allow additional depth behind the amplifier for HDMI, speaker, Ethernet and subwoofer cables.
Allow Proper Ventilation
An AV amplifier contains seven power-amplifier channels, digital processing and a substantial power supply within one chassis.
Do not tightly enclose the TA-AN1000 in an unventilated cupboard or stack equipment directly over its ventilation openings.
Follow Sony's installation clearances and ventilation guidance.
Who Is the TA-AN1000 For?
Well Suited To
- 5.1 home cinema systems
- 7.1 and 7.2 systems
- 5.1.2 and 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos
- Sony BRAVIA televisions
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X
- 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
- 4K/120Hz gaming
- 8K-compatible systems
- Rooms with imperfect speaker positioning
- Spotify Connect
- Apple AirPlay 2
- Chromecast users
- Sonos-integrated homes
- High-resolution music libraries
- Multi-zone systems
Check Before Buying
- Seven powered channels only
- No 5.2.4 Atmos amplification
- No 7.2.2 Atmos amplification
- Only GAME and MEDIA BOX support 4K120 and 8K
- No full multichannel pre-outs
- No phono stage
- No FM or AM tuner on UK TA model
- No 12V trigger
- Assignable rear channels are shared between several functions
- Works with Sonos requires compatible Sonos equipment
- Roon Tested is not the same as Roon Ready
- 6 to 16-ohm speakers are specified
Key Features
- Seven power-amplifier channels
- 7.1-channel decoding
- Two subwoofer outputs
- 120W + 120W quoted stereo output
- 6 to 16-ohm speaker compatibility
- Dolby Atmos
- Dolby TrueHD
- Dolby Digital Plus
- Dolby Digital
- DTS:X
- DTS-HD Master Audio
- DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
- DTS
- LPCM
- DSD over HDMI
- IMAX Enhanced
- 360 Spatial Sound Mapping
- Phantom Surround Back
- Speaker Relocation
- D.C.A.C. IX
- Automatic Phase Matching
- Acoustic Center Sync
- Center Speaker Lift Up
- In-Ceiling Speaker Mode
- DSEE Ultimate
- Pure Direct
- 360 Reality Audio
- High-Resolution Audio
- High-Resolution Audio Wireless
- Native DSD playback
- DSD to 11.2MHz
- FLAC playback
- ALAC playback
- WAV playback
- AIFF playback
- Six HDMI inputs
- Two HDMI outputs
- HDCP 2.3
- 8K/60Hz
- 4K/120Hz
- VRR
- ALLM
- HDR10
- HLG
- Dolby Vision
- 4K/8K upscaling
- HDMI eARC
- HDMI ARC
- BRAVIA Sync
- PS5 Auto Genre Picture Mode pass-through
- PS5 Auto HDR Tone Mapping pass-through
- Four analogue stereo inputs
- One optical digital input
- One coaxial digital input
- Two composite video inputs
- Composite monitor output
- Front USB
- Front headphone socket
- Wi-Fi
- Ethernet
- Bluetooth receiver mode
- Bluetooth transmitter mode
- LDAC Bluetooth transmission
- Apple AirPlay 2
- Chromecast built-in
- Spotify Connect
- Works with Sonos
- Roon Tested
- DLNA DMP and DMR
- Sony Music Center
- Works with Google Home
- Optional Sony wireless rear speakers
- Optional Sony wireless subwoofers
- Zone 2 HDMI
- Zone 3 powered output
- Zone 3 line output
- Fixed or variable Zone 3 line output
- Front B speaker assignment
- Bi-amp assignment
- IR repeater input and output
- Graphical user interface
- Calibration microphone supplied
- Calibration microphone stand supplied
- Remote control supplied
- 430 x 156 x 331mm dimensions
- 10.3kg weight
Frequently Asked Questions
How many amplifier channels does the TA-AN1000 have?
Seven.
Why is it called a 7.2 amplifier?
Seven passive speaker channels can be powered directly and two active subwoofers can be connected through the two subwoofer pre-outs.
Can it run 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos?
Yes.
Can it run 7.2?
Yes, using seven conventional speaker channels and up to two active subwoofers.
Can it run 5.2.4 Atmos?
No. That arrangement requires nine powered speaker channels.
Can it run 7.2.2 Atmos?
No. That also requires nine powered speaker channels.
How powerful is the TA-AN1000?
Sony specifies 120W + 120W into 6 ohms at 1kHz and 0.9% THD under its quoted stereo measurement condition.
Is that 120W from all seven channels at once?
Sony does not specify 120W simultaneously from all seven channels under the published test condition, so it should not be described as 7 x 120W continuous output.
What speaker impedance does Sony recommend?
6 to 16 ohms nominal.
Does it support Dolby Atmos?
Yes.
Does it support DTS:X?
Yes.
Does it support IMAX Enhanced?
Yes.
What is 360 Spatial Sound Mapping?
It uses measured speaker-position data to create additional phantom speaker positions around the room, helping produce a more continuous immersive soundfield.
What is D.C.A.C. IX?
It is Sony's room and speaker calibration system. The supplied stereo microphone measures the three-dimensional position, level and relationship of the connected speakers.
Is the calibration microphone included?
Yes, together with a dedicated calibration microphone stand.
Does the TA-AN1000 have HDMI 2.1?
It supports HDMI 2.1 features including 8K, 4K120, VRR, ALLM and eARC, but the highest-bandwidth input formats are limited to the GAME and MEDIA BOX HDMI inputs.
How many HDMI inputs are there?
Six.
How many HDMI outputs are there?
Two.
Which HDMI inputs support 4K at 120Hz?
GAME and MEDIA BOX.
Which HDMI inputs support 8K?
GAME and MEDIA BOX.
What do the other HDMI inputs support?
The other HDMI inputs support video signals up to 4K/60Hz.
Does it support VRR?
Yes, on the high-bandwidth GAME and MEDIA BOX path.
Does it support ALLM?
Yes.
Does it support Dolby Vision?
Yes.
Does it support HDR10?
Yes.
Does it support HLG?
Yes.
Does it support HDR10+?
HDR10+ is not listed in Sony's published HDR specification for the TA-AN1000.
Does it have eARC?
Yes.
Can I use it with the Sony BRAVIA 8 II?
Yes. It is particularly well suited to compatible BRAVIA televisions and supports Acoustic Center Sync in addition to standard HDMI eARC and BRAVIA Sync.
Does it have a phono input?
No.
Can I connect a turntable?
Yes, but the turntable needs its own built-in phono stage or an external phono pre-amplifier before connecting to a normal analogue input.
How many analogue audio inputs does it have?
Four stereo analogue inputs.
Does it have optical digital input?
Yes, one.
Does it have coaxial digital input?
Yes, one.
Does it have full pre-outs for an external power amplifier?
No. There is no full seven-channel main-zone pre-out section.
How many subwoofer outputs are there?
Two.
Can I use two subwoofers?
Yes.
Does it have Wi-Fi?
Yes.
Does it have Ethernet?
Yes.
Does it support AirPlay 2?
Yes.
Does it support Chromecast?
Yes, Chromecast built-in is provided.
Does it support Spotify Connect?
Yes.
Does it work with Sonos?
Yes. Works with Sonos integration allows a compatible Sonos device to trigger a selected Sony input, preset volume and output zone.
Does Works with Sonos mean Sonos is built into the amplifier?
No. A compatible Sonos device and Sonos system are required.
Is the TA-AN1000 Roon Ready?
No. Sony lists it as Roon Tested, which is a different certification.
Does it play high-resolution audio?
Yes. Sony supports FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF and DSD through compatible USB and network sources.
What is the maximum DSD rate?
Sony specifies native DSD playback up to 11.2MHz.
Does it support 360 Reality Audio?
Yes.
Can I send Bluetooth audio to the amplifier?
Yes. Bluetooth Receiver mode accepts compatible wireless audio from a source device.
Can the amplifier send Bluetooth audio to headphones?
Yes. Bluetooth Transmitter mode can send audio to one compatible Bluetooth receiver such as headphones or a wireless speaker.
Can the normal speakers play at the same time as Bluetooth headphones?
No. Sony states that connected speakers are muted when Bluetooth Transmitter mode is active.
Does Bluetooth support LDAC?
LDAC and SBC transmission modes are available when sending audio to compatible Bluetooth equipment.
Can it use wireless Sony rear speakers?
Yes, with compatible Sony wireless rear-speaker products.
Can it use a wireless Sony subwoofer?
Yes, with compatible Sony wireless subwoofer models.
Can I use a normal wired subwoofer?
Yes. Two conventional RCA subwoofer pre-outs are provided.
Does it support a second room?
Yes. HDMI Zone 2 and audio Zone 3 functions are provided.
Can it power Zone 3 speakers?
Yes, by assigning the shared Surround Back/Height amplifier channels to Zone 3.
Can I use Atmos height speakers and powered Zone 3 simultaneously?
Not using the same assignable amplifier channels. The Surround Back/Height terminals are shared with Front B, Bi-Amp and Zone 3 duties.
Does it have a Zone 3 line output?
Yes. It can be set to fixed or variable output level.
Does it have an FM tuner?
No. The UK TA-AN1000 has no FM or AM tuner.
Why do some reviews say it has FM radio?
Some international reviews cover the closely related STR-AN1000 receiver. Sony specifically lists FM/AM as absent on the UK TA-AN1000.
How large is the TA-AN1000?
Approximately 430 x 156 x 331mm W x H x D.
How much does it weigh?
Approximately 10.3kg.
What is the power consumption?
Sony specifies approximately 240W operating power consumption, 0.5W normal standby and up to 3.5W networked standby with all networks and terminals active.
Does Sony still update the TA-AN1000?
Yes. Sony continues to provide firmware through its support platform, so keeping the amplifier updated is recommended.
What guarantee does it have?
Sony's standard European manufacturer guarantee is one year, subject to Sony's terms and proof of purchase. Applicable UK statutory consumer rights remain unaffected.
Related Sony Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Sony TA-AN1000 demonstrations
- Dolby Atmos system design
- 5.1, 7.1 and 5.2.2 speaker setup
- D.C.A.C. IX room calibration
- 360 Spatial Sound Mapping setup
- Speaker matching
- Subwoofer matching and positioning
- Dual-subwoofer setup advice
- BRAVIA integration
- Acoustic Center Sync setup
- PlayStation 5 and Xbox HDMI configuration
- 4K/120Hz and VRR setup
- HDMI eARC configuration
- Streaming and network setup
- Turntable and external phono-stage advice
- Multi-zone configuration
- Complete home cinema installation
- Ongoing setup and after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a Sony TA-AN1000 demonstration or discuss speaker layouts, Dolby Atmos, room calibration, BRAVIA integration and complete home cinema installation.