Today, Sony presents its latest addition to its range of AV amplifiers in the form of the new TA-AN1000.
It is a 7.2-channel 8K AV amplifier with 360 Spatial Sound Mapping that supports both 8K and 4K120. The amplifier’s HDMI ports should support HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision and have support for 8K and IMAX Enhanced. It also supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) with HDMI 2.1.
In terms of streaming, we find things like Spotify Connect, Chromecast, Airplay 2, and Works with Sonos. The amplifier has a power output of 120 W per two channels at 6 ohms.
Packed with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and 3D room mapping, TA-AN1000 promises an immersive home cinema experience.
The model name AN-1000 should sound familiar to Sony fans: it evokes memories of classic amplifiers like TA-E-1000ESD, which was a milestone in its time. So Sony is obviously serious about this model.
For those who want to take the step to true high-end home theater with separate speakers, a surround amplifier that can handle the task is needed.
Sony TA-AN1000 supports the latest surround sound formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and handles video with up to 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz in HDR format.
The amplifier part delivers 7 x 85 watts (8 ohms, 120 W per channel at 6 ohms) and can be configured for either 7.1 surround or 5.1.2 with height channels.
Perhaps most interestingly, TA-AN1000 has Sony’s patented room correction – Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (D.C.A.C. IX) in combination with 360 Spatial Sound Mapping. D.C.A.C. IX can correct distance, angle, sound pressure, phase, and frequency response for each speaker using the included calibration microphone. In this way, it can compensate for challenging speaker placement, delay, or phase shifts.
Using the position information measured by the microphone, the system can map the room in 3D, and create multiple “phantom speakers” and place them around the room – all to create a more immersive sound experience. We have heard the technology in action with the completely active, wireless surround speakers HT-A9, but now it will be possible to use it with existing passive speakers. Whether it will work as well remains to be seen/heard.
TA-AN100 will be released in June
