Spice Up Your Home Theater With Hi-Res Audio Music Listening
Sony 2014 Home Theater Audio Products featuring Hi-Res Audio Support
DATELINE 4/24/14
Every year there seems to be something new in home theater, DVD, HDTV, Blu-ray, 3D, 4K, OLED, etc.... However, while advancements in video tech get all the hype, there is also a lot going on in audio that you may not have noticed.
Positive developments have included the evolution of home theater surround sound from the days of Dolby Logic and lossy Dolby Digital/DTS, to lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, bringing an immersive movie listening experience into the home that can rival (albeit in a smaller environment) what you experience at you local cinema multiplex.
On the other hand, in terms of music listening, the introduction of the iPod, and other portable listening devices, although making access to music a lot more convenient, has actually taken us backward in terms what we settle for as a good music listening experience.
With that in mind, there is now a move to bring back high quality two-channel audio listening by extending the capabilities of digital audio to that of physical media, such as Vinyl Records, CDs, SACDs, and DVD-Audio discs. These efforts are being placed under the label of "Hi-Res Audio".
To put it simply, using the physical CD (16 bit linear PCM at a 44.1khz sampling rate) as the reference point, anything below, such as MP3 and other highly-compressed formats are considered "low res" audio, and anything above is considered "hi-res" audio. Digital file formats residing in the hi-res audio domain include; ALAC, FLAC, AIFF, WAV, DSD (DSF and DFF).
Currently, Hi-Res audio files can be accessed via USB, home network, or internet download, provided you have a Hi-Res audio product that is compatible with the specific Hi-Res audio files you wish to play.
One of the prime players in the Hi-Res audio movement is Sony and via their Hi Resolution Audio Page provide more details on what Hi-Res audio is, its applications, and how to access compatible Hi-Res audio recordings. A running list of Sony's Hi-Res audio compatible products is also featured.
In keeping with Sony's Hi-Res audio initiative, they have decided to incorporate Hi-Res audio compatibility into several new home theater products.
One of the drawbacks of many home theater receivers and systems is that although they may do great a providing a surround sound listening experience for movies and TV, they don't always deliver a good two-channel music listening experience.
By incorporating both hardware upgrades to deliver clean, powerful, and sustainable power output, and the firmware and connectivity needed to access Hi-Res audio files, Sony has brought high quality two-channel audio performance into the home theater environment.
The new products were displayed and demonstrated at a special press event held on April 17, 2014 at their U.S. headquarters in San Diego, CA.
Proceed through the following pages for close-up photos and more details...
Sony STR-DN850 and STR-DN1050 Home Theater Receivers
Two of Sony's new home theater receivers for 2014 include the STR-DN850 (shown on the left) and the STR-DN1050 (shown on the right). Click on the photo for a full-size view.
The STR-DN850 and DTR-DN1050 both provide up to a 7.2 channel speaker configuration that can be set with either surround back, front height, front B, or bi-amp speaker configuration. In addition, the STR-DN1050 provides a two-channel analog audio Zone 2 preamp output On-board decoding and processing is included for most Dolby and DTS audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and Dolby Prologic IIz.
The STR-DN850 provides 5 HDMI 1.4-enabled inputs and one output, while the STR-DN1050 provides 6 HDMI inputs and three HDMI outputs (two parallel and one for an independent 2nd Zone) that provide 3D and up to 4K pass-through (the STR-DN1050 adds 4K Upscaling). Also, one HDMI input on each receiver is MHL-enabled. Audio Return Channel via one HDMI output is provided on both receivers.
However, there is more. A front mounted USB port is provided on both receivers for access to audio and video content from iPod/iPhone or USB flash drives, as well as built-in wired (ethernet) or wireless (WiFi) for both internet and DLNA network connectivity. Hi-Res audio files are accessible via USB, internet download, and home network.
In addition to built-in WiFi, both receivers also incorporate Bluetooth (with NFC), which provides even more convenient wireless access to streaming audio content from both iOS and Android devices.
For control, in addition to the provided easy-to-use redesigned remote, Sony's free downloadable Media Remote app for iOS or Android devices can also be used to the control the major functions of the STR-DN850 and DN1050, while Sony's SongPal App for iOS and Android provides easy search and navigation of audio content.
For easy setup, both receivers also include Sony's Digtial Cinema Auto Calibration speaker setup system.
Proceed To The Next Page For More On These Two Receivers...
Sony STR-DN850 and STR-DN1050 Home Theater Receivers
Shown on this page is a rear view look at both the Sony STR-DN1050 (top) and STR-DN850 (bottom) which reveal the differences in their available connection options (click on photo for full-size view).
As you can see, the STR-DN850 has one HDMI output vs the three offered by the STR-DN1050. Also note that while the STR-DN1050 provides two sets of component video (red, green, blue) inputs and one set of component video outputs, the STR-DN850 does not provide any component video connection option.
Another connection difference is that the STR-DN1050 provides an analog Zone 2 preamp output, but the STR-DN850 does not.
In addition, it is important to point out that that neither receiver provides S-video, 5.1/7.1 analog audio inputs or outputs, or phono input for connection of a turntable for playing Vinyl Records, unless you have a turntable has a built-in phono preamp, or place an external phono preamp between a turntable and one of the analog stereo audio inputs of either receiver.
For more details on the connections, specifications, and features (including Hi-Res audio compatibility) of both receivers, refer to the Official STR-DN1050 and STR-DN850 Product Pages.
The Sony STR-DN1050 is priced at $599.99
The Sony STR-DN850 is priced at $499.99
Proceed To The Next Page...
Another new home theater product shown was the BDV-N7200W Home Theater system. At its core, this system incorporates a built-in 3D Blu-ray disc player, which also play DVDs and CDs, and also provides both 1080p and 4K upscaling.
The system also incorporates a 5.1 channel speaker configuration (with wireless surround speakers and wireless subwoofer), Dolby Digital/DTS decoding and processing, and built-in Wi-Fi which provides convenient access to audio and video content from both the internet (Netflix, HuluPlus, Sony Music Unlimited, Pandora, Spotify) and DLNA-certified devices.
Also, Bluetooth and NFC are provided for wireless access to content stored on compatible portable devices.
An added bonus is that, just as with the STR-DN850 and DN1050 home theater receivers profiled on the previous pages, the BDV-N7200W comes equipped with ability to access a wide range of Hi-Res audio files via network, HDMI, or USB sources.
For ease of control and content navigation, in addition to the provided remote control, the BDV-N7200W is also compatible with Sony's SongPal App for iOS and Android.
For more details on features, specifications, and Hi-Res audio file compatibility, refer to the Official BDV-N7200W Product Page.
The suggested price for the BDV-N7200W is $699
Proceed To The Next Page...
In the past couple of years there have been great strides made in upping the audio quality that can be obtained from inexpensive speakers - most notable are systems from Monoprice (10565) and Pioneer (SP-PK22BS)
Now, for 2014, Sony is getting into the game with its new CS-Series loudspeakers (shown in the above photo) that are designed to directly challenge both Monoprice's and Pioneer's great offerings.
I had a chance to hear the new Sony CS series speakers during a special presentation at their U.S. headquarters in San Diego, CA, and I will definitely say that Sony has succeeded in producing an excellent, yet affordable speaker line.
In a 5.1 channel configuration using the SS-CS3 Floorstanding speakers ($239.99 each) for the front left/right, SS-CS8 ($169) for the center channel, SS-CS5 Bookshelf speakers ($219 pr) for the surrounds, and the SA-CS9 10-inch 115 watt subwoofer ($239), the CS series does a great job with both movies and music, with good center channel presence and low frequency extension, which is a challenge for inexpensive speakers to accomplish. Also impressive is that just using the two front SS-CS3 floorstanding speakers for listening to two channel hi-res audio sources (and without using the sub), the low frequency response of the two speakers was quite good.
For a more in-depth perspective on Sony's 2014 CS-Series speaker line, read the report by Brent Butterworth, About.com Stereos Expert, who also attended the Sony presentation and had a chance to listen to the speakers.
The Sony CS series will be offered exclusively through Best Buy (availability coming soon).
DATELINE 4/24/14
Every year there seems to be something new in home theater, DVD, HDTV, Blu-ray, 3D, 4K, OLED, etc.... However, while advancements in video tech get all the hype, there is also a lot going on in audio that you may not have noticed.
Positive developments have included the evolution of home theater surround sound from the days of Dolby Logic and lossy Dolby Digital/DTS, to lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, bringing an immersive movie listening experience into the home that can rival (albeit in a smaller environment) what you experience at you local cinema multiplex.
On the other hand, in terms of music listening, the introduction of the iPod, and other portable listening devices, although making access to music a lot more convenient, has actually taken us backward in terms what we settle for as a good music listening experience.
With that in mind, there is now a move to bring back high quality two-channel audio listening by extending the capabilities of digital audio to that of physical media, such as Vinyl Records, CDs, SACDs, and DVD-Audio discs. These efforts are being placed under the label of "Hi-Res Audio".
To put it simply, using the physical CD (16 bit linear PCM at a 44.1khz sampling rate) as the reference point, anything below, such as MP3 and other highly-compressed formats are considered "low res" audio, and anything above is considered "hi-res" audio. Digital file formats residing in the hi-res audio domain include; ALAC, FLAC, AIFF, WAV, DSD (DSF and DFF).
Currently, Hi-Res audio files can be accessed via USB, home network, or internet download, provided you have a Hi-Res audio product that is compatible with the specific Hi-Res audio files you wish to play.
One of the prime players in the Hi-Res audio movement is Sony and via their Hi Resolution Audio Page provide more details on what Hi-Res audio is, its applications, and how to access compatible Hi-Res audio recordings. A running list of Sony's Hi-Res audio compatible products is also featured.
In keeping with Sony's Hi-Res audio initiative, they have decided to incorporate Hi-Res audio compatibility into several new home theater products.
One of the drawbacks of many home theater receivers and systems is that although they may do great a providing a surround sound listening experience for movies and TV, they don't always deliver a good two-channel music listening experience.
By incorporating both hardware upgrades to deliver clean, powerful, and sustainable power output, and the firmware and connectivity needed to access Hi-Res audio files, Sony has brought high quality two-channel audio performance into the home theater environment.
The new products were displayed and demonstrated at a special press event held on April 17, 2014 at their U.S. headquarters in San Diego, CA.
Proceed through the following pages for close-up photos and more details...
Sony STR-DN850 and STR-DN1050 Home Theater Receivers
Two of Sony's new home theater receivers for 2014 include the STR-DN850 (shown on the left) and the STR-DN1050 (shown on the right). Click on the photo for a full-size view.
The STR-DN850 and DTR-DN1050 both provide up to a 7.2 channel speaker configuration that can be set with either surround back, front height, front B, or bi-amp speaker configuration. In addition, the STR-DN1050 provides a two-channel analog audio Zone 2 preamp output On-board decoding and processing is included for most Dolby and DTS audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and Dolby Prologic IIz.
The STR-DN850 provides 5 HDMI 1.4-enabled inputs and one output, while the STR-DN1050 provides 6 HDMI inputs and three HDMI outputs (two parallel and one for an independent 2nd Zone) that provide 3D and up to 4K pass-through (the STR-DN1050 adds 4K Upscaling). Also, one HDMI input on each receiver is MHL-enabled. Audio Return Channel via one HDMI output is provided on both receivers.
However, there is more. A front mounted USB port is provided on both receivers for access to audio and video content from iPod/iPhone or USB flash drives, as well as built-in wired (ethernet) or wireless (WiFi) for both internet and DLNA network connectivity. Hi-Res audio files are accessible via USB, internet download, and home network.
In addition to built-in WiFi, both receivers also incorporate Bluetooth (with NFC), which provides even more convenient wireless access to streaming audio content from both iOS and Android devices.
For control, in addition to the provided easy-to-use redesigned remote, Sony's free downloadable Media Remote app for iOS or Android devices can also be used to the control the major functions of the STR-DN850 and DN1050, while Sony's SongPal App for iOS and Android provides easy search and navigation of audio content.
For easy setup, both receivers also include Sony's Digtial Cinema Auto Calibration speaker setup system.
Proceed To The Next Page For More On These Two Receivers...
Sony STR-DN850 and STR-DN1050 Home Theater Receivers
Shown on this page is a rear view look at both the Sony STR-DN1050 (top) and STR-DN850 (bottom) which reveal the differences in their available connection options (click on photo for full-size view).
As you can see, the STR-DN850 has one HDMI output vs the three offered by the STR-DN1050. Also note that while the STR-DN1050 provides two sets of component video (red, green, blue) inputs and one set of component video outputs, the STR-DN850 does not provide any component video connection option.
Another connection difference is that the STR-DN1050 provides an analog Zone 2 preamp output, but the STR-DN850 does not.
In addition, it is important to point out that that neither receiver provides S-video, 5.1/7.1 analog audio inputs or outputs, or phono input for connection of a turntable for playing Vinyl Records, unless you have a turntable has a built-in phono preamp, or place an external phono preamp between a turntable and one of the analog stereo audio inputs of either receiver.
For more details on the connections, specifications, and features (including Hi-Res audio compatibility) of both receivers, refer to the Official STR-DN1050 and STR-DN850 Product Pages.
The Sony STR-DN1050 is priced at $599.99
The Sony STR-DN850 is priced at $499.99
Proceed To The Next Page...
Another new home theater product shown was the BDV-N7200W Home Theater system. At its core, this system incorporates a built-in 3D Blu-ray disc player, which also play DVDs and CDs, and also provides both 1080p and 4K upscaling.
The system also incorporates a 5.1 channel speaker configuration (with wireless surround speakers and wireless subwoofer), Dolby Digital/DTS decoding and processing, and built-in Wi-Fi which provides convenient access to audio and video content from both the internet (Netflix, HuluPlus, Sony Music Unlimited, Pandora, Spotify) and DLNA-certified devices.
Also, Bluetooth and NFC are provided for wireless access to content stored on compatible portable devices.
An added bonus is that, just as with the STR-DN850 and DN1050 home theater receivers profiled on the previous pages, the BDV-N7200W comes equipped with ability to access a wide range of Hi-Res audio files via network, HDMI, or USB sources.
For ease of control and content navigation, in addition to the provided remote control, the BDV-N7200W is also compatible with Sony's SongPal App for iOS and Android.
For more details on features, specifications, and Hi-Res audio file compatibility, refer to the Official BDV-N7200W Product Page.
The suggested price for the BDV-N7200W is $699
Proceed To The Next Page...
In the past couple of years there have been great strides made in upping the audio quality that can be obtained from inexpensive speakers - most notable are systems from Monoprice (10565) and Pioneer (SP-PK22BS)
Now, for 2014, Sony is getting into the game with its new CS-Series loudspeakers (shown in the above photo) that are designed to directly challenge both Monoprice's and Pioneer's great offerings.
I had a chance to hear the new Sony CS series speakers during a special presentation at their U.S. headquarters in San Diego, CA, and I will definitely say that Sony has succeeded in producing an excellent, yet affordable speaker line.
In a 5.1 channel configuration using the SS-CS3 Floorstanding speakers ($239.99 each) for the front left/right, SS-CS8 ($169) for the center channel, SS-CS5 Bookshelf speakers ($219 pr) for the surrounds, and the SA-CS9 10-inch 115 watt subwoofer ($239), the CS series does a great job with both movies and music, with good center channel presence and low frequency extension, which is a challenge for inexpensive speakers to accomplish. Also impressive is that just using the two front SS-CS3 floorstanding speakers for listening to two channel hi-res audio sources (and without using the sub), the low frequency response of the two speakers was quite good.
For a more in-depth perspective on Sony's 2014 CS-Series speaker line, read the report by Brent Butterworth, About.com Stereos Expert, who also attended the Sony presentation and had a chance to listen to the speakers.
The Sony CS series will be offered exclusively through Best Buy (availability coming soon).
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