Sony STR-DN850 7.2 4K HDMI Receiver

The Sony STR-DN850, released in 2014, represented a major shift for Sony's AV receivers, It is a 7.2-channel receiver that was one of the first in its class to prioritize wireless streaming and 4K integration.

1. Audio Performance & Power

• Channels: 7.2-channel surround sound.

• Power Output: 150 Watts per channel ($6\Omega$, $1$ kHz, $0.9\%$ THD, 1-channel driven) or roughly 95 Watts in a more conservative stereo rating.

• Hi-Res Audio Support: This is a "Hi-Res" certified receiver, capable of decoding DSD (up to 2.8MHz), FLAC, ALAC, and AIFF files via USB or network.

• Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC): Uses an included microphone to automatically adjust speaker distance, volume, and frequency response based on your room's acoustics.

2. Video & Connectivity

• 4K Pass-Through & Upscaling: Supports 4K video signals and can upscale standard 1080p video to 4K for UHD displays.

• HDMI I/O: 5 HDMI inputs and 1 output.

• Network Features:

• Built-in Wi-Fi & Bluetooth: Includes NFC for "one-touch" pairing with compatible smartphones.

• AirPlay & DLNA: Allows for seamless streaming from Apple devices or a home media server/PC.

• Spotify Connect: Directly stream music using the Spotify app as a remote.

3. Operational Features

• Mobile App Control: Compatible with the Sony SongPal app (now Music Center), allowing you to control the receiver's settings and multi-room audio from your phone.

• Graphical User Interface (GUI): Features a much more modern, icon-based on-screen menu compared to the text-heavy menus of older receivers like your Yamaha RX-V1600.

• MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link): One of the front HDMI ports supports MHL, allowing you to connect and charge smartphones while mirroring their screen.

Technical Specifications