Is the STR-DN850 worth buying now?

It is worth it only at a low price and if you don't need 4K HDR passthrough or Atmos. For a new 4K TV setup, a current receiver is the safer buy.

Does it support Dolby Atmos?

No. It handles standard surround formats but not Atmos or DTS:X height channels.

Can it pass 4K HDR from a console or streamer?

No. Its HDMI spec predates 4K HDR passthrough, so route 4K sources straight to the TV and use the receiver for audio.

How many speakers can it power?

Seven, plus two subwoofers, for a 7.2 layout. It can also run 5.2 with the extra channels unused.

Does it have AirPlay and Bluetooth?

Yes, both are built in, along with Wi-Fi. AirPlay is the original version, not AirPlay 2.

The receiver, a remote, an FM antenna and a calibration microphone. Speaker wire and HDMI cables are not included.

Sony STR-DN850

Last price we saw

$498.00last seen Nov 1

Prices change often: ask the agent below to check today's price at every store.

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Ask our shopping agent

Our take on the Sony STR-DN850

The Sony STR-DN850 is a 7.2-channel AV receiver with built-in Wi-Fi, AirPlay and Bluetooth, aimed at home theater setups that want wireless streaming without extra adapters. It supports surround sound decoding and video upscaling to HDMI, and it can power two subwoofers. It is an older model, so its appeal now depends on the price you find it at against newer receivers with 4K HDR passthrough and Dolby Atmos.

Best forBuilding a first 7.2 home theater on a budgetStreaming from phones and tablets over AirPlay or BluetoothPowering two subwoofers in a medium roomBuyers who don't need 4K HDR or Atmos

Pros

Seven amplified channels for a full 7.2 layout
Wi-Fi, AirPlay and Bluetooth built in, no dongle needed
Two subwoofer outputs for more even bass
Video upscaling to HDMI for older sources
Sony's auto calibration simplifies speaker setup

Cons

Sony STR-DN850 prices at every store

eBayCheck price at eBay

Sony STR-DN850 price history

Lowest price we've seen: $498.00 on Nov 1. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 1.

What reviewers say

Owners generally rate the STR-DN850 as a solid, easy-to-set-up receiver for the money, with reliable wireless streaming and enough power for typical rooms. Criticism centers on its older HDMI spec and the lack of immersive audio formats.

Pros

Simple setup and auto calibration
Stable AirPlay and Bluetooth streaming
Good power for the price
Two subwoofer outputs

Cons

No 4K HDR passthrough
No Atmos or DTS:X
Basic on-screen interface
Limited app support over time

Specifications

Number Of Channels: 7.2 Channel

Questions and answers

Is the STR-DN850 worth buying now?: It is worth it only at a low price and if you don't need 4K HDR passthrough or Atmos. For a new 4K TV setup, a current receiver is the safer buy.
Does it support Dolby Atmos?: No. It handles standard surround formats but not Atmos or DTS:X height channels.
Can it pass 4K HDR from a console or streamer?: No. Its HDMI spec predates 4K HDR passthrough, so route 4K sources straight to the TV and use the receiver for audio.
How many speakers can it power?: Seven, plus two subwoofers, for a 7.2 layout. It can also run 5.2 with the extra channels unused.
Does it have AirPlay and Bluetooth?: Yes, both are built in, along with Wi-Fi. AirPlay is the original version, not AirPlay 2.
What's in the box?: The receiver, a remote, an FM antenna and a calibration microphone. Speaker wire and HDMI cables are not included.