Sony STR DN850 is an AV receiver that provides its users with tons of value for the price. A talented all-rounder with a plethora of features built into the AV receiver. This AVR is a solid performer and has excellent sound quality especially when it comes to home theater performance. As remarkable as the Sony STR DN850 is, it will still need the right speakers to match them so that they can sound their absolute best.
If you are currently on the lookout for the best matching speakers for your Sony STR DN850 then do continue to read on. We are planning to list out the loudspeakers which you can go for and pair with your Sony AVR. Right after we have learned more of this AV receiver’s strengths, sonic characteristics, and limitations. These are crucial pieces of information that are needed to find the right matching speakers for your Sony STR DN850.
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Sonic Characteristics and Important Specifications of Sony STR DH850
As mentioned earlier, it is packed with features and if you like streaming your music then you will be delighted to know there is Bluetooth connectivity and supports aptX encoding, giving you higher music streaming quality. For Apple users, there is also Apple AirPlay for you. The WiFi connection allows your Sony STR DN850 to play high-resolution audio files (24-bit/192kHz resolution) from your connected computer. The AVR is also capable of processing 4K and 3D signals but please note that it is not HDCP 2.2 compliant. You can upscale videos all the way up to 4K UHD for an even more beautiful cinematic visual.
It is a 7.2 channel AV receiver and it can decode most surround sound formats except for the latest 3D audio which can be quite a bummer. Still, Dolby True HD and DTS HD can be immersive with just a 7.2 speaker setup. The power outputs of the Sony STR DN850 are good which are rated at 95 Watts into 6 Ohms with 2 channels driven. The frequency response will be 20Hz to 20kHz. We should mainly go for bookshelf speakers and floor-standing speakers that are easy to drive. Especially if you are planning to connect up to 7 speakers as this would be very taxing for Sony STR DN850. It is highly recommended to connect 1 or 2 powered subwoofers, as it will enhance your home cinematic experience and ease the strain of producing bass frequencies off your AV receiver.
More Details at Amazon – Sony STR-DN850 7.2 Channel 4K AV Receiver
The Sony STR DN850 may not have the latest 3D audio formats such as the Dolby Atmos but it does a great job with what it has. The expansive and spacious sound field projected by the STR DN850 is really impressive for an AVR at this price point. The precision and clarity of the sound reproduction simply engage you, immerses you into the movie scenes. Whether it is a battle scene where you hear war cries all around you, or bullets flying past you with deadly accuracy, or that dreaded feeling when the door slams shut behind you. The accurate presentation helps build up the tensions and explodes in a dramatic feel, giving you a satisfying impact.
The bass performance of the Sony STR DN850 has plenty of punch and it is agile as well, able to smoothly deliver the low frequencies. The clarity of the AVR not only provides crystal clear dialogues but also subtle details and surround effects, delivering a rich movie presentation. The sonic characteristics of the STR DN850 make it quite suitable for music playbacks, it does lack the refinement and warmth though. If you are quite critical when it comes to music listening, you can try using the Pure Direct mode. At high volumes, it may sound bright for some listeners from time to time.
The sonic performances for movie playback are really amazing, as for music playbacks, it is still enjoyable to listen to. The level of insights and details that the Sony STR DN850 can dig up is impeccable, and at this price point, this AVR is certainly worth every penny. Pairing the right subwoofers to this Sony AVR is important as well and these active subs need to have the right amount of power so that they can make full use of the Sony STR DN850 terrific bass performance. We have the necessary information we need to start listing out the best speakers that you can go for and match with your Sony STR DN850 AV receiver.
Sony STR DN850 Specifications
- Power Outputs: 95 Watts into 6 Ohms (2 channels driven)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Wireless: Bluetooth Connection, WiFi, AirPlay
- Inputs: 5 HDMI inputs, 4 Analog inputs, 2 Optical inputs, 1 Coaxial input, USB input
- Outputs: Headphone output, 1 HDMI ARC, 2 Subwoofer outputs
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 429mm x 155mm x 330mm (16.9″ x 6.1″ x 13″)
- Weight: 7.9kg (17.6lbs)
Best Speakers to pair with Sony STR DN850
The Wharfedale Diamond 225 stand-mounters will be one of the best speakers to pair with your Sony STR DN850 especially if you want to introduce some warmth into the overall sound reproduction. The Diamond 225 can be used as the main left and right channel of your HT system, their smooth and full-bodied sound quality is great for music playbacks as well. For the surround speakers, you should go for Wharfedale Diamond 220 bookshelf speakers which are some of the best budget speakers in its price range. Coupled with the matching Diamond 220C as the center channel speaker, you now got yourself an HT system that can deliver smooth, very detailed, and warm sound reproduction.
More Details at Amazon – Wharfedale Diamond 225 Bookshelf Speaker
More Details at Amazon – Wharfedale Diamond 220 Bookshelf Speaker
The KEF Q150 will be another amazing bookshelf speaker to partner with the Sony STR DN850 AV receiver. These are high-quality speakers that not only look good but also sound extremely good. The KEF iconic Uni-Q driver delivers natural and cohesive sound reproduction with the highs and midrange blending together seamlessly. The KEF Q150 smooth warm sonic characteristic helps to ease the harshness of the STR DN850 AVR. There are plenty of details that these wonderful speakers can dig up and never sound clinical. For the center channel speaker, you should go for the matching KEF Q250c. They may be compact in size but their bass performance is taut and quite deep into the bass extension.
More Info at Amazon – KEF Q150 Bookshelf Speakers
More Info at Amazon – KEF Q250c Center Channel Speaker
The Jamo S 809 5.1 home cinema pack will be an ideal choice to partner with the Sony STR DN850. The overall sonic personality of the Jamo S series is neutral and can be quite bright sounding which is dependent on the recordings. The Jamo S 809 5.1 home cinema pack consists of a pair of S 809 floor-standing speakers, the Jamo S 83 CEN as the center channel speaker, followed by Jamo S 801 bookshelf speakers as the surround speakers, and lastly the Jamo J 10 SUB active subwoofer. These are all great entry-level loudspeakers and each of them is highly rated by satisfied owners. It is worth the effort to have an audition with them.
More Details at Amazon – Jamo S 809 5.1
The SVS Prime Satellite 5.1 is another ideal home cinema speaker pack that is sanely priced and packed with loads of sonic performance, a worthy match with your Sony STR DN850 AVR. The price point of the SVS Prime Satellite 5.1 package is attractive but the greatest strength lies in its powered subwoofer. The SVS SB-1000 is an entry-level active subwoofer with an incredible power of up to 720 Watts peak dynamic. It is a 12″ sealed subwoofer that can deliver tight and detailed bass frequency, the agility of the low-end reproduction is amazing for music playbacks as well. The SVS Prime Satellite delivers plenty of details and has high clarity, which makes them revealing but can sound too bright at times. We will recommend hearing them out first before making a decision.
More Details at Amazon – SVS Prime Satellite 5.1
Q Acoustics 3000i 5.1 consists of one of the most amazing budget bookshelf speakers with the enthusiasm to entertain its listeners. The Q Acoustics 3010i will be that bookshelf speaker, it is being used as the front main channel and the surround speakers. The Q Acoustics 3090ci will be the center channel speaker and the 3060s will be the active subwoofer. This Q Acoustics speaker package alone has garnered plenty of accolades and is even considered to be the best in its price range. The warm and fuller sound quality makes the Q Acoustics 3010i an excellent match for the Sony STR DN850 AVR and doesn’t add brightness to the overall sound reproduction. Their energetic presentation will keep your toes tapping when it comes to music listens.
More Details at Amazon – Q Acoustics 3000i 5.1 (3010i)
If you are a Sony fan, then you might want to just go for their speakers instead and they are not expensive as well. The Sony SSCS5 will be a good starting point, they are very highly rated bookshelf speakers which can be used as front mains and/or as surround speakers. The matching Sony SSCS8 will be great as a center channel speaker. For the active subwoofer section, if your budget is tight, you should go for Sony SACS9 but if you want better performance then you should check out SVS subwoofers. We will recommend you to have a look at the SVS PB-1000 Pro which is a 12″ subwoofer with up to 820 Watts of peak power. Going up to 2 active subwoofers is recommended, especially for mid to large-sized home theater rooms.
More Info at Amazon – Sony SSCS5 3-Way Bookshelf Speaker
More Info at Amazon – SVS PB-1000 Pro Ported Subwoofer
To Sum It Up
The Sony STR DN850 sound quality is truly exceptional and can be very immersive. The speakers listed are some of the best on the market and are worthy matches with your Sony AVR. The prices of these loudspeakers are also close to the STR DN850 price range. We will recommend that you have an audition with these speakers first and see if you like what you hear as your ears will be the best judges when it comes to sound quality. Feel free to use this list as a reference when hunting for other speakers not listed here.
