Sony STR-ZA2100ES vs Marantz AV8805

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Let's compare Sony STR-ZA2100ES versus Marantz AV8805 for an overview of all their pros and cons. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-ZA2100ES received 6.5 points out of 10 possible, and Marantz AV8805 was rated 9.4 points. The release date of STR-ZA2100ES is 2017, and AV8805 is 2018. And as a result of the comparison, AV8805 seems to be a better option for the role of a home theater center than STR-ZA2100ES.

Main advantages Sony STR-ZA2100ES over Marantz AV8805

Main advantages Marantz AV8805 over Sony STR-ZA2100ES

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 7 and 9, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Sony STR-ZA2100ES supports 7.2-channels sound, but Marantz AV8805 supports a 13.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the STR-ZA2100ES 7 out of 10, and the AV8805 - 10.

Most receivers now come with a microphone included. It is with the help of this microphone that the auto-calibration system functions, which adjusts the sound of the receiver to the room.

Speaker A/B switching allows you to change between the main and sub speaker set. Marantz AV8805 can work with the main and additional set of speakers - and switch between them.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Sony STR-ZA2100ES scored 6, and Marantz AV8805 scored 8 out of 10.

Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible on the Marantz AV8805.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

Streaming services

Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.

Extensive connections

The presence of many connectors makes the receiver more versatile. But there are also narrowly targeted models, the number of connectors which are limited to a certain area of use. And when choosing their own receiver, users need to consider exactly your goals for using the receiver. For extensive connection, Sony STR-ZA2100ES got 7 points, but Marantz AV8805 received 10 points.

Sony STR-ZA2100ES is equipped with 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Marantz AV8805 has 8/3 HDMI inputs and outputs.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the AV8805 has a Phono interface.

Video features

The AV receiver is the heart of the home theater. And in this case, support for all current video formats ensures the best user experience, so it is very important to consider this when choosing a device. Video features of the STR-ZA2100ES were rated 10 out of 10 against the 9 for the AV8805.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the STR-ZA2100ES got 7 points, but the AV8805 has 10.

Voice control allows you to control the basic functions of the receiver through a smartphone, smart speaker or using the microphone that comes with the kit. The AV8805 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. Marantz AV8805 has the ECO mode.

Multi-room

As the center of a home media system, each multichannel receiver has an additional set of terminals for connecting the second set of speakers to create additional audio space in Zone 2 or even Zone 3 where audio can have the separate source.

Multichannel surround

Sony STR-ZA2100ES got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Marantz AV8805 got 10.

Auro 3D gives a bit more versatility than Dolby Atmos or DTS:X and provides a hemispherical sound and enables a receiver to produce 3D sound stages. Marantz AV8805 has Auro-3D on its feature list.

Rivals in this competition licensed by IMAX.