Denon AVR-S960H vs Sony STR-AZ1000ES

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The Denon AVR-S960H versus Sony STR-AZ1000ES comparison makes clear all pros and cons of AV receivers. According to the results of our review, Denon AVR-S960H received 7.8 points out of 10 possible, and Sony STR-AZ1000ES was rated 8.4 points. The release date of AVR-S960H is 2020, and STR-AZ1000ES is 2023. Identified advantages have shown that STR-AZ1000ES is better over AVR-S960H mainly as a home theater processor.

Main advantages Denon AVR-S960H over Sony STR-AZ1000ES

Main advantages Sony STR-AZ1000ES over Denon AVR-S960H

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the models have rated 7 points out of 10.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. Both receivers can handle the 7.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced. The differences between the models in terms of RMS power are significant - for the STR-AZ1000ES this value is 100/8 W/Ohm, and for the AVR-S960H it is 90/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the AVR-S960H 6 out of 10, and the STR-AZ1000ES - 8.

Bi-amping is the amplification of one speaker with two amplifiers. This amplification method has a positive effect on sound quality. Bi-amping is possible on the STR-AZ1000ES.

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.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Denon AVR-S960H scored 10, and Sony STR-AZ1000ES scored 8 out of 10.

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

MHL combines the functionality of the HDMI and MicroUSB interfaces and lets you connect any mobile devices to a receiver. The STR-AZ1000ES has MHL support for streaming content from external devices.

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, both receivers got 8 points on our 10-point scale.

Competitors in our review have 6/2 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 AVR-S960H 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 AVR-S960H were rated 8 out of 10 against the 9 for the STR-AZ1000ES.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, both receivers received a score of 10 out of 10.

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

Denon AVR-S960H got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Sony STR-AZ1000ES got 8.

IMAX Enhanced is a licensing and certification program under which home theater devices deliver crisp 4K HDR pictures and powerful sound as it was designed by the IMAX engineers. The STR-AZ1000ES licensed by IMAX.