Denon AVR-X3500H vs Sony STRZA1100ES

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Review of Denon AVR-X3500H versus Sony STRZA1100ES will reveal the best features offered by the devices. According to the results of our review, Denon AVR-X3500H received 8.4 points out of 10 possible, and Sony STRZA1100ES was rated 6.6 points. The release date of AVR-X3500H is 2018, and STRZA1100ES is 2017. AVR-X3500H is better suited for home theater use than the STRZA1100ES. Its sound profile is better balanced.

Main advantages Denon AVR-X3500H over Sony STRZA1100ES

Main advantages Sony STRZA1100ES over Denon AVR-X3500H

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 8 and 7, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

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 AVR-X3500H this value is 105/8 W/Ohm, and for the STRZA1100ES it is 70/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the AVR-X3500H 8 out of 10, and the STRZA1100ES - 7.

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. Denon AVR-X3500H 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, Denon AVR-X3500H scored 8, and Sony STRZA1100ES scored 5 out of 10.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting. Of the two receivers reviewed, only Denon AVR-X3500H has a built-in Bluetooth.

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, Denon AVR-X3500H got 8 points, but Sony STRZA1100ES received 6 points.

Denon AVR-X3500H is equipped with 8/3 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Sony STRZA1100ES has 5/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

HDMI eARC is the next step in the development of audio return channel technology, which works in conjunction with HDMI 2.1. Using eARC provides the highest sound quality for home audio systems. HDMI eARC is available on Sony STRZA1100ES.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the AVR-X3500H 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-X3500H were rated 10 out of 10 against the 7 for the STRZA1100ES.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the AVR-X3500H got 10 points, but the STRZA1100ES has 7.

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 AVR-X3500H can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. Only the Denon AVR-X3500H 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

For the ability to create multichannel surround sound, each of the receivers received 7 points out of 10.

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 STRZA1100ES licensed by IMAX.