Denon AVR-X8500HSP vs Sony STR-ZA810ES

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Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Denon AVR-X8500HSP and Sony STR-ZA810ES takes place. According to the results of our review, Denon AVR-X8500HSP received 9.6 points out of 10 possible, and Sony STR-ZA810ES was rated 7.4 points. The release date of AVR-X8500HSP is 2018, and STR-ZA810ES is 2017. Based on the data on the characteristics and features of both models, we can conclude that AVR-X8500HSP has better performance than STR-ZA810ES.

Main advantages Denon AVR-X8500HSP over Sony STR-ZA810ES

Main advantages Sony STR-ZA810ES over Denon AVR-X8500HSP

Amplifiers

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

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Denon AVR-X8500HSP supports 13.2-channels sound, but Sony STR-ZA810ES supports a 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-X8500HSP this value is 150/8 W/Ohm, and for the STR-ZA810ES it is 100/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the AVR-X8500HSP 10 out of 10, and the STR-ZA810ES - 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-X8500HSP can work with the main and additional set of speakers - and switch between them.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is equal and was rated 9 out of 10.

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

DLNA is the perfect way to use your local cloud storage to stream movies and music directly to a TV. You can use the DLNA protocol only with Sony STR-ZA810ES.

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-X8500HSP got 10 points, but Sony STR-ZA810ES received 7 points.

Denon AVR-X8500HSP is equipped with 8/3 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Sony STR-ZA810ES has 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-X8500HSP 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 rivals in our comparison were rated 9 out of 10.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the AVR-X8500HSP got 10 points, but the STR-ZA810ES has 8.

Only the Denon AVR-X8500HSP 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

Denon AVR-X8500HSP got 9 points for the multichannel surround sound and Sony STR-ZA810ES got 7.

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. Only the Denon AVR-X8500HSP has Auro-3D on its feature list.

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. Only the AVR-X8500HSP licensed by IMAX.