Denon AVRX4400H vs Sony STR-ZA2100ES

vs

Let's make the Denon AVRX4400H versus Sony STR-ZA2100ES comparison. According to the results of our review, Denon AVRX4400H received 9.2 points out of 10 possible, and Sony STR-ZA2100ES was rated 6.5 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2017. After comparison, it will become clear that among these two devices, the AVRX4400H is more suitable for the role of the heart of home theater system.

Main advantages Denon AVRX4400H over Sony STR-ZA2100ES

Main advantages Sony STR-ZA2100ES over Denon AVRX4400H

Amplifiers

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

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Denon AVRX4400H supports 9.2-channels sound, but Sony STR-ZA2100ES 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 AVRX4400H this value is 125/8 W/Ohm, and for the STR-ZA2100ES it is 75/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the AVRX4400H 9 out of 10, and the STR-ZA2100ES - 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 AVRX4400H 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 AVRX4400H scored 7, and Sony STR-ZA2100ES scored 6 out of 10.

Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible only on the Denon AVRX4400H.

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, Denon AVRX4400H got 10 points, but Sony STR-ZA2100ES received 7 points.

Denon AVRX4400H is equipped with 8/3 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Sony STR-ZA2100ES 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 AVRX4400H 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 10 out of 10.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the AVRX4400H got 10 points, but the STR-ZA2100ES 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 AVRX4400H can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. Only the Denon AVRX4400H 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 AVRX4400H got 9 points for the multichannel surround sound and Sony STR-ZA2100ES 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 AVRX4400H 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. The STR-ZA2100ES licensed by IMAX.