Let's compare Sony STRZA1100ES versus Denon HEOS AVR for an overview of all their pros and cons. According to the results of our review, Sony STRZA1100ES received 6.6 points out of 10 possible, and Denon HEOS AVR was rated 4.8 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2017. And as a result of the comparison, STRZA1100ES seems to be a better option for the role of a home theater center than HEOS AVR.
For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 7 and 6, respectively, on a 10-point scale.
The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Sony STRZA1100ES supports 7.2-channels sound, but Denon HEOS AVR supports a 5.1-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 STRZA1100ES this value is 70/8 W/Ohm, and for the HEOS AVR it is 50/8 W/Ohm.
STRZA1100ES | HEOS AVR | |
---|---|---|
Channels | 7.2 | 5.1 |
Stereo power (RMS), W/Ohm | 70/8, 90/6 | 50/8, 65/6 |
Output impedance, Ohm | 8, 6 | 8, 6 |
Frequency response | 10Hz-100KHz | 10Hz-100KHz |
THD in stereo, % | 0.09 | 0.05 |
After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the STRZA1100ES 7 out of 10, and the HEOS AVR - 5.
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 only on the STRZA1100ES.
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.
STRZA1100ES | HEOS AVR | |
---|---|---|
Digital to analog converter (DAC) | N/A | N/A |
Bi-amping | ✔ | ✖ |
Pure direct (straight) | ✔ | ✔ |
Auto speaker calibration | DCAC EX | ✖ |
Speaker A/B switching | ✖ | ✖ |
Other audio features | Sound Optimize | has not |
The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Sony STRZA1100ES scored 5, and Denon HEOS AVR scored 7 out of 10.
Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible on the Denon HEOS AVR.
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 HEOS AVR has a built-in Bluetooth.
STRZA1100ES | HEOS AVR | |
---|---|---|
Wi-Fi | ✖ | ✔ |
USB | 1 (USB 2.0) | 1 (USB 2.0) |
Bluetooth | ✖ | ✔ |
Ethernet (RJ45) | 1 | 1 |
DLNA | ✖ | ✖ |
MHL | ✖ | ✖ |
Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.
STRZA1100ES | HEOS AVR | |
---|---|---|
Apple Music (AirPlay) | ✖ | ✖ |
Amazon Music | ✖ | ✖ |
Spotify | ✖ | ✔ |
Other streaming services | has not | Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud |
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 STRZA1100ES got 6 points, but Denon HEOS AVR received 5 points.
Sony STRZA1100ES is equipped with 5/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Denon HEOS AVR has 4/1 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 only on Sony STRZA1100ES.
STRZA1100ES | HEOS AVR | |
---|---|---|
HDMI input/output | 5/2 | 4/1 |
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) | ✔ | ✔ |
HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) | ✔ | ✖ |
HDMI CEC | ✔ | ✔ |
Digital content protection (HDCP) | HDCP 2.2 | HDCP 2.2 |
Subwoofer output (LFE) | 2 | 1 |
Headphone output | 1 x 6.3 | 1 x 6.3 |
Optical digital input | 2 | 1 |
Coaxial digital input | 1 | 1 |
Composite input | 2 | 0 |
Component input/output | 2/0 | 0/0 |
Phono (MM) input | ✖ | ✖ |
Front panel connectors | USB, setup mic | ✖ |
Multi channel preamp output | ✖ | ✖ |
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 STRZA1100ES were rated 7 out of 10 against the 5 for the HEOS AVR.
HDR pass-through gives you the possibility to broadcast HDR content directly from source to TV without the processing of the receiver. HDR support is available only on the Sony STRZA1100ES.
Most of the AV receivers have a video scaling function, it is the process of reformatting the video signal to a higher resolution without losing the quality of the image. Upscaling the video signal resolution is possible only with Sony STRZA1100ES.
STRZA1100ES | HEOS AVR | |
---|---|---|
HDR (High Dynamic Range) | HDR10 | ✖ |
4K signal pass-through | 4K/60Hz | 4K/60Hz |
8K signal pass-through | ✖ | ✖ |
HDMI signal pass-through | ✔ | ✔ |
3D signal pass-through | ✔ | ✔ |
HDMI pass-through in standby mode | ✔ | ✔ |
Video conversion | ✖ | ✖ |
Analog to HDMI scaling | ✖ | ✖ |
HDMI to HDMI scaling | ✔ | ✖ |
Dolby Vision | ✔ | ✖ |
Other video features | HLG | has not |
In terms of evaluating additional features, the STRZA1100ES got 7 points, but the HEOS AVR has 4.
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 HEOS AVR can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant.
STRZA1100ES | HEOS AVR | |
---|---|---|
Voice control | ✖ | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
App control | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android |
Display | colour OSD | ✖ |
Tuner | AM, FM | ✖ |
Sleep timer | ✔ | ✖ |
Auto power off | ✖ | ✖ |
ECO mode | ✖ | ✖ |
Graphical user interface (GUI) | ✔ | ✖ |
Setup assistant | ✔ | ✖ |
Firmware update | network, USB | network, USB |
Other additional features | has not | has not |
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.
STRZA1100ES | HEOS AVR | |
---|---|---|
Multi-room zones | 2 | has not |
Zone audio output | speaker, preout | has not |
Zone HDMI output | ✔ | has not |
Multi-room control | has not | HEOS App |
RS-232 | 1 | 0 |
Remote control input/output (IR) | 1/2 | 1/0 |
DC trigger output (12V) | 1 | 0 |
Sony STRZA1100ES got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Denon HEOS AVR got 5.
Dolby Atmos' particularity is that this is the object-oriented sound format, that is, each audio signal object is independently sounded and connected to its spatial position. Sony STRZA1100ES can create 3D sound due to the Dolby Atmos support.
DTS:X is an algorithm used by the processor to create sound scenes, where sounds connected directly to objects rather than channels, and to determine the optimum sound output distribution in space. Surround sound with DTS:X is available only on the STRZA1100ES.
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 STRZA1100ES licensed by IMAX.
STRZA1100ES | HEOS AVR | |
---|---|---|
Dolby Atmos | ✔ | ✖ |
Dolby TrueHD | ✔ | ✔ |
Dolby Surround | ✔ | ✖ |
Dolby (other) | Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Pro Logic |
DTS:X | ✔ | ✖ |
DTS HD Master | ✔ | ✔ |
DTS Virtual:X | ✖ | ✖ |
DTS Neural:X | ✔ | ✖ |
DTS (other) | DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD | has not |
Auro-3D | ✖ | ✖ |
IMAX Enhanced | ✔ | ✖ |
Multichannel stereo | ✖ | ✔ |