Sony STRZA1100ES vs Yamaha RX-S602

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The Sony STRZA1100ES vs Yamaha RX-S602 comparison makes sense because it shows what devices in their segments can offer. According to the results of our review, Sony STRZA1100ES received 6.6 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha RX-S602 was rated 6.5 points. The release date of STRZA1100ES is 2017, and RX-S602 is 2018. STRZA1100ES is more suitable as the heart of home theater system than its opponent - RX-S602.

Main advantages Sony STRZA1100ES over Yamaha RX-S602

Main advantages Yamaha RX-S602 over Sony STRZA1100ES

Amplifiers

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 Yamaha RX-S602 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 RX-S602 this value is 80/8 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 STRZA1100ES 7 out of 10, and the RX-S602 - 9.

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, Sony STRZA1100ES scored 5, and Yamaha RX-S602 scored 8 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 Yamaha RX-S602 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, both receivers got 6 points on our 10-point scale.

Sony STRZA1100ES is equipped with 5/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Yamaha RX-S602 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.

The HDCP encryption protocol is now mandatory for most media devices. This security technology encrypts digital signals from one product to another. HDCP content-encryption protocol is present on Sony STRZA1100ES in the HDCP 2.2 version, and Yamaha RX-S602 has the HDCP 2.3 version.

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 STRZA1100ES were rated 7 out of 10 against the 6 for the RX-S602.

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.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the STRZA1100ES got 7 points, but the RX-S602 has 8.

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 RX-S602 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant. Yamaha RX-S602 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

Sony STRZA1100ES got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Yamaha RX-S602 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.