Sony STR-ZA810ES vs Yamaha RX-V681BL

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Review of Sony STR-ZA810ES versus Yamaha RX-V681BL will reveal the best features offered by the devices. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-ZA810ES received 7.4 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha RX-V681BL was rated 7.8 points. The release date of STR-ZA810ES is 2017, and RX-V681BL is 2016. RX-V681BL is better suited for home theater use than the STR-ZA810ES. Its sound profile is better balanced.

Main advantages Sony STR-ZA810ES over Yamaha RX-V681BL

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V681BL over Sony STR-ZA810ES

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 7 and 8, 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 STR-ZA810ES this value is 100/8 W/Ohm, and for the RX-V681BL it is 90/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the STR-ZA810ES 7 out of 10, and the RX-V681BL - 8.

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 STR-ZA810ES scored 9, and Yamaha RX-V681BL scored 8 out of 10.

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, both receivers got 7 points on our 10-point scale.

Sony STR-ZA810ES is equipped with 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Yamaha RX-V681BL has 6/1 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 STR-ZA810ES.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the RX-V681BL 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 STR-ZA810ES were rated 9 out of 10 against the 10 for the RX-V681BL.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, both receivers received a score of 8 out of 10.

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 STR-ZA810ES can be controlled by voice via Google Assistant. Yamaha RX-V681BL 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.