Sony STR-ZA3100ES vs Yamaha RX-V683BL

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An overview of Sony STR-ZA3100ES and Yamaha RX-V683BL will help us understand the many features that the devices are equipped with. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-ZA3100ES received 6.3 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha RX-V683BL was rated 7.1 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2017. And as a result of the review, it becomes clear that STR-ZA3100ES is inferior in audio processing features to RX-V683BL.

Main advantages Sony STR-ZA3100ES over Yamaha RX-V683BL

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V683BL over Sony STR-ZA3100ES

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the models have rated 7 points out of 10.

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 RX-V683BL this value is 90/8 W/Ohm, and for the STR-ZA3100ES it is 70/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the STR-ZA3100ES 7 out of 10, and the RX-V683BL - 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-ZA3100ES scored 6, and Yamaha RX-V683BL scored 7 out of 10.

Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible on the Yamaha RX-V683BL.

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 Yamaha RX-V683BL.

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, Sony STR-ZA3100ES got 9 points, but Yamaha RX-V683BL received 6 points.

Sony STR-ZA3100ES is equipped with 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Yamaha RX-V683BL 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-ZA3100ES.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the RX-V683BL 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-ZA3100ES were rated 7 out of 10 against the 9 for the RX-V683BL.

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 with Yamaha RX-V683BL.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the STR-ZA3100ES got 6 points, but the RX-V683BL has 7.

Yamaha RX-V683BL 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.

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 STR-ZA3100ES licensed by IMAX.