Yamaha RX-V685BL vs Sony STRZA1100ES

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Review of Yamaha RX-V685BL versus Sony STRZA1100ES will reveal the best features offered by the devices. According to the results of our review, Yamaha RX-V685BL received 7.4 points out of 10 possible, and Sony STRZA1100ES was rated 6.6 points. The release date of RX-V685BL is 2018, and STRZA1100ES is 2017. RX-V685BL is better suited for home theater use than the STRZA1100ES. Its sound profile is better balanced.

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V685BL over Sony STRZA1100ES

Main advantages Sony STRZA1100ES over Yamaha RX-V685BL

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 8 and 7, 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 RX-V685BL this value is 90/8 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 RX-V685BL 9 out of 10, and the STRZA1100ES - 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.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Yamaha RX-V685BL scored 8, and Sony STRZA1100ES scored 5 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-V685BL 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, Yamaha RX-V685BL got 7 points, but Sony STRZA1100ES received 6 points.

Competitors in our review have 5/2 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 RX-V685BL 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 RX-V685BL were rated 8 out of 10 against the 7 for the STRZA1100ES.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, both receivers received a score of 7 out of 10.

Only the Yamaha RX-V685BL 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. The STRZA1100ES licensed by IMAX.