Sony STR-DN1080 vs Denon AVR-S950H

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An overview of Sony STR-DN1080 and Denon AVR-S950H will help us understand the many features that the devices are equipped with. We estimated the compared receivers and both received a 7.3 out of 10 points. The release date of STR-DN1080 is 2017, and AVR-S950H is 2019.

Main advantages Sony STR-DN1080 over Denon AVR-S950H

Main advantages Denon AVR-S950H over Sony STR-DN1080

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 AVR-S950H this value is 125/6 W/Ohm, and for the STR-DN1080 it is 120/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the STR-DN1080 7 out of 10, and the AVR-S950H - 6.

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 STR-DN1080.

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-DN1080 scored 8, and Denon AVR-S950H scored 7 out of 10.

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 Sony STR-DN1080.

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-DN1080 got 7 points, but Denon AVR-S950H received 8 points.

Sony STR-DN1080 is equipped with 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Denon AVR-S950H has 8/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

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 STR-DN1080 in the HDCP 2.2 version, and Denon AVR-S950H has the HDCP 2.3 version.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the AVR-S950H 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-DN1080 were rated 7 out of 10 against the 8 for the AVR-S950H.

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 Denon AVR-S950H.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the STR-DN1080 got 9 points, but the AVR-S950H has 10.

Denon AVR-S950H 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.