Sony STR-DN1080 vs Sony STR-ZA3100ES

vs

Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Sony STR-DN1080 and Sony STR-ZA3100ES takes place. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-DN1080 received 7.3 points out of 10 possible, and Sony STR-ZA3100ES was rated 6.3 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2017. Based on the data on the characteristics and features of both models, we can conclude that STR-DN1080 has better performance than STR-ZA3100ES.

Main advantages Sony STR-DN1080 over Sony STR-ZA3100ES

Main advantages Sony STR-ZA3100ES 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 STR-DN1080 this value is 120/6 W/Ohm, and for the STR-ZA3100ES it is 90/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

The score for audio features is 7 of 10 for both receivers.

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 Sony STR-ZA3100ES scored 6 out of 10.

Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible only on the Sony STR-DN1080.

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 Sony STR-ZA3100ES received 9 points.

Competitors in our review have 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

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 rivals in our comparison were rated 7 out of 10.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the STR-DN1080 got 9 points, but the STR-ZA3100ES has 6.

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-DN1080 can be controlled by voice via Google assistant.

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 STR-ZA3100ES licensed by IMAX.