Sony STR-DN1080 vs Sony STRZA1100ES

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Review of Sony STR-DN1080 versus Sony STRZA1100ES will reveal the best features offered by the devices. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-DN1080 received 7.3 points out of 10 possible, and Sony STRZA1100ES was rated 6.6 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2017. STR-DN1080 is better suited for home theater use than the STRZA1100ES. Its sound profile is better balanced.

Main advantages Sony STR-DN1080 over Sony STRZA1100ES

Main advantages Sony STRZA1100ES 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 STRZA1100ES 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 STRZA1100ES scored 5 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. Of the two receivers reviewed, only Sony STR-DN1080 has a built-in Bluetooth.

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 STRZA1100ES received 6 points.

Sony STR-DN1080 is equipped with 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Sony STRZA1100ES has 5/2 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.

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 Sony STRZA1100ES.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the STR-DN1080 got 9 points, but the STRZA1100ES has 7.

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 STRZA1100ES licensed by IMAX.