Sony STR-ZA2100ES vs Denon AVR-S650H

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To get informed with the specs of the receivers, we suggest you read the Sony STR-ZA2100ES and Denon AVR-S650H review. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-ZA2100ES received 6.5 points out of 10 possible, and Denon AVR-S650H was rated 6.2 points. The release date of STR-ZA2100ES is 2017, and AVR-S650H is 2019. This review shows us that the STR-ZA2100ES is a better choice as a home AV receiver than the AVR-S650H.

Main advantages Sony STR-ZA2100ES over Denon AVR-S650H

Main advantages Denon AVR-S650H over Sony STR-ZA2100ES

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 7 and 6, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Sony STR-ZA2100ES supports 7.2-channels sound, but Denon AVR-S650H supports a 5.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced. In terms of RMS power, the models have the same characteristics - 75/8, 95/6/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the STR-ZA2100ES 7 out of 10, and the AVR-S650H - 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-ZA2100ES.

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-ZA2100ES scored 6, and Denon AVR-S650H scored 7 out of 10.

Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible on the Denon AVR-S650H.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

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, both receivers got 7 points on our 10-point scale.

Sony STR-ZA2100ES is equipped with 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Denon AVR-S650H has 5/1 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-ZA2100ES in the HDCP 2.2 version, and Denon AVR-S650H 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-S650H 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-ZA2100ES were rated 10 out of 10 against the 6 for the AVR-S650H.

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 only with Sony STR-ZA2100ES.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the STR-ZA2100ES got 7 points, but the AVR-S650H has 10.

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 AVR-S650H can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. Denon AVR-S650H 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

Sony STR-ZA2100ES got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Denon AVR-S650H got 5.

Dolby Atmos' particularity is that this is the object-oriented sound format, that is, each audio signal object is independently sounded and connected to its spatial position. Sony STR-ZA2100ES can create 3D sound due to the Dolby Atmos support.

DTS:X is an algorithm used by the processor to create sound scenes, where sounds connected directly to objects rather than channels, and to determine the optimum sound output distribution in space. Surround sound with DTS:X is available only on the STR-ZA2100ES.

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-ZA2100ES licensed by IMAX.