Sony STR-ZA2100ES vs Yamaha RX-V485BL

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Let's make the Sony STR-ZA2100ES versus Yamaha RX-V485BL comparison. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-ZA2100ES received 6.5 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha RX-V485BL was rated 6.6 points. The release date of STR-ZA2100ES is 2017, and RX-V485BL is 2018. After comparison, it will become clear that among these two devices, the RX-V485BL is more suitable for the role of the heart of home theater system.

Main advantages Sony STR-ZA2100ES over Yamaha RX-V485BL

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V485BL over Sony STR-ZA2100ES

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 7 and 5, 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 Yamaha RX-V485BL supports a 5.1-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-ZA2100ES this value is 95/6 W/Ohm, and for the RX-V485BL it is 80/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the STR-ZA2100ES 7 out of 10, and the RX-V485BL - 9.

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 Yamaha RX-V485BL scored 8 out of 10.

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, Sony STR-ZA2100ES got 7 points, but Yamaha RX-V485BL received 6 points.

Sony STR-ZA2100ES is equipped with 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Yamaha RX-V485BL has 4/1 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 the STR-ZA2100ES were rated 10 out of 10 against the 8 for the RX-V485BL.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the STR-ZA2100ES got 7 points, but the RX-V485BL has 8.

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 RX-V485BL can be controlled by voice via Google Assistant. Yamaha RX-V485BL 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 Yamaha RX-V485BL 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.