Sony STR-ZA2100ES vs Yamaha RX-V6A

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Let's compare Sony STR-ZA2100ES versus Yamaha RX-V6A for an overview of all their pros and cons. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-ZA2100ES received 6.5 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha RX-V6A was rated 7.4 points. The release date of STR-ZA2100ES is 2017, and RX-V6A is 2020. And as a result of the comparison, RX-V6A seems to be a better option for the role of a home theater center than STR-ZA2100ES.

Main advantages Sony STR-ZA2100ES over Yamaha RX-V6A

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V6A over Sony STR-ZA2100ES

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 RX-V6A this value is 100/8 W/Ohm, and for the STR-ZA2100ES it is 75/8 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-ZA2100ES scored 6, and Yamaha RX-V6A scored 9 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, both receivers got 7 points on our 10-point scale.

Sony STR-ZA2100ES is equipped with 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Yamaha RX-V6A has 7/1 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 Yamaha RX-V6A 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 RX-V6A 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 7 for the RX-V6A.

With the 4K pass-through feature, the AV receiver sends "native" 4K signals to a 4K TV from a video source without any processing. The STR-ZA2100ES works with the 4K/60Hz video, and the RX-V6A has the 4K/120Hz.

The AV receiver passes "native" 8K signals from a video source to 8K TV without any encoding, with the 8k pass-through features. The 8K path-through is available on Yamaha RX-V6A.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the STR-ZA2100ES got 7 points, but the RX-V6A has 9.

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-V6A can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri. Yamaha RX-V6A 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-V6A got 6.

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.