Being able to compare Sony STR-ZA2100ES and Marantz SR5013 gave us an insight into what of them would be better for home theater configuration. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-ZA2100ES received 6.5 points out of 10 possible, and Marantz SR5013 was rated 8.6 points. The release date of STR-ZA2100ES is 2017, and SR5013 is 2018. SR5013 is more performable in terms of audio broadcast than the STR-ZA2100ES.
For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 7 and 8, respectively, on a 10-point scale.
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 SR5013 this value is 100/8 W/Ohm, and for the STR-ZA2100ES it is 75/8 W/Ohm.
STR-ZA2100ES | SR5013 | |
---|---|---|
Channels | 7.2 | 7.2 |
Stereo power (RMS), W/Ohm | 75/8, 95/6 | 100/8, 140/6 |
Output impedance, Ohm | 8, 6 | 8, 6 |
Frequency response | 10Hz-100KHz | 10Hz-100KHz |
THD in stereo, % | 0.09 | 0.08 |
After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the STR-ZA2100ES 7 out of 10, and the SR5013 - 10.
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.
Speaker A/B switching allows you to change between the main and sub speaker set. Marantz SR5013 can work with the main and additional set of speakers - and switch between them.
STR-ZA2100ES | SR5013 | |
---|---|---|
Digital to analog converter (DAC) | N/A | AKM 384 KHz/32-bit |
Bi-amping | ✔ | ✔ |
Pure direct (straight) | ✔ | ✔ |
Auto speaker calibration | DCAC EX | Audyssey MultEQ |
Speaker A/B switching | ✖ | ✔ |
Other audio features | Digital Legato Linear, Sound Optimizer | Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Audyssey Dynamic EQ, Audyssey LFC, Compressed Audio Enhancer(MDAX2), Hi-Res audio |
The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Sony STR-ZA2100ES scored 6, and Marantz SR5013 scored 8 out of 10.
Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.
STR-ZA2100ES | SR5013 | |
---|---|---|
Wi-Fi | ✖ | 2.4/5GHz |
USB | 1 (USB 2.0) | 1 (USB 2.0) |
Bluetooth | ✔ | ✔ |
Ethernet (RJ45) | 1 | 1 |
DLNA | ✖ | ✖ |
MHL | ✖ | ✖ |
Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.
STR-ZA2100ES | SR5013 | |
---|---|---|
Apple Music (AirPlay) | ✖ | AirPlay, AirPlay 2 |
Amazon Music | ✖ | ✔ |
Spotify | ✖ | ✔ |
Other streaming services | has not | Deezer, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio |
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 Marantz SR5013 received 9 points.
Sony STR-ZA2100ES is equipped with 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Marantz SR5013 has 8/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.
HDMI eARC is the next step in the development of audio return channel technology, which works in conjunction with HDMI 2.1. Using eARC provides the highest sound quality for home audio systems. HDMI eARC is available only on Sony STR-ZA2100ES.
Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the SR5013 has a Phono interface.
STR-ZA2100ES | SR5013 | |
---|---|---|
HDMI input/output | 6/2 | 8/2 |
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) | ✔ | ✔ |
HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) | ✔ | ✖ |
HDMI CEC | ✔ | ✔ |
Digital content protection (HDCP) | HDCP 2.2 | HDCP 2.2 |
Subwoofer output (LFE) | 2 | 2 |
Headphone output | 0 | 1 x 6.3 |
Optical digital input | 2 | 2 |
Coaxial digital input | 1 | 2 |
Composite input | 2 | 2 |
Component input/output | 2/0 | 2/1 |
Phono (MM) input | ✖ | ✔ |
Front panel connectors | USB, HDMI, setup mic | USB, HDMI, phones, setup mic, AUX |
Multi channel preamp output | ✔ | ✔ |
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 10 out of 10.
STR-ZA2100ES | SR5013 | |
---|---|---|
HDR (High Dynamic Range) | HDR10 | HDR10 |
4K signal pass-through | 4K/60Hz | 4K/60Hz |
8K signal pass-through | ✖ | ✖ |
HDMI signal pass-through | ✔ | ✔ |
3D signal pass-through | ✔ | ✔ |
HDMI pass-through in standby mode | ✔ | ✔ |
Video conversion | ✖ | analog to HDMI |
Analog to HDMI scaling | ✔ | ✔ |
HDMI to HDMI scaling | ✔ | ✔ |
Dolby Vision | ✔ | ✔ |
Other video features | HLG | BT.2020, HLG |
In terms of evaluating additional features, the STR-ZA2100ES got 7 points, but the SR5013 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 SR5013 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. Marantz SR5013 has the ECO mode.
STR-ZA2100ES | SR5013 | |
---|---|---|
Voice control | ✖ | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI |
App control | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android |
Display | colour OSD | colour OSD |
Tuner | AM, FM | AM, FM |
Sleep timer | ✔ | ✔ |
Auto power off | ✔ | ✔ |
ECO mode | ✖ | ✔ |
Graphical user interface (GUI) | ✔ | ✔ |
Setup assistant | ✔ | ✔ |
Firmware update | network, USB | network, USB |
Other additional features | has not | IP Control, Web Control |
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.
STR-ZA2100ES | SR5013 | |
---|---|---|
Multi-room zones | 2 | 2 |
Zone audio output | speaker, preout | speaker, preout |
Zone HDMI output | ✔ | ✖ |
Multi-room control | has not | Marantz AVR Remote App, HEOS App |
RS-232 | 1 | 1 |
Remote control input/output (IR) | 1/2 | 1/0 |
DC trigger output (12V) | 3 | 1 |
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. Only the STR-ZA2100ES licensed by IMAX.
STR-ZA2100ES | SR5013 | |
---|---|---|
Dolby Atmos | ✔ | ✔ |
Dolby TrueHD | ✔ | ✔ |
Dolby Surround | ✔ | ✔ |
Dolby (other) | Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Digital Plus |
DTS:X | ✔ | ✔ |
DTS HD Master | ✔ | ✔ |
DTS Virtual:X | ✖ | ✔ |
DTS Neural:X | ✖ | ✔ |
DTS (other) | DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD | DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD, DTS-EXPRESS, DTS-Surround |
Auro-3D | ✖ | ✖ |
IMAX Enhanced | ✔ | ✖ |
Multichannel stereo | ✔ | ✔ |