Sony STR-ZA2100ES vs Marantz SR8012

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The Sony STR-ZA2100ES vs Marantz SR8012 comparison makes sense because it shows what devices in their segments can offer. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-ZA2100ES received 6.5 points out of 10 possible, and Marantz SR8012 was rated 9.5 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2017. SR8012 is more suitable as the heart of home theater system than its opponent - STR-ZA2100ES.

Main advantages Sony STR-ZA2100ES over Marantz SR8012

Main advantages Marantz SR8012 over Sony STR-ZA2100ES

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 7 and 10, 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 Marantz SR8012 supports a 11.2-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 SR8012 this value is 140/8 W/Ohm, and for the STR-ZA2100ES it is 75/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the STR-ZA2100ES 7 out of 10, and the SR8012 - 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 SR8012 can work with the main and additional set of speakers - and switch between them.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Sony STR-ZA2100ES scored 6, and Marantz SR8012 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 Marantz SR8012 received 10 points.

Sony STR-ZA2100ES is equipped with 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Marantz SR8012 has 8/3 HDMI inputs and outputs.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the SR8012 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 9 for the SR8012.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the STR-ZA2100ES got 7 points, but the SR8012 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 SR8012 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. Marantz SR8012 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 Marantz SR8012 got 10.

Auro 3D gives a bit more versatility than Dolby Atmos or DTS:X and provides a hemispherical sound and enables a receiver to produce 3D sound stages. Marantz SR8012 has Auro-3D on its feature list.

Rivals in this competition licensed by IMAX.