Sony STR-ZA2100ES vs Sony STR-DH790

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Let's make the Sony STR-ZA2100ES versus Sony STR-DH790 comparison. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-ZA2100ES received 6.5 points out of 10 possible, and Sony STR-DH790 was rated 5.3 points. The release date of STR-ZA2100ES is 2017, and STR-DH790 is 2018. After comparison, it will become clear that among these two devices, the STR-ZA2100ES is more suitable for the role of the heart of home theater system.

Main advantages Sony STR-ZA2100ES over Sony STR-DH790

Main advantages Sony STR-DH790 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 STR-ZA2100ES this value is 95/6 W/Ohm, and for the STR-DH790 it is 90/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the STR-ZA2100ES 7 out of 10, and the STR-DH790 - 8.

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. Sony STR-DH790 can work with the main and additional set of speakers - and switch between them.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is equal and was rated 6 out of 10.

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

Wired internet connection via RJ45 allows receiver faster connection than wireless or even use NAS storages. Wired connection via RJ45 is possible in the STR-ZA2100ES only.

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 Sony STR-DH790 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 7 for the STR-DH790.

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 STR-DH790 has 6.

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

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.