Sony STR-ZA3100ES vs Denon AVR-X2700H

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Choosing an AV receiver is not an easy task and the Sony STR-ZA3100ES versus Denon AVR-X2700H comparison is meant to help you with this. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-ZA3100ES received 6.3 points out of 10 possible, and Denon AVR-X2700H was rated 8.4 points. The release date of STR-ZA3100ES is 2017, and AVR-X2700H is 2020. As a result, it becomes clear that AVR-X2700H is a better option for home theater than STR-ZA3100ES.

Main advantages Sony STR-ZA3100ES over Denon AVR-X2700H

Main advantages Denon AVR-X2700H over Sony STR-ZA3100ES

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 AVR-X2700H this value is 95/8 W/Ohm, and for the STR-ZA3100ES it is 70/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the STR-ZA3100ES 7 out of 10, and the AVR-X2700H - 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.

Speaker A/B switching allows you to change between the main and sub speaker set. Denon AVR-X2700H 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-ZA3100ES scored 6, and Denon AVR-X2700H scored 10 out of 10.

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

DLNA is the perfect way to use your local cloud storage to stream movies and music directly to a TV. You can use the DLNA protocol only with Denon AVR-X2700H.

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-ZA3100ES got 9 points, but Denon AVR-X2700H received 8 points.

Competitors in our review have 6/2 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-ZA3100ES in the HDCP 2.2 version, and Denon AVR-X2700H 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 AVR-X2700H 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-ZA3100ES were rated 7 out of 10 against the 8 for the AVR-X2700H.

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-ZA3100ES works with the 4K/60Hz video, and the AVR-X2700H 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 Denon AVR-X2700H.

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 with Denon AVR-X2700H.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the STR-ZA3100ES got 6 points, but the AVR-X2700H 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 AVR-X2700H can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. Denon AVR-X2700H 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

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-ZA3100ES licensed by IMAX.