Sony STR-ZA3100ES vs Denon AVR-X4400H

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An overview of Sony STR-ZA3100ES and Denon AVR-X4400H will help us understand the many features that the devices are equipped with. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-ZA3100ES received 6.3 points out of 10 possible, and Denon AVR-X4400H was rated 9.6 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2017. And as a result of the review, it becomes clear that STR-ZA3100ES is inferior in audio processing features to AVR-X4400H.

Main advantages Sony STR-ZA3100ES over Denon AVR-X4400H

Main advantages Denon AVR-X4400H over Sony STR-ZA3100ES

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-ZA3100ES supports 7.2-channels sound, but Denon AVR-X4400H 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 AVR-X4400H this value is 125/8 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-X4400H - 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. Denon AVR-X4400H 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-X4400H 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, Sony STR-ZA3100ES got 9 points, but Denon AVR-X4400H received 10 points.

Sony STR-ZA3100ES is equipped with 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Denon AVR-X4400H 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 AVR-X4400H 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 9 for the AVR-X4400H.

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-X4400H.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the STR-ZA3100ES got 6 points, but the AVR-X4400H 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-X4400H can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. Denon AVR-X4400H 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-ZA3100ES got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Denon AVR-X4400H got 9.

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. Denon AVR-X4400H has Auro-3D on its feature list.

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.