Sony STR-ZA810ES vs Denon AVR-S960H

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Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Sony STR-ZA810ES and Denon AVR-S960H takes place. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-ZA810ES received 7.4 points out of 10 possible, and Denon AVR-S960H was rated 7.8 points. The release date of STR-ZA810ES is 2017, and AVR-S960H is 2020. Based on the data on the characteristics and features of both models, we can conclude that AVR-S960H has better performance than STR-ZA810ES.

Main advantages Sony STR-ZA810ES over Denon AVR-S960H

Main advantages Denon AVR-S960H over Sony STR-ZA810ES

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-ZA810ES this value is 100/8 W/Ohm, and for the AVR-S960H it is 90/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the STR-ZA810ES 7 out of 10, and the AVR-S960H - 6.

Bi-amping is the amplification of one speaker with two amplifiers. This amplification method has a positive effect on sound quality. Bi-amping is possible only on the STR-ZA810ES.

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.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Sony STR-ZA810ES scored 9, and Denon AVR-S960H scored 10 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-ZA810ES got 7 points, but Denon AVR-S960H 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-ZA810ES in the HDCP 2.2 version, and Denon AVR-S960H 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-S960H 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-ZA810ES were rated 9 out of 10 against the 8 for the AVR-S960H.

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-ZA810ES works with the 4K/60Hz video, and the AVR-S960H 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-S960H.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the STR-ZA810ES got 8 points, but the AVR-S960H has 10.

Denon AVR-S960H 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.