Sony STR-ZA810ES vs Onkyo TX-RZ610

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Let's compare Sony STR-ZA810ES versus Onkyo TX-RZ610 for an overview of all their pros and cons. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-ZA810ES received 7.4 points out of 10 possible, and Onkyo TX-RZ610 was rated 7.7 points. The release date of STR-ZA810ES is 2017, and TX-RZ610 is 2016. And as a result of the comparison, TX-RZ610 seems to be a better option for the role of a home theater center than STR-ZA810ES.

Main advantages Sony STR-ZA810ES over Onkyo TX-RZ610

Main advantages Onkyo TX-RZ610 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. In terms of RMS power, the models have the same characteristics - 100/8/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the STR-ZA810ES 7 out of 10, and the TX-RZ610 - 8.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Sony STR-ZA810ES has Pure Direct mode.

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 Onkyo TX-RZ610 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, both receivers got 7 points on our 10-point scale.

Sony STR-ZA810ES is equipped with 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Onkyo TX-RZ610 has 8/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

By using the HDMI ARC, we can get rid of additional audio cables for the forefront of high-quality sound, but also thanks to this technology, it becomes possible to use surround sound formats. The STR-ZA810ES has HDMI ARC support.

HDMI eARC is the next step in the development of audio return channel technology, which works in conjunction with HDMI 2.1. Using eARC provides the highest sound quality for home audio systems. HDMI eARC is available only on Sony STR-ZA810ES.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the TX-RZ610 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 10 for the TX-RZ610.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, both receivers received a score of 8 out of 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 STR-ZA810ES can be controlled by voice via Google Assistant. Onkyo TX-RZ610 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-ZA810ES got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Onkyo TX-RZ610 got 8.

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. Onkyo TX-RZ610 has Auro-3D on its feature list.