Choosing an AV receiver is not an easy task and the Sony STRZA1100ES versus Onkyo TX-RZ720 comparison is meant to help you with this. According to the results of our review, Sony STRZA1100ES received 6.6 points out of 10 possible, and Onkyo TX-RZ720 was rated 7.3 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2017. As a result, it becomes clear that TX-RZ720 is a better option for home theater than STRZA1100ES.
For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 7 and 8, respectively, on a 10-point scale.
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 TX-RZ720 this value is 175/6 W/Ohm, and for the STRZA1100ES it is 90/6 W/Ohm.
STRZA1100ES | TX-RZ720 | |
---|---|---|
Channels | 7.2 | 7.2 |
Stereo power (RMS), W/Ohm | 70/8, 90/6 | 175/6 |
Output impedance, Ohm | 8, 6 | 6 |
Frequency response | 10Hz-100KHz | 5Hz-100KHz |
THD in stereo, % | 0.09 | 0.08 |
After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the STRZA1100ES 7 out of 10, and the TX-RZ720 - 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.
STRZA1100ES | TX-RZ720 | |
---|---|---|
Digital to analog converter (DAC) | N/A | VLSC 384 KHz/32-bit |
Bi-amping | ✔ | ✔ |
Pure direct (straight) | ✔ | ✔ |
Auto speaker calibration | DCAC EX | AccuEQ |
Speaker A/B switching | ✖ | ✖ |
Other audio features | Sound Optimize | Hi-Res audio, Theater-Dimensional |
The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Sony STRZA1100ES scored 5, and Onkyo TX-RZ720 scored 8 out of 10.
Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting. Of the two receivers reviewed, only Onkyo TX-RZ720 has a built-in Bluetooth.
STRZA1100ES | TX-RZ720 | |
---|---|---|
Wi-Fi | ✖ | 2.4/5GHz |
USB | 1 (USB 2.0) | 1 (USB 2.0) |
Bluetooth | ✖ | ✔ |
Ethernet (RJ45) | 1 | 1 |
DLNA | ✖ | ✖ |
MHL | ✖ | ✖ |
Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.
STRZA1100ES | TX-RZ720 | |
---|---|---|
Apple Music (AirPlay) | ✖ | AirPlay |
Amazon Music | ✖ | ✖ |
Spotify | ✖ | ✔ |
Other streaming services | has not | Deezer, TIDAL, TuneIn Radio |
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 STRZA1100ES got 6 points, but Onkyo TX-RZ720 received 7 points.
Sony STRZA1100ES is equipped with 5/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Onkyo TX-RZ720 has 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.
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 STRZA1100ES.
Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the TX-RZ720 has a Phono interface.
STRZA1100ES | TX-RZ720 | |
---|---|---|
HDMI input/output | 5/2 | 7/2 |
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) | ✔ | ✔ |
HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) | ✔ | ✖ |
HDMI CEC | ✔ | ✔ |
Digital content protection (HDCP) | HDCP 2.2 | HDCP 2.2 |
Subwoofer output (LFE) | 2 | 2 |
Headphone output | 1 x 6.3 | 1 x 6.3 |
Optical digital input | 2 | 2 |
Coaxial digital input | 1 | 1 |
Composite input | 2 | 2 |
Component input/output | 2/0 | 2/0 |
Phono (MM) input | ✖ | ✔ |
Front panel connectors | USB, setup mic | HDMI, phones, setup mic, AUX |
Multi channel preamp output | ✖ | ✖ |
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 rivals in our comparison were rated 7 out of 10.
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 STRZA1100ES.
STRZA1100ES | TX-RZ720 | |
---|---|---|
HDR (High Dynamic Range) | HDR10 | HDR10 |
4K signal pass-through | 4K/60Hz | 4K/60Hz |
8K signal pass-through | ✖ | ✖ |
HDMI signal pass-through | ✔ | ✔ |
3D signal pass-through | ✔ | ✔ |
HDMI pass-through in standby mode | ✔ | ✔ |
Video conversion | ✖ | ✖ |
Analog to HDMI scaling | ✖ | ✖ |
HDMI to HDMI scaling | ✔ | ✖ |
Dolby Vision | ✔ | ✔ |
Other video features | HLG | DeepColor, x.v.Color, BT.2020, HLG |
In terms of evaluating additional features, both receivers received a score of 7 out of 10.
STRZA1100ES | TX-RZ720 | |
---|---|---|
Voice control | ✖ | ✖ |
App control | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android |
Display | colour OSD | fluorescent |
Tuner | AM, FM | AM, FM |
Sleep timer | ✔ | ✔ |
Auto power off | ✖ | ✔ |
ECO mode | ✖ | ✖ |
Graphical user interface (GUI) | ✔ | ✖ |
Setup assistant | ✔ | ✔ |
Firmware update | network, USB | network, USB |
Other additional features | has not | IP Control |
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.
STRZA1100ES | TX-RZ720 | |
---|---|---|
Multi-room zones | 2 | 2 |
Zone audio output | speaker, preout | speaker, preout |
Zone HDMI output | ✔ | ✔ |
Multi-room control | has not | FlareConnect |
RS-232 | 1 | 1 |
Remote control input/output (IR) | 1/2 | 1/0 |
DC trigger output (12V) | 1 | 1 |
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 STRZA1100ES licensed by IMAX.
STRZA1100ES | TX-RZ720 | |
---|---|---|
Dolby Atmos | ✔ | ✔ |
Dolby TrueHD | ✔ | ✔ |
Dolby Surround | ✔ | ✔ |
Dolby (other) | Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Digital Plus |
DTS:X | ✔ | ✔ |
DTS HD Master | ✔ | ✖ |
DTS Virtual:X | ✖ | ✖ |
DTS Neural:X | ✔ | ✔ |
DTS (other) | DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD | has not |
Auro-3D | ✖ | ✖ |
IMAX Enhanced | ✔ | ✖ |
Multichannel stereo | ✖ | ✖ |