Denon AVR-S940H vs Sony STR-ZA810ES – that is a question.
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the AVR-S940H has such a ratio W/Ohm - 90/8, 125/6, while the STR-ZA810ES has a power of 100/8. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the AVR-S940H it is 0.08%, but for the STR-ZA810ES it is 0.09%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the AVR-S940H received the model 192 KHz/32-bit, but the STR-ZA810ES is equipped with 384 KHz/32-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Sony STR-ZA810ES. Both Denon AVR-S940H and Sony STR-ZA810ES can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
Wireless Internet access via WIFI is possible on both units. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. The contenders have differences in the supported services from Apple - AirPlay, AirPlay 2 versus AirPlay respectively. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors.
The HDR10 function is present in each of the rivals. The quality of 4K/60Hz signal remains unchanged when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector via HDMI for both receivers. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the AVR-S940H and the STR-ZA810ES. Each of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the AVR-S940H has 8/2, and the STR-ZA810ES has 6/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the STR-ZA810ES. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. AVR-S940H and STR-ZA810ES support the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Denon AVR-S940H.
Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. For voice control in the AVR-S940H is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI, but in the STR-ZA810ES is used Google Assistant. There is an ECO mode in AVR-S940H. The Denon AVR-S940H and the Sony STR-ZA810ES can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available both models. A DTS:X surround technology is supported by devices from our comparison.