What is better - Sony STR-DN1080 vs Denon AVRS730H?
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the STR-DN1080 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 120/6, while the AVRS730H has a power of 75/8, 110/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the STR-DN1080 it is 0.09%, but for the AVRS730H it is 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the STR-DN1080 received the model 96 KHz/24-bit, but the AVRS730H is equipped with 384 KHz/32-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Sony STR-DN1080. The model STR-DN1080 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 versus AirPlay, AirPlay 2 respectively. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Sony STR-DN1080 works with TIDAL, Pandora, but the Denon AVRS730H works with Deezer, TIDAL, iHeart Radio, Sirius XM, Sound Cloud, Napster.
Support for the HDR function can only boast of each of the AV receivers. 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 STR-DN1080 and the AVRS730H. None of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the AVRS730H.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the STR-DN1080 has 6/2, and the AVRS730H has 6/1. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the STR-DN1080. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. STR-DN1080 and AVRS730H support the standard HDCP 2.2. Unlike most receivers, our models do not have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. For voice control in the STR-DN1080 is used Google assistant, but in the AVRS730H is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. There is an ECO mode in AVRS730H. The Sony STR-DN1080 and the Denon AVRS730H 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.