It makes sense comparing Sony STR-DN1080 vs Denon AVR-S950H because they both are able to give some premium features.
Considered AV receivers have the same number of channels 7.2. Regarding power, then STR-DN1080 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 120/6 when AVR-S950H has a power of 90/8, 125/6. The THD is 0.09% for the STR-DN1080 but 0.08% for the AVR-S950H.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 96 KHz/24-bit for STR-DN1080 and AKM 192 KHz/32-bit for the AVR-S950H. Only the STR-DN1080 supports Bi-amping feature. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
Both models have the ability to connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Sony STR-DN1080 has support for AirPlay, and its competitor in our comparison - AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The STR-DN1080 can work with the audio stream from TIDAL, Pandora, and the AVR-S950H can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud, Mood Mix. Compared AV receivers retain the quality of 4K/60Hz signal when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode is implemented in each of the devices. The AVR-S950H can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the STR-DN1080. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the AVR-S950H.
The Sony STR-DN1080 has 6/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 8/2 HDMI connectors of the Denon AVR-S950H. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. HDMI eARC is available in each model. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. The STR-DN1080 supports the protection of digital content of the standard HDCP 2.2, versus HDCP 2.3 in the AVR-S950H. The AVR-S950H has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Each of the AV receivers from our review supports 2 Multi-room zones. The STR-DN1080 supports voice control via Google assistant, and the AVR-S950H - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. An ECO mode is only available for the AVR-S950H. Both STR-DN1080 and AVR-S950H can be configured using the Setup assistant.
Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The surround sound technology DTS:X is supported by devices under review.