Sony STR-DN1080 vs Denon AVR-X4400H review

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It makes sense comparing Sony STR-DN1080 vs Denon AVR-X4400H because they both are able to give some premium features.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Sony STR-DN1080 has 7.2 versus 11.2 for Denon AVR-X4400H. Regarding power, then STR-DN1080 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 120/6 when AVR-X4400H has a power of 125/8, 165/6. The THD is 0.09% for the STR-DN1080 but 0.05% for the AVR-X4400H.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 96 KHz/24-bit for STR-DN1080 and AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit for the AVR-X4400H. Both the STR-DN1080 and the AVR-X4400H support Bi-amping. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. 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-X4400H can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud.

Video features

These units support HDR technology. 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-X4400H can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the STR-DN1080. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the AVR-X4400H.

Extensive connections

The Sony STR-DN1080 has 6/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 8/3 HDMI connectors of the Denon AVR-X4400H. 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. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.2. The AVR-X4400H has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.

Additional features

The STR-DN1080 supports 2 Multi-room zones, versus 3 for the AVR-X4400H. The STR-DN1080 supports voice control via Google assistant, and the AVR-X4400H - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. An ECO mode is only available for the AVR-X4400H. Both STR-DN1080 and AVR-X4400H can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The surround sound technology DTS:X is supported by devices under review.