What is better - Sony STR-DN1080 vs Denon DRA-800H?
The number of channels for receivers is different - 7.2 versus 2.0, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the STR-DN1080 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 120/6, while the DRA-800H has a power of 100/8, 120/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the STR-DN1080 it is 0.09%, but for the DRA-800H it is 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the STR-DN1080 received the model 96 KHz/24-bit, but the DRA-800H is equipped with 192 KHz/24-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Sony STR-DN1080. Both Sony STR-DN1080 and Denon DRA-800H 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 DRA-800H works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud. 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 DRA-800H. None of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the DRA-800H.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the STR-DN1080 has 6/2, and the DRA-800H has 5/1. 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. The STR-DN1080 has support for the standard HDCP 2.2, compared to the DRA-800H, which supports the standard HDCP 2.3. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Denon DRA-800H.
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 DRA-800H is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. There is an ECO mode in DRA-800H. The Sony STR-DN1080 and the Denon DRA-800H can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the STR-DN1080. Only in the STR-DN1080 realized a DTS:X surround technology.