Sony STR-DN1080 vs Onkyo TX-RZ740 review

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The present review is aimed to compare two AV receivers - Sony STR-DN1080 vs Onkyo TX-RZ740 that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Sony STR-DN1080 has 7.2 versus 9.2 for Onkyo TX-RZ740. Regarding power, then STR-DN1080 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 120/6 when TX-RZ740 has a power of 100/8, 225/6. The THD is 0.09% for the STR-DN1080 but 0.08% for the TX-RZ740.

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 TX-RZ740. Both the STR-DN1080 and the TX-RZ740 support Bi-amping. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

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 TX-RZ740 can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio. 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 TX-RZ740 can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the STR-DN1080. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the TX-RZ740.

Extensive connections

The Sony STR-DN1080 has 6/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 7/2 HDMI connectors of the Onkyo TX-RZ740. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the STR-DN1080. 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 TX-RZ740 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 TX-RZ740. The STR-DN1080 supports voice control via Google assistant, and the TX-RZ740 - Google Assistant. An ECO mode is not present in each of the AV receivers. Both STR-DN1080 and TX-RZ740 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.