Sony STR-ZA2100ES vs Marantz SR8012 review

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AV receivers comparison chart

Sony STR-ZA2100ES vs Marantz SR8012 review

Sony STR-ZA2100ES
vs
Marantz SR8012

Having had an opportunity to test Sony STR-ZA2100ES vs Marantz SR8012, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.

Amplifier

The number of channels for receivers is different - 7.2 versus 11.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the STR-ZA2100ES has such a ratio W/Ohm - 75/8, 95/6, while the SR8012 has a power of 140/8, 175/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the STR-ZA2100ES it is 0.09%, but for the SR8012 it is 0.05%. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Sony STR-ZA2100ES and Marantz SR8012 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. The SR8012 has access to the Spotify service. 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-ZA2100ES and the SR8012. Each of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.

Extensive connections

The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the STR-ZA2100ES has 6/2, and the SR8012 has 8/3.Sony STR-ZA2100ES connectionsMarantz SR8012 connections HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is supported by the STR-ZA2100ES and the SR8012. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. STR-ZA2100ES and SR8012 support the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Marantz SR8012.

Additional features

Unlike the STR-ZA2100ES where 2 Multi zones is provided, the SR8012 works with 3 Multi zones. There is an ECO mode in SR8012. The Sony STR-ZA2100ES and the Marantz SR8012 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available both models. A DTS:X surround technology is supported by devices from our comparison.

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General

Item

Sony STR-ZA2100ES
Marantz SR8012

Model

STR-ZA2100ES
SR8012

Brand

Sony
Marantz

Reviews

7
21

Amplifier

Channels

7.2
11.2

Stereo power (RMS), W/Ohm

75/8, 95/6
140/8, 175/6

Output impedance, Ohm

8, 6
8, 6

Frequency response

10Hz-100KHz
10Hz-100KHz

THD in stereo, %

0.09
0.05

Audio features

Digital to analog converter (DAC)

192 KHz/32-bit

Bi-amping

Pure direct (straight)

Auto speaker calibration

DCAC EX
Audyssey MultEQ XT32

Speaker A/B switching

Other audio features

Digital Legato Linear, Sound Optimizer
Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Audyssey Dynamic EQ, Hi-Res audio

Connectivity

Wi-Fi

2.4/5GHz

USB

1 (USB 2.0)
1 (USB 2.0)

Bluetooth

Ethernet (RJ45)

1
1

DLNA

MHL

Streaming services

Apple Music (AirPlay)

AirPlay, AirPlay 2

Amazon Music

Spotify

Other streaming services

has not
Deezer, TIDAL, TuneIn Radio

Extensive connection

HDMI input/output

6/2
8/3

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)

HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)

HDMI CEC

Digital content protection (HDCP)

HDCP 2.2
HDCP 2.2

Subwoofer output (LFE)

2
2

Headphone output

0
1 x 6.3

Optical digital input

2
2

Coaxial digital input

1
2

Composite input

2
4

Component input/output

2/0
3/1

Phono (MM) input

Front panel connectors

USB, HDMI, setup mic
USB, HDMI, phones, setup mic, AUX

Multi channel preamp output

Video features

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

HDR10

4K signal pass-through

4K/60Hz
4K/60Hz

8K signal pass-through

HDMI signal pass-through

3D signal pass-through

HDMI pass-through in standby mode

Video conversion

analog to HDMI

Analog to HDMI scaling

HDMI to HDMI scaling

Dolby Vision

Other video features

HLG
BT.2020, HLG

Additional features

Voice control

Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI

App control

iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android
iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android

Display

colour OSD
colour OSD

Tuner

AM, FM
AM, FM

Sleep timer

Auto power off

ECO mode

Graphical user interface (GUI)

Setup assistant

Firmware update

network, USB
network, USB

Other additional features

has not
IP Control

Multi-room

Multi-room zones

2
3

Zone audio output

speaker, preout
speaker, preout

Zone HDMI output

Multi-room control

has not
Marantz AVR Remote App, HEOS App

RS-232

1
1

Remote control input/output (IR)

1/2
1/1

DC trigger output (12V)

3
2

Multichannel surround

Dolby Atmos

Dolby TrueHD

Dolby Surround

Dolby (other)

Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Digital Plus

DTS:X

DTS HD Master

DTS Virtual:X

DTS Neural:X

DTS (other)

DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD
DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD, DTS-EXPRESS

Auro-3D

IMAX Enhanced

Multichannel stereo

Audio file formats

MP3

WMA

AAC

WAV

FLAC

ALAC

Other audio file formats

has not
has not

Power

Operational power consumption, W

290
780

Standby consumption, W

0.3
0.2

Removable power cord

User manual

Manual

Dimensions

Size W x H x D, cm/inches

43 x 17.6 x 41/17 x 6.8 x 16.1
43.1 x 17.7 x 46.8/17.3 x 7.3 x 18.1

Weight, kg/lbs

12.2/27.1
17.2/38

Other

Release year

2017
2017
Sony STR-ZA2100ES
Marantz SR8012
Sony STR-ZA2100ES
Marantz SR8012

AV receivers SoundInspiration comparison rating

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  • worse
  • 6.5
  • 9.5
  • 6.5Sony STR-ZA2100ES
  • 9.5Marantz SR8012