It makes sense comparing Sony STR-ZA3100ES vs Denon AVR-X4400H because they both are able to give some premium features.
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Sony STR-ZA3100ES has 7.2 versus 11.2 for Denon AVR-X4400H. Regarding power, then STR-ZA3100ES has such a W/Ohm ratio - 70/8, 90/6 when AVR-X4400H has a power of 125/8, 165/6. The THD is 0.09% for the STR-ZA3100ES but 0.05% for the AVR-X4400H. Both the STR-ZA3100ES 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. Only the AVR-X4400H supports Spotify.
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-ZA3100ES. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.
The Sony STR-ZA3100ES 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.
The STR-ZA3100ES supports 2 Multi-room zones, versus 3 for the AVR-X4400H. An ECO mode is only available for the AVR-X4400H. Both STR-ZA3100ES and AVR-X4400H 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.