Sony STR-ZA810ES vs Denon AVR-S950H review

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It makes sense comparing Sony STR-ZA810ES vs Denon AVR-S950H because they both are able to give some premium features.

Amplifier

Considered AV receivers have the same number of channels 7.2. Regarding power, then STR-ZA810ES has such a W/Ohm ratio - 100/8 when AVR-S950H has a power of 90/8, 125/6. The THD is 0.09% for the STR-ZA810ES but 0.08% for the AVR-S950H.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 384 KHz/32-bit for STR-ZA810ES and AKM 192 KHz/32-bit for the AVR-S950H. Only the STR-ZA810ES supports Bi-amping feature. 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-ZA810ES has support for AirPlay, and its competitor in our comparison - AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Spotify can be used on each receiver.

Video features

Both AV receivers support HDR10 technology (High dynamic range). 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. Both rivals can scale the resolution of the incoming HDMI signal. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.

Extensive connections

The Sony STR-ZA810ES has 6/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 8/2 HDMI connectors of the Denon AVR-S950H. 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. The STR-ZA810ES supports the protection of digital content of the standard HDCP 2.2, versus HDCP 2.3 in the AVR-S950H. The AVR-S950H has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.

Additional features

Each of the AV receivers from our review supports 2 Multi-room zones. The STR-ZA810ES supports voice control via Google Assistant, and the AVR-S950H - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. An ECO mode is only available for the AVR-S950H. Both STR-ZA810ES and AVR-S950H 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.