The combination of power and versatility: Sony STR-ZA2100ES vs Sony STR-ZA3100ES
I have tested two solutions from Sony - Sony STR-ZA2100ES vs Sony STR-ZA3100ES. This review should help people who want to buy a great receiver.
Features & Performance
Both solutions support the 7.2 channel setup, but if we compare Sony STR-ZA2100ES vs STR-ZA3100ES in terms of the total power output we will see that STR-ZA3100ES has 700 W of power, while STR-ZA2100ES has 640 W. These models have various audio enhancement technologies, like the phantom surround back and the eARC technologies. These receivers are IMAX enhanced. Both solutions are perfect for home integration due to the seamless IP control integration system.
Connections & Setup
You can view and edit receivers’ settings using your web browser.
Both receivers support several zones – you can easily control the playback using the buttons located on the front panel or the remote controller.
These models are built-well so customers do not experience any issues with ports – both models have 6 in and 2 out HDMI ports.
Both solutions use D.C.A.C. technology to calibrate and control the output sound. The auto-calibration feature is very precise, the manufacturer provides you with the microphone required. You can fine-tune the settings in the future – it is not difficult. Usually, customers are satisfied with the results.
Design
Comparing Sony STR-ZA3100ES vs STR-ZA2100ES in terms of the design – we will not see major differences. Both models have a simple LCD display, a large knob, and a small power on/off button. The front panel hides many additional buttons and extra ports (HDMI, USB and Mic ports). Both models are provided with remote controllers. Overall, these models are easy to control whether you use a remote controller or the buttons located on the receivers themselves.
The dimensions are 21x19.3x10.3 in for Sony STR-ZA2100ES versus 24x20x3 in for Sony STR-ZA3100ES.
Sony STR-ZA2100ES pros & cons
Pros:
- It is user-friendly – the onscreen features and menus are easy to use, plus the UI looks modern. It makes the receiver easy to set up.
- The audio calibration technology is precise and versatile – you can quickly adjust the output sound.
- Firmware updating using a network is fast and easy.
Cons:
- No audio streaming services support.
Sony STR-ZA3100ES pros & cons
Pros:
- The initial calibration is fast and very precise.
- It has many video and audio features, which are extremely easy to access and configure if you need – the UI is user-friendly. As a result, you get spectacular video and audio – no lagging or distortion or noise.
- Great compatibility with many modern devices.
Cons:
- It doesn’t support any streaming services.
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Common
Product
Model
Brand
Rating
Reviews
Amplifier
Total output power
Output power per channel
Output impedance per channel
Frequency response
Total harmonic distortion
Number of channels
Signal-to-noise ratio
Functions
Amplifier class
Digital player
Internet radio
Network audio player
Audio formats
AAC
DSD
AIFF
Apple lossless
FLAC
MP3
WAV
WMA
Built-in decoders
DTS:X
DTS-HD master audio
DTS neural:X
Dolby Atmos
Dolby digital plus
Dolby surround
Dolby true HD
Built-in display
Type
Colour
Connectivity interfaces
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi
IEEE 802.3
IEEE 802.3u
Signal processing
HDMI pass-through
Video conversion/scaling
3D pass-through
Upscaling via HDMI
Connector type
AV inputs
Optical digital inputs
Coaxial digital inputs
HDMI inputs
HDMI outputs
Optical digital outputs
Coaxial digital outputs
Subwoofer outputs
USB
Phones
Media content source
Bluetooth
Network
USB-host
Radio
Tuner type
Tuner bands
Preset station
Preset station qty
Additional features
A-B speaker switch
MCACC Pro
Deep color
X.v.Color
AIR Studios monitor certification
Three-zone capability
Advanced sound retriever (ASR) technology
Apple air-play support
Audio return channel (ARC)
Bi-amplifying
Auto power off
Pure direct mode
Dual-zone capability
Smartphone remote control
Sound features
Audio D/A converter
DSP preset qty
Sound output mode
Surround sound effects
Surround system class
Digital content protection
Digital sound processor (DSP)
Clock
Built-in clock
Sleep timer
Power device
Operational power consumption
Standby power consumption
Dimensions
Dimensions
Weight
AV receivers HelpToChoose comparison rating
- 22.8Sony STR-ZA2100ES
- 19.1Sony STR-ZA3100ES
Sony STR-ZA2100ES is better receiver in this comparison. Check Sony STR-ZA2100ES price
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