A potential consumer is met with multiple issues when deciding to buy a receiver. In this review of one of the devices, we will attempt to answer all of these questions - Sony STR-ZA3100ES. This model received a ranking of 6.3 out of 10 during our review. The public met this model in 2017. One of the key characteristics of the model is an amplifier with 7.2 channels.
Sony STR-ZA3100ES Pros
- ✔Bluetooth is now one of the key wireless communication protocols. In AV receivers, it is used for audio signal transmission or remote control. And it is in the model under review that Bluetooth support is implemented.
- ✔The presence of a USB port allows the receiver to play content from external media.
- ✔Dolby Atmos technology has been included in this model specifically to create a 3D effect when watching movies, which reveals all its features with a minimum 5.1 configuration.
- ✔Sony STR-ZA3100ES with an adaptive and flexible DTS:X surround format can support any speaker configuration, unlike Dolby Atmos.
- ✔IMAX Enhanced is a licensing and certification program under which receivers, including Sony STR-ZA3100ES, deliver that crisp 4K HDR picture and powerful sound by IMAX.
- ✔With HDR pass-through support, it is possible to transfer data over STR-ZA3100ES with a much wider range of colors.
- ✔With 4K/60Hz pass-through support, it is possible to pass data through this model without degrading image quality.
- ✔ARC feature eliminates the need for an additional composite or optical cable when connecting this unit to a TV.
- ✔eARC is more bandwidth-intensive than ARC and therefore allows Sony STR-ZA3100ES to support advanced high-quality audio formats.
- ✔The manufacturer claims support for CEC in Sony STR-ZA3100ES and therefore you can control any HDMI-connected device using one remote control.
- ✔This receiver supports the data encryption protocol HDCP 2.2 which allows licensed devices to play high definition audio and video.
- ✔Sony STR-ZA3100ES uses bi-amping to amplify each dynamic in a speaker separately, resulting in clearer, better sound.
- ✔The reviewed receiver has a Pure Direct mode, when used it feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
- ✔This AV receiver is able to use 2 zones to send a source signal to speakers or a separate audio system in different locations.
- ✔With the included microphone, the Sony STR-ZA3100ES can use the auto speaker calibration mechanism to create the most suitable soundstage.
Sony STR-ZA3100ES Cons
- ✖The receiver has not a function of wireless connection to the Internet via Wi-Fi.
- ✖The STR-ZA3100ES has not a phono (MM) input for connecting a phonographer or turntable.
- ✖AirPlay is not supported.
- ✖Sony STR-ZA3100ES is unable to use Amazon Music.
- ✖Spotify music is not supported.
- ✖There is no voice control function.
- ✖Does not have an automatic power-off when idle.
- ✖Energy-saving ECO mode is not implemented.
- ✖Has no speaker A/B switching function.
- ✖There is no sleep timer.
