Sony STRZA1100ES AV Audio & Video Component Receiver Review
If you want a receiver that has awesome sound and can handle 4K HDR visuals from different sources, check out the Sony ES STR-ZA1100ES. It's pretty sweet. This receiver is perfect for home theater fans who want fantastic sound effects from Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and music lovers who want to stream music wirelessly from devices or online services. This receiver is great for a small to medium room with up to 7 speakers and 2 subwoofers. Let’s learn more about this.
Our Verdict
The Sony ES STR-ZA1100ES is a solid receiver with great value and lots of quality features for the price. However, it does have a few trade-offs compared to other receivers. The receiver looks cool, has lots of ways to connect stuff, sounds awesome, is easy to use, and has a five-year warranty. But the receiver has some downsides too, like a bright display that can't be dimmed, a not-so-comfy remote control, it gets pretty hot after using it for a while, and it doesn't have Wi-Fi, Chromecast, Dolby Vision, or voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant.
PROS
- High-quality audio and video performance.
- User-friendly interface and setup.
- Robust build quality for durability.
- Ample HDMI inputs for multiple devices.
- Supports 4K Ultra HD and HDR content.
- Advanced room calibration for optimal sound.
- Compatibility with leading streaming services.
- Zone 2 output for multi-room audio.
CONS
- Relatively high price point.
- Limited wireless connectivity options.
- Complex menu navigation for some users.
GENERAL
| Receiver Type | A/V Receiver |
|---|---|
| Number Of Channel | 7.2 Channel |
| Number Channel Processing | 7 |
| Audio Feature | Dolby Atmos , DTS:X |
| Video Feature | HDR10 , Dolby Vision , HDCP 2.3 , 4K Passthrough |
| Watts Per Channel | 100 W |
| Zones | 2 |
| Radio | Internet Radio |
| Amplifier | Class A/B |
CONNECTIVITY
| Ethernet | Yes |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | N/A |
| Bluetooth | N/A |
| USB | Yes |
| RCA LIne Input: | 4 |
| RCA LIne Output: | 0 |
| RCA Pre-Outs: | 2 |
| XLR Line Inputs: | 0 |
| XLR Pre-Outs: | 0 |
| Phono Input: | N/A |
| Optical Inputs: | 2 |
| Optical Output: | 0 |
| Coaxial Inputs: | 1 |
| Multi-Channel Input: | No |
| Headphone Out: | No |
| HDMI Inputs: | 5 |
| HDMI Outputs: | 2 |
| 8K Inputs: | 0 |
| Composite Video Input | 2 |
| Composite Video Output: | 1 |
| Component Video Input: | 2 |
| Component Video Output: | 0 |
| Front A/V Inputs: | 1 |
| Speaker A/B: | 0 |
AUDIO FEATURES:
| Maximum Channel Processing | 7.2 |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | up to 5.1.2 plus 2 phantom rear surround channels |
| Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization | N/A |
| Dolby Atmos Music | N/A |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| Dolby Digital Plus | Yes |
| Dolby Surround Upmixer | Yes |
| Dolby Pro Logic | Yes |
| Dolby Digital EX | Yes |
| Surround EX | Yes |
| DTS:X | Yes |
| DTS Neural:X | N/A |
| DTS Virtual:X | N/A |
| DTS Neo | N/A |
| DTS-HD Master Audio | Yes |
| DTS-HD High Resolution Audio | Yes |
| DTS 96/24 | Yes |
| DTS Express | Yes |
| DTS-ES | up to 5.1.2 plus 2 phantom rear surround channels |
| IMAX Enhanced | N/A |
| PCM | 2-ch/Multi-ch Input |
| Music Playback via USB | No |
| High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network | No |
| High Resolution Audio Formats via USB | No |
| Gapless Playback | Yes |
| DSD via HDMI | 2-ch/Multi-ch Input |
| DSD via USB | No |
| DSD to PCM Converter | N/A |
| USB DAC | N/A |
| Jitter Reduction | Yes |
| DTS Dialog Control | N/A |
| Dialog Enhancement | Yes |
| Dialog Level Adjustment | Yes |
| Dialog Normalization | Yes |
| Dialogue Lift | N/A |
| Compressed Music Enhancer | Yes |
| High-resolution Music Enhancer | N/A |
| Audyssey Dynamic EQ | N/A |
| Audyssey Dynamic Volume | N/A |
| Audyssey LFC | N/A |
| Audyssey Sub EQ HT | N/A |
| Audyssey DSX | N/A |
| Direct Mode | Yes |
| Pure Direct Mode | Yes |
| Independent Subwoofer Outputs | Yes |
| Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. | Yes |
| Audyssey App Support | N/A |
| Bass Sync | Yes |
| Optimized Bass Redirection | Yes |
VIDEO FEATURES:
| HDMI Version | 2.0b |
|---|---|
| Enhanced ARC | N/A |
| HDCP Version | 2.3 |
| HDR10+ | N/A |
| Dynamic HDR | N/A |
| Dolby Vision | Yes |
| HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) | Yes |
| QMS (Quick Media Switching) | N/A |
| 3-D Ready | Yes |
| Video Signal Passthrough | Yes |
| Video Signal Upscaling | N/A |
| Analog To HDMI Upconversion | Yes |
| Component Video Upscaling | N/A |
| isf Certified Calibration Control | N/A |
AMPLIFIERS
| Channels | 7 |
|---|---|
| Front Wide Channel Support | N/A |
| Current Feedback Topology | Yes |
| Discrete Amplification | Yes |
| HDAM | Yes |
| THX™ Certification | N/A |
| Continuous 6 Ω Rated | Yes |
| Certified 4 Ω Performance | Yes |
| Bi-amp Capability | Yes |
GAMING FEATURES
| Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) | N/A |
|---|---|
| Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) | N/A |
| Quick Frame Transport (QFT) | N/A |
ZONES
| Zones | 2 |
|---|---|
| Powered Zones | 2 |
| Zone 2 Outs | Yes |
| Zone 3 Outs | No |
| RS-232C Interface | Yes |
| +12V Trigger Output | Yes |
RADIO
| Analog Tuner | Yes |
|---|---|
| Digital Radio | N/A |
| Internet Radio | Yes |
| Pandora | N/A |
| Spotify | N/A |
| Tidal | N/A |
| Deezer | N/A |
| SiriusXM Internet Radio | N/A |
| Napster | N/A |
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
| On-Screen Display | Yes |
|---|---|
| GUI Languages | 3 |
| Web Browser Control | N/A |
| IP Control for CI | Yes |
| Control4 SDDP | N/A |
| PreAmp Mode | N/A |
| Display | Yes |
| Remote Controller | 1/2 |
| Remote Control In/Out | RM-AAU217 |
| LCD Display | Yes |
| Detachable Power Cord | Yes |
| Setup Assistant | Yes |
POWER
| Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 | 100 W |
|---|---|
| Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC) | 110 W |
| Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front) | 180 W |
| Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front) | 160 W |
| Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front) | 100 W |
| Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 | 90 W |
| Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA) | 150 W |
| Power Supply | AC 120 V, 60 Hz |
| Toroidal Transformer | N/A |
| Power Consumption | 240 W |
| No Sound Power | 45 W |
| Standby Power | 0.4 W |
BUILD
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 16.93 x 6.85 x 16.14 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 27.8 lbs |
| Chassis | Rigid frame and beam chassis |
| Front Panel | Aluminum front panel |
| Speaker Terminals | 9 pairs of binding posts |
| Large Speaker Terminals | Yes |
| Color-Coded Speaker Terminals | Yes |
| Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals | N/A |
| High Grade Audio Components | Yes |
| ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function | Yes |
| Auto Power off | Yes |
| Warranty | 5 years |
SPECIFICATIONS
| THD digital | 0.09% (20-20,000 Hz) |
|---|---|
| Analog Distortion | 0.05% (20-20,000 Hz) |
| Phono Distortion | 0.03% (20-20,000 Hz) |
| Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line) | 1 V / 50 kohms |
| Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM) | 2.5 mV / 50 kohms |
| Rated Lineout Level and Impedance | 1 V / 1 kohms |
| Rated Output digital | 2 V / 75 ohms |
| S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) | 105 dB |
| S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A) | 88 dB |
| S/N Ratio (digital) | 100 dB |
| Phono RIAA Deviation | ±0.5 dB |
| Frequency Response (Analog In) | +0.5/-2 dB |
| DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI | 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz |
| DSD Sampling Rates via USB | 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz |
| Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance | 1 Vp-p, 75 ohms |
| Video Frequency Response | 5 Hz - 10 MHz, 0/-3 dB |
| Ethernet Standard | IEEE 802.3 10BASE-T/IEEE 802.3u 100BASE-TX |
| Wi-Fi Standard | IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency | 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Bluetooth Frequency | 2.4 GHz |
| USB Terminal | Type A (for connecting USB devices) |
| FM Frequency | 87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz |
| FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.) | Mono: 1.5 μV, Stereo: 25 μV |
| FM S/N Ratio | Mono: 76 dB, Stereo: 70 dB |
| FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz) | Mono: 0.3%, Stereo: 0.5% |
| AM Effective Sensitivity | 18 μV |
| AM Frequency | 530 kHz - 1,710 kHz |
The Sony ES STR-ZA1100ES is a super cool receiver that looks sleek and elegant. It's got a minimalist front panel with a big display, a volume knob, and a few buttons. It's got this simple front panel with a big display, a volume knob, and a couple of buttons. It also has a front cover that can be taken off and hides some more inputs and buttons. The Sony ES STR-ZA1100ES is pretty small and light for an AVR, so you can easily put it wherever you want and move it around without any hassle. It's got a bunch of inputs and outputs on the back panel that can handle all sorts of devices and sources.
The design of the Sony ES STR-ZA1100ES isn't perfect, though. It's got a few downsides that might bug some users. The display is very bright and you can't even dim it, which is extremely irritating when you're in a dark room. The remote control isn't very comfortable to hold, and the buttons are tiny and tough to read. It also gets pretty hot after using it for a while, which might mess with how well it works and how long it lasts.
The Sony ES STR-ZA1100ES has tons of ways to connect different devices and stuff. It can handle the latest 4K material from Ultra HD Blu-ray discs and streaming services. It can absolutely handle Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding for up to 7.1.2 channels (with two extra power amps) or 5.1.2 channels (with the built-in amps). That means you'll get some seriously refreshing sound effects from speakers above you or even virtual speakers. The ES STR-ZA1100ES can also stream music wirelessly from devices that work with it or via the internet, or play vinyl records from a turntable. You can also control it using a web browser or an app on your phone or tablet.
The connectivity of the Sony ES STR-ZA1100ES isn't perfect, though. It doesn't have Wi-Fi or Chromecast built-in, so it can't connect to the internet or stream music from Google Play Music or other Chromecast-enabled apps without an external device. It doesn't support eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), so it can't get those fancy high-quality audio signals from TVs that have that feature.
The Sony ES STR-ZA1100ES is a beast for delivering a powerful and clear sound. It can totally fill up any room with realistic and dynamic sound effects. It's got this astonishing sound quality that can totally fill up any room with super realistic and dynamic sound effects. The Ultra HD Blu-ray discs and streaming services that support 4K HDR content were so incredible! The picture and sound quality were absolutely mind-blowing. The sound effects from Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are fantastic. They use speakers on the ceiling to make it feel like you're right in the middle of the action. It can also make the sound quality better for different stuff and modes, and it can change the sound settings for the room using a microphone that came with it.
The Sony ES STR-ZA1100ES performance isn't perfect, though. I've noticed that it's missing some cool stuff that other receivers have, like Audyssey room correction, Dolby Vision support, or voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant. Moreover, it doesn't have a separate subwoofer crossover setting. That means it can't adjust the subwoofer's frequency range on its own, separate from the speakers. This may cause problems with the bass and make the sound less clear.
The Sony ES STR-ZA1100ES is a sophisticated receiver for anyone who wants to vibe with some top-notch sound and video from all kinds of sources and devices. It's perfect for folks who love home theaters and want to feel totally immersed with awesome sound effects from Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. Plus, you'll get to enjoy mind-blowing 4K HDR visuals from Ultra HD Blu-ray discs and streaming services. It's also great for music lovers who want to stream music wirelessly from devices or online services, or play vinyl records from a turntable. It's also very useful for individuals who want to control it using a web browser or an app on their phone or tablet.
It's perfect for a casual room that can fit like, seven speakers and two subwoofers. And if you want to go all fancy, you can add some overhead or virtual speakers for that Dolby Atmos and DTS:X stuff. It's also comfortable for people who have a 4K TV that can handle HDR10 or HLG formats, and for those who have Ultra HD Blu-ray players or streaming devices that can handle 4K HDR content.
The Sony ES STR-ZA1100ES is really elegant and works with all sorts of devices and sources. You can connect stuff with HDMI, audio cables, optical, coaxial, phono, USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth, or AirPlay. It'll work with devices that can handle 4K HDR stuff, like Blu-ray players, TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles. It can also work with devices that support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, like overhead or virtual speakers. It can also work with wireless music devices like phones, tablets, laptops, and speakers. It can also work with devices that have analog audio, like turntables, CD players, DVD players, and cable or satellite boxes.
The Sony ES STR-ZA1100ES doesn't work with all devices and sources, though. It won't work with devices that have Wi-Fi or Chromecast built-in. So, it can't connect to the internet or stream music from Google Play Music or other Chromecast-enabled apps without an external device. It doesn't work with devices that support Dolby Vision, so it can't show the best picture quality from some Ultra HD Blu-ray discs or streaming services.
The Sony ES STR-ZA1100ES is pretty user-friendly and easy to set up, but it can also be a bit tricky at times. It's got a user-friendly interface you can access through the display, remote control, web browser, or app. The menu is easy to use with the arrow keys and enter button on the remote. It's got a handy setup guide to help you connect the speakers and other devices to it. Also, the Sony ES STR-ZA1100ES has a mic that can auto-adjust sound for the room. It1 has an innovative web browser setup that lets users customize its settings and features. It's got an app called Music Center (SongPal) that lets you control it and stream music from your devices or online services.
The Sony ES STR-ZA1100ES is pretty easy to use, but it can be a bit annoying sometimes. Some users say the web browser setup is not very responsive or stable, which can cause delays or glitches when configuring it. Also, some users say the app isn't reliable or compatible, which can cause issues when controlling it or streaming music.
The Sony ES STR-ZA1100ES is a pretty decent receiver with a decent price. It's only $999 on Amazon, so it's pretty affordable for most users who want a decent AVR. It's a good deal, but there's a ton of competition with other receivers that might be just as good or even better for different prices.
The Sony ES STR-ZA1100ES is a solid receiver with great value and lots of quality features for the price. However, it does have a few trade-offs compared to other receivers.
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