Denon AVR-X1200W vs Sony STR-ZA5000ES

Here we are comparing Denon AVR-X1200W to Sony STR-ZA5000ES to reveal their common strengths and weaknesses as well as the differences between them which will help you in making a correct decision before the purchase. The Denon AVR-X1200W has 7 channel and the Sony STR-ZA5000ES has 9 channel amplifiers with Denon AVR-X1200W's being less powerful.

Denon AVR-X1200W	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Denon AVR-X1200W was introduced in 2015. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz video signal.	Sony STR-ZA5000ES was introduced in 2016 and represented a flagship model of a manufacturer. It is equipped with 9 channel amplifier with 120 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 11.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K/60p video signal.

We evaluated Denon AVR-X1200W and Sony STR-ZA5000ES and gave them scores of 85 and 87 out of 100 recpectively. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluations section.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Denon AVR-X1200W over Sony STR-ZA5000ES.

	Denon AVR-X1200W	vs	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Dolby Digital EX		vs
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD	vs
DSD via USB	2-ch Input	vs
DTS Dialog Control		vs
Audyssey Dynamic EQ		vs
Audyssey Dynamic Volume		vs
Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through		vs
Wi-Fi		vs
Bluetooth		vs
DLNA 1.5		vs
AirPlay	AirPlay	vs
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")	vs
More GUI Languages	9	vs	3
Analog Tuner	FM/AM with RDS	vs	FM/AM
Internet Radio	vTuner	vs
Spotify		vs
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals		vs

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony STR-ZA5000ES over Denon AVR-X1200W.

	Denon AVR-X1200W	vs	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
More Channels	7.2	vs	9.2
Higher Power Output	80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	vs	120 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
More Channel Processing	7.1	vs	11.1
Dolby Pro Logic		vs	PLIIz
DTS Neo		vs	Neo:6
DSD via HDMI		vs	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Dialogue Lift		vs	Center Speaker Lift Up
Video Signal Upscaling		vs	up to 4K/60p
Analog To HDMI Upconversion		vs	Component, Composite
More HDMI Outputs	1	vs	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
More Coaxial Inputs/Outputs		vs	1
More RCA Line Inputs	2	vs	4
More RCA Pre-Outs	0.2	vs	11.2
More Component Video Inputs		vs	2
Ethernet Switch		vs	8-Port Gigabit
More Zones	2	vs	3
More Powered Zones	2	vs	2 and 3
Zone 2 Outs		vs	HDMI, Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out
RS-232C Interface		vs
+12V Trigger Output		vs	3 (80 mA)
Remote (IR) Input/Output	0 / 0	vs	1 / 2
More Speaker Terminals	7	vs	11
More Large Speaker Terminals	7	vs	11
Gold plated RCA terminals		vs
Bigger Power Supply	430 W	vs	500 W
Higher Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	80 W (0.08% THD)	vs	120 W (0.09% THD)
Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	98 dB	vs	105 dB (20 kHz LPF, 500 mV)
Wider AM Frequency Range	522 kHz - 1611 kHz	vs	530 kHz - 1710 kHz
Longer Warranty	3 Years	vs	5 Years

We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

STRENGTHS	Denon AVR-X1200W	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Dolby Atmos		up to 7.1.4
DTS:X		up to 7.1.4
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	Audyssey MultEQ XT	D.C.A.C. EX
HDR10
Dolby Vision
New HDCP Version	2.2	2.2
USB Input	1 (Front) for iPod/iPhone and USB memory	1 (Front) for update and setting
Composite Video Inputs	2	2
Ethernet
Analog Tuner	FM/AM with RDS	FM/AM

WEAKNESSES	Denon AVR-X1200W	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
No Front Wide Channel Support
No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
No IMAX Enhanced
No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
No HDR10+
No eARC
No 8K Passthrough	up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
Few 8K Inputs
No Phono Input
No Digital Radio
No Pandora
No Tidal

Denon AVR-X1200W	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
7 channel Amplifier: Denon AVR-X1200W features 7 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.	9 channel Amplifier: Sony STR-ZA5000ES features 9 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 120 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

AMPLIFIER	Denon AVR-X1200W	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Channels	7.2	9.2
Power Output	80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	120 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Front Wide Channel Support
THX™ Certification
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Bi-amp Capability	assignable

Denon AVR-X1200W's and Sony STR-ZA5000ES's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
Denon AVR-X1200W: 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
Sony STR-ZA5000ES: 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier and 7.2.4 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
• DTS:X Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for DTS:X:
Denon AVR-X1200W: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos - 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
Sony STR-ZA5000ES: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos - 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier and 7.2.4 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
• Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
Denon AVR-X1200W: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
Sony STR-ZA5000ES: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
• 2-ch Bi-Amp: Both models are able to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.

Dolby Atmos

Denon AVR-X1200W and Sony STR-ZA5000ES support Dolby Atmos.

• Dolby Surround Upmixer: Both models support Dolby Surround Upmixer. If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.

DTS:X

Denon AVR-X1200W and Sony STR-ZA5000ES support DTS:X.

• DTS Neural:X: Both models feature DTS Neural:X which is an advanced upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.
• DTS Dialog Control: Denon AVR-X1200W supports DTS Dialog Control. This function adjusts the dialog levels during playback of the DTS:X stream. It allows you to separately increase the dialog levels in contrast with the background sound and hear dialog easily even under noisy circumstances.

AUDIO DECODING	Denon AVR-X1200W	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Dolby Atmos		up to 7.1.4
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic		PLIIz
Dolby Digital EX
DTS:X		up to 7.1.4
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo		Neo:6
DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS 96/24
DTS Express
DTS-ES	Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1	Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
IMAX Enhanced
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer

Denon AVR-X1200W comes with 6 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

Sony STR-ZA5000ES comes with 6 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs - 1 Main and 1 Sub/Zone2.

• 4K/60Hz Passthrough: On both receivers all inputs pass up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
• 4K Upscaling on Sony STR-ZA5000ES: It can upscale up to 4K/60p from HDMI and analog sources.
• Analog To HDMI Upconversion: Sony STR-ZA5000ES supports analog to HDMI Upconversion, so you can input your analog video sources and output them digitally via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
• BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35% (available on both models).
• HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: Both receivers are HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
• 3D Ready: Both receivers are able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Both receivers support HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma. High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.

Gaming Features

Denon AVR-X1200W supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for lag-free and smooth gaming.

VIDEO FEATURES	Denon AVR-X1200W	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.2	2.2
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling		up to 4K/60p

TERMINALS	Denon AVR-X1200W	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
HDMI Inputs	6 (1 front)	6 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	1	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
8K Inputs
USB Input	1 (Front) for iPod/iPhone and USB memory	1 (Front) for update and setting
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	2	2
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs		1
RCA Line Inputs	2	4
RCA Line Outputs
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	0.2	11.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs	2	2
Composite Video Outputs	1	1
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs		2
Component Video Outputs

GENERAL	Denon AVR-X1200W	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Brand	Denon	Sony
Series		ES
Model	AVR-X1200W	STR-ZA5000ES
Type	A/V Receiver	A/V Receiver
Country	UK	USA
Release Year	2015	2016
Predecessor	Denon AVR-X1100W
Successor	Denon AVR-X1300W	Sony STR-AZ5000ES

AMPLIFIER	Denon AVR-X1200W	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Channels	7.2	9.2
Power Output	80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	120 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Front Wide Channel Support
Discrete Amplification
THX™ Certification
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Mono Block Power Amplifier Construction
Bi-amp Capability	assignable

AUDIO FEATURES	Denon AVR-X1200W	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine	Advanced quad-core 32-bit DSP processors
DAC Specs	192 kHz/24 Bit
Maximum Channel Processing	7.1	11.1
D.D.S.C. HD Digital
Alpha Processing
Air Studios Monitor Certification
Dolby Atmos		up to 7.1.4
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic		PLIIz
Dolby Digital EX
Surround EX
DTS:X		up to 7.1.4
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo		Neo:6
DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS 96/24
DTS Express
DTS-ES	Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1	Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
IMAX Enhanced
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
360 Reality Audio
PCM	2-ch/Multi-ch Input	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Network Audio Formats	MP3, WMA, MPEG-4 AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network	up to 192 kHz
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
Gapless Playback
DSD via HDMI		2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD via USB	2-ch Input
DSD to PCM Converter
USB DAC
Jitter Reduction
DTS Dialogue Control
Dialog Enhancement
Dialog Level Adjustment
Dialog normalization
Dialogue Lift		Center Speaker Lift Up
Digital Legato Linear
In-Ceiling Speaker Mode
OP Processing
Sound Optimizer
Tone Control		All Channels
Compressed Music Enhancer
High-resolution Music Enhancer
Audyssey Dynamic EQ
Audyssey Dynamic Volume
Audyssey LFC
Audyssey Sub EQ HT
Audyssey DSX
Direct Mode
Pure Direct Mode
Independent Subwoofer Outputs

CALIBRATION	Denon AVR-X1200W	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	Audyssey MultEQ XT	D.C.A.C. EX
Calibration Microphone		Stereo
EQ for D.C.A.C.		31 band EQ
Speaker Relocation
Automatic Phase Matching
Audyssey App Support
Optimized Bass Redirection
Bass Sync

VIDEO FEATURES	Denon AVR-X1200W	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.2	2.2
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling		up to 4K/60p
Analog To HDMI Upconversion		Component, Composite
Component Video Upscaling
Analog to Analog Video conversion
isf Certified Calibration Control

CONNECTIVITY	Denon AVR-X1200W	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Bluetooth Headphone Transmission
Works with Amazon Alexa
Chromecast Built-In
Works with SonoS
HEOS
DTS Play-Fi
MHL Input
DLNA 1.5
Music Connect
Remote Monitoring with ihiji
AirPlay	AirPlay
Apple Product Connection	iPod, iPhone and iPad
Remote App	Denon Remote App for iOS and Android devices
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue

TERMINALS	Denon AVR-X1200W	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
HDMI Inputs	6 (1 front)	6 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	1	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
8K Inputs
USB Input	1 (Front) for iPod/iPhone and USB memory	1 (Front) for update and setting
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	2	2
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs		1
RCA Line Inputs	2	4
RCA Line Outputs
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	0.2	11.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs	2	2
Composite Video Outputs	1	1
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs		2
Component Video Outputs
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch		8-Port Gigabit
PC In
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI, USB	HDMI, USB
Speaker A/B	assignable
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")
Detachable Power Cord

ZONES	Denon AVR-X1200W	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Number of Zones	2	3
Powered Zones	2	2 and 3
Zone 2 Outs		HDMI, Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out
Zone 3 Outs		RCA Pre/Line Out
Zone GUI		for Zone 2
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output		3 (80 mA)
Remote (IR) Input/Output	0 / 0	1 / 2

MISCELLANEOUS	Denon AVR-X1200W	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
On-Screen Display	Hybrid Graphic User Interface	Graphical User Interface
GUI Languages	9	3
Control4 SDDP
Display	1 line
Remote Controller	RC-1189	RM-AAU217
Pre-programmed / Learnable / LCD Display	/ /
Denon Link HD
Setup Assistant
Quick Select plus / Quick Select	/

RADIO	Denon AVR-X1200W	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Analog Tuner	FM/AM with RDS	FM/AM
Presets		60 (30/30)
Digital Radio
Internet Radio	vTuner
Pandora
Spotify
Tidal
Deezer
Napster
SiriusXM

CONSTRUCTION	Denon AVR-X1200W	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Front Panel	Brushed hairline metalized finish
Speaker Terminals	7	11
Large Speaker Terminals	7	11
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
High Grade Audio Components
Gold plated RCA terminals

POWER	Denon AVR-X1200W	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Power Supply	AC 230 V, 50/60 Hz	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Power Consumption	430 W	500 W
No Sound Power	ECO On/Off: 30 W/45 W
Standby Power	0.1 W	0.3 W
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
Auto Power off

PHYSICAL	Denon AVR-X1200W	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Dimensions (W x H x D)	434 mm x 151 mm x 339 mm (with antenna: 434 mm x 215 mm x 339 mm) 17-1/16" x 5-15/16" x 13-3/8" (with antenna up: 17-1/16" x 8-7/16" x 13-3/8")	430 mm x 174 mm x 410 mm 17" x 6-7/8" x 16-1/4"
Weight	8.5 kg (18 lbs 12 oz)	17.5 kg (38 lbs. 10 oz.)

SPECIFICATIONS	Denon AVR-X1200W	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	80 W (0.08% THD)	120 W (0.09% THD)
Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)		130 W (0.9% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	120 W (0.7% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)	175 W (10% THD)
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)	145 W (1% THD)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	200 mV/47 kΩ	150 mV/50 kΩ
Rated Preout Level and Impedance		2 V/1 kΩ
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	98 dB	105 dB (20 kHz LPF, 500 mV)
S/N Ratio (digital)		96 dB (20 kHz LPF)
Frequency Response (Analog In)	+1/-3 dB (10 Hz to 100 kHz, Direct mode)	10 Hz - 100 kHz/±3 dB
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI		2.8 MHz
DSD Sampling Rates via USB	2.8 MHz
Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance	1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)	1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y) 0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR) 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
Video Frequency Response	5 Hz to 10 MHz, 0 dB/-3 dB (Composite)
Ethernet Standard	100BASE-TX
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency	2.4 GHz
Bluetooth Version	2․1 + EDR
Bluetooth Frequency	2.4 GHz
USB Terminal	USB2.0 5V, 1 A
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz
FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)	Mono: 2.8 µV (20.2 dBf)
FM Effective Sensitivity	1.2 µV (12.8 dBf)
FM S/N Ratio	Mono/Stereo: 70 dB/67 dB
FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz)	Mono/Stereo: 0.7%/1.0%
AM Frequency	522 kHz - 1611 kHz	530 kHz - 1710 kHz
AM Effective Sensitivity	18 µV
Warranty	3 Years	5 Years

* - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
** - 480i/576i only
*** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
**** - 1080p signal is not converted