Onkyo TX-SR444 vs Sony STR-ZA3000ES

Here we are comparing Onkyo TX-SR444 to Sony STR-ZA3000ES 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 Onkyo TX-SR444 has 7 channel and the Sony STR-ZA3000ES has 7 channel amplifiers with Onkyo TX-SR444's being less powerful.

Onkyo TX-SR444	Sony STR-ZA3000ES
Onkyo TX-SR444 was introduced in 2015. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 65 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos, passes 4K/60Hz video signal.	Sony STR-ZA3000ES was introduced in 2016. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It , passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K/60p video signal.

We evaluated Onkyo TX-SR444 and Sony STR-ZA3000ES and gave them scores of 71 and 75 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 Onkyo TX-SR444 over Sony STR-ZA3000ES.

	Onkyo TX-SR444	vs	Sony STR-ZA3000ES
Dolby Atmos		vs
Dolby Surround Upmixer		vs
Bluetooth		vs
USB DC Out Port	5 V, 1 A	vs
More RCA Line Inputs	7 (1 front)	vs	4
More Composite Video Inputs	3 (1 front)	vs	2
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")	vs
Analog Tuner	FM/AM with RDS	vs	FM/AM
More Speaker Terminals	9	vs	7
Bigger Power Supply	420 W	vs	290 W
Wider AM Frequency Range	522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz	vs	530 kHz - 1710 kHz

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony STR-ZA3000ES over Onkyo TX-SR444.

	Onkyo TX-SR444	vs	Sony STR-ZA3000ES
More Channels	7.1	vs	7.2
Higher Power Output	65 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	vs	80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Bi-amp capability		vs
Dolby Pro Logic		vs	PLIIx
Surround EX		vs
Dialogue Lift		vs	Center Speaker Lift Up
Video Signal Upscaling		vs	up to 4K/60p
More HDMI Inputs	4	vs	6 (1 front)
More HDMI Outputs	1	vs	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
USB Input		vs	1 (Front) for update and setting
More RCA Pre-Outs	0.1	vs	7.2
More Composite Video Outputs		vs	1
More Component Video Outputs		vs	1
Ethernet		vs
Ethernet Switch		vs	8-Port Gigabit
Front A/V Inputs	Composite Video, RCA Audio	vs	HDMI, USB
Detachable Power Cord		vs
More Zones	2	vs	3
Zone 2 Outs		vs	HDMI, Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out
RS-232C Interface		vs
+12V Trigger Output	0	vs	3 (80 mA)
Remote (IR) Input/Output	0 / 0	vs	1 / 2
More Presets	40	vs	60 (30/30)
More Large Speaker Terminals	2	vs	7
Higher Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	65 W (0.7% THD)	vs	80 W (0.09% THD)
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, FTC)	115 W (0.9% THD)	vs	150 W (0.9% THD)
Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	100 dB	vs	105 dB (20 kHz LPF, 500 mV)
Longer Warranty	2 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	Onkyo TX-SR444	Sony STR-ZA3000ES
DSD via HDMI	2-ch/Multi-ch Input	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	AccuEQ Advance	Advanced D.C.A.C.
New HDCP Version	2.2	2.2 (2 inputs / 2 outputs)
Composite Video Inputs	3 (1 front)	2
Component Video Inputs	2	2
Analog Tuner	FM/AM with RDS	FM/AM

WEAKNESSES	Onkyo TX-SR444	Sony STR-ZA3000ES
Low Power Output	65 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
No Front Wide Channel Support
No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
No DTS:X
No IMAX Enhanced
No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
No HDR10
No HDR10+
No Dolby Vision
No eARC
No 8K Passthrough	up to 4K/60p (RGB/YCbCr4:4:4/YCbCr4:2:2, 24 bit)	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
No Wi-Fi
Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
Few 8K Inputs
No Phono Input
No Digital Radio
No Pandora
No Spotify
No Tidal

Onkyo TX-SR444	Sony STR-ZA3000ES
7 channel Amplifier: Onkyo TX-SR444 features 7 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 65 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven).	7 channel Amplifier: Sony STR-ZA3000ES features 7 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven).

• WRAT (Wide Range Amp Technology): Onkyo TX-SR444 features Onkyo’s Wide Range Amp Technology (WRAT) circuit layout that prevents phase shifting by pushing the roll-off point higher than the listening-level frequency. Amplifying sound without phase shift creates an uncommonly well-focused and realistic audio image. If phase shift occurs and signal timing is not accurate, then neither is the resulting audio image.

AMPLIFIER	Onkyo TX-SR444	Sony STR-ZA3000ES
Channels	7.1	7.2
Power Output	65 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	80 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

Onkyo TX-SR444's and Sony STR-ZA3000ES's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
Onkyo TX-SR444: 5.1.2 with internal amplifier.
Sony STR-ZA3000ES: Not supported.
• Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
Onkyo TX-SR444: 5.1, 7.1 with internal amplifier.
Sony STR-ZA3000ES: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
• Bi-Amp: Sony STR-ZA3000ES is 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

Onkyo TX-SR444 supports Dolby Atmos.

• Dolby Surround Upmixer: Onkyo TX-SR444 supports 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.

AUDIO DECODING	Onkyo TX-SR444	Sony STR-ZA3000ES
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic		PLIIx
Surround EX
DTS:X
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo	Neo:6	Neo:6
DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS 96/24
DTS Express
DTS-ES		Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
IMAX Enhanced
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer

Onkyo TX-SR444 comes with 4 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

Sony STR-ZA3000ES 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/60p (RGB/YCbCr4:4:4/YCbCr4:2:2, 24 bit) video signal.
• 4K Upscaling on Sony STR-ZA3000ES: It can upscale up to 4K/60p from HDMI sources.
• Analog To HDMI Upconversion: Onkyo TX-SR444 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.
• 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.

VIDEO FEATURES	Onkyo TX-SR444	Sony STR-ZA3000ES
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 (2 inputs / 2 outputs)
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/60p (RGB/YCbCr4:4:4/YCbCr4:2:2, 24 bit)	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling		up to 4K/60p

TERMINALS	Onkyo TX-SR444	Sony STR-ZA3000ES
HDMI Inputs	4	6 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	1	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
8K Inputs
USB Input		1 (Front) for update and setting
USB DC Out Port	5 V, 1 A
Optical Inputs	2	2
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	1	1
RCA Line Inputs	7 (1 front)	4
RCA Line Outputs
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	0.1	7.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs	3 (1 front)	2
Composite Video Outputs		1
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs	2	2
Component Video Outputs		1

GENERAL	Onkyo TX-SR444	Sony STR-ZA3000ES
Brand	Onkyo	Sony
Series		ES
Model	TX-SR444	STR-ZA3000ES
Type	A/V Receiver	A/V Receiver
Country	Europe, Australia and Asia	USA and Canada
Release Year	2015	2016
Successor		Sony STR-ZA3100ES

AMPLIFIER	Onkyo TX-SR444	Sony STR-ZA3000ES
Channels	7.1	7.2
Power Output	65 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Front Wide Channel Support
WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology)
VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry)
Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry
THX™ Certification
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Discrete Output Stage Circuitry
3-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry
PUSH-PULL Design
Independent Block Construction (Amp/Preprocessor)
Bi-amp Capability
BTL (Bridged Transless or Bridging)

AUDIO FEATURES	Onkyo TX-SR444	Sony STR-ZA3000ES
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine	Advanced 32-bit DSP Chip
DAC	Burr-Brown
DAC Specs	192 kHz/24 Bit
Maximum Channel Processing	7.1	7.1
Air Studios Monitor Certification
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic		PLIIx
Dolby Digital EX
Surround EX
DTS:X
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo	Neo:6	Neo:6
DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS 96/24
DTS Express
DTS-ES		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
Music Playback via USB
DSD via HDMI	2-ch/Multi-ch Input	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD via USB
DSD to PCM Converter
USB DAC
Jitter Reduction	PLL (Phase Locked Loop) Jitter-Cleaning Circuit Technology for S/PDIF Audio
DTS Dialogue Control
Dialog Enhancement
Dialog Level Adjustment
Dialog normalization
Dialogue Lift		Center Speaker Lift Up
Digital Legato Linear
In-Ceiling Speaker Mode
Sound Optimizer
Tone Control	Front L/R Channels
Compressed Music Enhancer	Advanced Music Optimizer (bluetooth included)
High-resolution Music Enhancer
THX Processing Mode
Audyssey Dynamic EQ
Audyssey Dynamic Volume
Audyssey LFC
Audyssey Sub EQ HT
Audyssey DSX
Phase-Matching Bass Boost	for Deep Bass and Clear Mid-Range
Direct Mode
Pure Audio Mode
Pure Direct Analog Path Mode
Pure Direct Mode
Virtual Speakers	T-D (Theater-Dimensional)
Independent Subwoofer Outputs

CALIBRATION	Onkyo TX-SR444	Sony STR-ZA3000ES
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	AccuEQ Advance	Advanced D.C.A.C.
Calibration Microphone		Mono
Speaker Relocation
Automatic Phase Matching

VIDEO FEATURES	Onkyo TX-SR444	Sony STR-ZA3000ES
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 (2 inputs / 2 outputs)
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/60p (RGB/YCbCr4:4:4/YCbCr4:2:2, 24 bit)	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
Component Video Maximum Resolution	480i/576i
isf Certified Calibration Control

CONNECTIVITY	Onkyo TX-SR444	Sony STR-ZA3000ES
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Works with Amazon Alexa
Chromecast Built-In
Works with SonoS
DTS Play-Fi
MHL Input
DLNA 1.5
AirPlay
Apple Product Connection	iPod, iPhone via RI Dock
Remote App
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue

TERMINALS	Onkyo TX-SR444	Sony STR-ZA3000ES
HDMI Inputs	4	6 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	1	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
8K Inputs
USB Input		1 (Front) for update and setting
USB DC Out Port	5 V, 1 A
Optical Inputs	2	2
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	1	1
RCA Line Inputs	7 (1 front)	4
RCA Line Outputs
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	0.1	7.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs	3 (1 front)	2
Composite Video Outputs		1
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs	2	2
Component Video Outputs		1
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch		8-Port Gigabit
PC In
Front A/V Inputs	Composite Video, RCA Audio	HDMI, USB
Speaker A/B	Zone B
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")
Detachable Power Cord
uport

ZONES	Onkyo TX-SR444	Sony STR-ZA3000ES
Number of Zones	2	3
Powered Zones	2	2
Zone 2 Outs		HDMI, Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out
Zone 3 Outs		RCA Pre/Line Out
Whole House Mode
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output	0	3 (80 mA)
Remote (IR) Input/Output	0 / 0	1 / 2

MISCELLANEOUS	Onkyo TX-SR444	Sony STR-ZA3000ES
On-Screen Display	Graphical Overlaid On-Screen Display (OSD) via HDMI with Quick Set-Up	Graphical User Interface
GUI Languages		3
ONKYO-RI System Control
RIHD (Remote Interactive Over HDMI)
Pre-Pro/Learning Remote	/
On Screen Remote Programming
Bi-directional Remote Setup via GUI
Smart Grid-Ready

RADIO	Onkyo TX-SR444	Sony STR-ZA3000ES
Analog Tuner	FM/AM with RDS	FM/AM
Presets	40	60 (30/30)
Digital Radio
Internet Radio
Pandora
Spotify
Tidal
Deezer
Napster
SiriusXM

CONSTRUCTION	Onkyo TX-SR444	Sony STR-ZA3000ES
Solid Aluminum Front
Speaker Terminals	9	7
Large Speaker Terminals	2	7
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
Gold plated RCA terminals

POWER	Onkyo TX-SR444	Sony STR-ZA3000ES
Power Supply	AC 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Independent Power Supply	2
H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply)	Massive High Power Transformer
Toroidal Transformer
Power Consumption	420 W	290 W
No Sound Power	55 W
Standby Power	0.3 W	0.3 W

PHYSICAL	Onkyo TX-SR444	Sony STR-ZA3000ES
Dimensions (W x H x D)	435 mm x 160 mm x 328 mm 17-1/8" x 6-5/16" x 12-15/16"	430 mm x 174 mm x 410 mm 17" x 6-7/8" x 16-1/4"
Weight	8.0 kg (17.6 lbs)	13.4 kg (29 lbs. 9 oz.)

SPECIFICATIONS	Onkyo TX-SR444	Sony STR-ZA3000ES
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	65 W (0.7% THD)	80 W (0.09% THD)
Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)		110 W (0.9% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)		100 W (0.09% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)		120 W (0.9% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, FTC)	115 W (0.9% THD)	150 W (0.9% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)	120 W
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)	100 W (1% THD)
Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front)	160 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front)	125 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front)	85 W
THD	0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, half power)
Damping Factor	40 (Front, 1 kHz, 8 Ω)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	200 mV/47 kΩ (LINE, 1 kHz 100 W/8 Ω)	150 mV/50 kΩ
Rated Preout Level and Impedance		2 V/1 kΩ (All channels and Subwoofer)
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	100 dB	105 dB (20 kHz LPF, 500 mV)
S/N Ratio (digital)		96 dB (20 kHz LPF)
Frequency Response (Analog In)	10 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (Direct mode)	10 Hz - 100 kHz/±3 dB
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI		2.8 MHz
Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance	1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y) 0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR) 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)
Ethernet Standard
Bluetooth Version	2․1 + EDR
Bluetooth Frequency	2.4 GHz
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz
AM Frequency	522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz	530 kHz - 1710 kHz
Warranty	2 Years	5 Years

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