Sony STR-ZA810ES vs Sony STR-ZA3100ES

Here we are comparing Sony STR-ZA810ES to Sony STR-ZA3100ES 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. Both receivers have 7 channel amplifiers with Sony STR-ZA810ES's being less powerful.

Sony STR-ZA810ES	Sony STR-ZA3100ES
Sony STR-ZA810ES was introduced in 2017. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7ch + Phantom 2ch maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K/60p video signal.	Sony STR-ZA3100ES was introduced in 2017. 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 9ch + Phantom 2ch maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K/60p video signal.

We evaluated Sony STR-ZA810ES and Sony STR-ZA3100ES and gave them scores of 83 and 84 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 Sony STR-ZA810ES over Sony STR-ZA3100ES.

	Sony STR-ZA810ES	vs	Sony STR-ZA3100ES
Music Playback via USB	WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD, MP3, WMA, LPCM, Dolby Digital, Apple Lossless, OGG, APE	vs
DSD via USB	2-ch Input	vs
Wi-Fi		vs
Bluetooth	SBC, AAC, LDAC	vs
Chromecast Built-In		vs
AirPlay	AirPlay	vs
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")	vs
Spotify		vs
More Speaker Terminals	9	vs	7
More Large Speaker Terminals	9	vs	7
Higher S/N Ratio (digital)	100 dB (20 kHz LPF)	vs	96 dB (20 kHz LPF)

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony STR-ZA3100ES over Sony STR-ZA810ES.

	Sony STR-ZA810ES	vs	Sony STR-ZA3100ES
Higher Power Output	70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	vs	80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
More Channel Processing	7ch + Phantom 2ch	vs	9ch + Phantom 2ch
Music Connect		vs
Remote Monitoring with ihiji		vs
More Optical Inputs	1	vs	2
More RCA Pre-Outs	0.2	vs	9.2
More Component Video Inputs		vs	2
Ethernet Switch		vs	8-Port Gigabit
Front A/V Inputs	USB	vs	HDMI, USB
More Zones	2	vs	3
Zone 2 Outs	HDMI, RCA Pre/Line Out	vs	HDMI, Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out
+12V Trigger Output	0	vs	3 (80 mA)
Remote (IR) Input/Output	1 / 1	vs	1 / 2
Analog Tuner	FM	vs	FM/AM
More Presets	30 (30/-)	vs	60 (30/30)
Bigger Power Supply	240 W	vs	290 W
Higher Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	70 W (0.09% THD)	vs	80 W (0.09% THD)
Higher Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)	100 W (0.9% THD)	vs	110 W (0.9% THD)
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	90 W (0.09% THD)	vs	100 W (0.09% THD)
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	110 W (0.9% THD)	vs	120 W (0.9% THD)
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, FTC)	140 W (0.9% THD)	vs	150 W (0.9% THD)
Faster Ethernet	100BASE-TX	vs	1000BASE-T

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	Sony STR-ZA810ES	Sony STR-ZA3100ES
Dolby Atmos	up to 5.1.2 plus 2 phantom rear surround channels	up to 7.1.2 or 5.1.4 plus 2 phantom rear surround channels
DTS:X	up to 5.1.2 plus 2 phantom rear surround channels	up to 7.1.2 or 5.1.4 plus 2 phantom rear surround channels
DSD via HDMI	2-ch/Multi-ch Input	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	D.C.A.C. EX	D.C.A.C. EX
HDR10
Dolby Vision
eARC
New HDCP Version	2.2	2.2
USB Input	1 (Front)	1 (Front) for update and setting
Composite Video Inputs	2	2
Ethernet
Analog Tuner	FM	FM/AM

WEAKNESSES	Sony STR-ZA810ES	Sony STR-ZA3100ES
Low Power Output	70 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 IMAX Enhanced
No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
No 360 Reality Audio
No HDR10+
No 8K Passthrough	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)	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

Sony STR-ZA810ES	Sony STR-ZA3100ES
7 channel Amplifier: Sony STR-ZA810ES features 7 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven).	7 channel Amplifier: Sony STR-ZA3100ES features 7 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven).

AMPLIFIER	Sony STR-ZA810ES	Sony STR-ZA3100ES
Channels	7.2	7.2
Power Output	70 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

Sony STR-ZA810ES's and Sony STR-ZA3100ES's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
Sony STR-ZA810ES: 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
Sony STR-ZA3100ES: 5.2.2 with internal amplifier and 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
• DTS:X Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for DTS:X:
Sony STR-ZA810ES: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos - 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
Sony STR-ZA3100ES: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos - 5.2.2 with internal amplifier and 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
• Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
Sony STR-ZA810ES: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
Sony STR-ZA3100ES: 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

Sony STR-ZA810ES and Sony STR-ZA3100ES 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

Sony STR-ZA810ES and Sony STR-ZA3100ES 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.

AUDIO DECODING	Sony STR-ZA810ES	Sony STR-ZA3100ES
Dolby Atmos	up to 5.1.2 plus 2 phantom rear surround channels	up to 7.1.2 or 5.1.4 plus 2 phantom rear surround channels
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic
Dolby Digital EX
DTS:X	up to 5.1.2 plus 2 phantom rear surround channels	up to 7.1.2 or 5.1.4 plus 2 phantom rear surround channels
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo
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

Sony STR-ZA810ES and Sony STR-ZA3100ES come 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 (YCbCr4:4:4) video signal.
• 4K Upscaling: Both receivers can upscale up to 4K/60p from HDMI sources. Sony STR-ZA3100ES can also upscale from analog sources.
• Analog To HDMI Upconversion: Sony STR-ZA3100ES 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.

Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)

Sony STR-ZA810ES and Sony STR-ZA3100ES support Audio Return Channel (ARC) which allows the compatible TV to send audio signal to the a/v receiver through the same HDMI cable which is used to send audio and video signals to the TV. So one HDMI cable is used to transfer audio signal in both directions. New Enhanced ARC will support uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio whereas the previous ARC could support only Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, DTS HD, and PCM.

VIDEO FEATURES	Sony STR-ZA810ES	Sony STR-ZA3100ES
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/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K/60p	up to 4K/60p

TERMINALS	Sony STR-ZA810ES	Sony STR-ZA3100ES
HDMI Inputs	6	6 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
8K Inputs
USB Input	1 (Front)	1 (Front) for update and setting
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	1	2
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	1	1
RCA Line Inputs	4	4
RCA Line Outputs
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	0.2	9.2
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	Sony STR-ZA810ES	Sony STR-ZA3100ES
Brand	Sony	Sony
Series	ES	ES
Model	STR-ZA810ES	STR-ZA3100ES
Type	A/V Receiver	A/V Receiver
Country	USA	USA
Release Year	2017	2017
Predecessor		Sony STR-ZA3000ES
Successor		Sony STR-AZ3000ES

AMPLIFIER	Sony STR-ZA810ES	Sony STR-ZA3100ES
Channels	7.2	7.2
Power Output	70 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

AUDIO FEATURES	Sony STR-ZA810ES	Sony STR-ZA3100ES
Maximum Channel Processing	7ch + Phantom 2ch	9ch + Phantom 2ch
Air Studios Monitor Certification
Dolby Atmos	up to 5.1.2 plus 2 phantom rear surround channels	up to 7.1.2 or 5.1.4 plus 2 phantom rear surround channels
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic
Dolby Digital EX
DTS:X	up to 5.1.2 plus 2 phantom rear surround channels	up to 7.1.2 or 5.1.4 plus 2 phantom rear surround channels
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo
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	WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD, MP3, WMA, LPCM, Dolby Digital, Apple Lossless, OGG, APE
Music Playback via USB	WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD, MP3, WMA, LPCM, Dolby Digital, Apple Lossless, OGG, APE
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network	up to 192 kHz
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
DSD via HDMI	2-ch/Multi-ch Input	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD via USB	2-ch Input
DSD to PCM Converter
USB DAC
DTS Dialogue Control
Dialogue Lift	Center Speaker Lift Up	Center Speaker Lift Up
Digital Legato Linear
In-Ceiling Speaker Mode
OP Processing
Sound Optimizer
Tone Control	All Channels	All Channels
Audyssey Dynamic EQ
Audyssey Dynamic Volume
Audyssey LFC
Audyssey Sub EQ HT
Audyssey DSX
Direct Mode
Pure Direct Mode

CALIBRATION	Sony STR-ZA810ES	Sony STR-ZA3100ES
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	D.C.A.C. EX	D.C.A.C. EX
Calibration Microphone	Stereo	Stereo
EQ for D.C.A.C.	31 band EQ	31 band EQ
Speaker Relocation
Automatic Phase Matching

VIDEO FEATURES	Sony STR-ZA810ES	Sony STR-ZA3100ES
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/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K/60p	up to 4K/60p
Analog To HDMI Upconversion		Component, Composite
isf Certified Calibration Control

CONNECTIVITY	Sony STR-ZA810ES	Sony STR-ZA3100ES
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth	SBC, AAC, LDAC
Works with Amazon Alexa
Chromecast Built-In
Works with SonoS
DTS Play-Fi
MHL Input
DLNA 1.5
Music Connect
Remote Monitoring with ihiji
AirPlay	AirPlay
Apple Product Connection	iPod, iPhone and iPad
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue

TERMINALS	Sony STR-ZA810ES	Sony STR-ZA3100ES
HDMI Inputs	6	6 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
8K Inputs
USB Input	1 (Front)	1 (Front) for update and setting
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	1	2
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	1	1
RCA Line Inputs	4	4
RCA Line Outputs
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	0.2	9.2
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	USB	HDMI, USB
Speaker A/B
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")
Detachable Power Cord

ZONES	Sony STR-ZA810ES	Sony STR-ZA3100ES
Number of Zones	2	3
Powered Zones	2	2
Zone 2 Outs	HDMI, RCA Pre/Line Out	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	0	3 (80 mA)
Remote (IR) Input/Output	1 / 1	1 / 2

MISCELLANEOUS	Sony STR-ZA810ES	Sony STR-ZA3100ES
On-Screen Display	Graphical User Interface	Graphical User Interface
GUI Languages	3	3
Remote Controller	RMT-AA320U	RM-AAU217

RADIO	Sony STR-ZA810ES	Sony STR-ZA3100ES
Analog Tuner	FM	FM/AM
Presets	30 (30/-)	60 (30/30)
Digital Radio
Internet Radio
Pandora
Spotify
Tidal
Deezer
Napster
SiriusXM

CONSTRUCTION	Sony STR-ZA810ES	Sony STR-ZA3100ES
Speaker Terminals	9	7
Large Speaker Terminals	9	7
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
Gold plated RCA terminals

POWER	Sony STR-ZA810ES	Sony STR-ZA3100ES
Power Supply	AC 120 V, 60 Hz	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Power Consumption	240 W	290 W
Standby Power	0.5 W	0.3 W

PHYSICAL	Sony STR-ZA810ES	Sony STR-ZA3100ES
Dimensions (W x H x D)	430 mm x 156 mm x 331 mm 17" x 6-1/4" x 13-1/8"	430 mm x 174 mm x 410 mm 17" x 6-7/8" x 16-1/4"
Weight	9.1 kg (20 lbs. 1 oz.)	13.1 kg (28 lbs. 15 oz.)

SPECIFICATIONS	Sony STR-ZA810ES	Sony STR-ZA3100ES
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	70 W (0.09% THD)	80 W (0.09% THD)
Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)	100 W (0.9% THD)	110 W (0.9% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	90 W (0.09% THD)	100 W (0.09% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	110 W (0.9% THD)	120 W (0.9% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, FTC)	140 W (0.9% THD)	150 W (0.9% THD)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	500 mV/50 kΩ	150 mV/50 kΩ
Rated Preout Level and Impedance	2 V/1 kΩ (Zone2 and Subwoofer)	2 V/1 kΩ (All channels and Subwoofer)
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	105 dB (20 kHz LPF, 500 mV)	105 dB (20 kHz LPF, 500 mV)
S/N Ratio (digital)	100 dB (20 kHz LPF)	96 dB (20 kHz LPF)
Frequency Response (Analog In)	10 Hz - 100 kHz/±3 dB	10 Hz - 100 kHz/±3 dB
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI	2.8 MHz	2.8 MHz
DSD Sampling Rates via USB	2.8 MHz, 5.6 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)
Ethernet Standard	100BASE-TX	1000BASE-T
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency	5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth Version	4․1
Bluetooth Frequency	2.4 GHz
USB Terminal	Type A, Ver. 2.0, 5 V, 1 A
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz
AM Frequency		530 kHz - 1710 kHz
Warranty	5 Years	5 Years

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