Sony ES STR-ZA810ES

    83
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    USA
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    Highlights

    • 7.2 Channels
    • 7ch + Phantom 2ch Channel Processing
    • 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    • Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
    • HDR10, Dolby Vision
    • 4K/60Hz Passthrough, 4K/60Hz Upscaling
    • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet

    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. 2017 Lineup
    4. Amplifier
    5. Speaker Configurations
    6. Immersive Audio Formats
    7. HDMI
    8. Room Calibration
    9. Multi-zone Playback
    10. Inputs and Outputs
    11. Evaluation
    12. Specifications

    1. Overview

    Sony ES 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.

    We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 83 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

    Amplifier
    78
    Audio Features
    86
    Video Features
    96
    Connectivity
    80
    Zones
    84
    Radio
    58
    OVERALL
    83

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

    2. Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Sony ES STR-ZA810ES.

    PROs

    •   Dolby Atmos
    •   DTS:X
    •   DSD via HDMI
    •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
    •   HDR10
    •   Dolby Vision
    •   eARC
    •   New HDCP Version
    •   Wi-Fi
    •   Bluetooth
    •   Chromecast Built-In
    •   USB Input
    •   Composite Video Inputs
    •   Ethernet
    •   Analog Tuner
    •   Spotify

    CONs

    •   Low Power Output - 70 W
    •   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
    •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
    •   0 8K Input
    •   No Phono Input
    •   No RCA Pre-Outs
    •   No Digital Radio
    •   No Pandora
    •   No Tidal

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   7.2 Channels
    •   7ch + Phantom 2ch Channel Processing
    •   6 HDMI Inputs
    •   3 HDMI Outputs
    •   RCA Line Inputs
    •   2 Zones
    •   Bluetooth 4․1

    3. Sony 2017 Lineup

    In 2017 Sony released 5 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

    Sony 2017 Lineup
    ModelChannelsPowerMax. Ch. Proc.Pre OutsZones Price
    STR-ZA3100ES Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.280 W9ch + Phantom 2ch9.23
    STR-ZA2100ES Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.275 W9ch + Phantom 2ch2.23
    STR-ZA1100ES Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.270 W7ch + Phantom 2ch3
    STR-ZA810ES Image cannot be found 7.270 W7ch + Phantom 2ch2
    STR-DN1080 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.2100 W7ch + Phantom 2ch2

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Sony STR-ZA3100ES vs STR-ZA2100ES vs STR-ZA1100ES vs STR-ZA810ES vs STR-DN1080.

    4. Amplifier

    7 channel Amplifier

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

      AMPLIFIER
      Channels7.2
      Power Output70 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

      5. Speaker Configurations

      Sony ES STR-ZA810ES's 7 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

      • Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
      • 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
      • DTS:X Configurations: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos:
      • 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
      • Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
      • 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
      • 2-ch Bi-Amp: Sony ES STR-ZA810ES allows you 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.

      6. Immersive Audio Formats

      Dolby Atmos

      Sony ES STR-ZA810ES supports Dolby Atmos with Surround Upmixer.

      • 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 ES STR-ZA810ES supports DTS:X with Neural:X.

      • Neural:X 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.
      DECODING
      Dolby Atmos up to 5.1.2 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
      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
      IMAX Enhanced
      Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      360 Reality Audio

      7. HDMI

      Sony ES STR-ZA810ES features 6 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs: 1 Main and 1 Sub/Zone2.

      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4) video signal.
      • 4K Upscaling: Sony ES STR-ZA810ES can upscale up to 4K/60p from HDMI sources.
      • 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%.
      • HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
      • 3D Ready: Sony ES STR-ZA810ES is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

      HDR (High Dynamic Range)

      Sony ES STR-ZA810ES supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma via HDMI ports. 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)

      Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature 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
      HDR10
      HDR10+
      Dynamic HDR
      BT.2020 color space
      Dolby Vision
      HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
      HDBaseT Compatible
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
      HDCP Version2.2
      QMS (Quick Media Switching)
      ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
      VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
      QFT (Quick Frame transport)
      3-D Ready
      Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
      Video Signal Upscaling up to 4K/60p

      8. Room Calibration

      Sony ES STR-ZA810ES comes with D.C.A.C. EX room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

        9. Multi-zone Playback

        Sony ES STR-ZA810ES offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 2 different rooms.


        Zone 2

        • Powered Zone 2: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 2 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 5 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
        • HDMI Output: Sony ES STR-ZA810ES offers HDMI output for Zone 2. This means that it can send two different HDMI signals to two displays.
        • Audio Pre/Line Output: If you have a dedicated amplifier for Zone 2 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via pre/line outs and use "pre out" option to control volume from the a/v receiver or use "line out" option - send fixed signal and then control volume on the Zone 2 amplifier.
        ZONES
        Number of Zones2
        Powered Zones 2
        Zone 2 OutsHDMI, RCA Pre/Line Out
        RS-232C Interface
        +12V Trigger Output0
        Remote (IR) Input/Output1 / 1

        10. Inputs and Outputs

        Audio

          Also, Sony ES STR-ZA810ES has 8 channel processing but has only 7 channel amplifier, so it needs the external amplifier connected to the analog pre-outs in order to reach the maximum speaker configuration.
        • Analog Line Inputs: There are 4 line inputs for analog audio connection.
        • Digital Inputs: 1 optical input and 1 coaxial input are available for digital audio connection.
        • Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel.

        Video

        • HDMI:
        • Inputs: 6   Outputs: 2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
          8K Inputs: 0
        • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
        • Inputs: 2   Outputs: 1

        Front A/V Inputs

        • USB
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        TERMINALS
        HDMI Inputs6
        HDMI Outputs2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
        8K Inputs
        USB Input1 (Front)
        USB DC Out Port
        Optical Inputs1
        Optical Outputs
        Coaxial Inputs1
        RCA Line Inputs4
        RCA Line Outputs
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs0.2
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs2
        Composite Video Outputs1
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs
        Component Video Outputs

        11. Evaluation

        We evaluate Sony ES STR-ZA810ES and give score of 83 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 6 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new receiver is added to the database.


        OVERALL
        83

        Amplifier

        GOOD
        78

        We give Sony ES STR-ZA810ES a score of 78 for Amplifier features.

        •   7.2 Channels
        •   Low Power Output - 70 W

        Audio Features

        EXCELLENT
        86

        We give Sony ES STR-ZA810ES a score of 86 for Audio Features features.

        •   7.2 Channels
        •   No Front Wide Channel Support
        •   7ch + Phantom 2ch Channel Processing
        •   Dolby Atmos
        •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        •   DTS:X
        •   No IMAX Enhanced
        •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        •   No 360 Reality Audio
        •   DSD via HDMI

        Video Features

        EXCELLENT
        96

        We give Sony ES STR-ZA810ES a score of 96 for Video Features features.

        •   HDR10
        •   No HDR10+
        •   Dolby Vision
        •   No 8K Passthrough

        Connectivity

        GOOD
        80

        We give Sony ES STR-ZA810ES a score of 80 for Connectivity features.

        •   eARC
        •   New HDCP Version
        •   Wi-Fi
        •   Bluetooth
        •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        •   Chromecast Built-In
        •   6 HDMI Inputs
        •   3 HDMI Outputs
        •   0 8K Input
        •   USB Input
        •   RCA Line Inputs
        •   No Phono Input
        •   No RCA Pre-Outs
        •   Composite Video Inputs
        •   Ethernet
        •   Bluetooth 4․1

        Zones

        GOOD
        84

        We give Sony ES STR-ZA810ES a score of 84 for Zones features.

        •   2 Zones

        Radio

        AVERAGE
        58

        We give Sony ES STR-ZA810ES a score of 58 for Radio features.

        •   Analog Tuner
        •   No Pandora
        •   Spotify
        •   No Tidal

        12. Specifications

        GENERAL
        BrandSony
        SeriesES
        ModelSTR-ZA810ES
        TypeA/V Receiver
        CountryUSA
        Release Year2017
        AMPLIFIER
        Channels7.2
        Power Output70 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
        Maximum Channel Processing7ch + Phantom 2ch
        Air Studios Monitor Certification
        Dolby Atmos up to 5.1.2 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
        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
        IMAX Enhanced
        Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        360 Reality Audio
        PCM 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
        Network Audio FormatsWAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD, MP3, WMA, LPCM, Dolby Digital, Apple Lossless, OGG, APE
        Music Playback via USBWAV, 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 USBWAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
        DSD via HDMI 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
        Digital Legato Linear
        In-Ceiling Speaker Mode
        OP Processing
        Sound Optimizer
        Tone Control All Channels
        Audyssey Dynamic EQ
        Audyssey Dynamic Volume
        Audyssey LFC
        Audyssey Sub EQ HT
        Audyssey DSX
        Direct Mode
        Pure Direct Mode
        CALIBRATION
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. D.C.A.C. EX
        Calibration MicrophoneStereo
        EQ for D.C.A.C.31 band EQ
        Speaker Relocation
        Automatic Phase Matching
        VIDEO FEATURES
        HDR10
        HDR10+
        Dynamic HDR
        BT.2020 color space
        Dolby Vision
        HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
        HDBaseT Compatible
        Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
        HDCP Version2.2
        QMS (Quick Media Switching)
        ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
        VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
        QFT (Quick Frame transport)
        3-D Ready
        Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
        Video Signal Upscaling up to 4K/60p
        isf Certified Calibration Control
        CONNECTIVITY
        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
        HDMI Inputs6
        HDMI Outputs2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
        8K Inputs
        USB Input1 (Front)
        USB DC Out Port
        Optical Inputs1
        Optical Outputs
        Coaxial Inputs1
        RCA Line Inputs4
        RCA Line Outputs
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs0.2
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs2
        Composite Video Outputs1
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs
        Component Video Outputs
        Ethernet
        Ethernet Switch
        PC In
        Front A/V InputsUSB
        Speaker A/B
        Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")
        Detachable Power Cord
        ZONES
        Number of Zones2
        Powered Zones 2
        Zone 2 OutsHDMI, RCA Pre/Line Out
        RS-232C Interface
        +12V Trigger Output0
        Remote (IR) Input/Output1 / 1
        MISCELLANEOUS
        On-Screen Display Graphical User Interface
        GUI Languages3
        Remote ControllerRMT-AA320U
        RADIO
        Analog Tuner FM
        Presets30 (30/-)
        Digital Radio
        Pandora
        Spotify
        Tidal
        Deezer
        Napster
        SiriusXM
        CONSTRUCTION
        Speaker Terminals9
        Large Speaker Terminals9
        Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
        Gold plated RCA terminals
        POWER
        Power SupplyAC 120 V, 60 Hz
        Power Consumption240 W
        Standby Power0.5 W
        PHYSICAL
        Dimensions (W x H x D)430 mm x 156 mm x 331 mm
        17" x 6-1/4" x 13-1/8"
        Weight9.1 kg (20 lbs. 1 oz.)
        SPECIFICATIONS
        Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)70 W (0.09% THD)
        Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)100 W (0.9% THD)
        Power Output (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)90 W (0.09% THD)
        Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)110 W (0.9% THD)
        Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, FTC)140 W (0.9% THD)
        Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)500 mV/50 kΩ
        Rated Preout Level and Impedance2 V/1 kΩ (Zone2 and Subwoofer)
        S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)105 dB (20 kHz LPF, 500 mV)
        S/N Ratio (digital)100 dB (20 kHz LPF)
        Frequency Response (Analog In)10 Hz - 100 kHz/±3 dB
        DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz
        DSD Sampling Rates via USB2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz
        Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
        Ethernet Standard100BASE-TX
        Wi-Fi StandardIEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
        Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
        Bluetooth Version4․1
        Bluetooth Frequency2.4 GHz
        USB TerminalType A, Ver. 2.0, 5 V, 1 A
        FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz
        Warranty5 Years

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

        Discussion

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