Comparison Denon AVR-X3400H vs Marantz SR-5011

Receiver support for HDR technology; this clause may also specify the specific supported HDR format.

HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. This technology allows you to expand the range of brightness reproduced simultaneously on the screen; to put it simply, the viewer will see brighter whites and darker blacks. In practice, this means a significant improvement in color quality: colors are more vibrant and at the same time more faithful than without HDR. However, to use this function, in addition to the receiver, a TV/projector that supports the appropriate HDR format and content recorded in this format is required.

In terms of specific formats, the most popular options these days are basic HDR10, advanced HDR10+, and high-end Dolby Vision. Here are their features:

- HDR10. Historically the first of the consumer HDR formats, less advanced than the options described below but extremely widespread. In particular, HDR10 is supported by almost all streaming services that provide HDR content at all, and it is also common for Blu-ray discs. Allows you to work with a color depth of 10 bits (hence the name). At the same time, devices of this format are also compatible with content in HDR10 +, although its quality will be limited by the capabilities of the original HDR10.

- HDR10+. Improved version of HDR10. With the same color depth (10 bits), it uses the so-called dynamic metadata,...which allows transmitting information about the color depth not only for groups of several frames, but also for individual frames. This results in an additional improvement in color reproduction.

Dolby Vision. An advanced standard used particularly in professional cinematography. Allows you to achieve a color depth of 12 bits, uses the dynamic metadata described above, and also makes it possible to transmit two image options at once in one video stream - HDR and normal (SDR). At the same time, Dolby Vision is based on the same technology as HDR10, so in modern video technology this format is usually combined with HDR10 or HDR10+.

the maximum sound power that can be delivered by the power amplifier (if the receiver has one, see "Type") per speaker channel. It is worth noting here that in this case it is customary to indicate the so-called RMS (Rated Maximum Sinusoidal), or rated power. Rated is considered the highest power that the amplifier is guaranteed to be able to produce without interruption for an hour without any failures or breakdowns. Short-term jumps in the signal level can significantly exceed this value, but the main indicator is still the rated power.

The power of the amplifier largely determines the sound volume of the speaker system connected to the device. In fact, the loudness also depends on the characteristics of the speakers — sensitivity, impedance, etc.; however, other things being equal, the same acoustics on a more powerful amplifier will sound louder. In addition, this parameter also affects the compatibility of the speakers and the amplifier — it is believed that the difference in the nominal powers of these components should not exceed 10-15% (and ideally, the powers should generally match). And since different rooms require speakers of different power, this also affects the choice of amplifier for a particular environment; specific recommendations on the ratio of room characteristics and acoustic power can be found in special sources.

Also note that if the amplifier can operate with a load of different resistance (see..."Permissible acoustic impedance"), then for different options the power per channel will be different — the lower the resistance, the higher the power. In the characteristics, in this case, the maximum value of this parameter is usually indicated — that is, the power at the minimum allowable resistance.

Audio and video file formats that the receiver is capable of playing on its own. Models with player features generally support most popular media file types (particularly AVI, MPEG and MKV for video, MP3, WAV and WMA for audio), but the file set may have its own peculiarities. This item allows you to find out.

- AirPlay. Technology for transmitting multimedia data via a wireless connection ( Wi-Fi). Developed by Apple, it is intended mainly for broadcasting content from various Apple devices (primarily portable gadgets) to compatible external devices. Allows you to transfer audio files (in audio streaming mode, see “Tuner and playback” for more details), as well as images, text data and even video. The presence of AirPlay in the receiver will allow you to connect Apple equipment with support for this technology to it for direct playback, as well as display information about files on an external screen (for example, a TV) - song name, artist name, etc.

- AirPlay 2. The second version of the AirPlay technology described above, released in 2018. One of the main innovations introduced in this update was support for the multi-room format - the ability to simultaneously broadcast several separate audio signals to different compatible devices installed in different locations. Thus, you can, for example, turn on the next episode of your favorite series from your iPhone on the TV in the living room, and relaxing music from your iPod in the kitchen, etc. In addition, AirPlay 2 received a number of other improvements - improved buffering, the ability to stream to stereo acoustics, as well as support for voice control via Siri.

- Chromecast.... Original name: Google Cast. Technology for broadcasting content to external devices, developed by Google. Allows you to transmit video and audio from a PC or mobile device to the AV receiver; broadcasting is usually carried out via Wi-Fi, while the receiver and the signal source must be on the same Wi-Fi network (with the exception of Chromecast media players). Chromecast technology supports two modes - actual broadcasting through special applications (available for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS) and “mirroring” content opened in the Google Chrome browser on an external screen.

- Wi-Fi. A wireless interface used primarily for building computer networks. Accordingly, AV receivers may need its presence primarily to implement network functions - streaming audio, Internet radio (see “Tuner and playback”), AirPlay (see above), DLNA (see below). Connecting to computer networks can also be done through a wired LAN interface(see below), but Wi-Fi is more convenient due to the absence of wires and the ability to work through obstacles (including walls) at a distance of several tens of meters. In addition, in some models, this technology can also be used to communicate directly with other devices - for example, to use a smartphone or tablet as a remote control, or to broadcast live video using Miracast technology or another similar format.

— Bluetooth. Direct wireless communication technology between various electronic devices; operates at a range of about 10 m, although some specific operating formats provide a longer range. Technically, it can be used for different purposes, depending on the protocols supported by a particular device; In AV receivers, two protocols are most often found - A2DP for wireless broadcasting of audio signals and AVRCP for remote control. In the first case, we are usually talking about transmitting a signal from an external device (smartphone, laptop, etc.) to the receiver; theoretically, the opposite option is also possible - broadcasting sound to Bluetooth headphones or acoustics, however, for a number of reasons, this format of operation is almost never found in AV receivers. AVRCP, in turn, allows you to use an external gadget (for example, the same smartphone) as a remote control.

- LAN. A standard interface for wired connection of various equipment (including AV receivers) to computer networks, incl. to access the Internet. Due to the presence of a wire, it is less convenient to connect than the Wi-Fi described above. On the other hand, a LAN connection wins in terms of connection reliability and actual data transfer speed - especially if there are many wireless devices on the network and Wi-Fi channels are busy (which is often the case, since Wi-Fi modules are very popular in modern electronics ). Therefore, for working with large volumes of data - for example, watching high-definition video via DLNA (see below) - LAN is better suited.

— RS-232. A wired interface that originally appeared in computer technology. In AV receivers, it can be called a service connector: content is not transmitted through this connector, but through it you can connect the device to a computer and remotely change settings, as well as update the firmware.

— MHL. High-speed wired interface for transmitting multimedia data (video and audio) from mobile devices to external screens. The bandwidth allows you to work with high or even ultra-high resolution images, as well as multi-channel audio. Also, when connected, the gadget can be charged. In mobile devices, the MHL signal is output via a standard microUSB port; and the role of the input in AV receivers (and other stationary equipment) is played by the HDMI connector (see below) - however, not every connector, but only one that is initially compatible with MHL and has the appropriate marking. Adapters are available for connecting to regular HDMI, but additional functions (like charging) may not be available with this connection.

- DLNA. A technology used to connect various electronic devices into a single digital network with the ability to directly exchange content. Devices for which support for this standard is declared are able to communicate effectively regardless of the manufacturer. An AV receiver with DLNA can, for example, play a movie directly from the hard drive of a computer in the next room, or transfer photos from a smartphone to the TV. Connecting to the Network can be done either wired (LAN) or wirelessly (Wi-Fi, see above).

- Roon Tested. Roon Tested accreditation means the AV receiver is compatible with the popular audiophile music streaming platform Roon. Certified models have undergone a series of tests and meet the quality standards required to operate Roon flawlessly. This ensures convenient management and organization of content within the platform.

— Coordination of Remote control. A function that allows you to connect the AV receiver to another device (for example, a Blu-ray player or external amplifier) and control both devices with one remote control. When purchasing equipment with such a function, it is necessary to clarify compatibility - as a rule, only equipment from one manufacturer can work in such a “bundle”, and even in such cases, their own nuances are possible upon agreement.

— Voice assistant. Receiver support for voice assistant. The most popular assistants these days are:

• Google Assistant
• Apple Siri
  
• Amazon Alexa

However, other solutions may also emerge. In any case, it is worth noting that we are not talking about an assistant built into the receiver itself, but about compatibility with external devices that have this function (for example, a smartphone or tablet). But even such compatibility allows you to give commands to the receiver by voice - this is often more convenient than more traditional control methods. The specific set of supported commands and languages may vary depending on the voice assistant and its specific version.

HDMI interface version supported by the receiver. Usually, all HDMI connectors available in the device correspond to this version — both inputs (see above) and outputs (see below). Here are the current options:

— v 1.4. The oldest of the current versions, released in 2009. However, it supports 3D video capable of working with resolutions up to 4096x2160 at 24 fps, and in Full HD resolution, the frame rate can reach 120 fps. In addition to the original v.1.4, there are also improved modifications — v.1.4a and v.1.4b; they are similar in terms of basic features, in both cases the improvements affected mainly work with 3D content.

-v 2.0. Significant update to HDMI introduced in 2013. In this version, the maximum frame rate in 4K has increased to 60 fps, and the audio bandwidth has increased to 32 channels and 4 separate streams simultaneously. Also from the innovations, we can mention support for the ultra-wide format 21:9. In the v.2.0a update, HDR support was added to the interface capabilities, in v.2.0b this feature was improved and expanded.

— v 2.1. Despite the similarity in name to v.2.0, this version, released in 2017, was a very large-scale update. In particular, it added support for 8K and even 10K at speeds up to 120 fps, as well as further expanded the possibilities for working with HDR. Under this version, its own cable was released — HDMI Ultra High Speed, all v.2.1 features are available only when using cables of this standard,...although basic functions can be used with simpler cords.

The presence of a multi-channel input in the design of the AV receiver.

This interface uses the same connectors and the same audio transmission format as analogue RCA (see "RCA"). However, the connectors themselves in this case are much larger: their number corresponds to the maximum number of audio channels that the receiver supports (see above). For example, in a 7.1 model, the multi-channel input will consist of 8 jacks. This feature provides additional convenience in connecting and setting up multi-channel audio.

The number of HDMI outputs provided in the design of the receiver. The presence of several outputs allows you to connect several signal receivers at the same time (in the case of HDMI, these can be, for example, TVs or monitors) and select a playback device without reconnecting cables — by changing the settings of the receiver. And in models that support Multi Zone (see above), you can simultaneously broadcast different signals to different receivers.

HDMI is one of the most advanced digital interfaces used in modern electronics. It was originally developed for HD television and already in the first version it allowed to transmit a video signal with Full HD (1920x1080) resolution, accompanied by eight-channel (7.1, see "Number of channels") sound; in the future, the maximum resolution increased even more. Almost all modern TVs, monitors and plasma panels have at least one HDMI interface, the same applies to playback devices (players, media centers, etc.).

The number of composite outputs provided in the design of the receiver.

Note that in this case we do not mean a full-sized composite interface that uses three jacks (video and two channels of stereo sound), but only one connector — video (sound can be output through standard RCA connectors). The video output also uses an RCA connector, usually a distinctive yellow colour.

Due to the fact that all image data is transmitted over a single cable, the composite interface is somewhat inferior to the component (see above) in terms of video quality, and the bandwidth allows you to work only with a standard definition signal (not HD); and there is no talk of volumetric sound. On the other hand, this connection method has long been used in video technology and can be useful for connecting outdated devices (such as VHS VCRs).

The presence of several outputs allows you to connect several signal receivers at the same time and select a playback device without reconnecting cables — by changing the settings of the receiver. And in models that support Multi Zone (see above), you can simultaneously broadcast different signals to different receivers.

The number of component outputs provided in the design of the receiver.

This interface (also known as YPbPr) is designed to transmit analogue video. Its name comes from the fact that the three main video components (brightness data and two colour difference channels) are carried over three separate cables. Accordingly, each individual component input is a set of three connectors. Usually, a built-in cable with RCA connectors (“tulip”) is used for connection, while the cables for component and composite (see below) interfaces are quite interchangeable.

The component interface stands out for its high signal transmission quality: splitting the video into three separate channels significantly reduces distortion compared to the same composite format, and the bandwidth is comparable to the above-described HDMI and even allows you to work with HD video. However, a component connection does not provide audio, and you will need to use a separate cable for this purpose.

The presence of several outputs allows you to connect several signal receivers at the same time and select a playback device without reconnecting cables — by changing the settings of the receiver. And in models that support Multi Zone (see above), you can simultaneously broadcast different signals to different receivers.