Buy the Denon AVR-X6800H for a dedicated theater — its four independent sub outs and a power rating at 0.05% THD are the better-documented foundation. Buy the Sony STR-AZ7000ES to amplify thirteen channels from one chassis — the one stated capability the Denon can't match without an external amp.
As tracked by Home Theater Builder: the Sony STR-AZ7000ES tracks at $3,998; the Denon AVR-X6800H at $3,799.How we verify this data →
Sony's flagship ES receiver amplifies thirteen channels to the Denon's eleven — the biggest stated channel count in our catalog against the more conservatively documented platform.
Specifications · side by side · per-field provenance
● SOURCE-TRACKED
Spec
Sony STR-AZ7000ES
Denon AVR-X6800H
Price
$3,998
$3,799
Brand
Sony
Denon
Channel configuration
13.2
11.4
Main channels
13
11
Processing channels
13
13
Subwoofer pre-outs
2
4
Zone 2 capable
Yes
Yes
Zone 3 capable
Yes
Yes
Watts per channel (8 Ω)
150
140
THD (%)
0.9
0.05
Channels driven (power rating)
two channels driven
two channels driven
Impedance range
4ohms-16ohms
4 – 16 Ω/ohms
Speaker impedance, min (Ω)
4
4
Speaker impedance, max (Ω)
16
16
Dolby Atmos
Yes
Yes
DTS:X
Yes
Yes
IMAX Enhanced
Yes
Yes
Room correction system
Sony DCAC IX
Audyssey MultEQ XT32
Measurement mic included
Yes
Yes
HDMI inputs
7
7
HDMI outputs
2
3
HDMI version
2.1
not stated
HDMI 2.1 ports
6
not stated
HDMI eARC ports
1
1
Max passthrough resolution
4K 120
not stated
HDR support
HDR10, Hybrid Log Gamma, Dolby Vision
HLG, HDR, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dynamic HDR
VRR passthrough
Yes
Yes
ALLM passthrough
Yes
Yes
Wi-Fi
Yes
not stated
Bluetooth
Yes
not stated
AirPlay 2
Yes
not stated
IP control
Yes
not stated
Streaming services
Spotify Connect
not stated
12 V trigger outputs
3
not stated
Form factor
full size
full size
Width (in)
16.9
17.1
Height (in)
7.6
6.6
Depth (in)
17.3
14.9
Weight (lbs)
48.1
34.4
Power consumption (W)
540
750
Auro-3D
not stated
Yes
HDMI max bandwidth (Gbps)
not stated
40
Phono input
not stated
Yes
HEOS
not stated
Yes
Shaded rows differ · green dot = lab-measured · amber = manufacturer-verified · blue = retailer/community-reported · grey = estimated · “not stated” means exactly that
Reading the numbers honestly
Both power figures share the 8Ω / two-channels-driven frame (Sony's channels-driven context is curated), but the THD thresholds sit 18× apart: 150W at 0.9% (Sony) vs 140W at 0.05% (Denon). We flag that rather than rank a 10W gap measured under such different distortion ceilings. Topology: 13 amplified channels (a stated 13.2 configuration) vs 11 amplified with 13-channel processing on the Denon. Bass: the Denon states four independent subwoofer pre-outs to the Sony's two, with XT32 calibrating each. Both state 4–16Ω ratings; the Sony states six full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports — the Denon's port count is unstated.
Compatibility · computed, not written
Checked against a bookshelf that dips to a stated 3.5Ω like the KEF LS50 Meta: KEF LS50 Meta
Can the Sony STR-AZ7000ES drive the KEF LS50 Meta?
Sony STR-AZ7000ES states a 4Ω-minimum rating; the KEF LS50 Meta dips to a stated 3.5Ω minimum, a little below that floor. Most receivers handle a marginal dip at normal volumes — it's worth watching only at very high output on an entry-level unit.
Can the Denon AVR-X6800H drive the KEF LS50 Meta?
Denon AVR-X6800H states a 4Ω-minimum rating; the KEF LS50 Meta dips to a stated 3.5Ω minimum, a little below that floor. Most receivers handle a marginal dip at normal volumes — it's worth watching only at very high output on an entry-level unit.
Computed from the catalog's normalized fields — the same fields the builder's compatibility engine reads. A missing field reads as "can't check", never as a pass.
Buy the Denon AVR-X6800H for a dedicated theater — its four independent sub outs and a power rating at 0.05% THD are the better-documented foundation. Buy the Sony STR-AZ7000ES to amplify thirteen channels from one chassis — the one stated capability the Denon can't match without an external amp.
13 vs 11 stated amplified channels — the largest amplified count in our AVR catalog, and the Sony's genuine stated edge.
The THD fine print: 150W at 0.9% THD vs 140W at 0.05% — same 8Ω/2ch frame (Sony's via curated context), but distortion ceilings 18× apart, so the 10W gap is flagged as non-comparable.
4 vs 2 independent subwoofer pre-outs — the Denon's stated bass-management advantage.
The Sony states six full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports; the Denon's port count is unstated in our data.
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