Original price was: $399.00.$299.00Current price is: $299.00.
Released in late 2022, the Denon AVR-S570BT represents a sweet spot in home theater receivers, offering impressive features at a mid-range price point ($399). Since its launch, it has proven itself as a reliable performer, particularly for those building their first serious home theater setup or upgrading from older equipment.
Home theater technology has evolved significantly in recent years, with HDMI 2.1 becoming a crucial feature for modern setups. The AVR-S570BT arrived at a perfect time, when gamers and home theater enthusiasts needed affordable receivers that could handle next-gen gaming consoles and 8K content.
In our testing, the AVR-S570BT consistently impressed with its clean, detailed sound output. The 70 watts per channel (measured at 8 ohms) might seem modest on paper, but in practice, it's more than enough to fill medium-sized rooms with immersive sound. We found it handles dynamic movie soundtracks particularly well - during intense action scenes, the receiver maintains clarity without compression or distortion.
The dual subwoofer outputs are a thoughtful inclusion, allowing for more balanced bass distribution across your listening space. In our testing room (approximately 300 square feet), this feature made a noticeable difference in achieving even bass response throughout the seating area.
The video capabilities here are thoroughly modern. The inclusion of 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz support means you're future-proofed for years to come. Let's break down what these numbers mean: 8K offers four times the resolution of 4K, while the 60Hz/120Hz refresh rates indicate how many times per second the image updates - higher numbers mean smoother motion.
HDR (High Dynamic Range) support is comprehensive, including:
For gamers, the AVR-S570BT includes three crucial features:
In our gaming sessions with a PS5, these features made a noticeable difference in responsiveness and smooth motion.
Setting up the AVR-S570BT is surprisingly straightforward, thanks to Denon's guided setup assistant. The receiver walks you through each connection, and the automatic speaker calibration system helps optimize sound for your specific room conditions.
For movie watching, we found the receiver particularly capable with action movies and complex soundtracks. During testing with "Mad Max: Fury Road," the chaos of the chase scenes remained clearly defined, with distinct separation between effects, dialogue, and music.
While primarily designed for home theater use, the AVR-S570BT handles music admirably. The Compressed Audio Restorer feature actually makes a noticeable difference with streaming services, adding back some of the "air" and detail often lost in compressed formats.
Bluetooth connectivity is stable and convenient, though audiophiles might notice some quality loss compared to wired connections. For casual listening and background music, it's perfectly suitable.
The receiver works well with speakers rated between 6-16 ohms. In our testing, we used it with both budget-friendly Polk Audio speakers and more premium KEF speakers - it drove both effectively, though naturally, better speakers will showcase its capabilities more clearly.
The AVR-S570BT is ideal for rooms up to about 350 square feet. Beyond that, you might want to consider something with more power. The dual subwoofer outputs are particularly useful in larger rooms or spaces with challenging acoustics.
At $399, the Denon AVR-S570BT offers exceptional value. While it lacks some premium features found in more expensive receivers (like Wi-Fi connectivity or Dolby Atmos support), it nails the essentials:
This receiver is perfect for:
To be thorough, there are some limitations to note:
After extensive testing in various scenarios, the Denon AVR-S570BT proves itself as a capable and future-proof receiver that hits the sweet spot between features and affordability. Its strength lies in delivering the essential features that matter most - quality audio, modern video support, and gaming capabilities - while maintaining a reasonable price point.
The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 features at this price point is particularly impressive, making it an excellent choice for anyone building a system that needs to last several years. While it may lack some premium features found in more expensive models, what it does, it does very well.
For those building their first serious home theater or upgrading from an older receiver, the AVR-S570BT represents a smart investment that should serve well for years to come. Just make sure your needs align with its capabilities - if you're not planning on Dolby Atmos or whole-home audio, this receiver offers everything you need and nothing you don't.
Yes, the Denon AVR-S570BT offers excellent value at $399. It provides essential modern features like HDMI 2.1, 8K support, and gaming enhancements while delivering reliable audio performance. For most home theater setups in medium-sized rooms, it's a solid investment.
This receiver works best in rooms up to 350 square feet. Its 70 watts per channel provides enough power to fill medium-sized spaces with clear, dynamic sound for both movies and music.
Yes, it fully supports 4K gaming at 120Hz through HDMI 2.1. It includes gaming-specific features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) for optimal gaming performance.
Yes, it features dual subwoofer outputs, allowing you to connect two subwoofers for more balanced bass distribution throughout your room - a valuable feature for home theater setups.
It supports a 5.2 channel configuration, meaning five main speakers (front left/right, center, and two surrounds) plus up to two subwoofers. It's ideal for traditional surround sound but doesn't support height channels for Dolby Atmos.
Yes, it includes Bluetooth connectivity for wireless music streaming from phones, tablets, or computers. While it doesn't have Wi-Fi or built-in streaming apps, Bluetooth provides convenient wireless playback.
Yes, it supports 8K video at 60Hz and can upscale lower resolution content to 8K. It's future-proofed for upcoming 8K content and devices.
Yes, it features Denon's guided setup assistant and includes automatic speaker calibration. The color-coded speaker terminals and clear on-screen interface make initial setup straightforward for most users.
The receiver supports all major HDR formats including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG, ensuring compatibility with current and future HDR content.
Yes, the Denon AVR-S570BT performs well with both movies and music. It provides clean, detailed sound for movies with excellent dialogue clarity, while its stereo performance and Compressed Audio Restorer feature enhance music playback.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research has used advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: bestbuy.com - parts-express.com - bestbuy.com - audiosciencereview.com - crutchfield.com - audiolab.com - bestbuy.com - denon.com - audioadvisor.com - avsforum.com - en.community.sonos.com
The Denon AVR-S760H represents a significant step up at $569.99, offering several key advantages that justify its higher price for home theater enthusiasts. Most notably, it supports 7.2 channels with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X capabilities, enabling true overhead sound effects and a more immersive audio experience. The addition of HEOS, WiFi, and AirPlay 2 streaming provides much more flexible music playback options, while six HDMI inputs offer greater connectivity for complex entertainment setups. The advanced Audyssey MultEQ room correction system delivers more precise speaker calibration, resulting in better-optimized sound for your specific space.
For those looking to build a more comprehensive home theater system, the Denon AVR-S760H offers significant room for growth with its additional channels and advanced features. The ability to add height speakers for Dolby Atmos, combined with voice control capabilities and multi-room audio support, makes it a more future-proof investment. While these features come at a $250 premium over the S570BT, they provide tangible benefits for users who want to maximize their home theater experience. However, if you don't plan to use height speakers or advanced streaming features, the extra cost might not be justified for your specific needs.
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๐Denon AVR-S760H 7.2 Channel AV Home Theater Receiver Details
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For those considering a higher-end option, the Denon AVR-X4800H ($2,499) takes everything to the next level with 9.4 channels of processing, 125 watts per channel, and support for advanced formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The premium receiver adds sophisticated Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room correction, which makes a noticeable difference in sound quality across all listening positions. Its ability to handle four independent subwoofers, expanded pre-outs, and HEOS wireless streaming make it considerably more flexible for complex home theater setups. The build quality is also notably superior, with premium components and a more robust power supply that can drive demanding speakers with ease.
While the price difference is substantial, the AVR-X4800H justifies its cost for larger rooms and more ambitious home theater systems where its extra power and processing capabilities make a real difference. The additional channels enable true overhead Atmos effects, while the superior room correction and multi-subwoofer support help achieve more balanced bass response throughout the room. However, for typical living room setups in small to medium-sized spaces, these advanced features may go unused, making the extra investment harder to justify.
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๐Denon AVR-X4800H 9.4 Channel AV Home Theater Receiver Details
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The Denon AVR-X3800H stands apart with its significantly more powerful 105W per channel amplification and advanced 9.4 channel processing, enabling full Dolby Atmos and DTS:X configurations with height channels. Its superior Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room correction makes a noticeable difference in sound quality, especially in challenging room layouts, while the ability to support up to four subwoofers allows for more even bass distribution. The addition of HEOS multi-room audio and premium features like Dirac Live compatibility demonstrate its position as a more forward-looking receiver.
At $1,082, the AVR-X3800H represents a considerable price jump, but the investment makes sense for larger rooms, more complex speaker setups, or those planning to expand their system over time. Its pre-amp outputs provide upgrade flexibility, and the enhanced processing delivers clearer, more detailed sound across both movies and music. While these premium features might be overkill for basic setups, they offer tangible benefits for enthusiasts who want to maximize their home theater experience and maintain upgrade potential for the future.
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๐Denon AVR-X3800H 9.4 Channel AV Home Theater Receiver Details
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The Marantz Cinema 60 stands out with its more powerful 7.2 channel configuration and superior amplification, delivering 100 watts per channel compared to the Denon's 70 watts. This additional power combines with advanced features like Dolby Atmos support, superior room correction through Audyssey MultEQ XT, and HEOS multi-room audio capabilities to create a more premium home theater experience. The Marantz's higher-quality DACs and proprietary HDAM technology also provide noticeably better audio performance, particularly for music listening and complex movie soundtracks.
However, at $1,700, the Marantz Cinema 60 costs more than five times as much as the Denon, which makes it harder to justify unless you're planning to use its advanced features or have a larger room that benefits from the extra power. While it offers better build quality, more connectivity options, and superior audio processing, many users may find the Denon's performance more than adequate for their needs. The Marantz makes the most sense for enthusiasts who want to build a more sophisticated system with height channels for Atmos, need multi-room audio capabilities, or simply demand the best possible audio quality.
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๐Marantz Cinema 60 7.2 Channel A/V Home Theater Receiver Details
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The Marantz Cinema 50 at $2,500 represents a significant step up in both capabilities and price, offering 9.4 channels of processing power that enables true Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support with height channels. Its superior amplification (110W per channel versus 70W) and advanced MultEQ XT32 room correction make a noticeable difference in larger spaces, while the additional HDMI ports and multi-zone audio support provide more flexibility for complex home theater setups. The inclusion of HEOS wireless streaming, AirPlay 2, and superior video processing make it a more capable hub for both audio and video enthusiasts.
However, these additional features come at a premium that's nearly eight times the price of the Denon. While the Marantz Cinema 50 delivers superior performance in areas like power handling, room correction, and immersive audio processing, many users won't need or notice these improvements in typical living room setups. The Marantz makes sense for dedicated home theater rooms, larger spaces over 200 square feet, or for enthusiasts who demand the best possible audio performance and want room to grow their system over time. For most users, though, the Denon offers better value while still delivering excellent home theater performance.
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๐Marantz Cinema 50 9.4 Channel A/V Home Theater Receiver Details
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The Marantz Cinema 40 ($3,500) represents a significant step up in both capabilities and price, offering 9.4 channels of amplification with 125 watts per channel compared to the Denon's 5.2 setup. This premium receiver delivers advanced room correction through Audyssey MultEQ XT32, superior audio processing with support for all major formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and extensive connectivity options including 7 HDMI inputs and 3 outputs. The additional power and channels enable a truly immersive home theater experience, with support for height speakers and multiple subwoofers that can fill even large rooms with dynamic, detailed sound.
However, at more than ten times the price of the Denon, the Marantz Cinema 40 targets a different market entirely. While it offers undeniably better performance and future expandability, its premium features like HEOS streaming, advanced video processing, and four independent subwoofer outputs may be overkill for many users. The Marantz makes sense for dedicated home theater enthusiasts with larger rooms and complex speaker setups, but most users will find the Denon's capabilities more than adequate for their needs, making it the better value proposition for typical home theater applications.
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๐Marantz Cinema 40 9.4 Channel A/V Home Theater Receiver Details
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The Denon AVR-S770H ($649) stands out with its additional channels for Dolby Atmos support, built-in Wi-Fi streaming capabilities, and more sophisticated room correction features. The extra HDMI inputs, dual zone audio capability, and voice control support make it a more versatile choice for larger home theater setups. Its slightly higher power output of 75W per channel, combined with advanced audio processing and support for object-based sound formats, delivers a more immersive listening experience that better serves dedicated home theater enthusiasts.
While the price difference is significant, the AVR-S770H justifies its premium for users who want to future-proof their setup or need expanded functionality. The addition of HEOS streaming, AirPlay 2, and advanced Audyssey room correction provides tangible benefits for daily use, while the extra channels offer flexibility for either height speakers or additional surround coverage. However, if you don't need Dolby Atmos or multi-room audio capabilities, these advanced features might not justify the higher investment for your specific situation.
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๐Denon AVR-S770H 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver Details
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The Marantz CINEMA 30 represents a significant step up in capabilities and performance, offering 11.4 channels of processing power, advanced room correction with Audyssey MultEQ XT32 and Dirac Live, and double the power output at 140W per channel. This premium receiver delivers superior audio quality through its high-end ESS Sabre DACs and sophisticated processing, enabling true immersive audio with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, and Auro 3D support. The addition of HEOS multi-room capabilities, four independent subwoofer outputs, and premium build quality with a toroidal transformer demonstrates its position as a high-end home theater centerpiece.
However, at $4,500, the CINEMA 30 represents more than a tenfold increase in price, and for many users, these advanced features may go unutilized. While its superior power handling, immersive audio processing, and room correction capabilities make it an excellent choice for dedicated home theater rooms and complex speaker setups, most users with standard living room configurations will find the Denon's performance more than adequate. The CINEMA 30's premium features are most beneficial for enthusiasts with larger rooms, multiple speakers including height channels, and a desire for the absolute best in audio processing and room correction.
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๐Marantz CINEMA 30 11.4 Channel A/V Home Theater Receiver Details
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For those considering a higher-end alternative, the JBL MA9100HP ($1,359) offers significant upgrades in both power and capabilities. With 9.2 channels delivering 140W per channel, it can drive more speakers and fill larger spaces with ease. The additional channels enable true Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, creating immersive overhead effects that the Denon can't match. The JBL also includes advanced room correction technology, three 8K-capable HDMI inputs, and comprehensive wireless connectivity including WiFi and high-quality Bluetooth codecs.
While the JBL MA9100HP delivers superior performance, its premium features come at a significant price premium. The extra investment makes sense for larger rooms over 300 square feet, dedicated home theaters, or scenarios where you need multi-zone audio capabilities. However, for most living room setups or smaller spaces, the additional power and channels might go unused. Unless you specifically need Atmos support or plan to expand your system significantly in the future, the Denon's more modest capabilities could represent better value for typical home theater applications.
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๐JBL MA9100HP 9.2 Channel 8K AV Receiver Details
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The JBL MA310
($339) stands out with its modern approach to setup and calibration, featuring an intuitive app-based EQ system that makes room optimization significantly easier than the Denon's traditional microphone method. It also brings newer Bluetooth 5.1 technology for more stable wireless streaming and a notably more compact design that could better suit space-constrained setups. The clean, contemporary interface and straightforward operation make it particularly appealing for users who prioritize simplicity over advanced features.
However, despite costing $20 more than the Denon, the JBL MA310
falls short in several key areas. It lacks 8K support and advanced gaming features like VRR and ALLM, has fewer HDMI connections, and doesn't support premium audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. While its 60-watt-per-channel amplification is adequate for modest speaker setups, it doesn't quite match the Denon's power output and processing capabilities. Unless you specifically need the more compact form factor or prefer the modernized setup process, the Denon generally offers better value and more future-proof features for home theater enthusiasts.
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๐JBL MA310 5.2 Channel 4K AV Receiver Details
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The Onkyo TX-RZ30 ($999) stands apart with its more powerful 9.2 channel configuration and premium features like Dirac Live room correction. Where it really shines is in delivering immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, creating a truly three-dimensional soundstage with overhead effects that the Denon simply can't match. The additional power output of 100 watts per channel (versus the Denon's 70 watts) provides more headroom for dynamic movie scenes and better control over demanding speakers. Its advanced streaming capabilities, including built-in WiFi, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast, also offer more flexibility for modern entertainment setups.
While the Onkyo's higher price point represents a significant jump from the Denon, it justifies the cost for serious home theater enthusiasts who want room to grow. The extra HDMI ports, dual subwoofer outputs, and advanced room correction make it more suitable for larger rooms and more complex speaker arrangements. However, these additional features also mean a steeper learning curve and might be overkill for users seeking a straightforward surround sound setup. The decision between the two ultimately comes down to whether you'll benefit from the Onkyo's advanced features and expansion capabilities versus the Denon's simpler, more budget-friendly approach.
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๐Onkyo TX-RZ30 9.2 Channel AV Receiver Details
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The Denon AVR-A10H represents a significant step up in capabilities, offering 13.4 channels of processing and amplification compared to the S570BT's 5.2 channels. This flagship receiver delivers more than twice the power per channel at 150 watts, supports advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Pro, and includes premium features like Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room correction with optional Dirac Live support. The additional channels and power allow for sophisticated speaker configurations including height channels and multiple subwoofers, while premium components like the oxygen-free copper transformer and high-end DACs contribute to notably better sound quality.
However, at $4,699, the AVR-A10H costs nearly fifteen times more than the S570BT, making it a consideration primarily for dedicated home theater enthusiasts with larger rooms or complex speaker setups. While it offers superior audio processing, more connectivity options, and better future-proofing, these advantages may not justify the substantial price difference for users with basic 5.1 or 5.2 setups in typical living rooms. The extra features and power are most beneficial in dedicated theater rooms larger than 300 square feet, or for those planning to utilize height channels and multiple subwoofers.
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๐Denon AVR-A10H 13.4 Channel 8K A/V Home Theater Receiver Details
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The Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES ($1,698) represents a significant step up in both capabilities and price, offering features that serious home theater enthusiasts will appreciate. Its 9.2 channel configuration enables full Dolby Atmos setups with height channels, while the more powerful 120W per channel amplification provides better control over demanding speakers and fills larger rooms with ease. The Sony's advanced room correction and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology create a more immersive soundfield than the Denon's basic calibration, particularly noticeable with movie soundtracks and multi-channel music.
However, these advanced features come at a substantial premium that may be difficult to justify for many users. While the Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES offers superior performance in areas like multi-zone audio, home automation integration, and video processing, many of these capabilities will go unused in simpler home theater setups. The extra investment might be better spent on higher quality speakers or room treatment unless you specifically need the advanced features or plan to expand your system in the future with height channels or whole-home audio.
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๐Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver Details
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The Yamaha RX-V4A ($451) stands out primarily for its network capabilities and modern features, offering built-in Wi-Fi, MusicCast multi-room audio, and voice assistant compatibility with both Alexa and Google Assistant. It also delivers slightly more power at 80 watts per channel compared to the Denon's 70 watts, which can make a difference in larger rooms or with less efficient speakers. The Yamaha's app-based setup process and more advanced YPAO room calibration system provide a more refined user experience, particularly for those who appreciate modern conveniences.
However, the question is whether these additional features justify the $132 premium over the Denon. While the Yamaha RX-V4A offers excellent build quality and a more contemporary feature set, both receivers deliver equally impressive core audio-video performance with support for 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, and advanced gaming features like VRR and ALLM. For users focused primarily on home theater performance who don't need whole-home audio streaming or smart home integration, the extra investment might be hard to justify. The Yamaha's advantages become most valuable for those planning to integrate their receiver into a larger smart home ecosystem or who want to stream music throughout their house.
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๐Yamaha RX-V4A 5.2 Channel AV Receiver Details
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The Yamaha RX-V6A stands out with its more advanced feature set, offering 7.2 channels instead of 5.2, allowing for a more immersive sound experience through additional surround or height speakers. Its HDMI 2.1 compatibility provides future-proofing with 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz support, making it particularly appealing for next-gen gaming consoles. The inclusion of YPAO room correction technology, WiFi connectivity, and MusicCast multi-room audio capabilities also elevates it above basic receivers. Voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant adds convenient smart home integration that many users will appreciate.
However, these additional features come at a significant price premium of $250 over the Denon. While the Yamaha RX-V6A delivers slightly more power per channel (80W vs 70W), this difference is negligible in real-world use. For many users setting up a standard 5.1 or 5.2 home theater system, these extra features may not justify the higher cost. The Yamaha makes sense for those specifically needing 7.2 channels, planning to game with next-gen consoles, or wanting more sophisticated room correction and streaming options, but it might be overkill for basic home theater setups.
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๐Yamaha RX-V6A 7.2 Channel AV Receiver Details
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The Marantz NR1510 ($599) stands out with its premium build quality and slim profile design, which is half the height of traditional receivers. While it offers less power at 50W per channel compared to the Denon's 70W, it compensates with superior audio processing through Audyssey MultEQ XT32, creating a more refined and precise soundstage. The Marantz also provides more connectivity options with 6 HDMI inputs and comprehensive streaming features including HEOS, AirPlay 2, and full smart home integration.
However, the Marantz's higher price point and older HDMI 2.0 specification make it a harder sell for those prioritizing gaming features or future-proofing their setup. While the Marantz NR1510 delivers excellent audio quality and versatility, particularly for music lovers and those with space constraints, its lack of HDMI 2.1 features like VRR and 4K/120Hz support means it's better suited for users who prioritize audio refinement and streaming capabilities over cutting-edge video features.
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๐Marantz NR1510 5.2 Channel AV Receiver Details
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The Sony STR-DH590 ($298) stands out with its more powerful amplifier section, delivering 90 watts per channel compared to the Denon's 70 watts. This additional power can make a noticeable difference in larger rooms or when driving less efficient speakers, providing more headroom for dynamic movie soundtracks and music peaks. Sony's DCAC room calibration system, while more basic than Denon's Audyssey, still does an admirable job of optimizing speaker settings for most typical room layouts.
However, being an older model from 2018, the Sony lacks several modern features that might matter depending on your needs. It's limited to 4K/60Hz video processing without support for 8K or higher refresh rates, and doesn't include the advanced gaming features like VRR and ALLM found in the Denon. While these limitations won't impact current content playback, they could become more relevant as display technology advances. The Sony STR-DH590 remains a solid choice if you're primarily focused on audio performance and don't need the latest video processing capabilities, especially considering its lower price point.
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๐Sony STR-DH590 5.2 Channel 4K HDR AV Receiver Details
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The AVR-S970H ($900) steps up significantly from the S570BT with its 7.2-channel configuration, more powerful 90W amplification, and advanced audio processing capabilities including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. These improvements translate to more immersive sound with the ability to add height channels or rear surrounds, while the extra power helps fill larger rooms with clean, dynamic audio. The addition of HEOS streaming technology, advanced room correction, and enhanced gaming features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) make it a more capable hub for both entertainment and gaming.
While the price difference is substantial, the AVR-S970H justifies its premium positioning through tangible benefits that serious home theater enthusiasts will appreciate. The additional HDMI inputs, superior video processing, and more sophisticated room calibration provide real-world advantages for complex setups. However, these enhancements mainly benefit those with larger rooms, height speakers, or plans for system expansion - if you're setting up a basic 5.1 system in a medium-sized room, the extra features might go unused.
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๐Denon AVR-S970H 7.2 Channel 8K AV Home Theater Receiver Details
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The Sony STR-AN1000 ($598) steps up the game significantly with its 7.2-channel configuration and 100W per channel power output, making it better suited for larger rooms and more complex home theater setups. The addition of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support creates a more immersive listening experience, while the 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology can generate phantom speakers to enhance the soundstage. For gaming enthusiasts, the Sony includes crucial HDMI 2.1 features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), ensuring smooth gameplay with modern consoles. The expanded connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, AirPlay, and Chromecast built-in, provide more flexible streaming options than Bluetooth alone.
While these advanced features come at nearly double the price of the Denon, the Sony STR-AN1000 justifies its premium positioning for users who want more from their home theater system. The additional HDMI ports (6 inputs, 2 outputs) provide more flexibility for complex setups, and the superior room calibration system helps achieve better sound in challenging spaces. However, if you don't need features like Dolby Atmos or have a smaller room, these advantages may not justify the price difference for your specific situation.
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๐Sony STR-AN1000 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver Details
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The Onkyo TX-NR5100 ($441) stands out with its more expansive 7.2 channel configuration and superior room calibration system. The additional channels enable true Dolby Atmos support with height speakers or complete 7.1 surround sound with rear speakers, offering a more immersive home theater experience. Its slightly higher power output of 80W per channel, combined with advanced AccuEQ room calibration, delivers more refined sound in larger spaces. The inclusion of wired networking and dual HDMI outputs also provides greater flexibility for complex setups, particularly when connecting both a TV and projector.
However, these additional features come at a roughly 38% price premium over the Denon, and many users may not need the extra capabilities. While the Onkyo TX-NR5100 offers a more future-proof solution with its expanded channel count and superior DAC specifications, the real-world performance difference in typical living room setups is minimal. The additional investment makes sense primarily for dedicated home theater rooms, larger spaces, or for enthusiasts planning to utilize height channels or multiple subwoofers. For most users, these enhancements, while impressive, may not justify the higher cost unless specific use cases demand the extra functionality.
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๐Onkyo TX-NR5100 7.2 Channel 8K AV Receiver Details
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The Pioneer VSX-534 stands out with its superior audio processing capabilities, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, which the Denon lacks. Despite being an older model released in 2019, it delivers slightly more power at 80W per channel and includes advanced features like virtual height channels and a more sophisticated MCACC room correction system. For movie enthusiasts, these audio processing advantages create a more immersive viewing experience, particularly when watching content with modern sound formats.
However, the Pioneer shows its age in video capabilities, limited to 4K/60Hz processing without the gaming-focused HDMI 2.1 features or 8K support found in the Denon. At a nearly identical price point of $329, the Pioneer VSX-534 represents better value for those prioritizing audio quality and movie performance who don't need cutting-edge video features or gaming capabilities. The choice between these receivers ultimately comes down to use case - the Pioneer excels in audio processing and movie playback, while the Denon offers better future-proofing and gaming support.
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๐Pioneer VSX-534 5.2 Channel AV Receiver Details
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The Onkyo TX-NR6100 ($519) stands out with its more robust feature set, offering 7.2 channels and 100 watts per channel compared to the Denon's 5.2 setup. This additional power and channel support enables Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatibility through height speakers, creating a more immersive sound experience for movies and games. The Onkyo also provides superior connectivity with three HDMI 2.1 ports (versus one on the Denon), built-in WiFi, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast support, making it more versatile for modern entertainment setups.
While the $200 price premium over the Denon is significant, the Onkyo's advanced features and future-proofing capabilities make it a compelling choice for dedicated home theater enthusiasts. Its THX certification ensures reference-level performance, and the additional power becomes noticeable in larger rooms or during dynamic content playback. However, users with smaller rooms or basic surround sound needs may find these extra features unnecessary, making the Denon's simpler approach and lower price point more attractive.
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๐Onkyo TX-NR6100 7.2 Channel THX Certified AV Receiver Details
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The Yamaha RX-V385 offers compelling value at $299 with its proven YPAO room calibration system, which many users find more accurate and easier to use than Denon's basic Audyssey implementation. While it lacks HDMI 2.1 features, its mature platform delivers reliable 4K/60Hz performance that's more than adequate for most current content. Yamaha's signature warm, natural sound character has earned praise from music lovers, and the receiver's straightforward setup process makes it particularly appealing for first-time home theater builders.
Where the Yamaha falls short is in future-proofing - without HDMI 2.1 support, it can't handle 4K/120Hz gaming or 8K video passthrough, and it's limited to a single subwoofer output. However, if gaming features aren't a priority and you're primarily focused on movies and music, the Yamaha RX-V385 remains a solid choice that can save you some money while delivering excellent audio performance. Its proven track record for reliability and more sophisticated room calibration system might even make it preferable for users who prioritize audio quality over having the latest video features.
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The Sony STR-DH790 ($348) stands out primarily with its 7.2 channel configuration and higher power output of 90W per channel, making it more suitable for larger rooms and more complex speaker setups. Its ability to handle full Dolby Atmos configurations with height channels provides more flexibility for home theater enthusiasts who want to create an immersive audio experience. The extra channels and power make a noticeable difference when driving multiple speakers or filling larger spaces with sound, and its proven track record since its 2018 release demonstrates reliable performance.
However, being an older model, the Sony STR-DH790 lacks the latest HDMI 2.1 features found in the Denon, including 8K support, 4K/120Hz gaming capabilities, and modern gaming features like VRR and ALLM. While it handles 4K/60Hz content well and supports HDR formats, its aging HDMI 2.0 specification might limit future expansion options. For about $30 more than the Denon, it presents an interesting choice: trading newer technology and gaming features for more channels and power. This makes it a better fit for traditional home theater enthusiasts who prioritize audio flexibility over cutting-edge video features.
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For those primarily focused on music listening, the Yamaha R-N602 at $649 offers a specialized alternative that prioritizes pure stereo performance over home theater versatility. While it costs more than twice as much as the AVR-S570BT, it delivers noticeably superior two-channel audio quality thanks to premium components like its Burr-Brown 192kHz/24-bit DAC and sophisticated Pure Direct mode that bypasses unnecessary circuitry. Its high-quality phono preamp makes it particularly appealing for vinyl enthusiasts, and its 80 watts per channel provides ample power for driving high-end stereo speakers to their full potential.
The Yamaha R-N602 also offers more comprehensive wireless streaming capabilities, including WiFi, AirPlay, and MusicCast multi-room audio support, compared to the AVR-S570BT's basic Bluetooth connectivity. However, it completely lacks HDMI connections and video processing capabilities, making it unsuitable for modern home theater setups. While its audio performance for music is exceptional, the lack of surround sound processing and center channel support means it can't create the same immersive experience for movies and games that the AVR-S570BT delivers. It's best suited for buyers who prioritize music listening and are willing to invest more for superior stereo performance.
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