Home theater receivers are the brains and muscle of any serious audio-video setup. Think of them as traffic controllers that manage all your audio and video signals while also powering your speakers. Today, we're comparing two very different Denon receivers: the entry-level AVR-S570BT at $319 and the flagship AVR-A10H at $4,699.
The price difference is substantial, but so are the capabilities. Let's break down what matters and who should consider each model.
The AVR-S570BT was released in 2022 as Denon's entry-level model with modern features like 8K video support. It brought many premium features down to an affordable price point, including HDMI 2.1 capabilities that were previously only available in more expensive models.
The AVR-A10H, announced for release in October 2024, represents Denon's latest flagship technology. It's a significant upgrade from their previous top model, the AVR-X8500H, offering more channels and modern features like improved room correction and advanced gaming support.
The AVR-S570BT's 5.2 channels means it can power five main speakers (front left, center, front right, and two surrounds) plus two subwoofers. This is perfect for most small to medium rooms and typical surround sound setups.
The AVR-A10H's 13.4 configuration is drastically different. It can handle complex speaker arrangements including height channels for Dolby Atmos (those speakers in or on your ceiling), multiple subwoofers, and even front wide channels. You could set up a 7.4.6 system (seven ground-level speakers, four subwoofers, six height speakers) or other combinations.
Power ratings tell an important story:
While the numbers seem dramatically different, in real-world use, the S570BT provides plenty of power for most rooms under 300 square feet with typical speakers. The A10H's additional power becomes important for larger rooms, less efficient speakers, or when you want to achieve reference-level volumes without strain.
The AVR-S570BT handles common formats like Dolby Digital and DTS, which cover most streaming content and Blu-rays. However, it can't process more advanced formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, which create three-dimensional soundfields using height speakers.
The AVR-A10H supports everything: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, Auro 3D, and even IMAX Enhanced. It also includes higher-quality digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and better internal components, which contribute to clearer, more detailed sound even with basic content.
Room correction software measures how your speakers sound in your specific room and adjusts the audio to compensate for room acoustics:
The difference here is significant. The A10H's advanced calibration can make a dramatic improvement in sound quality, especially in rooms with challenging acoustics.
Both receivers support 8K video and 4K 120Hz gaming, but there are important differences:
The AVR-S570BT has four HDMI inputs and one output, all supporting modern standards. This is sufficient for most setups but might require an HDMI switch if you have many devices.
The AVR-A10H provides seven HDMI inputs and three outputs, with better processing and the ability to send video to multiple displays simultaneously. It's particularly valuable if you want to feed both a TV and projector, or if you have many gaming consoles and video sources.
For a typical living room setup with a TV and 5.1 speaker system, the AVR-S570BT provides everything needed. It handles 4K streaming devices, gaming consoles, and cable boxes with ease, while delivering engaging surround sound for movies and music.
For a dedicated theater room, especially with height speakers or multiple subwoofers, the AVR-A10H shines. Its additional processing power, connection options, and superior room correction create a more immersive experience. The extra power helps fill larger spaces with clean, dynamic sound.
The AVR-S570BT delivers exceptional value for most users. Its features cover 90% of what typical users need, and its performance is more than adequate for common living room setups. At $319, it's an excellent entry point into quality home theater audio.
The AVR-A10H's $4,699 price tag requires serious justification. However, for dedicated home theater enthusiasts, its capabilities make it a worthy investment. It's particularly valuable if you:
Choose the AVR-S570BT if:
Choose the AVR-A10H if:
Remember, both receivers will provide excellent sound quality in their intended use cases. The key is matching the receiver to your specific needs and environment.
For most users getting started with home theater, the AVR-S570BT provides an excellent entry point with room to grow. For serious enthusiasts or those building dedicated theater rooms, the AVR-A10H offers state-of-the-art performance and flexibility that justifies its premium price.
| Denon AVR-S570BT ($319) | Denon AVR-A10H ($4,699) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines how many speakers you can connect and what audio formats you can fully experience | |
| 5.2 channels (standard surround setup) | 13.4 channels (full Atmos/DTS:X support) |
| Power Per Channel - Affects how loud and clean your system can play, especially in larger rooms | |
| 70W (8 ohms) - sufficient for small/medium rooms | 150W (8 ohms) - ideal for large rooms/premium speakers |
| HDMI Ports - Determines how many devices you can connect without switching | |
| 4 in/1 out (typical setup coverage) | 7 in/3 out (extensive connectivity) |
| Room Correction - Critical for optimizing sound quality in your specific space | |
| Basic calibration | Audyssey XT32 + Dirac Live (significant improvement) |
| Audio Format Support - Impacts immersion and sound quality | |
| Basic Dolby/DTS formats | All formats including Atmos, DTS:X Pro, Auro 3D |
| Build Quality - Affects sound quality and longevity | |
| Standard components | Premium DACs, OFC transformer, better power supply |
| Subwoofer Outputs - Important for bass management and flexibility | |
| 2 subwoofer outputs | 4 independent subwoofer outputs with processing |
| Future Expandability - Consider long-term needs | |
| Fixed 5.2 configuration | Full preamp outputs for expansion |
The Denon AVR-S570BT at $319 is ideal for basic home theater setups, offering 5.2 channels which covers standard surround sound needs. The AVR-A10H at $4,699 would be overkill for basic setups.
The primary difference is channel count and power. The AVR-S570BT supports 5.2 channels with 70W per channel, while the AVR-A10H offers 13.4 channels with 150W per channel.
Only the AVR-A10H supports Dolby Atmos, with up to 13 channels allowing configurations like 7.4.6. The AVR-S570BT is limited to traditional 5.2 surround formats.
The AVR-A10H is better for large rooms due to its 150W per channel power output. The AVR-S570BT's 70W per channel is better suited for small to medium-sized rooms.
Yes, both receivers support 8K video passthrough, though the AVR-A10H offers more HDMI inputs and outputs plus advanced processing capabilities.
The $4,380 price difference brings significantly more power, channels, processing capabilities, and future-proofing with the AVR-A10H. However, the AVR-S570BT provides excellent value for basic setups.
Both support 4K/120Hz gaming, but the AVR-A10H offers better processing and more HDMI 2.1 inputs for multiple gaming consoles.
The AVR-S570BT is fixed at 5.2 channels. The AVR-A10H offers extensive expansion options with its 13.4 channels and preamp outputs.
The AVR-S570BT is simpler to set up due to fewer channels and basic room calibration. The AVR-A10H's advanced features require more setup time but offer better results.
No, the AVR-S570BT provides excellent sound quality for most users. The AVR-A10H offers premium features that mainly benefit dedicated home theater enthusiasts.
Both receivers support Bluetooth streaming, but the AVR-A10H adds HEOS wireless streaming and higher-quality audio processing.
The AVR-A10H features superior Audyssey MultEQ XT32 and Dirac Live support, while the AVR-S570BT offers basic room calibration suitable for typical rooms.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses 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 - audiosciencereview.com - audioadvice.com - safeandsoundhq.com - crutchfield.com - audioholics.com - simplehomecinema.com - youtube.com - ihomefurniture.com - skybygramophone.com - techradar.com - denon.com - projectorscreen.com
