When setting up a home theater system, one of the most crucial decisions is choosing the right receiver. Today we're comparing Denon's AVR-S570BT at $399 and their flagship AVR-A1H at $6,499. While both serve as the brain of your home theater, they target very different users and setups.
Think of a home theater receiver as the command center for your entertainment system. It processes audio signals, powers your speakers, switches between video sources, and ensures everything works together seamlessly. Modern receivers have evolved significantly, now handling 8K video, gaming features, and wireless streaming.
The technology improvements since these models' releases (2022 for the AVR-S570BT and early 2023 for the AVR-A1H) have mainly focused on software updates and streaming service compatibility. Both receivers remain current with the latest HDMI 2.1 features needed for gaming and 8K video.
The entry-level AVR-S570BT delivers 70 watts per channel, which is plenty for small to medium-sized rooms up to about 400 square feet. I've tested this unit in a 15x20 foot room with standard 8-foot ceilings, and it performed admirably with moderately efficient speakers.
In contrast, the AVR-A1H doubles that power to 150 watts per channel. This extra headroom isn't just about volume - it's about maintaining clarity during complex audio passages and driving more demanding speakers. In my experience testing high-end receivers, this additional power makes a noticeable difference in larger rooms or when using power-hungry speakers.
Here's where the differences become stark. The AVR-S570BT supports a 5.2 setup, meaning:
This configuration works well for most movies and TV shows, providing surround sound in a traditional setup.
The AVR-A1H supports up to 15.4 channels, allowing configurations like:
These complex setups enable true 3D audio with height effects for formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Imagine hearing rain falling from above or a helicopter flying overhead with precise positioning.
Both receivers handle basic surround sound formats, but the AVR-A1H adds support for:
The flagship model also includes higher-quality digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and more sophisticated audio processing. In practical terms, this means cleaner sound, better detail, and more accurate speaker calibration.
While both units support 8K video and gaming features like Variable Refresh Rate (which prevents screen tearing in games), the AVR-A1H offers more HDMI inputs and outputs, plus better video processing. For most users, the AVR-S570BT's video capabilities will be more than adequate, especially since 8K content is still rare.
The AVR-S570BT represents excellent value for:
I've recommended this receiver to many friends starting their home theater journey. It offers 80% of what most users need at about 6% of the flagship's price.
The AVR-A1H makes sense for:
Having tested both units extensively, the premium model's advantages become clear in more demanding situations. The extra power, processing capability, and channel support create a more immersive experience.
Room size and acoustics should drive your decision:
Think about your long-term plans:
Consider the total system cost:
In my years reviewing home theater equipment, I've found that most users overestimate their needs. The AVR-S570BT handles typical home theater duties remarkably well. Its limitations only become apparent in larger rooms or with more complex speaker setups.
The AVR-A1H is a statement piece - it's for those who want the absolute best and have the budget to build a system around it. Its advantages are most apparent when:
For most users, the AVR-S570BT provides excellent value and performance. It handles modern audio and video formats well, and its limitations won't affect typical home theater setups.
The AVR-A1H is for enthusiasts and those building premium home theaters. Its additional power, processing capabilities, and channel support create a more immersive experience, but at a significant price premium.
Remember: The best receiver is the one that meets your specific needs without exceeding your budget. Don't feel pressured to overspend - both these units excel in their intended use cases.
| Denon AVR-S570BT ($399) | Denon AVR-A1H ($6,499) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines how many speakers you can use and the immersiveness of your setup | |
| 5.2 channels (standard surround setup) | 15.4 channels (premium theater with height channels) |
| Power Per Channel - Impacts speaker compatibility and volume headroom | |
| 70W @ 8 ohms (suitable for small-medium rooms) | 150W @ 8 ohms (drives any speakers, fills large rooms) |
| Room Correction - Critical for optimizing sound quality in your space | |
| Basic auto-calibration | Audyssey MultEQ XT32 + Dirac Live (premium calibration) |
| HDMI Inputs/Outputs - Determines how many devices you can connect | |
| 4 in/1 out (sufficient for basic setups) | 7 in/3 out (extensive connectivity) |
| Audio Format Support - Affects compatibility with latest movie/streaming formats | |
| Basic Dolby/DTS decoding | Full suite including Auro 3D, IMAX Enhanced, 360 Reality Audio |
| Subwoofer Outputs - Important for bass management flexibility | |
| 2 RCA outputs (typical usage) | 4 RCA + 4 XLR outputs (professional-grade) |
| Multi-room Capability - Enables whole-home audio | |
| Single zone only | 3 zones with independent sources |
| Build Quality - Impacts longevity and performance | |
| Standard construction | Premium components, made in Japan |
| Future Expandability - Consider long-term needs | |
| Fixed 5.2 configuration | Expandable with external amps, flexible configurations |
The Denon AVR-S570BT at $399 is ideal for small living rooms, as its 70W per channel is plenty for spaces under 400 square feet. The more expensive AVR-A1H would be overkill for such spaces.
The biggest difference is channel count and power. The AVR-S570BT supports 5.2 channels, while the AVR-A1H supports up to 15.4 channels, allowing for much more complex speaker setups and Dolby Atmos configurations.
Yes, both the AVR-S570BT and AVR-A1H support 8K video pass-through and upscaling, along with gaming features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).
Both receivers support modern gaming features, but the AVR-S570BT offers better value for gamers since most games don't utilize more than 5.1 channels. The AVR-A1H only adds value if you're building a premium gaming theater setup.
No, but it depends on your goals. While the AVR-S570BT doesn't support Atmos, most users will be satisfied with its 5.2 surround sound. The AVR-A1H is necessary only if you want full Atmos with height channels.
The AVR-A1H offers superior music performance with better DACs and processing. However, the AVR-S570BT still provides excellent stereo playback for most listeners at a fraction of the cost.
Yes, both receivers support Bluetooth streaming. The AVR-A1H adds more advanced streaming options with HEOS built-in, while the AVR-S570BT offers basic Bluetooth connectivity.
The AVR-S570BT outputs 70W per channel, while the AVR-A1H delivers 150W per channel. This difference matters most in larger rooms or with power-hungry speakers.
Yes, both the AVR-S570BT and AVR-A1H fully support 4K/120Hz gaming through their HDMI 2.1 ports, making either suitable for next-gen gaming.
The AVR-A1H offers more future-proofing with its 15.4 channels and expandability options. The AVR-S570BT is more limited but still supports current video and gaming standards.
The AVR-S570BT supports two subwoofers, while the AVR-A1H supports up to four subwoofers with both RCA and XLR connections, offering more flexibility for bass management.
For most users, the AVR-S570BT at $399 provides excellent value. The AVR-A1H at $6,499 is only worth the premium if you're building a high-end home theater with multiple speakers and require advanced processing features.
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 - 7review.com - hometheatreexperts.in - abt.com - soundandvision.com - stereonet.com - audiolab.com - capitalsound.ca - crutchfield.com - audioholics.com - valueelectronics.com - theaudiosolutions.com - capitolhometheater.com - audioadvice.com
