Choosing Between Denon's Popular AV Receivers: A Complete Guide

If you're building or upgrading a home theater system, choosing between the Denon AVR-S570BT ($319) and Denon AVR-S770H ($649) isn't just about price. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your setup.

Understanding AV Receivers: The Basics

An AV receiver acts as the command center of your home theater system. It processes audio and video signals, powers your speakers, and handles all the switching between your devices like gaming consoles, streaming boxes, and Blu-ray players. Think of it as the brain of your entertainment system.

The key things that matter most are:

• How many speakers it can power
• How clean and powerful the audio is
• What video formats it supports
• How future-proof it is
• How easy it is to use

The Core Differences

The AVR-S570BT and AVR-S770H represent different tiers in Denon's lineup. Released in 2022 and 2023 respectively, they reflect the rapid evolution of home theater technology.

The most obvious difference is in their channel count. The S570BT handles 5.2 channels (five speakers plus two subwoofers), while the S770H manages 7.2 channels. This might seem like a small difference, but it opens up significant possibilities for room-filling sound.

Price and Value Proposition

At $319, the S570BT hits a sweet spot for those building their first serious home theater. It delivers the core features most people need without extra complexity. The S770H, at $649, offers more advanced features that enthusiasts will appreciate, like Dolby Atmos support and better room correction.

Deep Dive: Audio Performance

Power and Sound Quality

Both receivers deliver clean, powerful sound, but there are important differences:

• The AVR-S570BT provides 70 watts per channel, which is plenty for most rooms
• The AVR-S770H pushes slightly more at 75 watts per channel

While the power difference is minimal, the S770H's additional processing capabilities make a bigger impact. It includes Dolby Atmos support (which creates a three-dimensional sound field) and more sophisticated digital-to-analog converters for cleaner sound.

Audio Formats

The S570BT handles traditional surround formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. These provide excellent sound for movies and games, but lack the overhead effects possible with newer formats.

The S770H adds support for:

• Dolby Atmos (for height effects)
• DTS:X (similar to Atmos but less common)
• More advanced room correction

Video Capabilities

Both receivers support 8K video passthrough, which might seem excessive since 8K content is rare. However, this future-proofing is valuable as displays continue to evolve.

Gaming features include:

• Variable Refresh Rate (prevents screen tearing)
• Auto Low Latency Mode (reduces input lag)
• Quick Frame Transport (faster frame delivery)

The S770H adds a third 8K-capable HDMI input, while the S570BT has fewer total inputs but still handles modern gaming consoles well.

Connectivity and Streaming

Here's where the differences become more apparent:

The AVR-S570BT offers:

• Bluetooth connectivity
• 4 HDMI inputs
• Basic remote control

The AVR-S770H adds:

• Built-in Wi-Fi
• 6 HDMI inputs
• HEOS streaming platform
• Voice control support
• Multi-room audio
• Better remote

Real-World Use Cases

For Movie Enthusiasts

If you primarily watch movies, consider your room size and seating arrangement:

• Small to medium rooms: The S570BT provides excellent movie sound with a traditional 5.1 setup
• Larger rooms or serious enthusiasts: The S770H's additional channels and Atmos support create a more immersive experience

For Gamers

Both receivers handle modern gaming well, but the S770H's additional HDMI inputs and slightly better processing might matter if you have multiple consoles.

For Music Listeners

The S770H's superior DACs and streaming capabilities make it a better choice for dedicated music listening. However, the S570BT still delivers excellent stereo performance for casual listening.

Setup and Operation

The S570BT offers a simpler setup process, which might appeal to first-time home theater builders. The S770H's additional features require more configuration but provide more flexibility.

Both use Denon's setup assistant, which walks you through the process step-by-step. The S770H adds Audyssey room correction, which helps optimize sound for your specific room.

Making the Decision

Choose the AVR-S570BT if:

• You're building your first home theater
• You have a smaller room
• You don't need height channels
• Budget is a primary concern
• You prefer simpler operation

Choose the AVR-S770H if:

• You want Dolby Atmos effects
• You have a larger room
• You stream music frequently
• You need multi-room audio
• Future expansion is likely
• You have multiple video sources

Final Thoughts

Both receivers represent solid values at their price points. The S570BT handles the basics exceptionally well, while the S770H offers more features for enthusiasts willing to pay for them.

For most users building their first serious home theater, the S570BT provides everything needed for an excellent experience. However, if you're interested in the latest audio formats or want more expansion options, the additional investment in the S770H will serve you well for years to come.

Remember that either choice will deliver quality sound - the decision ultimately comes down to your specific needs and how you plan to use your home theater system.

Denon AVR-S570BT 5.2 Channel AV Home Theater Receiver Deals and Prices

Denon AVR-S770H 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver Deals and Prices