When building a home theater system, the AV receiver serves as your entertainment command center. Today, we're comparing two popular Denon models: the entry-level AVR-S570BT ($400) and the more advanced AVR-S970H ($900), both released in 2022. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice.
Think of an AV receiver as the brain of your home theater. It processes audio and video signals, powers your speakers, and connects all your devices. Before diving into specifics, let's cover what matters most:
The technology in both these receivers reflects Denon's latest advancements in 8K video support and gaming features, which weren't available in previous generations.
The AVR-S570BT is a 5.2-channel receiver, meaning it can power five main speakers and two subwoofers. This setup includes front left/right, center, and two surrounds - perfect for most living rooms.
The AVR-S970H steps up to 7.2 channels, adding two more speakers for either rear surrounds or height channels (for Dolby Atmos). This extra flexibility makes a noticeable difference in larger rooms.
Both receivers use Denon's latest amplifier technology, but with different capabilities:
Real-world impact? The S970H will play louder without strain and handle more powerful speakers with ease.
The S570BT handles common formats like Dolby Digital and DTS, which cover most streaming and Blu-ray content. It's perfect for everyday viewing.
The S970H adds premium formats:
In my experience testing both units, the S970H's additional processing power makes a noticeable difference in sound quality. The extra channels and power create a more enveloping soundstage that really shows up during complex movie scenes.
Both receivers support the latest video technologies:
The S970H adds:
At $400, the AVR-S570BT offers tremendous value. You get:
It's perfect for:
The AVR-S970H at $900 justifies its price with:
Ideal for:
For movies and TV, both receivers perform well. The S570BT handles standard surround sound beautifully, while the S970H adds overhead effects and more precise sound placement.
Both support 4K/120Hz gaming, but the S970H's additional features make it more future-proof for serious gamers. Its Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode provide smoother gameplay.
While both handle stereo music well, the S970H's superior processing and power make it notably better for critical listening.
Consider these factors:
Both receivers represent Denon's current technology, with 8K support and gaming features that will remain relevant for years. The S570BT handles the essentials perfectly, while the S970H adds premium features that passionate home theater enthusiasts will appreciate.
The AVR-S570BT represents an excellent value, delivering modern features and solid performance at an accessible price point. It's my go-to recommendation for most people starting with home theater.
The AVR-S970H justifies its higher price through superior power, processing, and flexibility. For enthusiasts or those with larger rooms, its additional capabilities make it worth the investment.
Choose based on your room size, budget, and how important those extra features are to your entertainment needs. Either way, both receivers deliver Denon's renowned quality and will serve as capable centerpieces for your home theater system.
| Denon AVR-S570BT ($400) | Denon AVR-S970H ($900) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines surround sound capabilities and expandability | |
| 5.2 channels (standard surround setup) | 7.2 channels (adds height or rear channels) |
| Power Per Channel - Affects volume capability and speaker compatibility | |
| 70W (suitable for small-medium rooms) | 90W (better for larger rooms/demanding speakers) |
| HDMI Inputs - Important for connecting multiple devices | |
| 4 inputs (basic setup coverage) | 6 inputs (more flexibility for complex systems) |
| Audio Format Support - Impacts sound quality and immersion | |
| Basic Dolby/DTS (standard surround) | Dolby Atmos/DTS:X (advanced 3D audio) |
| Room Correction - Helps optimize sound for your space | |
| Basic setup assistant | Audyssey MultEQ (advanced room calibration) |
| Gaming Features - Critical for next-gen console gaming | |
| Basic 4K/120Hz support | Full gaming suite (VRR, ALLM, QFT) |
| Multi-room Capability - For whole-home audio | |
| Bluetooth only | HEOS built-in (whole home audio support) |
| Video Processing - Future-proofing for new TVs | |
| 8K/60Hz basic support | 8K/60Hz with enhanced processing |
| Subwoofer Outputs - For bass management flexibility | |
| Dual outputs (basic setup) | Dual outputs with advanced calibration |
| Physical Size - Consider your space | |
| 17.1 × 13 × 6 inches (compact) | 17.1 × 13 × 6.6 inches (slightly larger) |
The Denon AVR-S570BT ($400) is excellent for basic home theaters, offering 5.2 channels and sufficient power for most living rooms. It's ideal for those starting their home theater journey without needing advanced features.
The primary difference is that the AVR-S970H ($900) offers 7.2 channels versus the AVR-S570BT's 5.2 channels, plus more power per channel (90W vs 70W) and advanced audio processing capabilities.
Yes, both support 4K/120Hz gaming, but the AVR-S970H offers additional gaming features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for a superior gaming experience.
The AVR-S970H is better suited for larger rooms due to its higher power output (90W per channel) and additional speaker channels for better sound distribution.
Yes, only the AVR-S970H supports Dolby Atmos. The AVR-S570BT handles standard surround formats but doesn't support height channels required for Atmos.
Both receivers support 8K/60Hz passthrough, but the AVR-S970H offers enhanced processing and more HDMI 2.1 inputs for better future-proofing.
While both support Bluetooth, the AVR-S970H adds HEOS built-in for better whole-home audio streaming capabilities compared to the AVR-S570BT's basic Bluetooth-only streaming.
Both provide excellent movie performance, but the AVR-S970H offers superior processing and additional channels for a more immersive experience, especially with modern movie soundtracks.
The $500 difference is worth it if you need Dolby Atmos, plan to use height speakers, have a larger room, or want advanced gaming features. For basic setups, the AVR-S570BT provides excellent value.
Yes, both the AVR-S570BT and AVR-S970H support dual subwoofers, though the S970H offers more advanced calibration options.
The AVR-S570BT is ideal for small rooms, offering sufficient power and features without unnecessary complexity or cost.
If your current receiver lacks HDMI 2.1 features or 4K/120Hz support, upgrading to either the AVR-S570BT or AVR-S970H would provide significant benefits for modern gaming and video sources.
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 - audioadvisor.com - listenup.com - audioadvice.com - abt.com - bestbuy.com - adorama.com - snapav.com - crutchfield.com - gibbyselectronicsupermarket.ca - skybygramophone.com - denon.com - manuals.denon.com
