Home theater receivers are like the command center of your entertainment system. They take all your video sources (streaming boxes, game consoles, Blu-ray players) and audio inputs, process them, and send everything to the right place - whether that's your TV, speakers, or both. Let's compare two popular Denon models that showcase different ends of the market: the entry-level AVR-S570BT ($399) and the premium AVR-X4800H ($2,499).
Both receivers were released in late 2022, and while technology moves quickly, they remain current with features like 8K video support and HDMI 2.1 gaming features. The core technologies that make a receiver great - clean amplification, solid build quality, and reliable processing - don't change as rapidly as other electronics.
The most obvious difference between these receivers is their channel count and power output. The AVR-S570BT is a 5.2-channel receiver, meaning it can power five main speakers and up to two subwoofers. With 70 watts per channel, it's perfectly suited for small to medium-sized rooms up to about 350 square feet.
In contrast, the AVR-X4800H is a 9.4-channel powerhouse delivering 125 watts per channel. Those extra channels and power make a huge difference in larger rooms and more complex setups. The ".4" means it can handle four independent subwoofers - great for evening out bass response in challenging rooms.
Think of it like this: the AVR-S570BT is like a solid mid-size car engine, while the AVR-X4800H is more like a sports car motor - both will get you there, but one has considerably more capability.
This is where the price difference really shows up in day-to-day use. The AVR-S570BT handles standard surround formats like Dolby Digital and DTS just fine - perfect for most streaming content and Blu-rays. However, it doesn't support more advanced formats like Dolby Atmos (which adds height channels for sound that moves above you) or DTS:X.
The AVR-X4800H includes support for every modern audio format, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro 3D. Having used both, I can say the difference is noticeable - especially with well-mixed Atmos content. Rain scenes feel more realistic, aircraft truly sound like they're flying overhead, and the overall sound field is more three-dimensional.
Room calibration might sound technical, but it's actually pretty simple: it's software that uses a microphone to measure how your speakers sound in your specific room, then adjusts various settings to improve the sound quality. The AVR-S570BT includes a basic version of this technology that works well enough for simple setups.
The AVR-X4800H features Audyssey MultEQ XT32, a much more sophisticated system that takes more measurements and makes finer adjustments. It also supports Dirac Live (though this requires an additional purchase), which many audio enthusiasts consider the gold standard in room correction. In practice, this means better bass response, clearer dialogue, and more precise surround effects.
The AVR-S570BT represents excellent value for what it does. If you're setting up your first real home theater, or upgrading from a soundbar, it's a fantastic choice. It handles 4K gaming just fine (including features like Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode), sounds great with movies, and won't break the bank.
The AVR-X4800H is a significant investment, but it's actually reasonably priced for what it offers in the high-end receiver market. It's built like a tank, offers exceptional audio quality, and has the processing power and connections to grow with your system for many years.
Picture a typical living room setup: a 65" TV, a pair of bookshelf speakers up front, a center channel for dialogue, two surrounds, and a subwoofer. This is exactly what the AVR-S570BT is designed for, and it handles this scenario beautifully. Movie nights will sound great, music will fill the room nicely, and gaming will be immersive.
Now imagine a dedicated home theater room with four height speakers for Atmos, multiple subwoofers for even bass distribution, and perhaps additional zones for whole-house audio. This is where the AVR-X4800H shines. It has the power, processing, and connectivity to create a truly cinema-like experience.
Both receivers support 8K video passthrough, though this feature isn't particularly relevant for most users yet since 8K content is still rare. More importantly, both handle 4K/120Hz gaming, which is perfect for PS5 and Xbox Series X owners.
The AVR-X4800H has more headroom for future expansion - if you start with a basic 5.1 setup, you can gradually add height channels and additional subwoofers without needing to replace the receiver.
Here's a straightforward way to choose:
Both receivers excel at their intended price points. The AVR-S570BT is perfect for those entering the world of real home theater sound, offering solid performance and modern features at an accessible price. The AVR-X4800H is for those who want the best and plan to build a serious system around it.
Remember: great sound doesn't always require the most expensive equipment, but investing in quality components that match your needs will provide the best long-term satisfaction. Choose based on your room, your goals, and your budget, and either of these receivers will serve you well for years to come.
| Denon AVR-S570BT ($399) | Denon AVR-X4800H ($2,499) |
|---|---|
| Channel Support - Determines how many speakers you can use and impacts immersive audio capabilities | |
| 5.2 channels (basic surround setup) | 9.4 channels (full Atmos/height support) |
| Power Per Channel - Affects speaker compatibility and room-filling capability | |
| 70W (sufficient for small/medium rooms) | 125W (handles larger rooms and demanding speakers) |
| Subwoofer Outputs - Multiple subs improve bass evenness across listening area | |
| 2 subwoofers (basic setup) | 4 independent subwoofers (advanced room optimization) |
| Room Calibration - Critical for optimal sound in real-world rooms | |
| Basic auto setup | Audyssey MultEQ XT32 + optional Dirac Live (significant upgrade) |
| Audio Format Support - Determines compatibility with latest movie/streaming formats | |
| Basic Dolby/DTS (good for most content) | Full Atmos/DTS:X/Auro3D (future-proof, best quality) |
| Pre-outs - Enable system expansion with external amplifiers | |
| None (fixed system size) | 11 channels (flexible expansion options) |
| Multi-room Capability - For whole-house audio distribution | |
| Basic Zone 2 | HEOS wireless + advanced multi-zone (whole home audio) |
| Build Quality - Impacts performance and longevity | |
| Standard components (good for basic use) | Premium components + better power supply (audiophile grade) |
The Denon AVR-S570BT ($399) is ideal for basic home theater setups. Its 5.2 channels perfectly suit a standard surround sound system, and its 70W per channel provides ample power for small to medium rooms.
The primary difference is scale and capability. The AVR-S570BT is a 5.2 channel entry-level receiver, while the AVR-X4800H ($2,499) is a 9.4 channel premium model with more power, advanced room correction, and support for height channels.
Yes, both receivers support 4K/120Hz gaming and include features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), making them compatible with PS5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles.
The AVR-X4800H is significantly better for Dolby Atmos, as it supports up to 9.4 channels with height speakers. The AVR-S570BT doesn't support Dolby Atmos due to its 5.2 channel limitation.
For rooms under 350 square feet, the AVR-S570BT's 70W per channel is sufficient. Larger rooms or more demanding speakers benefit from the AVR-X4800H's 125W per channel output.
Both support 8K video and HDMI 2.1, but the AVR-X4800H offers more future-proofing with its expandability, premium processing, and advanced audio format support.
While both perform well, the AVR-X4800H offers superior music performance with better DACs, more sophisticated room correction, and higher-quality amplification.
Not necessarily. The AVR-S570BT is perfect for most home theaters with a standard 5.1 setup. Only upgrade to the AVR-X4800H if you need Atmos, multiple subwoofers, or have a larger room.
Both support Bluetooth streaming, but the AVR-X4800H adds HEOS wireless streaming, AirPlay 2, and more comprehensive network audio features.
The AVR-S570BT works well with most consumer speakers. The AVR-X4800H handles a wider range of speakers, including more demanding audiophile models, thanks to its stronger amplification.
The AVR-X4800H features superior Audyssey MultEQ XT32 and optional Dirac Live support, while the AVR-S570BT includes basic auto-setup functionality.
The price difference is justified if you need advanced features like Atmos, superior room correction, or plan to expand your system. For basic home theater needs, the AVR-S570BT offers excellent value at $399 compared to the AVR-X4800H at $2,499.
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 - bestbuy.com - audiovisualkart.com - valueelectronics.com - crutchfield.com - tomsguide.com - dreamediaav.com - snapav.com - hometheaterhifi.com - avsforum.com - videoandaudiocenter.com
