When setting up a home theater system, choosing the right AV receiver is crucial - it's literally the brain and heart of your entertainment setup. Today, we're comparing two popular options: the Denon AVR-S570BT ($319) and the JBL MA510 ($509). Both were released in 2022, representing the latest in home theater technology with 8K capabilities and modern gaming features.
Before diving into the comparison, let's clarify what "5.2 channel" means. The "5" represents five main speakers (front left, center, front right, and two surround speakers), while the ".2" indicates support for two subwoofers. This setup delivers immersive surround sound without the overhead speakers found in more complex systems.
Recent years have brought significant advances in AV receiver technology, particularly in video processing and gaming features. Both these receivers support 8K video and HDMI 2.1, which wasn't common just a few years ago.
The Denon AVR-S570BT delivers 70 watts per channel, while the JBL MA510 offers 75 watts. In real-world usage, this 5-watt difference is barely noticeable - both receivers can easily fill a medium-sized room with rich, detailed sound.
Having tested similar systems, I can say that power ratings aren't everything. What matters more is how clean the power delivery is and how well the receiver handles dynamic range (the difference between quiet and loud sounds).
Both receivers support:
The key difference lies in implementation. The JBL includes more advanced gaming features like Quick Frame Transport (QFT), which reduces display latency for competitive gaming.
Here's where we see the biggest difference between these receivers:
The Denon offers:
The JBL provides:
This extra connectivity in the JBL makes it much more versatile for streaming music and integrating with smart home systems. If you're someone who uses Spotify, Apple Music, or other streaming services frequently, these additional features might justify the higher price.
Modern receivers use room calibration to optimize sound for your specific space. The JBL's EZ Set EQ system is more sophisticated than Denon's basic setup assistant, measuring room acoustics and adjusting various audio parameters automatically. This can make a noticeable difference in sound quality, especially in rooms with challenging acoustics.
Both receivers excel in their primary role as home theater hubs. They handle movie soundtracks beautifully, with clear dialogue through the center channel and immersive surround effects. The difference comes in setup and fine-tuning - the JBL's superior room calibration makes it easier to achieve optimal sound.
For music lovers, the JBL's additional streaming options and better room calibration give it an edge. However, if you primarily use Bluetooth or physical connections, the Denon performs admirably at a lower price point.
Both receivers support key gaming features like Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode. The JBL's additional features like QFT might appeal to serious gamers, but for casual gaming, either receiver will serve well.
The Denon AVR-S570BT at $319 represents excellent value for basic home theater needs. It handles all essential functions competently and includes modern video processing capabilities.
The JBL MA510 at $509 costs about 60% more but adds:
Consider these factors when making your choice:
The Denon AVR-S570BT is an excellent choice for users wanting a straightforward, capable receiver at a reasonable price. It handles the basics well and includes modern video processing features.
The JBL MA510 justifies its higher price through additional features and better room calibration. It's the better choice for users who want more streaming options, superior sound optimization, and the most advanced gaming features.
My recommendation: If budget is a primary concern or you mainly want a solid home theater receiver without extra bells and whistles, go with the Denon. If you're building a system you plan to use for many years and want the most flexibility, the JBL's additional features make it worth the investment.
Remember, either receiver will provide excellent home theater performance - the choice comes down to how much you value the extra features and connectivity options the JBL provides.
| Denon AVR-S570BT ($319) | JBL MA510 ($509) |
|---|---|
| Power Output - Determines speaker driving capability and room size suitability | |
| 70W per channel (adequate for most rooms) | 75W per channel (marginally more powerful) |
| Wireless Connectivity - Important for streaming music and system flexibility | |
| Basic Bluetooth only | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast |
| Room Calibration - Critical for optimizing sound in your specific space | |
| Basic setup assistant | Advanced EZ Set EQ with smartphone app control |
| HDMI Ports - Determines how many devices you can connect | |
| 4 inputs, 1 output (all 8K capable) | 4 inputs, 1 output (all 8K capable) |
| Gaming Features - Important for next-gen console gaming | |
| Basic VRR and ALLM | Advanced VRR, ALLM, QFT, and HFR |
| Audio Format Support - Affects compatibility with different content sources | |
| Standard Dolby/DTS formats | Enhanced format support with high-res audio |
| Subwoofer Outputs - Flexibility for bass management | |
| Dual subwoofer outputs | Dual subwoofer outputs |
| Power Consumption - Impacts energy efficiency | |
| 310W max (26W eco standby) | 300W max (<0.5W standby) |
| Build Quality/Weight - Indicates component quality and cooling capability | |
| 16.8 lbs (robust build) | 12 lbs (lighter but solid) |
| Setup Complexity - Important for user experience | |
| Straightforward manual setup | App-based setup with more options but steeper learning curve |
For a basic home theater, the Denon AVR-S570BT at $319 offers excellent value. While the JBL MA510 has more features, the Denon provides all essential functions needed for great movie and TV viewing at a lower price point.
The Denon AVR-S570BT costs $319, while the JBL MA510 is priced at $509 - a difference of $190. This price gap reflects additional features in the JBL like advanced room calibration and wireless streaming options.
Yes, both the Denon AVR-S570BT and JBL MA510 support 8K/60Hz video processing and 4K/120Hz gaming, making them future-proof for new video formats and gaming consoles.
The JBL MA510 offers superior streaming capabilities with Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast built-in. The Denon AVR-S570BT only offers Bluetooth streaming, making it more limited for music streaming applications.
No, the difference is minimal. The JBL MA510 offers 75W per channel while the Denon AVR-S570BT provides 70W per channel - a difference that's barely noticeable in real-world use.
The Denon AVR-S570BT offers a more straightforward setup process with basic guided assistance. The JBL MA510 has more advanced setup options through its app, which can be more complex but offers better room optimization.
Yes, both are 5.2 channel receivers, supporting five main speakers and two subwoofers, making them identical in terms of speaker configuration options.
While both support basic gaming features like VRR and ALLM, the JBL MA510 offers additional gaming features like Quick Frame Transport and High Frame Rate, making it slightly better for serious gamers.
Not necessarily. The Denon AVR-S570BT will satisfy most home theater needs. Only consider the JBL MA510 if you specifically need its advanced streaming options or room calibration features.
Both receivers offer four HDMI 2.1 inputs and one output, all supporting 8K video, making them equal in terms of connectivity options for video devices.
The JBL MA510 offers more advanced room calibration with its EZ Set EQ system, while the Denon AVR-S570BT provides basic setup assistance. This difference can be significant for rooms with challenging acoustics.
Both the Denon AVR-S570BT and JBL MA510 support current standards like 8K video and HDMI 2.1, though the JBL's additional wireless features may provide more flexibility for future streaming technologies.
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 - trustedreviews.com - av-connection.com - skybygramophone.com - bestbuy.com - safeandsoundhq.com - jbl.com - bestbuy.com - audioadvice.com - musicdirect.com - sweetwater.com - crutchfield.com
