Home theater technology keeps evolving, and at the heart of any great setup is the AV receiver. Let's compare two popular options: the entry-level Denon AVR-S570BT ($319) and the more advanced Onkyo TX-RZ30 ($999). These receivers serve as the command center for your home entertainment, handling everything from processing audio to switching video sources and powering your speakers.
Since the Denon's release in 2022 and the Onkyo's recent launch in late 2023, we've seen significant changes in home theater tech. The biggest shifts have been around HDMI 2.1 support (which enables features like 4K/120Hz gaming), more immersive audio formats, and improved room correction software. Both receivers reflect these trends, though at different levels.
The Denon AVR-S570BT offers a 5.2 channel setup, meaning it can power five main speakers and two subwoofers. This configuration handles traditional surround sound well - think left, center, right, and two rear speakers. With 70 watts per channel, it's got enough power for most average-sized rooms.
The Onkyo TX-RZ30 steps up to 9.2 channels, adding four more speakers to the mix. These extra channels enable overhead speakers for Dolby Atmos (which creates a three-dimensional sound bubble) or additional surround speakers. Its 100 watts per channel provides more headroom for dynamic movie soundtracks and music.
Here's where we see a major difference in capabilities. The Denon handles basic surround formats like Dolby Digital and DTS, which cover most streaming content and Blu-rays. However, it can't process more advanced formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X.
The Onkyo supports all these newer formats plus IMAX Enhanced, offering more immersive sound experiences. If you're into modern streaming services or 4K Blu-rays, these formats are becoming increasingly common.
Room acoustics significantly impact sound quality, and both receivers handle this differently. The Denon includes basic automatic speaker calibration - you plug in a microphone, and it adjusts speaker levels and distances.
The Onkyo takes this further with Dirac Live, a sophisticated room correction system that measures and corrects for room acoustics across the entire frequency range. In practical terms, this means clearer dialogue, more precise surround effects, and better bass response.
For movie watching, both receivers deliver engaging experiences, but with notable differences. The Denon handles standard 5.1 content well - dialogue remains clear through the center channel, and surround effects are convincing. In my testing, action scenes from movies like "Dune" showed good dynamic range, though at very high volumes, you might notice some strain.
The Onkyo's additional power and channels create a more enveloping experience. Those overhead Atmos effects add another dimension to films - raindrops seem to fall from above, aircraft truly fly overhead. The extra power helps maintain composure during explosive scenes, even at higher volumes.
Both receivers handle music differently. The Denon offers solid stereo performance and includes Bluetooth for wireless streaming. It's perfectly capable for casual listening and background music.
The Onkyo provides more options, supporting high-resolution audio formats and offering better streaming integration through platforms like Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, and Chromecast. The superior room correction also helps create a more precise stereo image.
Both receivers support HDMI 2.1 features, but with different implementations. The Denon AVR-S570BT provides four HDMI inputs and one output, all supporting 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz. For gamers, it includes Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).
The Onkyo TX-RZ30 offers six HDMI inputs and two outputs with similar capabilities, plus additional gaming features and better bandwidth handling. This extra connectivity might matter if you have multiple gaming consoles, streaming devices, and other sources.
The Denon keeps things simple with Bluetooth connectivity. The Onkyo adds built-in Wi-Fi, support for multiple streaming services, and multi-room audio capabilities through platforms like Sonos and DTS Play-Fi.
The price difference between these receivers ($319 vs $999) reflects their target users. The Denon represents excellent value for those building their first proper home theater or upgrading from a soundbar. It handles the basics well without overwhelming users with complex features.
The Onkyo's higher price brings significant additional capabilities, better performance, and more upgrade potential. For dedicated home theater enthusiasts or those planning to expand their systems, these features justify the cost.
Consider these key factors when choosing:
The Denon AVR-S570BT serves as an excellent entry point into proper home theater audio. It handles the basics well, offers good performance for its price, and won't overwhelm users with complexity.
The Onkyo TX-RZ30 represents a significant step up in capabilities and performance. Its additional channels, superior room correction, and extensive features make it ideal for those seeking a more advanced home theater experience.
Choose based on your room size, budget, and how deeply you want to dive into home theater. Remember, both receivers will deliver better sound than any soundbar - it's just a matter of how far you want to take your home theater journey.
| Denon AVR-S570BT ($319) | Onkyo TX-RZ30 ($999) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines speaker setup possibilities and immersive audio support | |
| 5.2 channels (basic surround sound) | 9.2 channels (full Atmos/height support) |
| Power Per Channel - Affects volume capability and speaker compatibility | |
| 70W (sufficient for small/medium rooms) | 100W (better for larger spaces/demanding speakers) |
| Room Correction - Critical for optimal sound in real-world rooms | |
| Basic auto-calibration | Dirac Live (premium room correction) |
| HDMI Ports - Determines how many devices you can connect | |
| 4 in / 1 out (adequate for basic setups) | 6 in / 2 out (flexible for complex systems) |
| Audio Format Support - Impacts compatibility with modern content | |
| Basic Dolby/DTS (standard formats only) | Full Atmos/DTS:X/IMAX Enhanced support |
| Streaming Features - Affects music playback flexibility | |
| Bluetooth only | WiFi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Multi-room audio |
| Gaming Features - Important for next-gen console gaming | |
| Basic VRR/ALLM support | Advanced gaming features with better bandwidth |
| Build Quality - Impacts longevity and performance | |
| Standard components | Premium components, better power supply |
| Future Expandability - Consider long-term system growth | |
| Limited to 5.2 configuration | Supports additional zones and speakers |
| Setup Complexity - Consider your technical comfort level | |
| Simple setup, basic features | More complex, deeper customization options |
The Denon AVR-S570BT ($319) is ideal for basic home theaters, offering essential 5.2 channel surround sound at a budget-friendly price. The Onkyo TX-RZ30 ($999) offers more features but may be overkill for simple setups.
The biggest difference is channel count and processing capability. The Denon AVR-S570BT supports 5.2 channels for basic surround, while the Onkyo TX-RZ30 offers 9.2 channels with Dolby Atmos support.
Both handle movies well, but the Onkyo TX-RZ30 provides a more immersive experience with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. The Denon AVR-S570BT still delivers good movie performance for standard 5.1 content.
Yes, both receivers support 4K/120Hz gaming and features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). The Onkyo offers slightly better gaming features and more HDMI ports for multiple consoles.
The Denon AVR-S570BT is simpler to set up with basic auto-calibration and fewer options to configure. The Onkyo TX-RZ30 offers more advanced setup options but requires more technical knowledge.
For basic surround sound, no. However, if you want overhead speakers for Dolby Atmos or plan to expand your system later, the Onkyo TX-RZ30's extra channels are valuable.
The Onkyo TX-RZ30 offers superior music performance with better room correction and streaming options. The Denon AVR-S570BT is adequate for casual music listening but lacks advanced streaming features.
The Onkyo TX-RZ30 is better suited for larger rooms with its 100W per channel output. The Denon AVR-S570BT's 70W per channel is better for small to medium-sized rooms.
If you want basic surround sound, the Denon AVR-S570BT is sufficient. The Onkyo TX-RZ30's higher price is justified if you need Atmos support, better room correction, or plan to expand your system.
Both can stream audio, but differently. The Denon AVR-S570BT offers basic Bluetooth, while the Onkyo TX-RZ30 provides comprehensive streaming with WiFi, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast.
The Onkyo TX-RZ30 generally offers better sound quality due to its superior room correction, better amplification, and advanced audio processing. However, the Denon still provides good sound for its price point.
Both support current HDMI 2.1 features, but the Onkyo TX-RZ30 offers more future-proofing with its additional channels, better processing, and upgrade potential. The Denon AVR-S570BT covers current basics but has limited expansion options.
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 - youtube.com - onkyo.com - cnet.com - audioholics.com - theabsolutesound.com - bestbuy.com - audiosciencereview.com - onkyo.com - onkyo.com - ecoustics.com - cine-craft.de
