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 the entry-level Denon AVR-S570BT ($319) with the premium Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES ($1,098), two receivers that showcase just how wide the range of options can be in this category.
Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what modern AV receivers do. They're the command center of your home theater, handling everything from switching between video sources to processing and amplifying audio. The technology has evolved significantly in recent years, with new features like 8K video support and wireless streaming becoming standard.
Both of these receivers were released relatively recently - the Denon in 2022 and the Sony in 2023 - so they're equipped with current technology. The biggest advances lately have been in HDMI 2.1 support (which enables features like 4K/120Hz gaming) and more sophisticated room correction software.
The Denon AVR-S570BT is a 5.2 channel receiver, meaning it can power five main speakers and two subwoofers. With 70 watts per channel, it's well-suited for small to medium-sized rooms. To put this in perspective, that's enough power to fill a typical 200-square-foot room with clean, dynamic sound.
The Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES steps up to 7.2 channels with 100 watts per channel. Those extra two channels enable either rear surround speakers or height channels for Dolby Atmos, while the additional power helps fill larger rooms or drive less efficient speakers.
This is where we see one of the biggest differences between these receivers. The Denon handles traditional surround formats like Dolby Digital and DTS but doesn't support object-based formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. Think of object-based audio as the difference between hearing rain above you versus just around you - it adds a whole new dimension to the experience.
The Sony supports all these advanced formats and adds their proprietary 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology, which creates virtual speakers to fill gaps in your speaker setup. It's pretty impressive technology that can make a 5.1 system sound more like a 7.1 setup.
Both receivers support 8K video passthrough and 4K/120Hz gaming features, which is great for future-proofing. However, the Sony offers more HDMI inputs (6 vs 4) and more sophisticated video processing. In real-world use, both will handle any current video source beautifully, but the Sony has more headroom for expansion.
Room calibration is crucial for getting the best sound from any speaker system. The Denon offers a basic but effective setup assistant, while the Sony includes their advanced D.C.A.C. IX system with multiple microphone positions and more sophisticated processing. This can make a noticeable difference in rooms with challenging acoustics.
Having spent time with both receivers, the performance difference isn't as dramatic as the price gap might suggest. The Denon delivers clean, engaging sound that will satisfy most users, especially in modest rooms with standard speaker setups. Its limitations only become apparent when you're trying to drive demanding speakers or fill larger spaces.
The Sony, however, shows its premium nature in subtle ways: better separation between instruments, more precise imaging (the ability to place sounds in space), and more headroom for dynamic peaks. It's like the difference between a good and great camera - both can take nice pictures, but the better one gives you more room to work with.
At $319, the Denon AVR-S570BT represents excellent value for anyone building their first real home theater or upgrading from a soundbar. It handles the basics well and includes features that would have been premium just a few years ago.
The Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES at $1,098 requires more justification. You're paying for better build quality, more features, and better sound quality - but the law of diminishing returns definitely applies. The premium is worth it if you:
Your choice should primarily depend on your:
For a typical living room setup with a 5.1 speaker system, the Denon offers everything you need at a great price. If you're building a dedicated home theater, planning to use height speakers, or have a larger room, the Sony's additional capabilities become more valuable.
Remember, both receivers will likely last many years, so consider future needs in your decision. The Sony offers more room to grow, but don't feel pressured to spend the extra money if the Denon meets your current and foreseeable needs.
Both receivers represent different sweet spots in the market. The Denon AVR-S570BT hits a perfect balance of features and value for most users, while the Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES offers premium performance and features for those who can justify the investment.
My personal take? If you're asking which one to buy, you probably should get the Denon. The Sony is for those who already know they need its additional capabilities and are willing to pay for them. Either way, both receivers will serve as capable centers for your home entertainment system for years to come.
| Denon AVR-S570BT ($319) | Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES ($1,098) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines maximum speaker setup and room immersion | |
| 5.2 channels (standard surround setup) | 7.2 channels (adds height or rear speakers) |
| Power Per Channel - Impacts speaker compatibility and room size capability | |
| 70W (good for small/medium rooms) | 100W (handles larger rooms, more demanding speakers) |
| Audio Format Support - Affects content compatibility and sound immersion | |
| Basic Dolby/DTS (no object-based audio) | Full Dolby Atmos/DTS:X (true 3D audio experience) |
| HDMI Ports - Determines how many devices you can connect | |
| 4 in/1 out (adequate for basic setups) | 6 in/2 out (better for complex systems) |
| Room Calibration - Affects how well system adapts to your space | |
| Basic auto setup | Advanced D.C.A.C. IX with spatial mapping |
| Multi-zone Capability - Important for whole-home audio | |
| Single zone only | Supports Zone 2 and Zone 3 audio |
| Video Processing - Affects picture quality and gaming performance | |
| Basic 8K/4K passthrough | Advanced processing, better upscaling |
| Build Quality - Impacts longevity and performance | |
| Standard components | Premium ES-grade components, 5-year warranty |
The Denon AVR-S570BT ($319) is ideal for basic home theater setups. It provides excellent value with 5.2 channels and sufficient power for small to medium rooms, making it perfect for first-time home theater builders.
For most users, the Denon AVR-S570BT offers better value. The Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES ($1,098) costs significantly more but includes advanced features like Dolby Atmos and better room calibration that may justify the price for enthusiasts.
Both receivers support 4K/120Hz gaming, but the Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES offers more HDMI 2.1 ports and advanced processing features, making it slightly better for serious gamers with multiple consoles.
Yes, both the Denon AVR-S570BT and Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES support 8K video passthrough, making them future-proof for upcoming video formats.
The Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES is better suited for large rooms with its 100W per channel output compared to the Denon's 70W, providing more power for filling larger spaces.
For basic surround sound, the 5.2 channels of the Denon AVR-S570BT are sufficient. However, if you want height speakers for Dolby Atmos or rear surrounds, the 7.2 channels of the Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES are necessary.
The Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES offers superior music performance with better DACs and processing, but the Denon AVR-S570BT still provides good music playback for casual listening.
Both are user-friendly, but the Denon AVR-S570BT offers a simpler setup process, making it ideal for beginners. The Sony's additional features require more setup time but offer more fine-tuning options.
Yes, both receivers support Bluetooth streaming. The Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES adds additional features like WiFi, Chromecast, and AirPlay 2.
The Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES offers more upgrade potential with additional channels, better processing, and more connectivity options compared to the Denon AVR-S570BT.
If you're building a basic home theater, the standard surround formats on the Denon AVR-S570BT are sufficient. However, Dolby Atmos on the Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES provides a more immersive experience for those wanting the best audio quality.
The Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES comes with a premium 5-year warranty, while the Denon AVR-S570BT includes a standard 2-year warranty, reflecting their different market positions.
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 - ecoustics.com - electronics.sony.com - youtube.com - crutchfield.com - audioadvice.com - abt.com - merlinstv.com - worldwidestereo.com - snapav.com - overtureav.com - sony.ca - audioholics.com
