If you're looking to build or upgrade a home theater system in 2024, you're likely considering an AV receiver as your system's backbone. Today we'll compare two popular but very different options: the entry-level Denon AVR-S570BT ($319) and the premium Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES ($1,698).
AV receivers act as the command center for your home entertainment system. They process video signals from your sources (like streaming boxes or game consoles), decode audio formats, and power your speakers. Think of them as highly specialized computers dedicated to creating an immersive entertainment experience.
The technology has evolved significantly in recent years, particularly with the introduction of HDMI 2.1 features and object-based surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos. These advances have created a wider gap between entry-level and premium receivers than ever before.
The Denon AVR-S570BT was released in 2022 as part of Denon's refreshed entry-level lineup. It brought 8K compatibility and gaming features to a more accessible price point. The Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES launched in 2023 as part of Sony's premium ES (Elevated Standard) series, incorporating their latest spatial audio technologies.
In the time since these releases, we've seen increasing adoption of 8K displays and HDMI 2.1 gaming features, though both receivers remain current and competitive in their respective segments.
The most obvious difference between these receivers is their channel count and power output. The Denon's 5.2 channels mean it can power five main speakers (front left, center, front right, and two surrounds) plus two subwoofers. This configuration works well for most movies and TV shows, providing convincing surround sound in small to medium-sized rooms.
The Sony steps up to 9.2 channels, allowing for additional height speakers (for Dolby Atmos) or presence speakers (for enhanced front soundstage). From my experience testing both units, the Sony's additional power (120W vs 70W per channel) makes a noticeable difference with demanding speakers or in larger rooms.
Both receivers support 8K video passthrough and 4K/120Hz gaming features, but there are important differences in implementation:
For most users, the Denon's video capabilities will be perfectly adequate. However, if you're planning to connect multiple next-gen gaming consoles or 8K sources, the Sony's additional flexibility could be valuable.
This is where the price difference becomes more apparent:
The Denon AVR-S570BT includes:
The Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES offers:
In real-world testing, the Sony's advanced room correction makes a noticeable difference in sound quality, particularly in challenging room layouts. The 360 Spatial Sound Mapping is impressive when properly set up, creating a more immersive soundfield than traditional surround sound.
For rooms under 300 square feet, the Denon provides ample power and features. I've used it successfully in a 15' x 20' room with mid-efficiency speakers, achieving reference listening levels without strain. The basic room correction helps tame common acoustic issues, though you'll want to pay attention to speaker placement and room treatment.
The Sony really shines in larger spaces or when paired with high-end speakers. Its additional power provides better dynamic range and control, while the advanced room correction helps create a more cohesive soundfield across multiple seating positions. The ability to expand to 9.2 channels allows for more sophisticated speaker arrangements, particularly beneficial for Dolby Atmos content.
Both receivers support key gaming features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). However, the Sony's multiple HDMI 2.1 inputs provide more flexibility for connecting multiple gaming consoles. If you're a serious gamer with multiple current-gen consoles, this could be a deciding factor.
The Denon represents excellent value for most users. At $319, it provides all the essential features needed for a compelling home theater experience. The investment saved could be better spent on quality speakers or room treatment, which often provide more noticeable improvements than receiver features.
The Sony's $1,698 price tag requires more justification. Its additional features and capabilities are genuinely useful rather than just marketing points, but they're most beneficial in specific scenarios:
Choose the Denon AVR-S570BT if:
Choose the Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES if:
Both receivers excel in their intended market segments. The Denon proves that excellent home theater performance doesn't require a huge investment, while the Sony demonstrates what's possible when cost constraints are relaxed. Choose based on your specific needs rather than features you may never use.
Remember that the receiver is just one part of your system. Sometimes it's better to choose a more modest receiver and invest the savings in better speakers or acoustic treatment, which often provide more noticeable improvements to overall sound quality.
| Denon AVR-S570BT ($319) | Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES ($1,698) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines maximum speaker setup and surround capabilities | |
| 5.2 channels (standard surround sound) | 9.2 channels (advanced Atmos/height support) |
| Power Per Channel - Impacts speaker compatibility and room size suitability | |
| 70W (suitable for small-medium rooms) | 120W (handles larger rooms/demanding speakers) |
| HDMI 2.1 Inputs - Critical for connecting modern gaming consoles and 8K sources | |
| 1 input (limited flexibility) | 4 inputs (better for multiple devices) |
| Room Correction - Affects sound quality in imperfect room layouts | |
| Basic auto-calibration (adequate for simple setups) | Advanced DCAC IX with 360 Spatial Mapping (superior results) |
| Multi-zone Capability - Important for whole-home audio | |
| None (single room only) | Zone 2/3 with independent sources (whole home audio) |
| Home Automation Integration - Matters for smart home setup | |
| Basic remote control only | Full integration with Control4, Crestron, etc. |
| HDR Format Support - Impacts video quality with modern TVs | |
| Basic HDR10 support | Full suite (HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, IMAX Enhanced) |
| Audio Format Support - Affects surround sound capabilities | |
| Basic Dolby/DTS (sufficient for most content) | Advanced object-based audio (Atmos, DTS:X, 360 Reality Audio) |
| Future Proofing - Consider long-term value | |
| 2-3 years (basic features) | 5+ years (advanced features, better build quality) |
For a basic 5.1 home theater setup, the Denon AVR-S570BT ($319) provides excellent value and sufficient power. The extra features of the Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES ($1,698) would be largely unused in a basic setup.
For rooms under 300 square feet, the Denon's 70W per channel is adequate. Larger rooms or those with high ceilings will benefit from the Sony's 120W per channel output.
No, but it enables better Atmos performance. The Denon AVR-S570BT can't process Atmos, while the Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES supports full Atmos with height channels for more immersive sound.
Both support 4K/120Hz gaming, but the Sony offers more HDMI 2.1 inputs and advanced gaming features. The Denon has basic gaming support that works well for single console setups.
Yes, both support 8K passthrough, but the Sony offers more 8K-capable inputs and superior processing. For current 4K content, either receiver is fully capable.
The Denon works well with common 6-8 ohm speakers. The Sony handles more demanding 4-ohm speakers and provides better control over high-end speakers.
The Sony offers noticeably better sound quality due to superior room correction, more power, and advanced processing. However, the Denon's sound quality is still very good for its price point.
For simple rectangular rooms with good acoustics, the Denon's basic calibration is sufficient. The Sony's advanced calibration makes a bigger difference in challenging room layouts or with premium speaker setups.
Both support Bluetooth streaming, but the Sony adds built-in WiFi, AirPlay 2, and better digital-to-analog conversion. For casual listening, the Denon AVR-S570BT is adequate.
The Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES offers extensive integration with home automation systems. The Denon has basic remote control capabilities but lacks advanced integration features.
The Denon should remain relevant for 2-3 years for basic home theater use. The Sony's advanced features and better build quality suggest 5+ years of relevance.
The Sony's higher price is justified for larger rooms, premium speakers, Atmos setups, or complex multi-room systems. For basic 5.1 surround sound, the Denon offers better value.
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 - crutchfield.com - merlinstv.com - avsforum.com - youtube.com - musicloversaudio.com - skybygramophone.com - snapav.com - sweetwater.com - crutchfield.com - ca.community.sony.com
