Choosing Between Modern AV Receivers: A Complete Guide

If you're setting up a home theater system, choosing the right AV receiver is crucial - it's literally the brain and heart of your entire setup. Let's compare two popular options: the Denon AVR-S570BT ($319) and the Sony STR-DH790 ($348), helping you understand which might work better for your needs.

Understanding AV Receivers in 2024

Before diving into specifics, let's understand what makes a modern AV receiver important. These devices serve as central hubs, connecting all your video sources (gaming consoles, streaming devices, Blu-ray players) and powering your speakers while processing various audio formats. Think of them as traffic controllers for your audio and video signals, making sure everything gets where it needs to go with the best possible quality.

Release Timing and Technology Evolution

The Sony STR-DH790 was released in 2018, while the Denon AVR-S570BT came out in 2022. This four-year gap is significant in terms of technology, particularly regarding HDMI standards and gaming features. The newer Denon supports HDMI 2.1 features that simply didn't exist when the Sony was designed.

Core Differences That Matter

Channel Configuration and Room Setup

The most obvious difference is in their channel configurations:

• The Sony STR-DH790 supports 7.2 channels, meaning you can connect seven speakers and two subwoofers
• The Denon handles 5.2 channels, supporting five speakers and two subwoofers

In practical terms, this means the Sony can support more complex speaker arrangements, including full Dolby Atmos setups with height channels. If you're planning a larger home theater with overhead speakers, the Sony's extra channels provide more flexibility.

Power Output and Room Considerations

Power output affects how well these receivers can drive your speakers:

• Sony: 90 watts per channel (6 ohms)
• Denon: 70 watts per channel (8 ohms)

While these numbers might seem significantly different, in real-world usage, the difference is less dramatic than it appears. However, if you have a larger room (over 350 square feet) or less efficient speakers, the Sony's additional power could be beneficial.

Video Capabilities and Gaming

This is where the age difference between these receivers becomes most apparent:

The Denon AVR-S570BT supports:

• 8K video at 60Hz
• 4K video at 120Hz
• Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for smoother gaming
• Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for reduced input lag
• Quick Frame Transport (QFT) for better motion clarity

The Sony STR-DH790 offers:

• 4K video at 60Hz
• HDR support (HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG)
• Basic gaming features of its era

For modern gaming with PS5 or Xbox Series X/S, the Denon's newer features make a noticeable difference in responsiveness and motion clarity.

Real-World Performance

Audio Quality

Both receivers deliver excellent audio quality for their price points. They support major audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, though they handle them differently:

• The Sony can process 7.1 or 5.1.2 Atmos configurations
• The Denon is limited to 5.1 but includes newer audio processing algorithms

In my experience testing both units, the Sony's extra power is noticeable with more demanding speakers, while the Denon's newer processing creates a slightly more refined soundstage in standard 5.1 setups.

Room Calibration

Both receivers include automatic room calibration systems:

• Sony uses Advanced D.C.A.C.
• Denon employs their own calibration system

These systems measure your room's acoustics using included microphones and adjust the sound accordingly. The Denon's newer system tends to produce more accurate results, especially in rooms with challenging acoustics.

Value Proposition

At their current prices ($319 for Denon, $348 for Sony), both offer good value but for different users:

The Denon AVR-S570BT provides:

• Better future-proofing with HDMI 2.1
• Superior gaming features
• Newer audio processing
• Lower price point

The Sony STR-DH790 offers:

• More channels for expanded setups
• Higher power output
• Proven reliability over several years
• More speaker configuration options

Use Cases and Recommendations

Choose the Denon if:

• You're a serious gamer with newest-gen consoles
• You want the latest HDMI features
• You're setting up a smaller room
• Budget is a primary concern
• You want better future-proofing

Choose the Sony if:

• You need more channels for Atmos
• You have a larger room
• You want more speaker setup flexibility
• You prioritize raw power over newer features
• You don't need the latest gaming features

Making Your Decision

Consider these final points:

1. Room Size: Be realistic about your space. The Sony's extra power and channels might be overkill for smaller rooms.
2. Future Plans: If you might upgrade to 8K or need gaming features later, the Denon's HDMI 2.1 support is valuable.
3. Speaker Setup: If you're planning height channels or rear surrounds, the Sony's 7.2 capability is important.
4. Gaming Needs: For next-gen gaming, the Denon's features make a real difference.

The modest $29 price difference means you should focus on features rather than cost. Both receivers are solid choices, but they target slightly different users. The Denon represents newer technology with some limitations, while the Sony offers more traditional home theater flexibility with older video standards.

For most users setting up a new system in 2024, I'd recommend the Denon AVR-S570BT unless you specifically need the extra channels or power of the Sony STR-DH790. The newer HDMI features and gaming capabilities make it more future-proof, even if you don't need those features immediately.

Remember, either choice will serve well as the heart of a quality home theater system - it's just a matter of matching the receiver to your specific needs and future plans.

Denon AVR-S570BT 5.2 Channel AV Home Theater Receiver Deals and Prices

Sony STR-DH790 7.2 Channel Home Theater AV Receiver Deals and Prices