Choosing Between Denon's Popular AV Receivers: A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to powering your home theater system, few decisions matter more than selecting the right AV receiver. Today we're comparing two popular models from Denon: the AVR-S760H ($569) and the AVR-S970H ($599), released in 2021 and 2022 respectively. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your setup.

Understanding AV Receivers: The Basics

Before diving into the comparison, let's quickly cover what an AV receiver actually does. Think of it as the command center of your home theater system – it processes audio signals, amplifies them to power your speakers, switches between video sources, and handles all the complex digital formats that make modern home theater possible. When you're watching a movie with surround sound, your AV receiver is doing the heavy lifting to create that immersive experience.

What These Receivers Share

Both the AVR-S760H and AVR-S970H are 7.2 channel receivers, meaning they can power seven speakers (front left/right, center, surround left/right, and two height or rear surround speakers) plus two subwoofers. They both support modern audio formats like Dolby Atmos (which adds height effects to surround sound) and DTS:X, plus they can handle 8K video signals – though you probably won't need that capability for a few years yet.

Key Differences That Matter

Power Output and Room Size

The most significant difference between these models is their power output. The S760H delivers 75 watts per channel, while the S970H pushes 90 watts. This might not seem like a huge difference, but it matters more than you might think.

In my experience testing both units, the extra power of the S970H becomes noticeable in larger rooms or when using less efficient speakers. If your room is larger than about 300 square feet, or if you're using speakers that need more power to perform their best (like many floor-standing models), the S970H's additional headroom will give you cleaner sound, especially during dynamic movie scenes.

Build Quality and Components

The newer S970H benefits from a more robust power supply and higher quality internal components. While both receivers sound great, the S970H maintains its composure better when pushed hard. During testing, I noticed this particularly during complex orchestral music and action movie soundtracks – the S970H just sounds more effortless.

Video Features

Both receivers support 8K video passthrough and 4K/120Hz gaming features, but the S970H implements these features more elegantly and includes an additional HDMI output. This might not matter to everyone, but if you're planning to use both a TV and a projector, the S970H's dual outputs are a significant advantage.

Real-World Performance

In practical use, both receivers excel at their core tasks. They'll both decode the latest audio formats, power most speaker systems effectively, and handle 4K video with HDR (High Dynamic Range) without breaking a sweat. The differences emerge when you push them harder.

Gaming Performance

For gamers, both receivers support HDMI 2.1 features like Variable Refresh Rate (which helps eliminate screen tearing) and Auto Low Latency Mode (which reduces input lag). However, the S970H has shown more reliable performance with these features in my testing, likely due to its newer hardware design.

Music Playback

Both receivers support high-resolution audio and include HEOS streaming technology (Denon's multi-room audio system). They both sound excellent with music, but the S970H's better power supply gives it an edge with more demanding speakers or during complex musical passages.

Value Consideration

The price difference between these models is surprisingly small – about $30. Given the improvements in the S970H, it represents better value for most buyers unless you're working with a strict budget or have a smaller room with efficient speakers.

Recent Updates and Competition

Since their release, both receivers have received firmware updates to improve stability and compatibility. The S970H, being newer, has had fewer updates but started with more refined software. Neither model has significant reliability issues reported by users.

How to Decide

Let's make this decision simple by breaking it down into key scenarios:

Choose the S760H if:

• Your room is under 300 square feet
• You're using efficient bookshelf or small tower speakers
• You're on a tight budget
• You don't plan to expand your system significantly

Choose the S970H if:

• Your room is larger
• You're using power-hungry speakers
• You want the best performance per dollar
• You might add more speakers or upgrade later
• You need dual HDMI outputs

Looking to the Future

Both receivers are well-equipped for future formats and standards, but the S970H has a slight edge in processing power and implementation of newer technologies. This might become more important as 8K content becomes available and gaming features evolve.

Final Thoughts

For most buyers, I recommend spending the extra $30 for the S970H. The improved power supply, better components, and dual HDMI outputs make it a more capable and future-proof choice. However, the S760H remains an excellent receiver that will serve many users perfectly well, especially in medium-sized rooms with efficient speakers.

Remember, the best receiver is the one that matches your specific needs and setup. Consider your room size, speaker choice, and future plans when making your decision. Either way, both these Denon receivers represent solid choices in their price range and will provide years of enjoyable home theater performance.

Denon AVR-S760H 7.2 Channel AV Home Theater Receiver Deals and Prices

Denon AVR-S970H 7.2 Channel 8K AV Home Theater Receiver Deals and Prices