Shopping for an AV receiver can feel overwhelming, especially when comparing models from the same manufacturer. Today, we'll examine two popular Denon receivers: the entry-level enthusiast AVR-S760H ($569) and the premium AVR-X4800H ($1,875), breaking down exactly what you get for the price difference and who should choose each one.
Think of an AV receiver as the command center of your home theater. It's the box that takes all your video sources (streaming devices, game consoles, Blu-ray players) and audio inputs, processes them, and sends video to your TV while powering your speakers. The better your receiver, the better your overall home theater experience can be.
Before diving into specifics, let's understand what matters most:
The AVR-S760H, released in late 2021, represents Denon's sweet spot for value. It offers 7.2 channels (meaning seven main speakers and two subwoofers), which covers most home theater setups. The AVR-X4800H, launched in 2022, steps up to 9.4 channels with processing for up to 11.4, offering significantly more flexibility for larger or more complex systems.
The AVR-S760H delivers 75 watts per channel, which is plenty for most medium-sized rooms. In contrast, the X4800H pumps out 125 watts per channel - a meaningful upgrade if you have a larger space or like to crank up the volume. Having tested both, the extra power in the X4800H isn't just about volume; it provides more headroom for dynamic peaks in movie soundtracks, making explosive scenes more impactful.
Both support modern audio formats like Dolby Atmos (which adds height channels for more immersive sound) and DTS:X. However, the X4800H's additional channels and processing power allow for more sophisticated speaker arrangements.
Both receivers handle modern video standards impressively, including:
The X4800H adds an extra HDMI output and slightly better processing, but for most users, the S760H's video capabilities are more than adequate.
Here's where we see a significant difference. The S760H includes basic Audyssey MultEQ room calibration, which helps adjust your speaker settings based on your room's acoustics. The X4800H features the more advanced MultEQ XT32, which provides much finer control and better results. It can also be upgraded with Dirac Live, considered one of the best room correction systems available.
Let's be practical about value. The AVR-S760H at $569 represents excellent bang for your buck, especially if you're setting up a home theater in a medium-sized room (up to about 350 square feet). It handles all modern formats and provides enough power for most situations.
The AVR-X4800H at $1,875 is a significant jump in price. You're paying for:
Since these models' releases, we've seen some interesting developments in the AV receiver market. The S760H has held up remarkably well, still offering excellent HDMI 2.1 gaming features that some more expensive receivers lack. The X4800H remains current with its feature set, though some competing brands have started offering similar capabilities at slightly lower prices.
In my testing, both receivers perform admirably in their intended use cases. The S760H surprises with its capability in medium rooms, while the X4800H shows its worth in larger spaces where the extra power and processing make a noticeable difference.
Consider these key factors:
For most users, the AVR-S760H hits the sweet spot of features and value. It's a capable receiver that will serve well in most home theaters. The AVR-X4800H is for enthusiasts who need its extra capabilities or want the absolute best performance.
Remember, the best receiver is the one that fits your specific needs and budget. Don't feel pressured to spend more if the S760H meets your requirements - it's an excellent receiver in its own right. Conversely, if you have the budget and desire for premium performance, the X4800H won't disappoint.
| Denon AVR-S760H ($569) | Denon AVR-X4800H ($1,875) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines how many speakers you can power | |
| 7.2 channels (standard home theater setup) | 9.4 channels, expandable to 11.4 (premium setup) |
| Power Output - Affects audio clarity and maximum volume, especially in larger rooms | |
| 75W per channel (good for rooms up to 350 sq ft) | 125W per channel (ideal for larger rooms 350+ sq ft) |
| Room Correction - Critical for optimizing sound quality in your specific space | |
| Basic Audyssey MultEQ (good) | Advanced MultEQ XT32 + Dirac Live capable (excellent) |
| HDMI Ports - Determines how many devices you can connect | |
| 6 inputs/1 output (sufficient for most) | 7 inputs/3 outputs (better for complex setups) |
| Subwoofer Outputs - Affects bass management flexibility | |
| 2 outputs (standard) | 4 independent outputs (superior bass control) |
| Video Processing - Important for gaming and future-proofing | |
| 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz (excellent) | 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz with enhanced processing (excellent+) |
| Multi-Room Capability - Allows music in different rooms | |
| Basic HEOS support | Advanced HEOS with more zone options |
| Build Quality - Impacts longevity and performance | |
| Good consumer grade | Premium grade with better components |
| Price/Performance Ratio - Value for money | |
| Excellent value for typical setups | Premium price for advanced features |
The Denon AVR-S760H ($569) is ideal for medium-sized rooms up to 350 square feet. Its 75W per channel provides plenty of power for typical living room setups, making it the more cost-effective choice compared to the AVR-X4800H.
The primary difference is that the AVR-S760H is a 7.2 channel receiver, while the AVR-X4800H ($1,875) is a 9.4 channel receiver with processing for up to 11.4 channels. The X4800H also offers more power per channel and advanced room correction.
Yes, both the AVR-S760H and AVR-X4800H support Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and other modern surround sound formats. The X4800H can support more height channels due to its additional channels.
Both receivers support 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz gaming features. The AVR-S760H offers excellent gaming performance for most users, while the AVR-X4800H provides additional HDMI ports and slightly better processing.
Yes, both support HEOS multi-room audio. The AVR-X4800H offers more advanced zone controls compared to the AVR-S760H, making it better for whole-house audio setups.
For basic to mid-level home theaters, the AVR-S760H provides excellent value. The AVR-X4800H's premium price is only justified if you need its additional channels, power, or advanced features.
Both receivers support current video standards including 8K. The AVR-X4800H offers more upgradeability and expansion options compared to the AVR-S760H, making it more future-proof.
Both provide excellent music playback. The AVR-X4800H offers superior processing and room correction compared to the AVR-S760H, but for most users, the difference in music quality won't justify the price gap.
Most home theaters use 5.1 or 7.2 configurations, making the AVR-S760H sufficient. The AVR-X4800H's 9.4 channels are only necessary for larger, more complex speaker setups.
Rooms larger than 350 square feet benefit from the AVR-X4800H's additional power. For smaller rooms, the AVR-S760H's 75W per channel is plenty.
The AVR-X4800H offers more upgrade paths, including Dirac Live calibration and additional channels. The AVR-S760H has limited upgrade options but covers most users' needs.
For most users, the AVR-S760H ($569) offers better value, providing excellent performance at a reasonable price. The AVR-X4800H ($1,875) is only worth the premium if you specifically need its advanced features or extra channels.
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: crutchfield.com - audioadvice.com - bestbuy.com - denon.com - bestbuy.com - smarthomescope.com - bestbuy.com - bombayaudio.com - manuals.denon.com - cocoontech.com - zkelectronics.com - bestbuy.com - audiovisualkart.com - valueelectronics.com - crutchfield.com - tomsguide.com - dreamediaav.com - snapav.com - hometheaterhifi.com - avsforum.com - videoandaudiocenter.com
