If you're looking to build or upgrade your home theater system, choosing the right AV receiver is crucial. Let's dive into a detailed comparison of two popular options: the Denon AVR-S760H ($569) and the JBL MA510 ($509).
Think of an AV receiver as the command center of your home theater. It takes all your video sources (like gaming consoles, streaming boxes, and Blu-ray players), processes the audio and video signals, and sends them to your speakers and TV. Modern receivers need to handle everything from basic stereo music to complex Dolby Atmos soundtracks, while also managing the latest video technologies like 8K resolution and high frame rates.
The technology has evolved significantly in recent years. The biggest changes have been support for HDMI 2.1 (enabling features like 4K/120Hz for gaming), more sophisticated room correction systems, and improved streaming capabilities.
The Denon AVR-S760H offers a 7.2-channel configuration, meaning it can power seven main speakers and two subwoofers. This allows for a traditional 5.1 surround setup plus two additional speakers, which can be used either for:
The JBL MA510 provides 5.2 channels, supporting the classic surround sound setup: front left/right, center, and two surrounds, plus two subwoofers. While this might seem limiting, it's actually perfect for many rooms and can deliver excellent sound quality.
Both receivers offer similar power on paper, but there are important differences:
The JBL uses more efficient Class D amplification, which runs cooler and can be more responsive with difficult speaker loads. The Denon uses traditional Class AB amplification, which some audiophiles prefer for its warmer sound character.
Both receivers support the latest video standards, including:
The Denon offers more HDMI inputs (6 vs 4), but the JBL has all HDMI 2.1 ports, making it particularly appealing for gamers with multiple next-gen consoles.
The Denon pulls ahead here with support for:
The JBL offers:
Both receivers include:
The Denon adds:
Having tested many receivers, I can say both these units perform well in their intended use cases. The Denon excels in larger rooms and more complex setups, while the JBL shines in simpler systems where clean, powerful sound is the priority.
The Denon's room correction system does a noticeably better job handling difficult room acoustics, especially in the crucial midrange frequencies where dialogue lives. However, the JBL's Class D amplification provides excellent dynamics and control, particularly with demanding speakers.
The Denon AVR-S760H at $569 offers more features and flexibility, making it a better long-term investment if you might expand your system later. The JBL MA510 at $509 provides excellent core performance at a lower price point, especially appealing if you're focused on gaming or don't need Atmos support.
Consider these key factors:
Both receivers represent solid choices for different users. The Denon AVR-S760H is the more future-proof option with its additional channels and format support, while the JBL MA510 offers focused performance for gamers and those who want a simpler, high-quality system.
Remember that both receivers will likely last many years, so choosing based on your long-term needs rather than just current requirements often makes sense. If you're still unsure, I generally recommend the Denon for its flexibility, unless you're certain you'll never want to expand beyond a 5.1 system.
Your specific room, speakers, and content preferences should guide your final choice more than just specs and features. Both receivers will serve well in their intended use cases, delivering engaging home theater experiences for years to come.
| Denon AVR-S760H ($569) | JBL MA510 ($509) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines speaker setup possibilities and future expansion | |
| 7.2 channels (supports Atmos/height speakers) | 5.2 channels (standard surround only) |
| Power Output - Affects speaker compatibility and room-filling capability | |
| 75W/channel (6 ohms) - Traditional Class AB | 75W/channel (8 ohms), 100W (4 ohms) - Efficient Class D |
| HDMI Inputs - Critical for connecting multiple devices | |
| 6 inputs (3 with HDMI 2.1) | 4 inputs (all HDMI 2.1) |
| Room Correction - Important for optimal sound in your space | |
| Audyssey MultEQ (advanced, multiple positions) | EZ Set EQ (basic, single position) |
| Audio Format Support - Determines soundtrack compatibility | |
| Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Height Virtualization | Standard Dolby Digital/DTS (no height channels) |
| Streaming Features - Affects music listening flexibility | |
| HEOS, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Voice Assistant Support | Basic Bluetooth and Wi-Fi |
| Multi-room Capability - Important for whole-home audio | |
| Yes (Zone 2 audio + HEOS) | No (single zone only) |
| Gaming Features - Critical for next-gen consoles | |
| VRR, ALLM on 3 inputs | VRR, ALLM on all 4 inputs |
The Denon AVR-S760H ($569) is the clear choice for Dolby Atmos, as it supports 7.2 channels and includes height channel processing. The JBL MA510 ($509) is limited to 5.2 channels and cannot process Atmos signals.
The Denon AVR-S760H costs $569, while the JBL MA510 is priced at $509, making it $60 less expensive.
The JBL MA510 has an advantage for gaming with all four HDMI inputs supporting HDMI 2.1 features. The Denon AVR-S760H only has three HDMI 2.1 inputs, though this is sufficient for most users.
Yes, both the Denon AVR-S760H and JBL MA510 support 8K/60Hz passthrough and 4K/120Hz gaming features.
The JBL MA510 is ideal for smaller rooms where 5.2 channels are sufficient. The Denon AVR-S760H offers more channels but may be overkill in compact spaces.
Both support Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, but the Denon AVR-S760H offers additional features like HEOS multi-room audio and AirPlay 2, while the JBL MA510 has more basic streaming capabilities.
The Denon AVR-S760H features superior Audyssey MultEQ room correction, which measures multiple positions. The JBL MA510 uses a simpler EZ Set EQ system with single-point measurement.
Yes, both the Denon AVR-S760H and JBL MA510 support dual subwoofers with their .2 configuration.
The Denon AVR-S760H offers more future-proofing with its 7.2 channels, advanced audio format support, and expandability options compared to the JBL MA510.
Yes, both receivers are compatible with older speakers. The JBL MA510 offers better power handling for 4-ohm speakers, while the Denon AVR-S760H is optimized for 6-8 ohm speakers.
The JBL MA510 offers a simpler setup process with fewer options to configure. The Denon AVR-S760H has more features but requires more setup time to optimize.
The Denon AVR-S760H supports multi-room audio through HEOS and Zone 2 capabilities. The JBL MA510 is limited to single-room operation.
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 - trustedreviews.com - av-connection.com - skybygramophone.com - bestbuy.com - safeandsoundhq.com - jbl.com - bestbuy.com - audioadvice.com - musicdirect.com - sweetwater.com - crutchfield.com
