Choosing Between Modern AV Receivers: A Detailed Comparison

If you're looking to build or upgrade your home theater system, choosing between the Denon AVR-S760H ($549) and JBL MA710 ($679) might seem challenging at first. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your setup.

Understanding Today's AV Receivers

Modern AV receivers do a lot more than their predecessors from just a few years ago. They're essentially the command center of your home theater, handling everything from processing 4K video signals to creating immersive 3D sound environments. While older receivers focused mainly on amplifying audio and switching between sources, today's models need to handle high-resolution gaming, streaming services, and advanced sound formats like Dolby Atmos (which adds height channels to create a more three-dimensional sound experience).

Release Timing and Technology Evolution

The Denon AVR-S760H was released in late 2021, arriving just as HDMI 2.1 features were becoming essential for gaming enthusiasts. It represented a significant upgrade over previous models by including multiple HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz passthrough.

The JBL MA710 is a more recent entry into the market, showcasing JBL's return to the receiver space with modern features like Class D amplification (which runs cooler and more efficiently than traditional amplifier designs).

Performance Deep Dive

Power and Audio Quality

Both receivers take different approaches to delivering sound:

• The Denon offers 75 watts per channel, which might seem modest compared to JBL's 110 watts, but raw power numbers don't tell the whole story. In real-world testing, the Denon consistently delivers clean, detailed sound even at higher volumes.

• The JBL's higher power rating makes it potentially better suited for larger rooms or less efficient speakers. However, its Class D amplification, while energy-efficient, can sometimes sound slightly different from traditional designs, especially in the high frequencies.

Room Correction Technology

This is where we see significant differences:

• Denon's Audyssey MultiEQ system has been refined over many years. It measures your room's acoustics and adjusts the sound to compensate for room problems like reflections and standing waves. I've used this system in multiple setups, and it consistently improves sound quality, especially in challenging rooms.

• JBL's EZ Set EQ is newer and simpler to use, but doesn't offer quite the same level of sophistication. However, it's perfectly adequate for most casual users who don't want to spend hours fine-tuning their system.

Video Processing

Both receivers handle modern video standards well:

• 8K/60Hz support
• 4K/120Hz gaming features
• HDR format compatibility (including Dolby Vision and HDR10+)

The Denon AVR-S760H has a slight edge in real-world testing with better upscaling of lower-resolution content and more reliable HDMI handshaking (the process where devices communicate their capabilities to each other).

Connectivity and Smart Features

HDMI and Physical Connections

Both receivers offer similar HDMI connectivity, but there are notable differences in implementation:

• Denon provides 6 HDMI inputs with 3 supporting full HDMI 2.1 features
• JBL also offers 6 HDMI inputs but with slightly different HDMI 2.1 implementation
• Both include eARC support for simplified TV audio connections

Wireless and Streaming

This is where the Denon pulls ahead significantly:

• Built-in HEOS system for whole-home audio
• Better integration with streaming services
• More comprehensive voice assistant support
• More reliable Wi-Fi implementation

The JBL MA710 offers good basic streaming features but lacks the refined ecosystem that Denon has developed over years of iterations.

Real-World Usage and Value

Home Theater Performance

In a dedicated home theater setting:

• The Denon excels at creating an immersive soundstage with precise speaker control and excellent channel separation
• JBL's higher power rating can be beneficial for larger theater rooms
• Both handle Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content well, though Denon's processing tends to create a more natural sound field

Music Listening

For music enthusiasts:

• Denon offers slightly better stereo imaging and more natural timbre
• JBL provides plenty of power for dynamic peaks
• Both handle high-resolution audio formats well

Gaming Considerations

Modern gaming needs are well-served by both, but in different ways:

• Denon's HDMI 2.1 implementation is more mature and tested
• Both support Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
• JBL's higher power rating can benefit action-heavy gaming sessions

How to Make Your Decision

Choose the Denon AVR-S760H if:

• You want the most reliable and well-rounded performer
• Room correction quality is important to you
• You plan to use streaming services extensively
• You value a mature, proven platform

Go for the JBL MA710 if:

• You have a larger room that needs more power
• Energy efficiency is a priority
• You prefer a more modern aesthetic
• You want the latest Bluetooth technology

For most users, I'd recommend the Denon AVR-S760H. Its combination of proven reliability, excellent room correction, and comprehensive feature set makes it the better value, despite its lower power rating. The JBL MA710 is still a solid choice, particularly if you need the extra power or prefer its design aesthetic, but it's harder to justify the higher price given the Denon's more refined feature set.

Remember, the best receiver is the one that fits your specific needs and setup. Consider your room size, speaker efficiency, and how you'll primarily use the system when making your final decision.

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

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