Choosing Between Today's Top Mid-Range AV Receivers: A Complete Guide

When building a home theater system, few choices matter more than selecting the right AV receiver. Today we'll compare two popular 2021 models: the Denon AVR-S760H ($569.99) and the Onkyo TX-NR5100 ($440.87), breaking down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your setup.

Understanding AV Receivers in 2023

AV receivers act as the command center of your home theater, handling everything from switching between devices to processing surround sound and powering your speakers. Think of them as highly specialized computers dedicated to creating the best possible audio-visual experience.

Since these models were released in 2021, we've seen some interesting developments in the AV receiver market. While newer models have appeared, both these units remain relevant thanks to their HDMI 2.1 support and 8K compatibility – features that are still cutting-edge today.

Key Technologies and Features

Video Processing

Both receivers support 8K video passthrough, which means they can handle the highest resolution content available today. The Denon AVR-S760H goes a step further with 8K upscaling, which can make your 4K content look better on an 8K TV. The Onkyo sticks to 4K upscaling, which is still perfectly fine for most users since 8K content remains rare.

Both units handle HDR (High Dynamic Range) formats including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, ensuring excellent contrast and color reproduction with compatible TVs. They also support VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) – features particularly important for gaming.

Audio Processing and Power

Here's where things get interesting. The Onkyo TX-NR5100 offers slightly more power at 80 watts per channel versus Denon's 75 watts. In real-world use, this difference is negligible – you'd rarely notice it unless you're running extremely power-hungry speakers.

Both receivers support modern surround formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. These formats create three-dimensional soundscapes by adding height channels to traditional surround sound. Even if you don't have height speakers, both units can simulate these effects through virtualization.

Room Correction

This is a crucial feature that often gets overlooked. Room correction software measures your room's acoustics and adjusts the sound to compensate for problems like room reflections and standing waves.

The Denon uses Audyssey MultEQ, widely considered one of the better room correction systems. It can make a dramatic difference in sound quality, especially in challenging rooms. The Onkyo's AccuEQ system is competent but generally less sophisticated. I've used both systems, and while AccuEQ does a good job with basic setup, Audyssey typically achieves more natural-sounding results.

Connectivity and Practical Use

HDMI and Digital Connections

The Denon offers six HDMI inputs compared to Onkyo's four, but Onkyo provides two HDMI outputs instead of one. This could be handy if you're running both a TV and a projector. Both support eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), which allows your TV to send high-quality audio back to the receiver.

Streaming and Smart Features

Both receivers offer built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, plus support for various streaming services. The Denon's HEOS system provides a more polished multi-room audio experience, while Onkyo's solution feels less refined. Both work with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.

Real-World Performance

Home Theater Use

In a typical home theater setting, both receivers perform admirably. The Denon's superior room correction gives it an edge in challenging rooms, while the Onkyo's dual HDMI outputs offer more flexibility for complex setups.

For movie watching, both deliver engaging surround sound experiences. The Denon's Audyssey processing tends to produce more precise dialogue and smoother bass response, but the Onkyo's slightly higher power rating can provide more headroom with demanding speakers.

Music Playback

For music, both receivers support high-resolution audio formats and can deliver excellent stereo performance. The Denon's room correction again gives it a slight advantage, particularly in dealing with room acoustics issues that can affect music playback.

Gaming Performance

Both units excel for gaming, supporting 4K/120Hz passthrough and VRR. The Onkyo's slightly lower input lag might appeal to competitive gamers, though the difference is minimal.

Value Consideration

The roughly $130 price difference between these receivers requires careful consideration. The Denon AVR-S760H justifies its higher price through better room correction, more inputs, and superior video processing. However, the Onkyo TX-NR5100 delivers impressive core performance at a lower price point.

How to Decide

Choose the Denon if:

• You want the best possible sound quality through superior room correction
• You need more HDMI inputs
• You're interested in multi-room audio
• You plan to use 8K upscaling
• Your room has challenging acoustics

Choose the Onkyo if:

• You're working with a tighter budget
• You need dual HDMI outputs
• You prefer a simpler setup process
• You don't need advanced room correction
• You want slightly more power per channel

Final Thoughts

Both receivers represent solid choices in the mid-range market. The Denon offers more refinement and better processing, while the Onkyo provides excellent core performance at a lower price point. Your choice should ultimately depend on your specific needs rather than price alone.

If you're building a serious home theater and can afford the extra cost, the Denon's superior room correction and processing capabilities make it the better choice. However, if you're working with a simpler setup or tighter budget, the Onkyo delivers remarkably good performance for the price.

Remember, while newer models have appeared since these were released, both still offer relevant features for current home theater needs, including HDMI 2.1 support and 8K compatibility. Unless you specifically need features introduced in newer models, either of these receivers remains a solid choice in 2023.

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

Onkyo TX-NR5100 7.2 Channel 8K AV Receiver Deals and Prices