When setting up a home theater system, one of the most crucial decisions is selecting the right AV receiver. Today, we're comparing the mid-range Denon AVR-S760H ($569.99) with the premium Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES ($1,698.00) to help you make an informed choice.
Think of an AV receiver as the brain of your home theater system. It handles everything from processing audio signals and powering your speakers to switching between video sources and ensuring all your devices work together seamlessly. While both receivers we're discussing today handle these basic tasks well, they approach them quite differently.
The Denon AVR-S760H was released in late 2021, while the Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES arrived in 2023. This timing difference is important because both receivers represent different generations of home theater technology. Despite being older, the Denon includes modern essentials like HDMI 2.1 ports and 8K support, which means it's still quite relevant today.
Let's break down what these numbers mean for your living room:
The Denon AVR-S760H offers 7.2 channels, meaning it can power:
The Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES provides 9.2 channels, allowing for:
In real-world use, the Sony's additional power becomes noticeable in larger rooms or when using less efficient speakers. For most living rooms and family rooms, however, the Denon's 75 watts per channel is plenty powerful.
Both receivers support modern audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which create immersive "3D audio" experiences by precisely placing sounds above and around you. However, there are some key differences:
Both receivers are well-equipped for modern video needs:
For gaming, both units offer:
The Denon actually has a slight advantage here with three HDMI 2.1 ports versus Sony's two, though both will handle current gaming consoles without issue.
Modern AV receivers need to work with various streaming services and smart home systems. Here's how these units compare:
The price difference between these receivers becomes most apparent in their construction:
The Denon AVR-S760H features:
The Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES offers:
After spending time with both receivers, here's what matters most in daily use:
For movies and TV:
For music:
For gaming:
Choose the Denon AVR-S760H if:
Choose the Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES if:
For most users, the Denon AVR-S760H represents an excellent value, offering nearly every feature you'd want in a modern receiver at a reasonable price. It's my go-to recommendation for most home theater setups.
The Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES is a premium product that justifies its higher price through superior build quality, better sound, and more channels. It's the better choice for dedicated home theater rooms or for audiophiles who demand the absolute best.
Remember that both receivers will likely last many years, so consider your long-term plans when making your choice. If you think you might want to expand your system later, the Sony's extra channels and power could be worth the investment. If you're satisfied with a traditional 7.2 setup, the Denon offers everything you need at a much more attractive price point.
| Denon AVR-S760H ($569.99) | Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES ($1,698.00) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines how many speakers you can connect and what surround formats you can achieve | |
| 7.2 channels (standard home theater setup) | 9.2 channels (allows for more immersive sound field) |
| Power Output - Impacts volume capability and speaker compatibility | |
| 75W per channel (sufficient for most rooms) | 120W per channel (better for larger rooms/inefficient speakers) |
| Build Quality - Affects sound performance and long-term reliability | |
| Standard consumer grade components | Premium ES grade components, enhanced chassis design |
| HDMI 2.1 Inputs - Critical for gaming and future-proofing | |
| 3 inputs (excellent for multiple gaming consoles) | 2 inputs (adequate for most setups) |
| Room Calibration - Impacts how well the system adapts to your space | |
| Basic Audyssey MultEQ | Advanced Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX with 360 Spatial Sound |
| Multi-room Capabilities - Important if you want whole-house audio | |
| HEOS built-in (good for basic multi-room) | Works with Sonos + dedicated Zone 2/3 (more flexible) |
| Video Processing - Determines compatibility with latest video formats | |
| 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, HDR10+ (all current formats) | 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, HDR10+ (all current formats) |
| Value Proposition - What you get for your money | |
| Excellent value for most users, includes all essential features | Premium performance and build quality at 3x the price |
For most home theaters, the Denon AVR-S760H at $569.99 provides excellent value with its 7.2 channels and essential features. The Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES at $1,698.00 would be overkill unless you need its advanced features.
The primary differences are channel count (7.2 vs 9.2), power output (75W vs 120W per channel), and build quality. The Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES is a premium product with better components, while the Denon AVR-S760H offers great value for typical users.
No, the Denon AVR-S760H provides excellent sound quality for most users. The Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES offers superior audio processing and better components, but the difference may only be noticeable in high-end systems.
Both receivers support 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz gaming features. The Denon AVR-S760H actually has an advantage with three HDMI 2.1 ports compared to Sony's two, making it slightly better for connecting multiple gaming consoles.
Yes, both the Denon AVR-S760H and Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES support Dolby Atmos. The Sony can handle more height channels due to its 9.2 configuration, while the Denon is limited to 7.2 channels.
The Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES with its 120W per channel is better suited for larger rooms. The Denon AVR-S760H at 75W per channel is more than adequate for small to medium-sized rooms.
Yes, both receivers handle all current video formats including 8K, 4K/120Hz, and various HDR formats. They're equally capable for video processing and switching.
Both are well-equipped for the future, but the Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES offers more expansion possibilities with its 9.2 channels. However, the Denon AVR-S760H includes all essential modern features at a lower price point.
Yes, the Denon AVR-S760H uses HEOS for multi-room audio, while the Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES works with Sonos and offers more advanced zone capabilities.
Both offer automated room calibration, but the Denon AVR-S760H is generally simpler to set up. The Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES offers more advanced calibration features but requires more technical knowledge.
The Denon AVR-S760H offers exceptional value, providing all essential features at one-third the price of the Sony. The Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES is a premium option that's harder to justify unless you need its specific features.
For most home theater setups, the 7.2 channels of the Denon AVR-S760H are sufficient. The 9.2 channels of the Sony ES STR-AZ3000ES are only necessary if you're planning a more elaborate speaker setup or want maximum flexibility.
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 - crutchfield.com - merlinstv.com - avsforum.com - youtube.com - musicloversaudio.com - skybygramophone.com - snapav.com - sweetwater.com - crutchfield.com - ca.community.sony.com
