When it comes to home theater, few choices matter more than your AV receiver. Let's compare two popular but very different options: the mid-range Denon AVR-S760H ($569) and the premium Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES ($3,298).
Think of an AV receiver as the brain of your home theater. It handles everything from switching between your devices (like gaming consoles and streaming boxes) to processing surround sound and powering your speakers. In 2023, key features include 8K video support, advanced gaming features, and immersive audio processing like Dolby Atmos, which creates a three-dimensional sound field around you.
The Denon AVR-S760H, released in 2021, represents the sweet spot for most home theater enthusiasts. It offers 7.2 channels (meaning seven main speakers and two subwoofers), which covers most standard surround sound setups. The newer Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES, launched in 2023, brings serious firepower with 13.2 channels and nearly double the power per channel.
Let's talk power and processing. The Denon delivers 75 watts per channel, which is plenty for most rooms under 400 square feet. The Sony doubles that to 150 watts per channel, making it better suited for larger spaces or more demanding speakers.
But raw power isn't everything. Both receivers support modern audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which place sounds precisely in three-dimensional space. The Sony adds its exclusive 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology, which creates virtual speakers between your physical ones for an even more immersive experience.
Room calibration also differs significantly. The Denon uses Audyssey, a proven system that measures your room's acoustics and adjusts the sound accordingly. Sony's more advanced Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX goes further, considering not just distance and volume but also speaker angles and frequency response.
Both receivers handle modern video standards admirably, supporting 8K resolution and 4K content at 120 frames per second (great for newer gaming consoles). They also process HDR (High Dynamic Range) formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10+, which enhance contrast and color.
The Sony edges ahead with better upscaling (making lower-resolution content look better on high-res displays) and more gaming-focused features like auto low-latency mode and variable refresh rate across more inputs.
The Denon provides enough inputs for most setups, including multiple HDMI 2.1 ports. The Sony offers more flexibility with additional HDMI inputs (seven total) and two outputs, making it better suited for complex systems or multiple displays.
Both include modern conveniences like built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and support for various streaming platforms. The Sony adds Roon compatibility and more sophisticated multi-room audio options.
For a typical living room setup with a 5.1 or 7.1 speaker configuration, the Denon AVR-S760H provides everything needed. Its power output comfortably drives most speakers, and its processing handles all current audio formats effectively.
The Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES shines in more ambitious installations. Its additional channels support complex speaker arrangements, including multiple height channels for more precise Dolby Atmos effects. The extra power becomes meaningful when driving high-end speakers or filling larger spaces.
Both receivers support HDMI 2.1 features needed for PS5 and Xbox Series X gaming. However, the Sony offers these features across more inputs and includes additional gaming-specific enhancements.
The Denon represents exceptional value, delivering 90% of what most users need at under $600. Its feature set matches or exceeds receivers costing significantly more just a few years ago.
The Sony's premium price brings meaningful upgrades for serious enthusiasts: better build quality, more powerful amplification, advanced room correction, and support for more complex speaker configurations. Whether these improvements justify the roughly $2,700 price difference depends entirely on your specific needs and budget.
Both receivers support current video and audio standards, but the Sony's additional processing power and channels provide more headroom for future expansion. Its ES (Elevated Standard) designation also typically means longer support and better build quality.
Choose the Denon if:
Choose the Sony if:
In my experience, the Denon AVR-S760H hits the sweet spot for most home theater enthusiasts. It delivers outstanding performance where it matters most, without asking you to pay for features you might never use. However, if you're building a serious dedicated theater room or demanding the absolute best, the Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES represents the current state of the art in home theater receivers.
Remember, the best choice depends on your specific needs, room size, and future plans. Either receiver will serve as a capable heart of your home theater system for years to come.
| Denon AVR-S760H ($569) | Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES ($3,298) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines maximum number of speakers and setup flexibility | |
| 7.2 channels (standard home theater setup) | 13.2 channels (premium expandable setup) |
| Power Per Channel - Impacts speaker compatibility and room size capability | |
| 75W per channel (sufficient for medium rooms) | 150W per channel (handles large rooms/demanding speakers) |
| Room Calibration - Critical for optimizing sound in your specific space | |
| Basic Audyssey calibration | Advanced Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX with 360 Spatial Sound |
| HDMI 2.1 Inputs - Important for gaming and future-proofing | |
| 3 inputs with 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz | 4 inputs with 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz plus enhanced gaming features |
| Multi-room Capability - Affects whole-home audio flexibility | |
| Basic 2-zone audio | Advanced multi-zone with wireless rear speaker support |
| Build Quality - Impacts longevity and audio performance | |
| Standard components | Premium ES grade components, better power supply, enhanced heat management |
| Audio Processing - Determines sound quality and immersion | |
| Standard Dolby Atmos/DTS:X | Enhanced processing with 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, more codec support |
| Price/Value Proposition - Consider your actual needs | |
| Excellent value for typical home theater | Premium price for advanced features many won't utilize |
For most standard home theaters, the Denon AVR-S760H ($569) offers excellent value and sufficient features. Its 7.2 channels handle typical surround sound setups perfectly, making it a smart choice unless you need premium features.
The biggest difference is channel count and price. The Denon AVR-S760H offers 7.2 channels for $569, while the Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES provides 13.2 channels for $3,298, enabling more complex speaker arrangements.
Most home theaters don't need 13.2 channels. The Denon AVR-S760H's 7.2 channels support standard 5.1 or 7.1 setups perfectly. Only consider the Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES if you're planning an elaborate speaker configuration.
Both support 4K/120Hz gaming, but the Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES offers more HDMI 2.1 ports and advanced gaming features. However, the Denon AVR-S760H still handles modern gaming consoles well at a much lower price.
Both handle music well, but the Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES offers superior audio processing and power. For casual music listening, the Denon AVR-S760H is more than adequate.
Yes, both support Dolby Atmos. The Denon AVR-S760H handles standard Atmos setups, while the Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES can support more height channels for enhanced Atmos effects.
The Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES with its 150W per channel is better suited for large rooms. The Denon AVR-S760H's 75W per channel works well in small to medium-sized rooms.
Both support 8K video and current audio formats. The Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES offers more headroom for expansion, but the Denon AVR-S760H will remain capable for years to come.
Most users don't need to spend this much. The Denon AVR-S760H at $569 offers excellent performance for typical home theaters. The Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES is for enthusiasts seeking premium features.
The Denon AVR-S760H is generally simpler to set up due to fewer configuration options. The Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES offers more advanced setup options but requires more technical knowledge.
Yes, both support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and various streaming services. The Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES adds Roon support and more streaming options, but the Denon AVR-S760H covers most streaming needs.
The Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES comes with a longer warranty typical of ES products, while the Denon AVR-S760H includes a standard warranty. Consider this when evaluating long-term value.
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 - new-age-electronics.com - crutchfield.com - avsforum.com - sweetwater.com - projectorscreen.com - projectorscreenstore.com - skybygramophone.com - youtube.com - audiolab.com
