When setting up a home theater system, the AV receiver acts as the command center for all your audio and video needs. Today, we're comparing two popular but very different options: the mid-range Denon AVR-S760H ($570) and the premium Sony STR-AZ5000ES ($2,100).
Modern AV receivers have evolved significantly in recent years, particularly with the adoption of HDMI 2.1 and advanced audio formats. They serve three main functions: switching between video sources (like gaming consoles and streaming devices), processing audio signals, and amplifying sound to your speakers.
The latest models support features that didn't exist just a few years ago, such as 8K video passthrough and gaming-focused capabilities like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). These features are particularly important if you're using the latest gaming consoles or planning to upgrade your TV soon.
The Denon AVR-S760H, released in 2021, represents the sweet spot for most home theater enthusiasts. It offers modern features at a reasonable price point. The Sony STR-AZ5000ES, launched in 2023, targets the high-end market with additional channels and premium components.
The most obvious difference between these receivers is their channel count. The Denon's 7.2 configuration supports a traditional surround setup with seven speakers and two subwoofers. This typically includes front left/right speakers, a center channel, two surround speakers, and two height or rear surround speakers.
The Sony's 11.2 configuration enables a more immersive setup with four additional speakers. These extra channels can be used for additional height speakers or wide channels, creating a more enveloping sound field. However, this capability only matters if you have the space and budget for the additional speakers.
Both receivers offer plenty of power for most situations, but there are important differences:
In practice, the power difference matters less than the quality of the amplification. The Sony uses higher-grade components and more sophisticated power supplies, resulting in cleaner sound at high volumes.
Both receivers support the latest video standards:
The main difference lies in the number of HDMI ports supporting these features. The Denon has six inputs (three with full HDMI 2.1 support), while the Sony offers seven inputs, all supporting the latest standards.
Room calibration makes a huge difference in how your system sounds. The Denon uses Audyssey MultEQ, a well-regarded system that measures room acoustics and adjusts speaker settings accordingly. It's effective and user-friendly.
The Sony employs Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX (DCAC IX), a more advanced system that creates detailed measurements of your room's acoustics. It can even compensate for less-than-ideal speaker placement, which is particularly valuable in real-world setups where perfect speaker positioning isn't possible.
Having spent time with both receivers, here's how they compare in everyday use:
The Denon sounds excellent with music, offering clean, detailed reproduction that will satisfy most listeners. Its HEOS streaming platform makes it easy to play music from various services.
The Sony takes things up a notch with more refined sound staging and better handling of complex musical passages. It's especially noticeable with high-resolution audio files or well-recorded acoustic music.
Both receivers excel with movies, supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for immersive surround sound. The Denon creates convincing surround effects and handles action scenes well. Dialog remains clear, and effects placement is precise.
The Sony's additional channels and processing power create a more enveloping soundfield. The difference is most noticeable in large rooms where the extra speakers and power can create a more theater-like experience.
The Denon AVR-S760H offers exceptional value, providing most features home theater enthusiasts need at a reasonable price. It's a smart choice for:
The Sony STR-AZ5000ES justifies its premium price for:
Consider these questions when choosing between these receivers:
For most users, the Denon AVR-S760H represents the better value, offering modern features and excellent performance at a reasonable price. It's a perfect example of the law of diminishing returns in audio equipment.
The Sony STR-AZ5000ES is for enthusiasts who demand the best and have the budget to build a system that can take advantage of its capabilities. Its premium build quality and advanced features make it a worthy investment for serious home theater installations.
Remember, the best receiver is the one that fits your specific needs, room, and budget. Both these options excel in their respective price categories, making either one a solid choice depending on your circumstances.
| Denon AVR-S760H ($570) | Sony STR-AZ5000ES ($2,100) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines how many speakers you can use for surround sound | |
| 7.2 channels (standard home theater setup) | 11.2 channels (expanded immersive setup) |
| Power Per Channel - Impacts maximum volume and speaker compatibility | |
| 75W per channel (sufficient for medium rooms) | 130W per channel (ideal for large spaces) |
| HDMI Ports - More ports allow connecting more devices | |
| 6 inputs (3 with full HDMI 2.1), 1 output | 7 inputs (all HDMI 2.1), 2 outputs |
| Room Calibration - Better calibration means more accurate sound in your space | |
| Audyssey MultEQ (good for most setups) | DCAC IX (advanced with more measurements) |
| Multi-room Capability - Affects whole-home audio options | |
| HEOS built-in (excellent ecosystem) | Sony Music Center (more limited) |
| Video Processing - Important for latest gaming consoles and 8K TVs | |
| 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz (on 3 ports) | 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz (on all ports) |
| Build Quality - Impacts longevity and sound quality | |
| Consumer grade (good quality) | ES Series (audiophile grade) |
| Setup Complexity - Affects initial configuration time | |
| Simple guided setup (30-60 minutes) | Advanced setup options (1-2 hours) |
| Value Proposition - Consider your specific needs | |
| Excellent value for typical home theaters | Premium price for advanced features |
The Denon AVR-S760H ($570) is ideal for typical living rooms, offering 7.2 channels and sufficient power at 75W per channel. The Sony STR-AZ5000ES ($2,100) would be overkill for most living room setups.
The biggest difference is that the Denon AVR-S760H is a 7.2 channel receiver while the Sony STR-AZ5000ES is an 11.2 channel receiver. This means the Sony can support four additional speakers for a more immersive experience.
Most users will be completely satisfied with the Denon AVR-S760H. The Sony STR-AZ5000ES is only necessary for dedicated home theater rooms, larger spaces, or when seeking audiophile-grade performance.
Yes, both the Denon AVR-S760H and Sony STR-AZ5000ES support 8K/60Hz passthrough, making them future-proof for upcoming 8K content.
The Denon AVR-S760H is more appropriate for small to medium-sized rooms. The extra power and channels of the Sony would be unnecessary in a small space.
Both the Denon AVR-S760H and Sony STR-AZ5000ES support the latest video and audio standards, including HDMI 2.1, 8K video, and modern audio formats, making them future-proof for several years.
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 - cepro.com - new-age-electronics.com - walmart.com - crutchfield.com - crutchfield.com - snapav.com - merlinstv.com - sweetwater.com - skybygramophone.com - musicloversaudio.com - youtube.com - projectorscreen.com
