When building a home theater system, the AV receiver acts as the command center for your entertainment setup. Let's compare two popular options: the newer Denon AVR-S760H ($569) and the more budget-friendly Sony STR-DH590 ($298).
Think of an AV receiver as the brain of your home theater. It processes video signals, powers your speakers, and manages all your input devices like gaming consoles, streaming boxes, and Blu-ray players. The technology has evolved significantly in recent years, particularly around video processing capabilities and wireless connectivity.
Key factors to consider include:
The Denon AVR-S760H, released in 2021, supports 7.2 channels, meaning you can connect seven main speakers and two subwoofers. This allows for true Dolby Atmos setups with height speakers, creating a dome of sound above you. If you've never experienced Atmos, imagine hearing a helicopter actually moving overhead in a movie, rather than just front to back.
The Sony STR-DH590, from 2018, offers 5.2 channel support - five main speakers and two subwoofers. While this doesn't support Atmos, it's still plenty for most living rooms and delivers excellent surround sound for movies and gaming.
Modern gaming and video features have become increasingly important. The Denon supports 8K video pass-through and 4K at 120Hz refresh rate - essential for PS5 and Xbox Series X gaming. It also handles all current HDR formats (HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG).
The Sony, while more basic, still offers solid 4K/60Hz support and HDR compatibility. For most current content, this is perfectly adequate. However, if you're serious about gaming or want to future-proof your setup, the Denon's additional capabilities become more valuable.
Here's where we see the biggest technology gap between these models. The Denon offers:
The Sony provides basic Bluetooth connectivity but lacks Wi-Fi and streaming features. For many users, this might not matter if they're using a smart TV or streaming device for content.
I've had hands-on experience with both receivers in different settings. The Denon shines in dedicated home theater rooms where its additional channels and processing power make a noticeable difference. The room calibration system (Audyssey MultEQ) is particularly impressive at optimizing sound for your specific space.
The Sony performs admirably in more casual setups - living rooms and smaller spaces where a full 7.2 system might be overkill. Its auto-calibration system is more basic but still effective for most users.
The Denon AVR-S760H costs nearly twice as much as the Sony STR-DH590, but the price difference makes sense when you consider the technology gap. The Denon essentially future-proofs your system for the next several years, while the Sony focuses on executing current features well.
Choose the Denon if:
Go with the Sony if:
The AV receiver market continues to evolve, particularly around gaming features and wireless connectivity. The Denon's feature set represents the current state of the art, while the Sony represents a solid basic feature set that still serves many users well.
Remember that both receivers will provide excellent sound quality for movies and music - the main differences lie in setup flexibility, advanced features, and future-proofing. Consider your specific needs and budget when making the choice.
Whatever you choose, either receiver will serve as a capable heart of your home theater system. The key is matching the features to your needs and room setup, rather than just buying the most expensive option available.
| Denon AVR-S760H ($569) | Sony STR-DH590 ($298) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines speaker setup possibilities and immersive sound capabilities | |
| 7.2 channels (enables Dolby Atmos with height speakers) | 5.2 channels (standard surround sound only) |
| Video Processing - Critical for latest gaming consoles and future TV upgrades | |
| 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz (fully future-proofed) | 4K/60Hz (good for current content) |
| Power Output - Affects speaker compatibility and room-filling capability | |
| 75W/channel @ 8 ohms (handles larger rooms well) | 90W/channel @ 6 ohms (similar real-world performance) |
| Advanced Audio Formats - Important for latest movie/streaming content | |
| Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X (full format support) | Standard Dolby/DTS (no height virtualization) |
| Wireless Connectivity - Determines streaming flexibility | |
| Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HEOS, AirPlay 2 (complete solution) | Bluetooth only (basic connectivity) |
| Room Calibration - Crucial for optimal sound in your space | |
| Audyssey MultEQ (sophisticated auto-setup) | DCAC (basic but functional) |
| HDMI Ports - Affects how many devices you can connect | |
| 6 in/1 out (generous connectivity) | 4 in/1 out (adequate for most) |
| Voice Control - Convenience feature for smart homes | |
| Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri (full integration) | None (manual control only) |
The Denon AVR-S760H ($569) is better for dedicated home theaters due to its 7.2 channels and Dolby Atmos support. The Sony STR-DH590 ($298) is suitable for basic home theater setups but lacks advanced audio formats.
The Denon AVR-S760H costs $569, while the Sony STR-DH590 is priced at $298, making it more budget-friendly but with fewer features.
Yes, both support 4K video, but the Denon AVR-S760H offers superior 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz capabilities, while the Sony STR-DH590 handles 4K/60Hz.
The Denon AVR-S760H is significantly better for gaming due to 4K/120Hz support and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate). The Sony STR-DH590 lacks these gaming-specific features.
Not necessarily. The 7.2 channel Denon AVR-S760H is ideal for larger rooms and Dolby Atmos setups, while the 5.2 channel Sony STR-DH590 works well for standard surround sound in smaller spaces.
The Denon AVR-S760H offers comprehensive streaming with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HEOS, while the Sony STR-DH590 only provides basic Bluetooth connectivity.
Both are user-friendly, but the Denon AVR-S760H has a more advanced Audyssey room calibration system compared to the Sony STR-DH590's basic DCAC calibration.
The Denon AVR-S760H is more future-proof with 8K support, advanced gaming features, and Dolby Atmos. The Sony STR-DH590 covers current needs but lacks next-gen features.
Both receivers work with most speakers, but the Denon AVR-S760H supports more speaker configurations and has better power handling than the Sony STR-DH590.
While not essential, Dolby Atmos (available on the Denon AVR-S760H) provides a more immersive experience. The Sony STR-DH590 still delivers good surround sound without Atmos.
Both perform well, but the Denon AVR-S760H offers superior music streaming options and higher-quality audio processing compared to the Sony STR-DH590.
Yes, both support HDMI-CEC for basic device control, but the Denon AVR-S760H adds voice control and smart home integration that the Sony STR-DH590 lacks.
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 - hifipicks.com - crutchfield.com - walmart.com - us.community.sony.com - perfectacoustic.co.uk - sony.com - merlinstv.com - worldwidestereo.com - sony.com - sonylatvija.com - audioadvice.com - youtube.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - justanswer.com
