Looking to build a home theater system? Let's dive into two popular AV receivers - the Denon AVR-S770H ($559) and the JBL MA310 ($339). I'll help you understand what makes each unique and which might be right for your setup.
AV receivers are like the command center of your home theater. They handle everything from processing audio signals to switching video sources and powering your speakers. Think of them as sophisticated traffic controllers for your audio and video signals.
Modern receivers have evolved significantly in recent years, particularly in three key areas:
The Denon AVR-S770H offers a 7.2 channel configuration, while the JBL MA310 provides 5.2 channels. But what does this really mean for you?
With 7.2 channels, the Denon lets you set up:
The JBL's 5.2 configuration supports:
For most living rooms, 5.2 channels might be plenty. However, if you're creating a dedicated home theater or have a larger space, the Denon's extra channels provide valuable flexibility.
Released in 2023, the Denon embraces next-generation video standards:
The JBL, while capable, sticks to more basic specs:
If you're investing in the latest TVs or game consoles, the Denon's advanced video capabilities make it a more future-proof choice.
This is where the differences become most apparent:
The Denon AVR-S770H offers:
The JBL MA310 provides:
In practical terms, the Denon creates a more immersive soundstage and adapts better to your room's acoustics. I've personally found room correction makes a dramatic difference in achieving balanced sound, especially in challenging room layouts.
Modern receivers need to play nice with other devices. Here's how they stack up:
Denon:
JBL:
While the Denon costs about $220 more, it offers significantly more functionality. Think of it like choosing between a basic smartphone and a flagship model - both make calls, but the additional features can transform how you use the device.
The Denon's price premium gets you:
The JBL's value comes from:
Consider these scenarios:
Choose the Denon if:
Choose the JBL if:
In practice, both receivers will drive most speakers effectively in typical rooms. The Denon's advantages become most apparent when:
The JBL shines in simpler setups where its straightforward operation and lower cost make it an attractive option.
The Denon AVR-S770H represents the current state of home theater technology, while the JBL MA310 offers a more basic approach at a lower price point. Your choice should align with your specific needs, room size, and future plans.
For most enthusiasts building a long-term system, I'd recommend stretching the budget for the Denon. Its additional features and future-proofing justify the higher cost. However, if you're working with a strict budget or need something simple, the JBL provides solid performance for basic surround sound setups.
Remember, the best receiver is the one that meets your specific needs and budget while providing room to grow as your system evolves.
| Denon AVR-S770H ($559) | JBL MA310 ($339) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines speaker setup flexibility and Atmos capability | |
| 7.2 channels (supports Atmos/DTS:X with height speakers) | 5.2 channels (basic surround only) |
| Power Output - Impacts speaker compatibility and room-filling capability | |
| 75W per channel (8 ohms, all channels driven) | 60W per channel (8 ohms, stereo only) |
| Video Support - Critical for future-proofing and gaming | |
| 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision | Basic 4K/60Hz, HDR10 only |
| Room Correction - Essential for optimal sound in real rooms | |
| Audyssey MultEQ with mic calibration | Basic EQ settings only |
| HDMI Ports - Determines how many devices you can connect | |
| 6 inputs (3 with 8K), 2 outputs | 4 inputs, 1 output |
| Streaming Capabilities - Important for modern music listening | |
| WiFi, Bluetooth, HEOS, AirPlay 2 | Bluetooth only |
| Audio Format Support - Affects home theater experience | |
| Full Atmos/DTS:X with height virtualization | Basic Dolby Digital/DTS only |
| Multi-room Capability - Useful for whole-home audio | |
| Zone 2 with independent source selection | None |
| Gaming Features - Critical for next-gen console gaming | |
| VRR, ALLM, Quick Frame Transport | None |
The Denon AVR-S770H ($559) is significantly better for Dolby Atmos, as it supports 7.2 channels and can be configured for 5.1.2 Atmos setup with height speakers. The JBL MA310 ($339) doesn't support Dolby Atmos at all.
The Denon AVR-S770H is the clear choice for gaming, offering 4K/120Hz support, VRR, and ALLM features specifically designed for next-gen gaming. The JBL MA310 lacks these gaming-specific features.
Yes, both support 4K video, but the Denon offers superior capabilities with 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz support, while the JBL only handles basic 4K/60Hz.
The JBL MA310 might be more suitable for small apartments due to its 5.2 channel configuration and lower price point. However, if budget allows, the Denon AVR-S770H offers better features even in small spaces.
For basic home theater, 5.2 channels (JBL) are sufficient. However, 7.2 channels (Denon) provide more flexibility for room layout and support advanced features like Dolby Atmos and multi-zone audio.
The Denon AVR-S770H offers significantly better streaming with WiFi, HEOS, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth, while the JBL MA310 only offers basic Bluetooth connectivity.
The $220 difference gets you future-proof features, better room correction, Atmos support, and advanced gaming features with the Denon. It's worth it for serious home theater enthusiasts.
Both can drive most home theater speakers, but the Denon's higher power output (75W vs 60W) and better room correction make it more flexible with different speaker choices.
The JBL offers simpler setup due to fewer features, but the Denon's setup assistant and Audyssey room correction make advanced setup surprisingly straightforward.
While 8K content is limited now, the Denon AVR-S770H future-proofs your system. The JBL MA310 lacks 8K support but handles current 4K content well.
The Denon offers superior music performance with better DACs, room correction, and streaming options. It also supports high-resolution audio formats and has more powerful amplification.
The Denon's 8K support, advanced gaming features, and Atmos capabilities make it more future-proof. The JBL's basic feature set means it may feel limited sooner, particularly for gaming and advanced audio formats.
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: bestbuy.com - listenup.com - avnirvana.com - bestbuy.com - crutchfield.com - bhphotovideo.com - denon.com - bestbuy.com - denon.com - audioadvice.com - audioadvice.com - avsforum.com - bestbuy.com - av-connection.com - mm.jbl.com - bestbuy.com - safeandsoundhq.com - crutchfield.com - nfm.com - jbl.com - musicdirect.com - crutchfield.com - skybygramophone.com - youtube.com
