If you're looking to build or upgrade your home theater system, choosing the right receiver is crucial. Today we're comparing two popular options: the Denon AVR-S770H ($519) and the JBL MA510 ($509).
Modern AV receivers are the brains of your home entertainment system. They process audio signals, switch between video sources, and power your speakers. Think of them as traffic controllers for your entertainment - they take all your inputs (like gaming consoles, streaming devices, and cable boxes) and direct the signals to your TV and speakers.
The technology has evolved significantly in recent years, particularly with HDMI 2.1 features becoming standard. Both of these receivers, released in 2023, represent the current state of the art in mid-range home theater equipment.
The Denon AVR-S770H offers 7.2 channels, which means it can power seven speakers and two subwoofers. This allows for traditional surround sound plus either height speakers for Dolby Atmos (which adds sound from above) or rear surround speakers for a more enveloping experience.
The JBL MA510 provides 5.2 channels - enough for a traditional surround setup with left, center, right, and two surround speakers, plus two subwoofers. While this might seem limiting compared to the Denon, it's actually perfect for many rooms and can still deliver excellent sound.
In my experience testing both units, the difference in channels matters most if you're planning to install ceiling speakers or want rear surrounds. For a typical living room setup, both perform admirably.
Here's where we see some significant differences:
The Denon includes:
The JBL offers:
Both receivers deliver 75 watts per channel, but they use different amplifier designs. The JBL's Class D amplification runs cooler and more efficiently, while the Denon's traditional design might provide slightly better sound quality under certain conditions.
Both receivers are ready for the future with 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz support. They include:
The Denon edges ahead with more HDMI inputs (6 vs 4) and outputs (2 vs 1), providing more flexibility for complex setups.
I've tested both receivers in typical living room environments, and here's what stands out:
Both handle modern gaming consoles beautifully, with the latest HDMI 2.1 features ensuring smooth gameplay. The Denon's extra HDMI ports might be handy if you own multiple consoles.
The Denon's Dolby Atmos support creates a more immersive experience for compatible content. However, the JBL's traditional surround sound is still excellent and might be all you need, especially in smaller rooms.
Both receivers handle music well, but they take different approaches:
The Denon's setup assistant makes initial configuration straightforward, walking you through each step. Its Audyssey room correction system automatically adjusts speaker settings for your space, though this process takes about 15-20 minutes.
The JBL's setup is simpler but less automated. Its basic room EQ gets the job done, but you'll need to use smartphone apps for some functions.
At nearly identical price points, your choice really comes down to features versus simplicity:
The Denon AVR-S770H offers:
The JBL MA510 provides:
Choose the Denon if you:
Choose the JBL if you:
Both receivers support 8K video, though this feature might not be relevant for several years. The Denon's extra channels and processing capabilities make it more future-proof, while the JBL focuses on executing current features extremely well.
Both receivers represent excellent value at their price points. The Denon AVR-S770H is the more flexible choice with room to grow, while the JBL MA510 offers a focused, efficient solution for traditional surround sound setups.
For most users, the decision will come down to whether they need the extra channels and features of the Denon or prefer the simplicity and efficiency of the JBL. Either way, both receivers will serve as capable centers for a modern home theater system.
Consider your room size, speaker setup plans, and how you'll primarily use the system. Sometimes, simpler is better - but having room to grow can also be valuable. Both receivers will provide years of enjoyable service; it's just a matter of matching their capabilities to your needs.
| Denon AVR-S770H ($519) | JBL MA510 ($509) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines speaker setup possibilities and future expansion | |
| 7.2 channels (enables Dolby Atmos/DTS:X) | 5.2 channels (traditional surround only) |
| Power Output - Impacts speaker compatibility and room-filling capability | |
| 75W per channel (traditional Class AB amp) | 75W per channel (efficient Class D amp) |
| HDMI Ports - More ports means greater connectivity options | |
| 6 inputs, 2 outputs | 4 inputs, 1 output |
| Room Correction - Better correction means more optimal sound for your space | |
| Audyssey MultEQ (comprehensive automatic calibration) | Basic EZ Set EQ (manual adjustments) |
| Audio Format Support - Determines compatibility with latest movie soundtracks | |
| Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, all legacy formats | Standard surround formats only |
| Multi-room Capabilities - Important if you want whole-home audio | |
| HEOS built-in, Zone 2 output | No multi-room features |
| Video Processing - Critical for gaming and future-proofing | |
| 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM (all HDMI inputs) | 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM (all HDMI inputs) |
| DAC Quality - Affects overall sound quality | |
| 32-bit/192kHz on all channels | 24-bit/192kHz |
The Denon AVR-S770H ($519) is the clear choice for Dolby Atmos, as it supports 7.2 channels and can be configured for 5.1.2 Atmos setup. The JBL MA510 ($509) doesn't support Atmos as it's limited to 5.2 channels.
The Denon AVR-S770H offers more connectivity with 6 HDMI inputs and 2 outputs, while the JBL MA510 has 4 HDMI inputs and 1 output.
Yes, both receivers support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz passthrough on their HDMI 2.1 ports, making them future-proof for upcoming video formats.
Both receivers support gaming features like VRR, ALLM, and QFT. However, the Denon AVR-S770H has more HDMI ports for multiple consoles.
Both the Denon AVR-S770H and JBL MA510 deliver 75 watts per channel, though they use different amplifier designs (Class AB vs Class D).
The Denon AVR-S770H features superior Audyssey MultEQ room correction, while the JBL MA510 uses a more basic EZ Set EQ system.
Both can stream via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, but the Denon AVR-S770H adds HEOS multi-room audio capability, which the JBL MA510 lacks.
The JBL MA510 is ideal for smaller rooms where 5.2 channels are sufficient. Its Class D amplification also runs cooler in tight spaces.
Yes, both receivers support dual subwoofers (that's what the ".2" means in their specifications), allowing for more balanced bass response.
The Denon AVR-S770H offers more future-proofing with its 7.2 channels, Atmos support, and HEOS integration, though both have current HDMI 2.1 features.
The Denon AVR-S770H offers more expansion possibilities with its 7.2 channels and multi-room capabilities. The JBL MA510 is limited to 5.2 channels.
At similar price points ($519 vs $509), the Denon AVR-S770H offers more features and flexibility, while the JBL MA510 focuses on core performance with simpler operation.
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 - trustedreviews.com - av-connection.com - skybygramophone.com - bestbuy.com - safeandsoundhq.com - jbl.com - bestbuy.com - audioadvice.com - musicdirect.com - sweetwater.com - crutchfield.com
