If you're looking to build or upgrade a home theater system, choosing between the Denon AVR-S770H ($519) and Onkyo TX-RZ30 ($999) requires understanding some key differences. Let's break down what matters most for your viewing and listening experience.
AV receivers are the brains and muscle of home theater systems. They process audio signals, power your speakers, switch between video sources, and increasingly handle streaming and smart home integration. Modern receivers need to juggle new technologies like 8K video, gaming features, and object-based surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos, which places sounds in a three-dimensional space around you.
The Denon AVR-S770H, released in late 2023, represents a sweet spot in mid-range receivers. It offers 7.2 channels (meaning seven main speakers and two subwoofers) and delivers 75 watts per channel. The Onkyo TX-RZ30, announced for 2024, steps up to 9.2 channels with 100 watts per channel, enabling more sophisticated speaker setups with additional height or surround channels.
The extra channels and power of the Onkyo matter more than you might think. While 75 watts per channel from the Denon is sufficient for most rooms and speakers, the Onkyo's additional headroom provides cleaner sound at high volumes and better handles demanding speaker loads. Those extra two channels enable either:
This is where we see one of the biggest differences. The Denon uses Audyssey MultEQ, a well-respected room correction system that measures your room's acoustics and adjusts the sound accordingly. The Onkyo includes Dirac Live, considered by many (myself included) to be the superior solution, offering more precise measurements and adjustments across the frequency range.
Room correction might sound technical, but it's crucial for getting the best sound in real-world rooms. It compensates for room acoustics and speaker placement limitations that can make even great speakers sound mediocre.
Both receivers support modern gaming features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which help prevent screen tearing and reduce input lag. However, the Onkyo's implementation includes additional refinements like Quick Frame Transport (QFT) for even smoother gaming performance.
For video, both handle 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz passthrough, supporting the latest gaming consoles and high-end TVs. They also process HDR formats including Dolby Vision and HDR10+, ensuring compatibility with current and upcoming video content.
The Denon AVR-S770H includes:
The Onkyo TX-RZ30 offers:
Having spent time with both units, the Denon impresses with its straightforward setup and reliable performance. The HEOS system works well for whole-home audio, and the sound quality satisfies in most situations. However, the Onkyo's additional power and superior room correction create a more refined listening experience, especially in challenging rooms or with demanding content.
For movie watching, both receivers handle Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content well, creating immersive soundscapes. The Onkyo's additional channels and power provide more precise placement of overhead effects and better dynamics during intense scenes.
At nearly half the price, the Denon represents excellent value for most users. Its 7.2 configuration covers the majority of home theater setups, and its features hit the sweet spot for mainstream use. The Onkyo justifies its higher price through superior room correction, additional channels, and more robust construction, but these benefits matter most to enthusiasts and larger installations.
Choose the Denon AVR-S770H if:
Choose the Onkyo TX-RZ30 if:
Both receivers represent solid choices for modern home theaters, but they target different users. The Denon excels as a value-focused option that doesn't compromise on essential features, while the Onkyo aims at enthusiasts who demand maximum performance and flexibility.
Remember that while the price difference is significant, spreading it over years of use might make the Onkyo's premium features worth considering, especially if you're investing in high-end speakers or planning to expand your system later.
| Denon AVR-S770H ($519) | Onkyo TX-RZ30 ($999) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines how many speakers you can use and flexibility for Dolby Atmos | |
| 7.2 channels (typical home theater setup) | 9.2 channels (enables 4 height speakers or more zones) |
| Power Per Channel - Higher power means cleaner sound at high volumes and better speaker compatibility | |
| 75W per channel (sufficient for most setups) | 100W per channel (better for larger rooms/demanding speakers) |
| Room Correction - Critical for optimal sound in real-world rooms | |
| Audyssey MultEQ (good but basic) | Dirac Live (superior, full-bandwidth correction) |
| HDMI Ports - More ports mean fewer cable swaps | |
| 6 in / 2 out (adequate for most) | 8 in / 2 out (better for complex setups) |
| Gaming Features - Important for latest console compatibility | |
| Basic VRR, ALLM support | Advanced gaming suite with QFT, SBTM |
| Multi-room Capability - Affects whole-home audio options | |
| HEOS only (proprietary system) | Multiple platforms (Sonos, DTS Play-Fi, Chromecast) |
| Video Processing - Future-proofing for latest displays | |
| 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz (current standard) | 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz + IMAX Enhanced |
| Build Quality - Impacts longevity and performance | |
| Standard construction | THX Certified, high-current power supply |
| Setup Complexity - Affects initial configuration experience | |
| User-friendly, guided setup | More complex, professional calibration recommended |
For a standard 5.1 or 7.1 home theater setup, the Denon AVR-S770H ($519) provides excellent value and all necessary features. Unless you need the extra channels or advanced room correction, it's the more cost-effective choice.
The biggest differences are channel count and power - the Denon AVR-S770H is 7.2 channels with 75W/channel, while the Onkyo TX-RZ30 ($999) offers 9.2 channels with 100W/channel. The Onkyo also includes superior Dirac Live room correction.
Both support Dolby Atmos, but the Onkyo TX-RZ30 can power up to four height channels versus two on the Denon, creating more precise overhead effects. For basic Atmos (5.1.2), either receiver works well.
Only if you need the extra channels, plan to use four height speakers, have a large room, or want the best room correction. The Denon AVR-S770H handles most home theater needs effectively at nearly half the price.
Both support key gaming features like VRR and ALLM. The Onkyo TX-RZ30 has slightly better gaming features with QFT and SBTM, but most users won't notice a significant difference.
The Onkyo TX-RZ30 has an edge with better room correction and more power, making it superior for critical music listening. However, the Denon sounds great for casual listening and offers excellent HEOS streaming integration.
The Denon AVR-S770H is known for its user-friendly setup process and simpler menu system. The Onkyo offers more customization but requires more technical knowledge to optimize.
Yes, both the Denon AVR-S770H and Onkyo TX-RZ30 support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz passthrough, making them future-proof for video capabilities.
The Onkyo TX-RZ30 offers more flexibility with support for multiple platforms including Sonos and DTS Play-Fi. The Denon uses HEOS, which works well but locks you into their ecosystem.
The Onkyo TX-RZ30 is better suited for large rooms with its higher power output and more robust power supply. The Denon is ideal for small to medium-sized rooms.
Both brands hold value well, but the Onkyo TX-RZ30 may retain value better due to its premium features and THX certification. The Denon AVR-S770H represents better initial value.
The Onkyo TX-RZ30 offers more expansion possibilities with 9.2 channels versus the Denon's 7.2. If you think you'll want to expand your system later, the Onkyo provides more flexibility.
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 - youtube.com - onkyo.com - cnet.com - audioholics.com - theabsolutesound.com - bestbuy.com - audiosciencereview.com - onkyo.com - onkyo.com - ecoustics.com - cine-craft.de
