Most people looking for a home theater receiver in 2024 want great sound, future-proof features, and good value. The Denon AVR-S970H ($599) and Denon AVR-S770H ($519) represent Denon's latest mid-range offerings, released in late 2022 and 2023 respectively. Let's dig into what makes these receivers tick and help you decide which one belongs in your setup.
Today's AV receivers do a lot more than just amplify sound. They're the brains of your home theater, handling everything from processing immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos (which adds height channels for more realistic sound) to managing 8K video signals and streaming music throughout your home.
When comparing receivers, we need to look at several key factors:
Both the AVR-S970H and AVR-S770H are 7.2 channel receivers, meaning they can power seven speakers and two subwoofers. They both support cutting-edge features like:
The most significant difference is power output. The AVR-S970H delivers 90 watts per channel, while the AVR-S770H provides 75 watts. This 15-watt difference might seem small, but it's meaningful when:
The S970H also has a more robust power supply and better heat management, making it more capable of handling challenging speaker loads over extended periods.
The S970H includes:
These improvements contribute to better overall sound quality and reliability, especially when pushing the system hard.
In typical living room setups with efficient speakers, both receivers perform admirably. However, the S970H shows its advantages when:
At $519, the AVR-S770H represents excellent value for most users. The extra $80 for the AVR-S970H buys you:
For dedicated home theaters, several factors become more important:
The S970H's additional power and robust construction make it a better choice for dedicated theater rooms, especially when using premium speakers or filling larger spaces with sound.
Since their release, both receivers have received firmware updates adding:
The basic hardware capabilities remain unchanged, but these updates have refined the user experience and reliability.
Choose the AVR-S770H if:
Choose the AVR-S970H if:
Both receivers represent solid values in their price range. The AVR-S770H will satisfy most users and offers remarkable performance for its price. The AVR-S970H is worth the extra investment if you're building a more serious system or want maximum flexibility for future upgrades.
For most living room setups, save the $80 and go with the S770H. But if you're building a dedicated home theater or using more demanding speakers, the S970H's additional capabilities make it worth the premium.
Remember, both receivers will receive continued firmware support from Denon, ensuring they'll remain current with new features and compatibility updates for years to come.
| Denon AVR-S970H | Denon AVR-S770H |
|---|---|
| Power Output - Determines ability to drive speakers and fill larger rooms with clean sound | |
| 90W per channel (better for demanding speakers) | 75W per channel (suitable for most speakers) |
| Price - Consider value vs features needed | |
| $599 (worth it for serious audio) | $519 (excellent value for typical use) |
| Power Supply & Build - Affects performance under heavy loads and longevity | |
| Larger transformer, better heat management | Standard transformer and cooling |
| Room Size Suitability - Match to your space for optimal performance | |
| Up to 500 sq ft (ideal for dedicated theaters) | Up to 350 sq ft (perfect for living rooms) |
| Speaker Compatibility - Important for matching with existing or planned speakers | |
| Handles 4-8 ohm loads easily (more flexible) | Best with 6-8 ohm loads (most common) |
| Analog Inputs - Matters if connecting turntables or legacy equipment | |
| 4 inputs (better for multiple sources) | 2 inputs (sufficient for most setups) |
| Video Processing - Affects future compatibility | |
| Advanced 8K upscaling with enhanced processing | Standard 8K upscaling capability |
| Amplifier Design - Impacts sound quality and reliability | |
| Premium discrete components (better sound) | Standard discrete components (good sound) |
The Denon AVR-S970H is better for dedicated home theaters due to its higher 90W power output and more robust power supply. The AVR-S770H is better suited for living room setups where maximum power isn't as critical.
Yes, both receivers support 8K/60Hz video through three of their HDMI inputs, making them future-proof for upcoming video formats.
Both receivers support 4K/120Hz gaming and HDMI 2.1 features, but the AVR-S970H has slightly better processing power for complex audio during intense gaming sessions.
The AVR-S970H offers better sound quality under demanding conditions due to its stronger power supply and better components, though both receivers sound excellent in typical use.
Yes, both are 7.2 channel receivers capable of powering seven speakers and two subwoofers in various configurations.
Yes, both receivers support the latest HDMI 2.1 features, 8K video, and current audio formats, making them equally future-proof for most users.
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: audioadvisor.com - listenup.com - audioadvice.com - abt.com - bestbuy.com - adorama.com - snapav.com - crutchfield.com - gibbyselectronicsupermarket.ca - skybygramophone.com - denon.com - manuals.denon.com - bestbuy.com - listenup.com - avnirvana.com - bestbuy.com - crutchfield.com - bhphotovideo.com - denon.com - bestbuy.com - denon.com - audioadvice.com - audioadvice.com - avsforum.com
