When setting up a home theater system in 2024, choosing the right AV receiver is crucial. Today, we're comparing two popular options: the Denon AVR-S970H ($599) and the Onkyo TX-NR5100 ($441). Both were released within the last few years - the Denon in 2022 and the Onkyo in 2021 - and they represent different approaches to modern home theater needs.
AV receivers act as the command center of your home theater, handling everything from switching video sources to processing and amplifying audio. Think of them as sophisticated traffic controllers that ensure all your audio and video signals get where they need to go while maintaining the highest possible quality.
The technology has evolved significantly in recent years, particularly with the introduction of HDMI 2.1 features and 8K compatibility. Both these receivers reflect that evolution, supporting modern gaming features and high-resolution audio formats that weren't available just a few years ago.
The Denon AVR-S970H delivers 90 watts per channel, while the Onkyo TX-NR5100 provides 80 watts per channel. While this might seem like a small difference, it can be significant in certain situations. The Denon's extra power becomes particularly noticeable when:
The Denon's larger power supply and more robust amplification section give it an edge in demanding situations. However, for many typical living room setups with standard speakers, the Onkyo's power output is more than adequate.
Both receivers support modern audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which create immersive "3D" soundscapes by adding height channels to traditional surround sound. However, they handle room calibration differently:
Denon uses Audyssey MultEQ, a sophisticated room correction system that:
Onkyo employs AccuEQ with AccuReflex, which:
Both receivers are ready for current and future video standards, supporting:
Gaming-specific features include:
The Denon has a slight edge in video processing, offering better upscaling capabilities for lower-resolution content. This becomes noticeable when watching 1080p content on a 4K TV.
Both receivers offer similar HDMI connectivity, but with some notable differences:
Denon AVR-S970H:
Onkyo TX-NR5100:
Modern receivers need to handle streaming well, and both units offer different approaches:
The Denon features HEOS, a proprietary multi-room audio system that:
The Onkyo supports:
The price difference between these receivers ($158) is significant enough to consider carefully. Here's how they compare in value:
Denon AVR-S970H advantages:
Onkyo TX-NR5100 advantages:
Choose the Denon if:
Choose the Onkyo if:
Both receivers are relatively future-proof with their 8K capabilities and HDMI 2.1 features. However, the Denon's slightly newer release date means it might receive software updates for longer.
The Denon AVR-S970H and Onkyo TX-NR5100 represent different priorities in modern AV receivers. The Denon focuses on audio performance and build quality, while the Onkyo offers excellent value and streaming flexibility. Your choice should ultimately depend on your specific needs and budget constraints.
Remember that either receiver will provide an excellent home theater experience for most users. The key is matching the receiver's capabilities to your specific setup and requirements.
| Denon AVR-S970H ($599) | Onkyo TX-NR5100 ($441) |
|---|---|
| Power Output - Determines speaker compatibility and room-filling capability | |
| 90W per channel (better for demanding speakers) | 80W per channel (good for typical setups) |
| Build Quality - Affects longevity and performance under stress | |
| Premium build, larger power supply, better heat management | Standard build, adequate for normal use |
| Room Correction - Critical for optimal sound in real-world rooms | |
| Audyssey MultEQ (advanced, multi-point measurement) | AccuEQ (basic but effective calibration) |
| HDMI Inputs - Determines how many devices you can connect | |
| 6 inputs (3 with 8K), 2 outputs | 6 inputs (all 8K), 2 outputs |
| Video Processing - Important for improving non-4K content | |
| Advanced 8K upscaling from any resolution | Basic 4K upscaling only |
| Multi-room Capability - Enables whole-home audio | |
| HEOS built-in (proprietary but robust system) | Standard AirPlay/Chromecast support |
| Speaker Terminals - Affects connection quality and wire compatibility | |
| High-quality binding posts (accepts all wire types) | Spring clips (limited thick wire compatibility) |
| Gaming Features - Critical for next-gen console gaming | |
| Full HDMI 2.1 suite (VRR/ALLM/QFT), 4K@120Hz | Same gaming features, slightly higher latency |
| Streaming Support - Determines music service flexibility | |
| HEOS ecosystem, major services supported | More direct streaming options, DTS Play-Fi |
The Denon AVR-S970H ($599) is generally better for dedicated home theaters due to its superior power output (90W vs 80W) and better room correction system. However, the Onkyo TX-NR5100 ($441) is still capable and offers better value for smaller rooms.
The Denon AVR-S970H costs $599, while the Onkyo TX-NR5100 is priced at $441, making it $158 less expensive.
Yes, both the Denon AVR-S970H and Onkyo TX-NR5100 support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video passthrough, making them future-proof for current and upcoming video standards.
Both receivers support gaming features like VRR, ALLM, and QFT. The Denon AVR-S970H has slightly lower latency, but the Onkyo TX-NR5100 performs well enough for most gamers.
Yes, both the Denon AVR-S970H and Onkyo TX-NR5100 support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for immersive surround sound experiences.
The Onkyo TX-NR5100 offers more direct streaming options with Chromecast and AirPlay built-in, while the Denon AVR-S970H uses the HEOS system, which is more limited but provides better multi-room capabilities.
Both receivers are 7.2 channel systems, supporting up to 7 speakers and 2 subwoofers. This allows for a 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos setup with height channels.
The Denon AVR-S970H is better for large rooms due to its higher power output and more robust amplification. The Onkyo TX-NR5100 is more suitable for small to medium-sized rooms.
Yes, both the Denon AVR-S970H and Onkyo TX-NR5100 are backward compatible with older TVs, though you won't benefit from their advanced video features.
The Denon AVR-S970H features superior Audyssey MultEQ room correction, while the Onkyo TX-NR5100 uses a simpler AccuEQ system that's still effective but less sophisticated.
The Denon AVR-S970H includes a quality phono input for turntables, while the Onkyo TX-NR5100 also has a phono input but with simpler circuitry.
Both receivers are similarly future-proof with 8K support, but the Denon AVR-S970H has a slight edge with better build quality and more recent release date compared to the Onkyo TX-NR5100.
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 - crutchfield.com - hifiheaven.net - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - audioholics.com - onkyo.com - support.onkyousa.com - bestbuy.com - onkyo.com - audiolab.com - support.onkyousa.com - youtube.com
