Choosing Between Two Popular AV Receivers: A Detailed Comparison

If you're setting up a home theater system in 2024, you're likely considering either the $599 Denon AVR-S970H or the $1,098 Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES. Let's dive into what makes each receiver special and help you decide which one deserves a spot in your entertainment setup.

Understanding Today's AV Receivers

Modern AV receivers are like the command centers of home theater systems. They handle everything from switching between your video sources (like gaming consoles and streaming boxes) to processing surround sound and powering your speakers. But they're not just about watching movies anymore - they need to handle gaming, music streaming, and even multi-room audio.

The most important aspects to consider are:

• How well they process and amplify audio
• How they handle the latest video formats
• How easy they are to set up and use
• Whether they'll still meet your needs in a few years

A Tale of Two Receivers

The Denon AVR-S970H, released in 2022, represents the sweet spot in Denon's lineup - offering most of the features home theater enthusiasts need without breaking the bank. The Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES, launched in 2023, is part of Sony's premium ES (Elevated Standard) line, which focuses on superior build quality and advanced features.

Power and Performance

Both receivers offer plenty of power for most home theaters. The Denon delivers 90 watts per channel, while the Sony provides 100 watts. In real-world use, this 10-watt difference is barely noticeable - you'd need about a 50% power increase to hear a meaningful difference in volume.

What matters more is how they process audio. The Denon uses Audyssey MultEQ, a room correction system that measures your room's acoustics and adjusts the sound to compensate for things like room shape and furniture. Sony takes a different approach with their 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, which creates virtual speakers to fill gaps in your speaker layout.

Video Capabilities

Both receivers are ready for the future with 8K video support, handling resolutions up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz. They both support all major HDR (High Dynamic Range) formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+, which provide better contrast and more vivid colors on compatible TVs.

For gaming, both include:

• VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) to prevent screen tearing
• ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) for reduced input lag
• Quick Frame Transport for smoother motion

The Setup Experience

Having set up numerous receivers, I can say the Denon's setup assistant is more user-friendly. It walks you through everything step-by-step, using clear language and helpful illustrations. The Sony's setup is also good but assumes more technical knowledge.

Sound Quality and Processing

Here's where things get interesting. The Denon offers excellent sound quality for its price, with clear dialogue and impactful effects. The Sony, however, justifies its higher price with noticeably better sound separation and a more refined overall presentation.

For movie watching, both support:

• Dolby Atmos (for overhead sound effects)
• DTS:X (another 3D sound format)
• Various upmixing modes to enhance older content

The Sony pulls ahead with its more sophisticated digital processing, especially noticeable with music playback. But the Denon's Audyssey room correction might actually work better in problematic rooms.

Connectivity and Future-Proofing

Both receivers offer similar connectivity:

• Multiple HDMI 2.1 ports
• Wireless streaming via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Digital and analog audio inputs

The Denon includes HEOS multi-room audio technology, while Sony offers integration with their broader ecosystem of products. If you own a Sony TV or PS5, the Sony receiver offers better integration and easier control.

Value Proposition

At nearly half the price of the Sony, the Denon AVR-S970H represents exceptional value. It handles all current audio and video formats, offers good room correction, and provides enough power for most users. The build quality is solid, if not exceptional.

The Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES justifies its premium price with:

• Better build quality
• More sophisticated audio processing
• Superior component quality
• Longer warranty (5 years vs 2 years)

How to Make Your Decision

Consider these scenarios:

If you're building a mid-range home theater and want the best bang for your buck, the Denon is the clear choice. It offers 90% of the Sony's functionality at roughly 55% of the price.

Choose the Denon if:

• You're on a stricter budget
• You want straightforward setup
• You need HEOS multi-room audio
• You have a challenging room that would benefit from Audyssey

Choose the Sony if:

• You want the absolute best sound quality
• You own other Sony products
• You're building a premium system
• Long-term warranty matters to you
• Budget isn't a primary concern

Real-World Performance

In my experience testing both units, the Denon performs admirably in most situations. Movie soundtracks are engaging, music is well-rendered, and gaming performance is solid. The Sony does everything a bit better - sounds are more precisely placed, the soundstage is wider, and music has more depth. But these improvements are incremental rather than revolutionary.

Conclusion

For most users, the Denon AVR-S970H offers the better value proposition. It provides excellent performance at a reasonable price point and handles all current audio and video standards well. The Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES is the better receiver overall, but its improvements may not justify the significant price premium for many users.

Remember, the best receiver is the one that fits your specific needs, room, and budget. Either of these units will serve as a capable heart of a home theater system for years to come.

Denon AVR-S970H 7.2 Channel 8K AV Home Theater Receiver Deals and Prices

Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver Deals and Prices