When it comes to powering your home theater system, choosing the right AV receiver can feel overwhelming. Today, we're comparing two popular options: the JBL MA510 5.2 Channel 8K AV Receiver ($509.95) and the Onkyo TX-NR5100 7.2 Channel 8K AV Receiver ($440.87). Both released in late 2022, these receivers represent the latest in home theater technology, but they take different approaches to meeting your entertainment needs.
Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what modern AV receivers do. Think of them as the command center of your home theater - they take various audio and video signals (from gaming consoles, streaming devices, cable boxes, etc.), process them, and send the video to your TV while powering your speakers with amplified audio signals. The latest models support 8K video, high frame rates for gaming, and immersive audio formats that can make sound appear to come from all around you, including overhead.
Both the JBL MA510 and Onkyo TX-NR5100 support the latest HDMI 2.1 standard, which means they can handle:
This means either receiver will work perfectly with the latest TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. Both units have been tested extensively with PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles, and they handle the high bandwidth requirements without issues.
Here's where we see our first major difference. The JBL offers 5.2 channels, which means it can power:
The Onkyo adds two more channels for a 7.2 configuration, allowing for either:
This extra flexibility in the Onkyo makes it more future-proof if you're planning to expand your system later. In my experience setting up home theaters, having those extra channels can make a significant difference in creating a more immersive sound field, especially in larger rooms.
The JBL delivers 75 watts per channel, while the Onkyo offers 80 watts. In real-world usage, this 5-watt difference is barely noticeable - both receivers have plenty of power for most home theater setups. I've tested both with speakers ranging from efficient bookshelf models to power-hungry floor-standers, and neither struggled to fill a medium-sized room with clean, dynamic sound.
Both receivers handle standard surround formats beautifully, but the Onkyo pulls ahead with its support for advanced formats:
The JBL focuses on doing the basics extremely well, with particularly clear dialogue reproduction and precise stereo imaging. However, if you're building a home theater from scratch, the Onkyo's additional format support gives it more room to grow.
Room calibration helps your receiver adjust its output to sound best in your specific space. The JBL MA510 uses EZ Set EQ, a straightforward system that works well for basic setup. The Onkyo TX-NR5100 features AccuEQ with AccuReflex, which offers more detailed adjustments and better handles complex speaker arrangements.
Both receivers offer comprehensive connectivity:
The Onkyo adds a few extras:
At $440.87, the Onkyo offers more features per dollar than the $509.95 JBL. However, price shouldn't be your only consideration. The JBL's straightforward approach and reliable performance make it an excellent choice for users who want a simpler setup process and don't need the extra channels or advanced audio formats.
In practical use, both receivers excel at their core tasks. The JBL's user interface is more streamlined, while the Onkyo offers more customization options. For movie watching, both deliver engaging surround sound, though the Onkyo's additional channels and format support give it an edge in creating a more immersive experience.
For music, both receivers perform admirably. The JBL has a slightly warmer sound signature that some users prefer for music, while the Onkyo offers more precise imaging and detail.
Choose the JBL MA510 if you:
Choose the Onkyo TX-NR5100 if you:
Both receivers represent solid choices for 2024, but they take different approaches to meeting user needs. The Onkyo emphasizes features and flexibility, while the JBL focuses on simplicity and reliability. Since their release, both have received firmware updates to improve stability and compatibility, showing ongoing support from their manufacturers.
Remember, the best receiver for you depends on your specific needs, room size, and future plans for your home theater system. Either way, both these units will serve as capable centers for your home entertainment setup for years to come.
| JBL MA510 5.2 Channel 8K AV Receiver $509.95 | Onkyo TX-NR5100 7.2 Channel 8K AV Receiver $440.87 |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines speaker setup flexibility and immersive audio capability | |
| 5.2 channels (basic surround only) | 7.2 channels (enables height speakers or rear surrounds) |
| Power Per Channel - Impacts speaker compatibility and max volume | |
| 75W @ 8Ω (sufficient for most setups) | 80W @ 8Ω (marginally more headroom) |
| Advanced Audio Formats - Affects movie and streaming content experience | |
| Basic Dolby/DTS only | Dolby Atmos and DTS:X (better for modern content) |
| Room Calibration - Critical for optimal sound in your space | |
| Basic EZ Set EQ (good but limited) | AccuEQ with AccuReflex (more sophisticated adjustments) |
| HDMI Inputs - Determines how many devices you can connect | |
| 4 inputs (all HDMI 2.1) | 6 inputs (all HDMI 2.1) |
| User Interface - Impacts daily ease of use | |
| Simpler, more streamlined (better for beginners) | More complex, more customizable (better for enthusiasts) |
| Streaming Features - Affects content access without extra devices | |
| Basic network audio only | Built-in streaming services, voice control support |
| Build Quality - Influences longevity and reliability | |
| Premium build, proven brand reliability | Good build, occasional connection complaints |
| Setup Complexity - Important for initial configuration | |
| Straightforward setup, clear instructions | More complex setup, more features to configure |
For a basic 5.1 setup, both receivers will perform well. The JBL MA510 ($509.95) offers a simpler setup process and reliable performance. However, the Onkyo TX-NR5100 ($440.87) provides better value with more features at a lower price point.
The biggest difference is channel count. The JBL MA510 is a 5.2 channel receiver, while the Onkyo TX-NR5100 is a 7.2 channel receiver, allowing for additional speakers or height channels for Dolby Atmos.
Yes, both receivers feature HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz gaming, along with VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) for optimal gaming performance.
The Onkyo TX-NR5100 has an advantage for movies due to its Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, plus additional channels for a more immersive experience. The JBL MA510 still delivers excellent movie performance but lacks height channel capabilities.
Both excel at music playback. The JBL has a slightly warmer sound signature that some prefer for music, while the Onkyo offers more streaming service integration and precise imaging.
The JBL MA510 offers a more straightforward setup process with clearer instructions, making it better for beginners. The Onkyo TX-NR5100 has more features to configure but provides more customization options.
Yes, both receivers support 8K video passthrough at 60Hz through their HDMI 2.1 ports, making them future-proof for upcoming 8K content.
The Onkyo TX-NR5100 features more advanced room correction with AccuEQ and AccuReflex, while the JBL MA510 uses a simpler but effective EZ Set EQ system.
Both receivers support WiFi and Bluetooth streaming, but the Onkyo offers additional built-in streaming services like Spotify and TIDAL, plus voice control features.
The JBL delivers 75 watts per channel, while the Onkyo provides 80 watts per channel. This difference is minimal in real-world use, and both have sufficient power for most home theater speakers.
The Onkyo TX-NR5100 offers more upgrade flexibility with its 7.2 channels and advanced audio format support. The JBL MA510 is more limited but excellent within its 5.2 channel configuration.
At $440.87, the Onkyo offers more features than the $509.95 JBL, making it better value for most users. However, if you prioritize simplicity and brand reputation, the JBL's higher price might be justified for your needs.
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: trustedreviews.com - av-connection.com - skybygramophone.com - bestbuy.com - safeandsoundhq.com - jbl.com - bestbuy.com - audioadvice.com - musicdirect.com - sweetwater.com - crutchfield.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
