Comparing Denon vs. Sony head-to-head helps you decide which brand’s products best match your needs and budget. In this article, I’ll compare the top AV receivers from Denon and Sony in every price range. I’ll dive deep into the details and compare them in terms of audio and video performance, connectivity, and features.
Denon vs Sony: Brands Overview
Denon’s Innovations and Reputation
Denon is definitely one of the biggest names in the AV receiver industry. This Japanese company, founded in 1910, is renowned for manufacturing receivers that provide competitive audio quality for their price range.
With functional room calibration technologies like Audyssey MultEQ, along with their powerful audio and video offerings, Denon AV receivers can satisfy most users. You can find a Denon receiver that supports multi-zone for under $600 (we’ll get into this later). This means Denon is here to provide great value for money, not to mention their receivers can last a long time!
Sony’s Innovations and Reputation
Sony, also a Japanese company, is well-known for offering high-quality products, although not as celebrated as Denon when it comes to AV receivers. The market tends to favor Denon receivers more, and there are reasons for that: while Sony’s receivers are feature-rich and deliver great performance with sleek designs, they don’t last as long as Denon’s receivers, and their overall value for money doesn’t quite match Denon’s.
Denon vs Sony: The Budget Class (Under $600)
In this price category, based on customer reviews and my own experience, these two are our top choices:
- Denon AVR-S760H ($599)
- Sony STR-DH790 ($448)
Denon AVR-S760H vs Sony STR-DH790: Audio Performance
Before we dive into their audio quality comparison, take a look at the table below (I’ll explain everything, so don’t worry!):
Technical Aspect | Denon AVR-S760H | Sony STR-DH790 |
---|---|---|
Power Output | 75 watts per channel (8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 channels driven) | 90 watts per channel (6 ohms, 1kHz, 0.09% THD, 2 channels driven) |
Impedance Compatibility | 4-16 ohms | 6-16 ohms |
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) | 98 dB (IHF-A weighted) | 105 dB (IHF-A weighted) |
Surround Sound Formats | Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Surround Upmixer, DTS Neural | Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Surround, DTS Neural |
Alright, now what does all this jargon mean for you? Let’s get into it.
Power output refers to a receiver’s ability to distribute power to your speakers. As you can see, Denon’s power output is 75 watts per channel, while Sony’s is 90. This means both receivers can seamlessly fill small to medium-sized rooms with sound.
Although Sony’s power is higher on paper, the difference might not be as significant as it seems, because those 90 watts are measured at a lower impedance (we’ll get into that later).
The Denon S760H won’t blow you away with raw power, but its reliability and consistency make it stand out. Even when you crank up the audio, there are no signs of irritating buzzes. On the other hand, the Sony DH790 has the muscle to push your speakers a bit harder, making it a good choice if you prefer your sound on the louder side. Sony’s receiver is particularly adept at handling dynamic shifts in movies, like explosions and dramatic crescendos, without losing its composure.
Impedance compatibility might sound technical, but it simply refers to the range of speakers you can pair with your receiver. This is where Denon’s receiver edges out, as it’s compatible with speakers ranging from 4 to 16 ohms, while the Sony DH790 supports speakers between 6 and 16 ohms. It’s not a huge compliment to our Denon S760H, but if your speakers fall outside Sony’s range, you may run into issues.
SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) refers to a receiver’s ability to reduce background noise (the hiss or hum you may hear in the background). In this regard, Sony has the upper hand with its 105 dB SNR, although the difference isn’t that significant.
In terms of supported surround sound formats, both receivers are promising. As you can see in the table, they both support major surround sound formats. However, as you may know, Sony has a reputation for fine-tuning their audio gear, and the Sony STR-DH790 is no exception. In practice, Sony’s receiver was more successful in creating a precise and immersive sound field, clearly beating Denon in this aspect.
So, which Budget receiver provides better sound quality, Denon or Sony?
The competition is close, as you can see, but if you already have external speakers and are sure their impedance matches Sony’s receiver, then the DH790 is the clear winner when it comes to sound quality. It’ll particularly satisfy those who want that extra oomph in their audio.
In the Denon AVR-S760H vs. Sony STR-DH790 comparison, if your external speakers match the DH790’s impedance, it emerges as the premier choice for sound quality, delivering the extra sonic impact that audiophiles crave
Denon AVR-S760H vs Sony STR-DH790: Video Performance
Take a look at this table:
Video Aspect | Denon AVR-S760H | Sony STR-DH790 |
---|---|---|
Resolution Support | 4K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, 8K/60Hz, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG | 4K/60Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
Upscaling | Yes, upscales to 4K | No upscaling capabilities |
Pass-through Support | Yes, supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG; HDMI 2.1 with HDCP 2.3 | Yes, supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG; HDMI 2.0b with HDCP 2.2 |
Overall Video Performance | Supports 8K, advanced upscaling, future-proof HDMI 2.1 | Limited to 4K, lacks upscaling, older HDMI version |
Alright, as you see, the Denon supports 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz. This simply means it supports the highest resolution standard and more! Some may say there’s not a ton of 8K content yet, but just as 4K gradually became the standard, 8K is on the horizon. Additionally, knowing the receiver supports a 120Hz refresh rate means gamers can enjoy a smooth experience without screen tearing and lagging.
On the other hand, while Sony’s receiver does support 4K, it doesn’t support the 120Hz refresh rate or 8K resolution.
Another feature that gives the Denon AVR-S760H the upper hand is its upscaling ability, meaning even if you throw older, lower-resolution content at it, the device can enhance its resolution. The upscaling feature is quite functional and can deliver polished visuals that’ll satisfy you. In contrast, Sony’s receiver doesn’t offer any upscaling, which is another downside for the Sony DH790.
Beyond resolution and upscaling, both receivers are very capable when it comes to high dynamic range (HDR) formats, as they both support HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG. However, Denon’s receiver wins the race again since it supports HDR10+, while Sony doesn’t. HDR10+ is a more dynamic and refined format compared to HDR10, providing more vibrant colors.
Which Budget Receiver Wins the Video Performance Battle?
When it comes to video performance, Denon’s receiver definitely beats the Sony STR-DH790. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate for 4K content and 8K at 60Hz, while Sony’s receiver only supports 4K/60Hz. Additionally, the Denon S760H supports HDR10+ and upscaling, making it the better choice in terms of video performance.
Connectivity Comparison: Denon AVR-S760H vs. Sony STR-DH790
Connectivity Aspect | Denon AVR-S760H | Sony STR-DH790 |
---|---|---|
Wired Connections | 6 HDMI inputs (3 support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz), 1 HDMI output with eARC, 2 optical inputs, 1 coaxial input, multiple RCA inputs, 1 phono input, 1 USB port (music playback), Ethernet port | 4 HDMI inputs (4K/60Hz), 1 HDMI output with ARC, 1 optical input, 1 coaxial input, 4 RCA inputs, no phono input, 1 USB port (power only), no Ethernet port |
Wireless Connections | Bluetooth (two-way), Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, no Chromecast support | Bluetooth (AAC codec), no Wi-Fi, no AirPlay, no Chromecast support |
Network Features | Ethernet port, DLNA support, internet radio, streaming services integration (Spotify, Tidal, Pandora, Amazon Music, Deezer) via HEOS | No Ethernet port, no DLNA support, no internet radio, no built-in streaming services support |
Overall Connectivity | Advanced wired and wireless connectivity, full network features, HEOS integration | Basic wired and wireless connectivity, lacks network and streaming capabilities |
As you can see in the table above, both receivers support 7.2-channel setups, which is great for a budget receiver. Both devices offer multiple HDMI inputs, but Denon offers two more. Additionally, both devices have one HDMI output, allowing users to connect their display to the receiver. One key difference here is that
Both receivers offer all the expected ports, including RCA, digital audio, and USB. However, the Sony DH790 lacks an Ethernet port, while Denon’s receiver includes one for a wired internet connection.
In terms of wireless connectivity, Sony’s receiver only supports Bluetooth, with no built-in Wi-Fi—this is a real drag. Meanwhile, the S760H comes with built-in Wi-Fi, allowing users to stream content directly from popular services like Spotify, Tidal, Pandora, and Amazon Music (via the HEOS app). The Denon’s support for AirPlay 2 means users can also stream content easily from their iOS devices.
So, Which Budget Receiver Wins the Connectivity Race?
Denon’s device is a clear winner: it has more HDMI inputs, built-in Wi-Fi, and support for AirPlay 2. These are all reasons to consider it the winner in this section.
Features and Functionalities Comparison: Denon AVR-S760H vs. Sony STR-DH790
Feature/Functionality | Denon AVR-S760H | Sony STR-DH790 |
---|---|---|
Calibration | Audyssey MultEQ with setup microphone, Dynamic Volume, Dynamic EQ for advanced calibration tailored to room acoustics | Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC), basic calibration with speaker level and distance adjustment |
Zones and Multi-Room Audio | Supports multi-room audio through HEOS system, allowing control of different audio sources in different zones | No multi-zone audio support, limited to single-room audio setup |
Voice Control | Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri for voice command control | No voice assistant compatibility, no smart home integration |
User Interface | User-friendly on-screen display with step-by-step setup instructions, well-designed remote, and HEOS app for comprehensive control | Basic on-screen display, straightforward but limited remote control |
OK, let’s get into the details from the table above.
In terms of audio calibration, Denon is a clear winner. What is calibration, you ask? Well, nothing too complicated—it’s the tech responsible for fine-tuning speaker settings to deliver the best possible audio experience across the entire room. Denon employs Audyssey MultEQ, which is a sophisticated auto-calibration technology. It can really dive deep into your room’s acoustics.
In contrast, Sony’s DH790 uses Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC), which is more basic. While it does a decent job adjusting speaker levels and distances, it lacks the precision and advanced features that Audyssey brings to the table.
Another area where Denon excels and Sony falls behind is the multi-zone feature. This feature allows you to distribute audio across different rooms. For example, you could listen to music in your room while the kids watch a movie in the living room. Denon lets you stream different content across zones in your home, thanks to its integration with the HEOS app. Unfortunately, the Sony STR-DH790 doesn’t support multi-zone.
If you’re a smart home enthusiast like me, you’ll appreciate the presence of support for voice assistants on an AV receiver. Denon’s contender supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri. This means you can control your receiver with voice commands—adjusting the volume, switching inputs, or playing your favorite playlist can all be done hands-free. Once again, Sony’s receiver loses the race, as it doesn’t support voice assistants.
When comparing Denon S760H and Sony DH790 in terms of user interface, I noticed how Denon’s interface was intuitive and user-friendly. The setup process included step-by-step instructions, the remote control was very functional, and the HEOS app allowed me to control the device with my smartphone—a nice feature to have.
On the other hand, Sony’s DH790 had a basic on-screen display that wasn’t as intuitive as the S760H’s. The remote control was OK overall, but it couldn’t match Denon’s. Also, there’s no app to control the receiver from a smartphone like with the S760H.
Which Budget Receiver is Superior When it Comes to Features?
The Denon AVR-S760H has more advanced calibration technology, supports multi-zone and voice assistants, and has a better interface, making it the winner without a doubt.
Conclusion
In this article, I tried to thoroughly compare Denon vs Sony to give you an idea of the brand that better suits you according to your home theater setup and taste of sound. As you see, Denon offers a better value for money, plus it’s been an old player in the AV receiver game, offering great reliability for so long. So, it’s best to go with a receiver made by Denon.