Onkyo and Denon Receivers Comparison

In the audio industry, both Denon and Onkyo have built a strong reputation for themselves as producers of high-quality AV receivers. Their fans appreciate the exceptional sound quality and features of the models from these brands, and so I decided to make their receivers’ comparison.

Established in 1910, Denon offers a wide range of devices with a great price-quality ratio and is particularly popular in the US market. Onkyo, established in 1946, is favored by people for its sound and is considered a brand for connoisseurs.

In this article, I selected the top receivers from both brands across various price ranges, from entry-level to high-end. Then, I will analyze and compare these models to determine which is the finest. We’ll also take a look at each receiver’s features, capabilities, performance, and overall value to assist you in making an informed decision when choosing an AV receiver.

Denon vs Onkyo AV receivers

Choosing between AV receivers from Denon and Onkyo can be challenging as it often comes down to individual preferences and the specific features and capabilities that are important to the buyer. Denon offers various receivers with prices ranging from entry-level at $350 to high-end models that cost more than $6000. In addition, many of their models are feature-rich and support the latest surround sound formats and pass-through video capabilities.

On the other hand, Onkyo is favored by audiophiles and those who appreciate the brand’s sound quality. They offer a smaller range of models, but many of them are known for their high-quality audio performance. They also support the latest surround sound formats and pass-through video capabilities.

AVR under $2000 comparison

Denon AVR-X3700H vs Onkyo TX-RZ50

I decided it would be a good idea to start my Denon vs. Onkyo comparison with these two models because they belong to the high-end price range of their companies. The Denon AVR-X3700H is a 9.2-channel unit that offers 105 watts per single channel with 8 Ohm speakers and 0.08% THD. It features 8 HDMI ports with 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz content support and 3D video pass-through. The unit comes with the latest technologies, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D. Apart from supporting Zone 2 features, the AVR-X3700H can work with HEOS-compatible speakers.

Similarly, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 offers the same 9.2 channels and can provide up to 110 watts per channel with 8 ohms speakers. Just like the AVR-X3700H, it supports 8K/60Hz with half of its HDMI ports and 4K/120Hz with others. The unit also works with 3D video pass-through. Like Denon, Onkyo added support for Dolby Atmos, the latest DTS:X, and Auro-3D. Chromecast and AirPlay 2 are among the most helpful features of the receiver. It also works very well with Apple Siri voice control. In addition, both units offer support for the HDR+ technology family.

Comparing the sound quality of the Denon AVR-X3700H and Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a bit subjective as it can depend on the specific speakers and room acoustics used. However, both receivers are considered high-end models and should offer advanced audio processing technology to enhance the sound quality. The Denon AVR-X3700H uses the company’s proprietary AL32 Processing technology like its predecessor. Denon did everything possible to boost the sound quality without losing its classic sound.

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 offers a proprietary AccuEQ Advance room-calibration system. It also features VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) technology that removes pulse noise for a more accurate and detailed sound. Additionally, it supports high-resolution audio playback and offers similar audio formats like the AVR-X3700H: DSD, FLAC, and WAV.

Denon AVR-X3700H

Onkyo TX-RZ50

AVR under $1000 comparison

Denon AVR-S970H vs Onkyo TX-NR6100

The Denon AVR-S970H and Onkyo TX-NR6100 are both popular among people who love the sound quality and value their budget. Both receivers are capable, but there are some key differences to consider between these two models. The Denon AVR-S970H features 9 amplified speaker channels. In turn, the Onkyo TX-NR6100 only offers 7. Denon AVR-S970H also has more power—125 watts per channel, while the Onkyo TX-NR6100 can only provide 110 watts per channel with 8-ohm speakers with 0.08% THD.

Talking about HDMI ports, the Denon AVR-S970H has 8 HDMI inputs and 3 outputs. While the Onkyo TX-NR6100 shares the number of HDMI inputs— 8 but has only 2 outputs. The units offer 4K/60Hz content resolution and support HDCP 2.3 security protocol. In addition, Denon AVR-S970H has a richer set of HDR formats, including HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision, while the Onkyo TX-NR6100 supports only HDR10 and HLG.

Typically for Denon models, the AVR-S970H produces clean and precise sound. Comparing its sound to Onkyo TX-NR6100, I clearly heard that Denon gave me a more natural sound and showed a broader range of frequencies. Denon also showed itself better due to its power and managed to drive even mine power-demanding speakers without any distortions. The TX-NR6100 lost the details on heights when I decided to raise the volume to the max. At the same time, Onkyo showed a better tonal balance in music and sounded more pleasing.

Denon AVR-S760H

Onkyo TX-NR6100

Denon AVR-S760H vs Onkyo TX-NR5100

Let the next round of the Onkyo vs. Denon battle begin. The Denon AVR-S760H and Onkyo TX-NR5100 are high-end AV receivers with extensive features and capabilities. Both models offer 7 channels. The Denon AVR-S760H can provide up to 75 watts per channel. In turn, the Onkyo TX-NR5100 can pump 80 watts per channel. The Onkyo TX-NR5100 a bit surpasses the Denon AVR-S760H when using 8-ohm speakers while keeping the same THD of 0.08%.

The units offer a similar number of HDMI ports. Denon AVR-S760H has 8 HDMI inputs and 3 HDMI outputs. While the Onkyo TX-NR5100 has 8 HDMI inputs but only 2 HDMI outputs. Both models support HDCP 2.3—the latest version available. The units work with the following HDR formats: HDR10 and HLG. However, Dolby Vision is only supported by Denon’s solution. The TX-NR5100 and AVR-S760H feature up-to-date surround sound technologies. The list of which includes Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D.

The receivers offer advanced upscaling features, enhancing the quality of your video materials. The Denon AVR-S760H offers advanced video technologies such as 4K/60Hz pass-through and HDR to SDR conversion. On the other hand, the Onkyo TX-NR5100 supports the latest video resolutions and technologies. It can also work with 8K/60Hz content and supports 4K at 120Hz. It goes without saying that these units work great with DTS Virtual:X, DTS Neural:X, and IMAX Enhanced.

The AVR-S760H sounded very clean and precisely rendered every sound detail when I watched movies, which is not surprising because Denon puts a tremendous effort into keeping the recognizable sound of their receivers. I liked that it offered an authentic tonal balance, which resulted in quality and, more importantly, natural sound. In this regard, the Onkyo TX-NR5100 offered a bit of over-processed sound. Both receivers didn’t show the slightest sight of a lack of power as they have powerful amps.

Neither can I blame them for not being able to deliver quality surround sound because both did the job just fine. At the same time, I would like the TX-NR5100 to provide a more natural sound right out of the box without any adjustment. Yet, this aspect can only be noticed when directly comparing both units. The AVR-S760 and TX-NR5100 showed exceptional quality in music too. Though, I clearly felt how cranking the volume almost brought the AVR-S760 to its knees, while the TX-NR5100 didn’t even show sight of problems.

Denon AVR-S760H

Onkyo TX-NR5100

AVR under $500 comparison

Onkyo TX-SR393 vs Denon AVR-S570BT

Finally, we’re getting to the last part of today’s Denon or Onkyo receivers comparison. The Onkyo TX-SR393 kicks its opponent with 7 channels, while the Denon AVR-S570BT can only offer 5. However, the units are equal in terms of their power output, as they both offer 80 watts per channel, with standard 8-ohm speakers and a THD of 0.08%.

More interestingly, the units also match in terms of HDMI connectivity—the AVR-S570BT and TX-SR393 have 4 HDMI inputs and a single HDMI output. Yet, this is pretty standard for their budget. The AVR-S570BY pulls ahead with video features. Apart from HDR10 and HLG, which both units can work with, Denon’s representative also supports Dolby Vision.

Talking about video technologies, the Onkyo TX-SR393 supports 4K/60Hz video pass-through, 4K Upscaling, and HDR. In turn, the Denon AVR-S570BT also works with 4K/60Hz content, 4K Upscaling, and HDR pass-through. Furthermore, both receivers support ARC and eARC, allowing them to transmit data between source and target devices efficiently. In addition, the units have upscaling features and can enhance the quality of lower-resolution content.

The Onkyo TX-SR393 features AccuEQ Advance, which uses a microphone and advanced algorithms to optimize the sound for your room and speakers. In turn, Denon AVR-S570BT utilizes the proprietary Audyssey MultEQ XT to fulfill this purpose. The main concern is that one may need to buy an app. At the same time, the technologies worked well and efficiently adjusted the receiver to my room, ensuring even sound distribution. Both receivers support various surround sound formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The Onkyo TX-SR393 also supports DTS Neural:X, while the Denon AVR-S570BT works with Auro-3D. The difference between these two is the algorithms they use to deliver surround sound.

Even in this budget segment, Denon and Onkyo pay tremendous attention to the quality of their products. So, both relievers sound very well. In movies, the Onkyo TX-SR393 surprised me with how much power it can pump into my speakers. I thought it would max out much earlier than it did. It also worked well with dynamic range and delivered adequate detail level. At the same time, the AVR-S570BT still showed clear and more detailed results. Yet, the quality fainted when I tried to raise the volume in action scenes. The receivers are also capable of playing music, but no surprises here, as both units show acceptable results until you turn up the volume to the maximum. Regardless of the genre, it can be a hard-rock reef, an acoustic concert with violins and wind instruments, or even slow rock ballads—the quality drops drastically.

Onkyo TX-SR393

Denon AVR-S570BT

FAQ

You can also consider comparing Denon receivers with those models:

Denon vs Marantz.
Denon vs Yamaha.