Denon AVR-S760H vs. Onkyo TX-NR6050: Detailed Comparison

When it comes to upgrading your home entertainment system, an AV receiver is the heart of any high-quality setup. Among the many options available, two models stand out for their advanced features and performance: the Denon AVR-S760H and the Onkyo TX-NR6050. Both receivers offer cutting-edge technology, including 8K support, Dolby Atmos, and seamless smart home integration. In this comparison, we’ll dive into the strengths and weaknesses of each model, looking at key aspects like video and audio quality, gaming performance, and build reliability. Whether you’re a gamer, movie enthusiast, or music lover, understanding the nuances of these two models will help you make an informed decision for your next home theater upgrade.

Denon AVR-S760H 7.2 Ch AVR

The Denon AVR-S760H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver offers a host of impressive features, making it an excellent choice for home entertainment enthusiasts. This model supports 8K video pass-through and upscaling, ensuring high-resolution visuals with exceptional clarity. It also includes the latest audio technology, such as Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, DTS:X, and DTS Virtual:X, providing an immersive surround sound experience. For gamers, the receiver supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), delivering a smooth, lag-free gaming experience. Additionally, the AVR-S760H includes HEOS multi-room audio, allowing users to stream music wirelessly throughout their home via Wi-Fi, Airplay, or Bluetooth.

While the AVR-S760H delivers great value for its price with its advanced features, there are some drawbacks to consider. Some users have reported that the audio output isn’t as loud as expected, which may be an issue for those who prefer higher volume levels. The remote control functionality also appears to be problematic, with some users experiencing issues after a period of use.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

• 8K pass-through and upscaling for enhanced video quality
• Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization and DTS Virtual:X for immersive audio
• HEOS multi-room wireless music streaming
• Full voice control compatibility with Amazon Alexa and other major voice assistants
• Advanced gaming support with VRR, QFT, and ALLM for a lag-free experience

Pros:

• Excellent value for money with a wide range of features
• Seamless integration with multiple streaming services (Spotify, Pandora, etc.)
• Easy setup and compatibility with various devices
• Great for gamers due to low latency and high frame rates
• Voice control via Alexa and other voice assistants

Cons:

• Audio output may not be as loud as expected

Onkyo TX-NR6050 7.2-Channel AVR

The Onkyo TX-NR6050 7.2-Channel Network Home Theater Smart AV Receiver is a highly capable device that offers an immersive audio and video experience. Equipped with HDMI 2.1, it supports 8K and 4K/120Hz video pass-through, ensuring sharp, smooth visuals even during high-speed action sequences. Additionally, the receiver’s advanced gaming features such as VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) make it a great choice for gamers, eliminating lag and frame-tearing. The built-in streaming services, including Spotify, TIDAL, and Pandora, offer easy access to music, and the system integrates seamlessly with smart home ecosystems via Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Airplay.

While the TX-NR6050 excels in several areas, there are some notable downsides. The sound quality is a point of contention for some users, with mixed reviews about its clarity, with some reporting fuzzy audio. Additionally, despite its extensive features, the build quality has raised concerns, as several customers have reported breakdowns after just a few months of use. On a positive note, the Bluetooth connectivity works well, and users appreciate the ease of setup and compatibility with various speaker systems.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

• HDMI 2.1 with 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through for enhanced visuals
• Built-in streaming services such as Spotify, TIDAL, Deezer, and Pandora
• Smart home compatibility with Apple Airplay, Alexa, and Google Assistant
• Advanced gaming support with VRR, ALLM, and QFT for smooth, lag-free gameplay
• Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, with Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer for virtual surround sound

Pros:

• Easy setup and integration with smart home systems
• Excellent video quality with 8K and 4K/120Hz support
• Great for gaming with low-latency features
• Built-in music streaming services provide convenience
• Good Bluetooth connectivity and multi-room audio capabilities

Cons:

• Sound quality may not meet expectations for all users, with reports of fuzzy audio

Comparison of Denon AVR-S760H vs. Onkyo TX-NR6050

When considering an AV receiver for home entertainment, both the Denon AVR-S760H and the Onkyo TX-NR6050 stand out for their impressive features, but each has its unique strengths and drawbacks.

Video and Audio Quality

Denon AVR-S760H: The Denon AVR-S760H is a robust receiver designed to provide high-quality video and audio. With 8K support and advanced HDMI 2.1 features, it offers 8K pass-through and upscaling, allowing for superior picture quality on compatible displays. Additionally, the receiver supports Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization and DTS Virtual:X, providing an immersive surround sound experience even without a full speaker setup. The AVR-S760H offers excellent color reproduction with HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG support, making it suitable for both movies and gaming.

Onkyo TX-NR6050: Similarly, the Onkyo TX-NR6050 supports 8K/60Hz pass-through and 4K/120Hz, ensuring top-tier video quality with smooth, clear visuals. It is also equipped with Dynamic HDR formats, including HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG, guaranteeing a rich, high-contrast viewing experience. In terms of audio, the TX-NR6050 supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, just like the Denon, but adds the Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer to simulate surround sound even with fewer speakers. However, while the TX-NR6050 offers excellent video and immersive audio capabilities, its sound quality has received mixed feedback, with some users reporting fuzzy audio at times.

Gaming Features

Denon AVR-S760H: For gamers, the Denon AVR-S760H offers support for advanced gaming technologies such as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). These features ensure fluid gameplay with reduced lag and frame-tearing, which is especially important for fast-paced games. The 4K/120Hz pass-through enhances the gaming experience by providing ultra-smooth motion and crisp visuals.

Onkyo TX-NR6050: The Onkyo TX-NR6050 also caters well to gamers, supporting HDMI 2.1 features like 4K/120Hz and VRR. It offers ALLM and QFT, similar to the Denon, which helps minimize latency and stutter during high-speed gaming sessions. The TX-NR6050’s ability to pass 4K at high refresh rates makes it a great option for gamers who demand smooth, lag-free performance. While both receivers excel in this area, the Denon’s implementation is generally considered a bit more refined, especially regarding smoothness and responsiveness in fast-moving games.

Smart Home Compatibility and Streaming

Denon AVR-S760H: The Denon AVR-S760H features built-in HEOS, which allows you to stream music throughout your home via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or AirPlay. This multi-room wireless speaker feature makes it easier to fill your home with sound without additional hardware. The receiver also integrates seamlessly with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay, offering full voice control for a hands-free experience.

Onkyo TX-NR6050: The Onkyo TX-NR6050 is also a smart home-friendly receiver, integrating easily with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay. It provides built-in streaming services such as Spotify, TIDAL, Deezer, TuneIn, and Pandora, which are accessible via the Onkyo Control App or directly from the receiver’s interface. Its compatibility with smart home devices is excellent, enabling effortless control of music and other functions across multiple rooms.

Build Quality and Durability

Denon AVR-S760H: While the Denon AVR-S760H offers a lot of features for its price, it’s important to note that some users have reported issues with the longevity of the product. The overall build quality is decent, but there are occasional concerns about the remote control’s functionality, which has been reported to fail after a year of use. However, most users find that the receiver operates well within its first year.

Onkyo TX-NR6050: The Onkyo TX-NR6050’s build quality has been a point of concern for many users, with several reports of the unit failing after about four months of use. While it offers a solid array of features, the durability of the device is questionable, and this could be a deal-breaker for those looking for a long-lasting receiver. The initial performance is solid, but users should be cautious about potential reliability issues over time.

Comparison Table

Feature	Denon AVR-S760H	Onkyo TX-NR6050
Video Quality	8K pass-through, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG support	8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
Audio Technology	Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, DTS:X	Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer
Gaming Support	VRR, QFT, ALLM for smoother gameplay	VRR, QFT, ALLM for ultra-fast motion
Smart Home Integration	Alexa, Google Assistant, AirPlay, HEOS support	Alexa, Google Assistant, AirPlay, built-in streaming apps
Build Quality and Durability	Some concerns with remote functionality over time	Concerns about reliability, breakdowns reported

FAQ

What are the key differences between the Denon AVR-S760H and the Onkyo TX-NR6050?

The main differences between the Denon AVR-S760H and the Onkyo TX-NR6050 lie in their video and audio technology, build quality, and smart home integration. The Denon receiver focuses heavily on providing superior video quality with its 8K pass-through and advanced surround sound technologies like Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization. On the other hand, the Onkyo model offers a stronger emphasis on built-in streaming services and smart home compatibility, with support for services like Spotify, TIDAL, and Deezer, making it a better choice for users focused on music and voice control integration. Additionally, the Onkyo’s build quality has received some reliability concerns, while the Denon offers a more consistent performance over time.

Which receiver is better for gaming?

Both receivers are well-suited for gaming, but the Denon AVR-S760H may have the edge in this area. It offers support for 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM, providing a smoother and more responsive gaming experience. The advanced HDMI 2.1 features help reduce lag, stuttering, and frame tearing, making it ideal for gamers who need fast, fluid motion. The Onkyo TX-NR6050 also supports similar gaming enhancements like VRR and 4K/120Hz, but the overall gaming experience may not be as refined as the Denon model.

Is the Denon AVR-S760H compatible with smart home devices?

Yes, the Denon AVR-S760H is fully compatible with smart home devices. It integrates seamlessly with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay, providing users with full voice control over the receiver. This allows for hands-free adjustments to volume, input selection, and more, enhancing convenience and ease of use in a smart home ecosystem.

What are the build quality concerns with the Onkyo TX-NR6050?

While the Onkyo TX-NR6050 offers great features for its price, its build quality has raised concerns among some users. Several reports indicate that units have broken down after only a few months of use, leading to questions about the receiver’s long-term durability. This is a crucial factor to consider for buyers who are looking for a product that will last for years without experiencing reliability issues.

Which AV receiver is better for home theater setups?

For a home theater setup, the Denon AVR-S760H might be the better choice. It supports the latest in video and audio technology, including 8K pass-through, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, and DTS Virtual:X, ensuring a fully immersive movie-watching experience. The receiver also provides enhanced video performance with high-quality color accuracy and smooth motion, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize cinematic visuals and surround sound.

Conclusion

Both the Denon AVR-S760H and the Onkyo TX-NR6050 are high-performing AV receivers with advanced video and audio features. The Denon receiver is a great option for those looking for smooth video performance and immersive surround sound, particularly for gaming and home theater use. Its integration with HEOS for multi-room audio streaming is also a strong selling point. On the other hand, the Onkyo TX-NR6050 shines with its smart home integration and built-in streaming services, offering a seamless experience for music lovers and smart home users. However, the Onkyo may fall short in terms of long-term reliability and sound quality consistency.