Denon AVR-S950H vs Onkyo TX-NR797 review

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The Denon AVR-S950H vs Onkyo TX-NR797 comparison proves that these receivers have many common features.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Denon AVR-S950H has 7.2 versus 9.2 for Onkyo TX-NR797. Regarding power, then AVR-S950H has such a W/Ohm ratio - 90/8, 125/6 when TX-NR797 has a power of 100/8, 220/6. The THD is the same and is 0.08%.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, AKM 192 KHz/32-bit for AVR-S950H and AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit for the TX-NR797. Only the TX-NR797 supports Bi-amping feature. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

Both models have the ability to connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Apple Music service is implemented on considered devices: AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The AVR-S950H can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud, Mood Mix, and the TX-NR797 can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio.

Video features

Both AV receivers support HDR10 technology (High dynamic range). Compared AV receivers retain the quality of 4K/60Hz signal when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode is implemented in each of the devices. Both rivals can scale the resolution of the incoming HDMI signal. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.

Extensive connections

The Denon AVR-S950H has 8/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 7/2 HDMI connectors of the Onkyo TX-NR797. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the AVR-S950H. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. The AVR-S950H supports the protection of digital content of the standard HDCP 2.3, versus HDCP 2.2 in the TX-NR797. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.

Additional features

The AVR-S950H supports 2 Multi-room zones, versus 3 for the TX-NR797. The AVR-S950H supports voice control via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI, and the TX-NR797 - Google Assistant. An ECO mode is only available for the AVR-S950H. Both AVR-S950H and TX-NR797 can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The surround sound technology DTS:X is supported by devices under review.