Having had an opportunity to test Onkyo PR-RZ5100 vs Denon AVR-X2500H, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.
The number of channels for receivers is different - 11.2 versus 7.2, respectively, for devices. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the PR-RZ5100 it is 0.06%, but for the AVR-X2500H it is 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the PR-RZ5100 received the model AKM 384 KHz/32-bit, but the AVR-X2500H is equipped with AK4490 384 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. The model AVR-X2500H can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
Wireless Internet access via WIFI is possible on both units. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. The contenders have differences in the supported services from Apple - AirPlay versus AirPlay, AirPlay 2 respectively. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Onkyo PR-RZ5100 works with Deezer, TIDAL, TuneIn Radio, but the Denon AVR-X2500H works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud.
The HDR10 function is present in each of the rivals. The quality of 4K/60Hz signal remains unchanged when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector via HDMI for both receivers. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the PR-RZ5100 and the AVR-X2500H. Video scaling is only possible with the PR-RZ5100. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs is the same - 8/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the PR-RZ5100 and the AVR-X2500H. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. PR-RZ5100 and AVR-X2500H support the standard HDCP 2.2. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Unlike the PR-RZ5100 where 3 Multi zones is provided, the AVR-X2500H works with 2 Multi zones. There is an ECO mode in AVR-X2500H. The Onkyo PR-RZ5100 and the Denon AVR-X2500H can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available both models. A DTS:X surround technology is supported by devices from our comparison.