Having had an opportunity to test Denon AVR-X2500H vs Onkyo TX-NR616, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the AVR-X2500H has such a ratio W/Ohm - 95/8, 125/6, while the TX-NR616 has a power of 160/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the AVR-X2500H received the model AK4490 384 KHz/32-bit, but the TX-NR616 is equipped with Burr-Brown 192 KHz/24-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Denon AVR-X2500H and Onkyo TX-NR616 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. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Denon AVR-X2500H works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud, but the Onkyo TX-NR616 works with Last.fm, AUPEO, Simfy, vTuner. 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 AVR-X2500H and the TX-NR616. Video scaling is only possible with the TX-NR616. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the AVR-X2500H.
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 AVR-X2500H and the TX-NR616. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. AVR-X2500H and TX-NR616 support the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Denon AVR-X2500H.
Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. There is an ECO mode in AVR-X2500H. The Denon AVR-X2500H can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the AVR-X2500H. Only in the AVR-X2500H realized a DTS:X surround technology.