Having had an opportunity to test Denon AVR-X8500HSP vs Onkyo TX-NR616, 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 - 13.2 versus 7.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the AVR-X8500HSP has such a ratio W/Ohm - 150/8, 190/6, while the TX-NR616 has a power of 160/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the AVR-X8500HSP it is 0.05%, but for the TX-NR616 it is 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the AVR-X8500HSP 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-X8500HSP and Onkyo TX-NR616 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. 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-X8500HSP 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.
Support for the HDR function can only boast of the AVR-X8500HSP. 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-X8500HSP and the TX-NR616. Each of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the AVR-X8500HSP.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the AVR-X8500HSP has 8/3, and the TX-NR616 has 8/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the AVR-X8500HSP. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. AVR-X8500HSP 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-X8500HSP.
Unlike the AVR-X8500HSP where 3 Multi zones is provided, the TX-NR616 works with 2 Multi zones. There is an ECO mode in AVR-X8500HSP. The Denon AVR-X8500HSP can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the AVR-X8500HSP. Only in the AVR-X8500HSP realized a DTS:X surround technology.