What is better - Denon AVR-S940H vs Denon HEOS AVR?
The number of channels for receivers is different - 7.2 versus 5.1, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the AVR-S940H has such a ratio W/Ohm - 90/8, 125/6, while the HEOS AVR has a power of 50/8, 65/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the AVR-S940H it is 0.08%, but for the HEOS AVR it is 0.05%. None of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Denon AVR-S940H and Denon HEOS AVR 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. Most popular streaming services are available for our models under consideration - Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud. 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-S940H and the HEOS AVR. Video scaling is only possible with the AVR-S940H. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the AVR-S940H.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the AVR-S940H has 8/2, and the HEOS AVR has 4/1. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the AVR-S940H and the HEOS AVR. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. AVR-S940H and HEOS AVR support the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Denon AVR-S940H. For voice control in the AVR-S940H is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI, but in the HEOS AVR is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant. There is an ECO mode in AVR-S940H. The Denon AVR-S940H can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the AVR-S940H. Only in the AVR-S940H realized a DTS:X surround technology.