It makes sense comparing Sony STR-DH770 vs Denon AVR-S950H because they both are able to give some premium features.
Considered AV receivers have the same number of channels 7.2. Regarding power, then STR-DH770 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 105/6 when AVR-S950H has a power of 90/8, 125/6. The THD is 0.09% for the STR-DH770 but 0.08% for the AVR-S950H.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 192 KHz/24-bit for STR-DH770 and AKM 192 KHz/32-bit for the AVR-S950H. Only the STR-DH770 supports Bi-amping feature. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
Only the Denon AVR-S950H can connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. Only the AVR-S950H supports Spotify. 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. The AVR-S950H can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the STR-DH770. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the AVR-S950H.
The Sony STR-DH770 has 4/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 8/2 HDMI connectors of the Denon AVR-S950H. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the AVR-S950H. Of the two receivers in our comparison, HDMI CEC is present only in the AVR-S950H. The STR-DH770 supports the protection of digital content of the standard HDCP 2.2, versus HDCP 2.3 in the AVR-S950H. The AVR-S950H has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Each of the AV receivers from our review supports 2 Multi-room zones. An ECO mode is only available for the AVR-S950H. The setup assistant will help you configure Denon AVR-S950H.
Only the AVR-S950H has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the AVR-S950H.