Having had an opportunity to test Sony STR-DH790 vs Onkyo TX-NR7100, 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 - 7.2 versus 9.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the STR-DH790 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 90/6, while the TX-NR7100 has a power of 100/8, 220/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the STR-DH790 it is 0.09%, but for the TX-NR7100 it is 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the STR-DH790 received the model 192 KHz/24-bit, but the TX-NR7100 is equipped with 384 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Sony STR-DH790 and Onkyo TX-NR7100 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. The TX-NR7100 has access to the Spotify service.
Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the STR-DH790 and the TX-NR7100. Video scaling is only possible with the TX-NR7100. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the STR-DH790 has 4/1, and the TX-NR7100 has 7/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is supported by the STR-DH790 and the TX-NR7100. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The STR-DH790 has support for the standard HDCP 2.2, compared to the TX-NR7100, which supports the standard HDCP 2.3. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Onkyo TX-NR7100. There is an ECO mode in TX-NR7100. The Sony STR-DH790 and the Onkyo TX-NR7100 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.