Music lovers spend a bunch of money to buy audio equipment to get a good music experience. An audio receiver is one of them. You will find many audio receiver options in the market, of which Onkyo vs. Denon are two famous brands.
These two brands have several unique features that make people buy these audio receivers. But if we compare Onkyo and Denon face to face, who will win? Yes, we are going to do something like that in this article.
We will first know the key features of the two brands one by one. Then we will consider the good and bad aspects of them and select which one is comparatively better. So let’s get started.
Denon vs. Onkyo
Since the Onkyo and Denon brands already have multiple models, making a comparative sketch isn’t easy. Because not all models are the same, some models have better plus points than others, and some include flaws. So we will draw an average comparative picture so that we get a rough idea. Then we will pick the final decision.
Denon: A Lot Under The Hood
The Denon is by born an American company. The Denon has a history of 100+ years. Frederick Whitney Horn founded this company in 1910.
The Denon brand was established by the company later in 1947. It was at that time that Nippon Columbia merged with today’s rival Japan Denki Onkyo.
The company currently produces audio equipment such as home theaters, DVD players, AV receivers, wireless stereos, tuners, etc.
However, Denon has a good reputation for moving coil cartridges and home cinema receivers. Moreover, the Denon brand is well-known around the world for providing consumers with a great music experience.
Key Features of Denon AV Receivers
After knowing the history, now is the time to learn about the key features of the Denon brand. So let’s discuss the features one by one:
Best For Music Lovers
When it comes to AV receivers, the first thing that comes to mind is Denon. With Denon’s remarkable audio quality and eye-catching models, it continues to serve consumers with dedication. The company has held the trust of consumers since its inception.
While other companies have reduced the number of new models in the market, Denon continues to present one new model after another to consumers.
For example, Sony has not released any new models since 2017. On the other hand, our current rival Onkyo has stopped producing new models for several years.
Denon has released some new models that include HDMI 2.1 connections with eARC and 8K video support. Notable is the Denon AVR-S960H. It’s more modest than other company’s equivalent receivers.
Best Mid-Range Receiver
Denon’s AVR-x2700H model released in 2020 is the best mid-ranger. It is Denon’s premium series and uses the X series AV receiver. Each channel of the AVR-x2700H can generate 95 watts of electricity.
It also has an immersive 3D sound feature with a Denon AV receiver. The model has Dolby Atmos. It includes DTS: X and DTS Virtual: X. In addition, this model supports Dolby Atmos’ high-powered virtualization technology.
Moreover, the advanced video technology has an 8K support capacity of 60Hz refresh rate and 4K support of 120Hz refresh rate. The AVR-x2700H supports various video formats, including Dolby Vision, HDR 10, HDR 10+, Dynamic HDR, 8K upscaling, HLG, and more.
User Friendly
As with most AV receivers, Denon comes on the market almost as an eye-catching black box. However, they are easier to use for relatively large displays and shortcut buttons.
Consumers refer to Denon’s receivers as user-friendly. When you increase or decrease the volume, its smooth knob allows you to select the volume correctly and easily with a neat feeling.
Some older Denon receivers have Amazon Alexa voice control. However, the authority later dropped the feature from Google Assistant. But you can change the music through voice command, you can change the input, in a word, you can control the receiver without touching it.
However, Google Assistant support has been limited to the latest models. You can only change the volume and control the transport through it.
However, there is nothing to worry about because by installing Denon’s Heos app, you will get other benefits if you want. For example, playing a certain song.
Pros of Denon AV Receivers:
- Future-adapted 8K video aptitudes;
- Intense and powerful sound;
- Denon has Heos app to regulate various united devices;
- A great producer of surround sound impacts;
- Effectual amplifier system;
- Has front-wide channels support system.
Cons of Denon AV Receivers:
- You won’t found details in a powerful bass;
- Do not support Auro 3D.
Onkyo: The Big Black Box
Onkyo Corporation, a Japanese consumer electronics company, started its journey in 1947. It was called Osaka Denki Onkyo KK in the beginning.
The company fabricates several audio types of material, including premium home movies and AV receivers, portable devices, surround sound speakers. The word Onkyo means “sound resonance.”
Onkyo’s first receiver came on the market in the ’70s of 2000 century. Immediately after their release, they received a good response from the consumer community.
Onkyo’s multi-channel receiver came on the market in 2000. The very next year, in 2001, for the first time, the receiver was connected to the home theater system. Onkyo installed an Ethernet interface on its devices in 2002.
Key Features of Onkyo AV Receivers
After knowing the history of Onkyo like Denon, now we will know about some notable features of Onkyo AV Receivers. Then we will learn about the pros and cons of these receivers.
Best Home Theatre Receiver
Yes, if your target is a home theater, then Onkyo is the best. A notable model of Onkyo is the TX-NR696. The model is one of the latest mid-range models from the Onkyo Company.
Originally Onkyo’s receivers offered high-powered features. Like the flagship level, budget level receivers are also home theater friendly. Onkyo’s overall sound quality tends to be very strong.
These have several HDR10 and Dolby Vision-supported products. On most of Onkyo’s receivers, you will find streaming protocols like Spotify Connect, DTS Play-Fi, Built-in Chromecast, Bluetooth, AirPlay, etc.
Full of Modern Features
Onkyo’s receivers are indeed full of sophisticated features. It has all the powerful elements to give the music its original form. Even some receivers have powerful and versatile 7.1 channels, such as the TX-SR444 model. Onkyo has installed HDCP 2.2 in it.
It allows you to connect HDMI and enjoy watching 4K videos on your monitor. Onkyo uses ultramodern WRAT amplifier technology to provide powerful audio to its receivers. These amplifiers transmit 75 watts of power to each receiver channel, which can produce powerful audio of 8 ohms.
You can further enhance the audio by attaching additional speakers to these if you wish. Moreover, you can play music wirelessly through laptops, mobile phones, MP3 players, and tabs because these have Bluetooth 2.1.
Boasts Video Capabilities
Not only can you enjoy a handful of video capabilities using Onkyo’s receivers, but the company also has several models that support the latest up-to-date video formats. These include HDMI ports, Main Out, and Sub Out.
Using these, you can convert your 4K HDR video to HLG, HDR10, and Dolby Vision and watch it on your monitor. They have a 4K support capability of 60 Hz refresh rate as well as HDCP 2.2. They use high-quality 5-way binding ports instead of spring clips. These are more effective than their counterparts.
Pros of Onkyo AV Receivers:
- Melodious and very precise sound;
- Excellent audio generation;
- Support surround sound decoders;
- Analog to HDMI video transformation function;
- The newest Bluetooth version;
- Equitable sound in stereo mode;
- 4K with 60Hz refresh rate supported HDMI inputs and outputs.
Cons of Onkyo AV Receivers:
- No upscale feature;
- No network functions in budget receivers;
- No HDR 10+ and Dynamic HDR support.
Denon vs. Onkyo: Which One Is Better?
See, Denon and Onkyo are both very popular AV receiver brands. So the genuine contrast is going to be very rough. Above, we have learned several notable features of the two companies. We also learned the pros and cons.
This time we will do a straight evaluation. We will compare everything in some categories- sound quality, build quality, reliability, etc. Then we will pick the comparatively better verdict. Then fasten the seat belt, and let’s get started.
Sound Quality
First, we will discuss the most important field- sound quality. Because AV receivers are mainly designed to improve sound quality, aren’t they?
Whichever headphone or speaker you use as the audio output, both deserve better sound quality. So the sound output must be unimaginable because you must enjoy your music from your heart.
When we look at Onkyo’s receivers, we see that they are equipped with advanced ingredients. In addition to their flagship level, they have also used powerful audio output systems in budget-level receivers. Onkyo has compromised less on modern receivers than ever before. The recent AccuEQ technology of receivers has enhanced their sound quality.
On the other hand, the mechanism of Denon’s Audyssey MultiEQ is incredible. When you enjoy music using this modern technology, you will feel your music has come back to life.
With the blessings of the Audyssey MultiEQ system, you can understand and enjoy every detail of the music. While the main topic of discussion is sound quality, Denon is a bit ahead of Onkyo for its relatively lively and detailed audio performance.
Denon company history and overview
Denon was founded in 1932 and has been a leading audio equipment brand. The company has a wide range of receivers available, from budget options to flagship models that offer exceptional sound performance.
The company’s products are known for their quality, durability, and innovative features. Denon has a wide range of receivers available, from budget options to flagship models that offer exceptional sound performance.
The receiver’s key features include Dolby Atmos technology, advanced surround sound capabilities, 3D audio support (via Denon AVR-X2300W), TOSLINK Wi-Fi connectivity, and Bluetooth 4.2 compatibility.
Onkyo Company History And Overview
Onkyo was founded in 1938 and is one of the leading electronics companies in Japan. The company’s products include receivers, home theater systems, amplifiers, and speaker systems. The company offers a wide range of audio equipment options, from budget-friendly models to high-end models that offer exceptional sound quality.
The receiver’s key features include Dolby Atmos technology (via AVR-X3500H), advanced surround sound capabilities ( via AVR-X4300H), 3D audio support (via DTS: X20 Ultra HD Premium decoding), TOSL INK Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, and a variety of input options (including optical, HDMI, USB).
How I tested receivers by Denon and Onkyo
I selected three different types of media to test the receivers’ capabilities: Blu-rays, DVDs, and streaming services. I also compared the receivers’ sound quality based on my personal preferences.
For the comparison, I used the same music sources (CDs, FLAC files) and movie content (The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Star Wars Episode VII – The Force Awakens). The receivers by Denon and Onkyo offer great sound quality. They both excelled in rendering detailed sounds, especially when it came to Blu-ray and DVD playback.
However, when it came to streaming content, the AVR-X3500H offered better sound quality with an overall deeper bass response. Overall, I was very impressed with the receiver’s sound quality. And would definitely recommend them to anyone in the market for a high quality audio system.
Onkyo vs Denon – Build Quality and Design
Both brands offer high-quality receivers that are built with a number of features and performance in mind. However, one standout feature for Denon receivers is their Dolby Atmos technology – this enables users to experience enhanced sound effects and atmospheric sounds when watching movies or playing games.
On the other hand, I found that Onkyo speaker system was better suiting for music playback due to its superior bass response. This makes it a great choice for people who are looking for home theater sound quality without breaking the bank.
Overall, both brands offer excellent options when it comes to receiver build quality and design. However, if you are looking for a receiver that is specifically design for music playback, I would recommend choosing an Onkyo model.
Build Quality And Reliability
Good build quality is required for good performance. The point here is not that you spend a lot of money to buy a device that is just beautiful to look at.
There is a little problem with the build quality of Onkyo. Like the RZ 800 series, the receiver had several HDMI faults. Many of the products in that series have been returned or repaired by consumers after a few days of use.
In contrast, this has never happened in Denon’s history. From the beginning, they kept concerned about the build quality of their products and still do.
Even Denon has designed its audio receivers to be relatively bulky so that they can be easily carried. They did so, deprived of any price difference. So, in this case, Denon wins, and Onkyo loses.
Additional Features
When picking a receiver, you must notice what additional features that receiver has. Because with the help of additional features, your audio quality will be better.
Honestly, the receivers of Denon and Onkyo are full of important features. The receivers of both the brands have been given all the necessary features not to have any need while enjoying music. Everything is available in these receivers: built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Dolby Atmos Support, 4K Ultra HD HDMI.
Both Brands Are Equal In Terms Of Additional Features. So At This Point, Both Do A Draw.
Final Result
After a detailed analysis of the above, we can claim that the Denon receiver is better than Onkyo’s. However, don’t think that Onkyo’s receivers are not up to standard. In fact, in some cases, Onkyo lags behind Denon for deficits. One of the reasons behind Onkyo’s lag is its laggy HDMI and unreliability.
So, of course, we can say that Denon receivers are relatively more reliable and money worth. I hope now you know the comparison of Denon vs. Onkyo.
One thing you can always trust is that our experts make no biased judgments while reviewing audio receivers. In the case of Onkyo vs Denon, both the brands have their unique strengths and weaknesses.
When it comes to sound quality and design, Onkyo seems to be a clear winner in this case because of its audiophile-grade components and impressive transparency engine. So, which one should you choose? It totally depends on your preferences!
FAQs
1.Denon–X3700H Vs Onkyo TX–RZ840: What’s What’s The Difference?
Ans: When it comes to features and specs, the two receivers offer a lot of the same features. However, one area where the Denon-X3700H shines is its extra USB port – this allows users to connect additional devices such as a CD player or turntable.
On the other hand, I thought that both receivers performed well when it came to streaming content online; however, if you are looking for a receiver that will give you true 5.1 surround sound.
2.What Is The Difference Between A Surround Decoder And An Amplifier?
Ans: A surround decoder is a component of a receiver that processes audio signals to create simulated 5.1 Surround sound output. This means that if you are using a traditional stereo system, the surround decoder will “”turn off”” some channels in order to provide the illusion of surround sound.
An amplifier, on the other hand, restores all audio channels to their original levels and fills any room with rich-sounding music and movies.
3.What Was The Result Of Your Test?
Ans: Overall, I think both receivers offer excellent options for those looking for quality home theater sound without breaking the bank. However, if you are specifically looking for a receiver that will give you true 5.1 surround sound. Then I would recommend opting for an Onkyo model.
4.What Is The Heos App?
Ans: The Heos app is a free music streaming app that allows users to control their listening experience from anywhere in the world. With the Heos app, you can play music from your phone or tablet, as well as access your favorite internet radio stations.
5.What Is D&M Holdings Inc.?
Ans: D&M Holdings, Inc. is a holding company that primarily engages in the acquisition, development, and divestiture of real estate properties. The company also owns interests in various businesses, including entertainment companies and technology firms.
6.What Is Onkyo?
Ans: Onkyo is a Japanese multinational electronics corporation that specializes in home audio, flat-screen television, and AV receivers. The company has products available in the United States, Canada, the UK, Spain, Italy, and other countries.
7.What Are The Benefits Of Onkyo?
Ans: The benefits of choosing an Onkyo receiver include high-quality sound, intuitive controls, and modern features. The company’s receivers are known for their sleek design and easy-to-use menus. Additionally, Onkyo receivers offer a variety of amplifier outputs that can use to power multiple speakers in different rooms.