Denon AVR-S650H vs Onkyo TX-SR494

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Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Denon AVR-S650H and Onkyo TX-SR494 takes place. According to the results of our review, Denon AVR-S650H received 6.2 points out of 10 possible, and Onkyo TX-SR494 was rated 5.5 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2019. Based on the data on the characteristics and features of both models, we can conclude that AVR-S650H has better performance than TX-SR494.

Main advantages Denon AVR-S650H over Onkyo TX-SR494

Main advantages Onkyo TX-SR494 over Denon AVR-S650H

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 6 and 7, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Denon AVR-S650H supports 5.2-channels sound, but Onkyo TX-SR494 supports a 7.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced. The differences between the models in terms of RMS power are significant - for the TX-SR494 this value is 135/6 W/Ohm, and for the AVR-S650H it is 100/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the AVR-S650H 6 out of 10, and the TX-SR494 - 9.

Bi-amping is the amplification of one speaker with two amplifiers. This amplification method has a positive effect on sound quality. Bi-amping is possible on the TX-SR494.

Most receivers now come with a microphone included. It is with the help of this microphone that the auto-calibration system functions, which adjusts the sound of the receiver to the room.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Denon AVR-S650H scored 7, and Onkyo TX-SR494 scored 5 out of 10.

Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible only on the Denon AVR-S650H.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

Wired internet connection via RJ45 allows receiver faster connection than wireless or even use NAS storages. Wired connection via RJ45 is possible in the AVR-S650H only.

Streaming services

Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.

Extensive connections

The presence of many connectors makes the receiver more versatile. But there are also narrowly targeted models, the number of connectors which are limited to a certain area of use. And when choosing their own receiver, users need to consider exactly your goals for using the receiver. For extensive connection, Denon AVR-S650H got 7 points, but Onkyo TX-SR494 received 6 points.

Denon AVR-S650H is equipped with 5/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Onkyo TX-SR494 has 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs.

HDMI eARC is the next step in the development of audio return channel technology, which works in conjunction with HDMI 2.1. Using eARC provides the highest sound quality for home audio systems. HDMI eARC is available only on Denon AVR-S650H.

The HDCP encryption protocol is now mandatory for most media devices. This security technology encrypts digital signals from one product to another. HDCP content-encryption protocol is present on Denon AVR-S650H in the HDCP 2.3 version, and Onkyo TX-SR494 has the HDCP 2.2 version.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the AVR-S650H has a Phono interface.

Video features

The AV receiver is the heart of the home theater. And in this case, support for all current video formats ensures the best user experience, so it is very important to consider this when choosing a device. Video features of rivals in our comparison were rated 6 out of 10.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the AVR-S650H got 10 points, but the TX-SR494 has 6.

Voice control allows you to control the basic functions of the receiver through a smartphone, smart speaker or using the microphone that comes with the kit. The AVR-S650H can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. Only the Denon AVR-S650H has the ECO mode.

Multi-room

As the center of a home media system, each multichannel receiver has an additional set of terminals for connecting the second set of speakers to create additional audio space in Zone 2 or even Zone 3 where audio can have the separate source.

Multichannel surround

Denon AVR-S650H got 5 points for the multichannel surround sound and Onkyo TX-SR494 got 7.

Dolby Atmos' particularity is that this is the object-oriented sound format, that is, each audio signal object is independently sounded and connected to its spatial position. Onkyo TX-SR494 can create 3D sound due to the Dolby Atmos support.

DTS:X is an algorithm used by the processor to create sound scenes, where sounds connected directly to objects rather than channels, and to determine the optimum sound output distribution in space. Surround sound with DTS:X is available on the TX-SR494.