Onkyo TX-RZ840 vs Denon AVR-S950H

vs

An overview of Onkyo TX-RZ840 and Denon AVR-S950H will help us understand the many features that the devices are equipped with. According to the results of our review, Onkyo TX-RZ840 received 8.4 points out of 10 possible, and Denon AVR-S950H was rated 7.3 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2019. And as a result of the review, it becomes clear that AVR-S950H is inferior in audio processing features to TX-RZ840.

Main advantages Onkyo TX-RZ840 over Denon AVR-S950H

Main advantages Denon AVR-S950H over Onkyo TX-RZ840

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 8 and 7, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Onkyo TX-RZ840 supports 9.2-channels sound, but Denon AVR-S950H 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-RZ840 this value is 180/6 W/Ohm, and for the AVR-S950H it is 125/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the TX-RZ840 9 out of 10, and the AVR-S950H - 6.

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 only on the TX-RZ840.

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, Onkyo TX-RZ840 scored 8, and Denon AVR-S950H scored 7 out of 10.

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

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, both receivers got 8 points on our 10-point scale.

Onkyo TX-RZ840 is equipped with 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Denon AVR-S950H has 8/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

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 Onkyo TX-RZ840 in the HDCP 2.2 version, and Denon AVR-S950H has the HDCP 2.3 version.

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 8 out of 10.

Most of the AV receivers have a video scaling function, it is the process of reformatting the video signal to a higher resolution without losing the quality of the image. Upscaling the video signal resolution is possible with Denon AVR-S950H.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the TX-RZ840 got 9 points, but the AVR-S950H has 10.

Denon AVR-S950H 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

Onkyo TX-RZ840 got 8 points for the multichannel surround sound and Denon AVR-S950H got 7.

IMAX Enhanced is a licensing and certification program under which home theater devices deliver crisp 4K HDR pictures and powerful sound as it was designed by the IMAX engineers. Only the TX-RZ840 licensed by IMAX.