Denon AVRS530BT vs Onkyo TX-SR494

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Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Denon AVRS530BT and Onkyo TX-SR494 takes place. According to the results of our review, Denon AVRS530BT received 4.3 points out of 10 possible, and Onkyo TX-SR494 was rated 5.5 points. The release date of AVRS530BT is 2017, and TX-SR494 is 2019. Based on the data on the characteristics and features of both models, we can conclude that TX-SR494 has better performance than AVRS530BT.

Main advantages Denon AVRS530BT over Onkyo TX-SR494

Main advantages Onkyo TX-SR494 over Denon AVRS530BT

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 AVRS530BT 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 AVRS530BT it is 90/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the AVRS530BT 5 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.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Onkyo TX-SR494 has Pure Direct mode.

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 equal and was rated 5 out of 10.

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. Neither the AVRS530BT, nor the TX-SR494 has the RJ45 port.

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 AVRS530BT got 5 points, but Onkyo TX-SR494 received 6 points.

Denon AVRS530BT is equipped with 5/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Onkyo TX-SR494 has 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs.

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 AVRS530BT got 7 points, but the TX-SR494 has 6.

Only the Denon AVRS530BT 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 AVRS530BT 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.