Denon AVRS730H vs Onkyo TX-SR494

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Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Denon AVRS730H and Onkyo TX-SR494 takes place. According to the results of our review, Denon AVRS730H received 7.3 points out of 10 possible, and Onkyo TX-SR494 was rated 5.5 points. The release date of AVRS730H is 2017, and TX-SR494 is 2019. Based on the data on the characteristics and features of both models, we can conclude that AVRS730H has better performance than TX-SR494.

Main advantages Denon AVRS730H over Onkyo TX-SR494

Main advantages Onkyo TX-SR494 over Denon AVRS730H

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. Both receivers can handle the 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 AVRS730H it is 110/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the AVRS730H 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.

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 markedly different, Denon AVRS730H scored 8, and Onkyo TX-SR494 scored 5 out of 10.

Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible only on the Denon AVRS730H.

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 AVRS730H only.

DLNA is the perfect way to use your local cloud storage to stream movies and music directly to a TV. You can use the DLNA protocol only with Denon AVRS730H.

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 6 points on our 10-point scale.

Denon AVRS730H is equipped with 6/1 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 the AVRS730H were rated 7 out of 10 against the 6 for the TX-SR494.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the AVRS730H 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 AVRS730H can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. Only the Denon AVRS730H 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

For the ability to create multichannel surround sound, each of the receivers received 7 points out of 10.