Denon HEOS AVR vs Onkyo TX-SR494

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Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Denon HEOS AVR and Onkyo TX-SR494 takes place. According to the results of our review, Denon HEOS AVR received 4.8 points out of 10 possible, and Onkyo TX-SR494 was rated 5.5 points. The release date of HEOS AVR 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 HEOS AVR.

Main advantages Denon HEOS AVR over Onkyo TX-SR494

Main advantages Onkyo TX-SR494 over Denon HEOS AVR

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 HEOS AVR supports 5.1-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 HEOS AVR it is 65/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

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

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 HEOS AVR scored 7, and Onkyo TX-SR494 scored 5 out of 10.

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

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

Competitors in our review have 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 HEOS AVR were rated 5 out of 10 against the 6 for the TX-SR494.

HDR pass-through gives you the possibility to broadcast HDR content directly from source to TV without the processing of the receiver. HDR support is available on the Onkyo TX-SR494.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the HEOS AVR got 4 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 HEOS AVR can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant.

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 HEOS AVR 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.