Denon AVR-X3600H vs Sony STR-DH770

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The Denon AVR-X3600H versus Sony STR-DH770 comparison makes clear all pros and cons of AV receivers. According to the results of our review, Denon AVR-X3600H received 8.7 points out of 10 possible, and Sony STR-DH770 was rated 4.7 points. The release date of AVR-X3600H is 2019, and STR-DH770 is 2016. Identified advantages have shown that AVR-X3600H is better over STR-DH770 mainly as a home theater processor.

Main advantages Denon AVR-X3600H over Sony STR-DH770

Main advantages Sony STR-DH770 over Denon AVR-X3600H

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 8 and 6, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Denon AVR-X3600H supports 9.2-channels sound, but Sony STR-DH770 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 AVR-X3600H this value is 135/6 W/Ohm, and for the STR-DH770 it is 105/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

The score for audio features is 8 of 10 for both receivers.

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.

Speaker A/B switching allows you to change between the main and sub speaker set. Denon AVR-X3600H can work with the main and additional set of speakers - and switch between them.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Denon AVR-X3600H scored 8, and Sony STR-DH770 scored 6 out of 10.

Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible only on the Denon AVR-X3600H.

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-X3600H 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-X3600H got 10 points, but Sony STR-DH770 received 5 points.

Denon AVR-X3600H is equipped with 8/3 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Sony STR-DH770 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-X3600H.

HDMI-CEC helps gadgets attached to your TV to link back and forth with your TV via HDMI ports. It is become possible to control all linked devices with one remote. The AVR-X3600H features HDMI CEC.

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-X3600H in the HDCP 2.3 version, and Sony STR-DH770 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-X3600H 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 the AVR-X3600H were rated 9 out of 10 against the 7 for the STR-DH770.

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 only with Denon AVR-X3600H.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the AVR-X3600H got 10 points, but the STR-DH770 has 5.

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-X3600H can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. Only the Denon AVR-X3600H 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-X3600H got 9 points for the multichannel surround sound and Sony STR-DH770 got 3.

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. Denon AVR-X3600H 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 only on the AVR-X3600H.

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 AVR-X3600H licensed by IMAX.