The catch
Denon AVR-S770H
One display output, no more.
Side by side
Denon AVR-S770H vs Onkyo TX-NR5100: Denon takes more sources, Onkyo keeps a TV and projector both connected
Quick verdict
The S770H is the choice if you want six source inputs, HEOS and a turntable. The NR5100 suits a four-source 5.1.2 system with both a TV and a projector connected, provided you check the exact high-frame-rate HDMI format.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Tally HDMI connections at each end
A system with four sources and two displays matches the NR5100’s connections more directly than the S770H’s.
Where this comes from
Four inputs and two outputs on NR5100. S770H has six inputs and one output.
The catch
Onkyo TX-NR5100
Four source inputs, no more.
Denon AVR-S770H
- Why pick it
- You keep five or six HDMI sources plugged in
- You use HEOS and an MM turntable every day
- The catch
- One display output, no more.
Onkyo TX-NR5100
- Why pick it
- Your TV and projector each need their own receiver output
- Four sources do the job, and the shallower chassis is a help
- The catch
- Four source inputs, no more.
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What this page compares
Denon S770H and Onkyo NR5100 for 5.1.2, weighing extra source inputs and turntable connections against support for two displays.
The S770H is the choice if you want six source inputs, HEOS and a turntable. The NR5100 suits a four-source 5.1.2 system with both a TV and a projector connected, provided you check the exact high-frame-rate HDMI format.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
A four-source room has both a TV and a projector
NR5100 gives you two outputs, S770H just one.
- Denon AVR-S770H
- Caution
- Onkyo TX-NR5100
- Better fit
Six sources permanently on HDMI
For the fifth and sixth devices, NR5100 needs extra input switching.
- Denon AVR-S770H
- Better fit
- Onkyo TX-NR5100
- Caution
An MM turntable, phono only
A separate stage is needed with the Onkyo.
- Denon AVR-S770H
- Better fit
- Onkyo TX-NR5100
- Caution
Two heights on top of five bed speakers
Internal amplification is enough for 5.1.2 on either.
- Denon AVR-S770H
- Good
- Onkyo TX-NR5100
- Good
In practice
Differences you will notice
Tally HDMI connections at each end
A system with four sources and two displays matches the NR5100’s connections more directly than the S770H’s.
How we worked this out
Four inputs and two outputs on NR5100. S770H has six inputs and one output.
Adding a stereo power amp will not give you four heights
For a 5.1.4 expansion, neither receiver provides the needed processing and main-channel pre-outs.
How we worked this out
Each processes seven main channels and is documented for 7.1 or 5.1.2.
Running a phono stage takes up another analog connection
A phono-only turntable on the NR5100 means extra hardware and cabling, which the S770H MM input spares you.
How we worked this out
NR5100 offers line-level analog inputs without a dedicated MM stage. S770H includes an MM phono input.
Plan your receiver connectionsLay out my system
Check a documented speaker layout against HDMI sources and external-amplifier plans.
Denon AVR-S770H
Handles your setup
Runs 5.1.2 on its own built-in amplifiers. Takes 3 HDMI devices, 1 of them at 4K/120Hz.
Onkyo TX-NR5100
Handles your setup
Runs 5.1.2 on its own built-in amplifiers. Takes 3 HDMI devices, 1 of them at 4K/120Hz. Input count does not guarantee every chroma, bit-depth or DSC combination. Check the manufacturer's HDMI format table and current firmware.
A powered subwoofer does not count toward the speaker channels. This checks one main room. Check Zone 2, bi-amping and unusual speaker assignments yourself. Leave room for ventilation, and confirm HDMI settings, cables and speaker impedance before you install.
Option A
Denon, AVR-S770H
AVR-S770H
You can use the seven amplifiers for 7.1 surround or for 5.1.2 with two heights. With six HDMI inputs and HEOS, it suits a system that mixes movies, games and music.
- Best for
- Your first 5.1.2 setup, with multiple sources
Facts we checked
- 7 main processing channels and 7 built-in amplifier channels
- Of 6 HDMI inputs, 3 support 4K120 video
- 1 HDMI output
- Room setup by Audyssey MultEQ
- Subwoofer outputs aside, 0 full-range main-channel pre-outs
- Before ventilation space, the chassis is 6-inch high with antennas horizontal
Option B
Onkyo, TX-NR5100
TX-NR5100
Four HDMI inputs and two display outputs are built into this seven-amplifier receiver. It works for a smaller source collection, provided 5.1.2 and a second display count for more than phono or main-channel pre-outs.
- Best for
- Two displays, four sources and 5.1.2
Facts we checked
- 7 main processing channels and 7 built-in amplifier channels
- Of 4 HDMI inputs, 4 support 4K120 video
- 2 HDMI outputs
- Room setup by AccuEQ
- Subwoofer outputs aside, 0 full-range main-channel pre-outs
- Before ventilation space, the chassis is 6.3125-inch high with antennas horizontal
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Denon AVR-S770H | Onkyo TX-NR5100 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total HDMI inputs | 6 | 4 | The Denon gives you two more direct source connections. |
| HDMI outputs | 1 | 2 | Two displays can stay connected to the Onkyo. |
| 4K120-capable inputs | 3 | 4 with format limits | More fast inputs are listed for the Onkyo, subject to its HDMI format table. |
| MM phono input | Yes | No | On the Onkyo, a phono-only turntable calls for another stage. |
| Room setup | Audyssey MultEQ | AccuEQ | Calibration works differently. |
| Chassis depth | 13.3 inches | 12.9375 inches | Not counting cables, the Onkyo is roughly 0.36 inches shallower. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Denon AVR-S770H
- Just three HDMI inputs handle high frame rates.
With Onkyo TX-NR5100
- It lacks a dedicated MM phono input.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
You keep five or six HDMI sources plugged in
Go with Denon AVR-S770H. The larger set of sources is covered by its six HDMI inputs.
Your TV and projector each need their own receiver output
Go with Onkyo TX-NR5100. Both displays stay connected through its two HDMI outputs. Before you use both, check which video format they share.
Four physical height speakers are needed in the room
Neither model fits. Neither the documented processing layouts nor the internal-amplifier ones cover this requirement. Pick a receiver that has the physical configuration you need.
Decision guide
How to decide
Go with the S770H when you need six source inputs, HEOS and a turntable. Go with the NR5100 when a four-source 5.1.2 system has to keep a TV and projector both connected, and verify the exact high-frame-rate HDMI format first.
Work out which cable you would be moving
Say you watch TV daily and use a projector for films. The NR5100's second output spares you from changing the receiver's display cable. When the real issue is five or six permanent source devices, the S770H saves you from adding an input switch. Each fixes the opposite end of the same HDMI chain, so start from an actual list of connections.
Seven channels is a fixed budget
Either receiver can power rear surround speakers for 7.1 or a pair of heights for 5.1.2, and both options draw on the same seven amplified channels. Hooking up an external amp will not grow either receiver into a nine-speaker main-room layout. Labels on the speaker terminals also cover alternate assignments, so do not count them as outputs that run at once.
Check the music features and formats
HEOS and an MM phono input on the S770H suit a setup that mixes records and streaming. The NR5100 has network music features too, but on a different platform. Its four 4K120-capable inputs still have to match the chroma and bit-depth requirements of the source. Look up the format table before assuming four fast devices are certain to work.
What this page can’t tell you
- Socket counts on the spec sheet say nothing about format negotiation with both displays active.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the AV receivers we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
23 of the 34 models checked meet every need here: “Put in two height speakers”, “Run a TV and a projector”, and “Keep six HDMI sources plugged in”.
23 models fit, out of 34 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “Put in two height speakers”, “Run a TV and a projector”, and “Keep six HDMI sources plugged in”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denon AVR-S770H |
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| Onkyo TX-NR5100 |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Denon AVR-S770H
You keep five or six HDMI sources plugged in
See price & reviews on AmazonOnkyo TX-NR5100
Your TV and projector each need their own receiver output
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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