The catch
Denon AVR-S770H
To keep a TV and projector both connected, its single HDMI output calls for some other compatible switching arrangement.
Side by side
Denon AVR-S770H vs AVR-S980H: S980H gains a second display on the same source, not four-height Atmos
Quick verdict
S770H makes sense for one display and a seven-channel speaker plan when its current complete offer is better. S980H is the pick for a TV and projector showing the same source, or when you need its documented 1440p100/120 route. Each has six HDMI inputs, three of them 4K120, and each supports a 5.1.2 layout. Here S980H upgrades the display connection and does not upgrade you to four height speakers.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Upgrading for the projector is about ending a chore the household repeats
Say the TV takes care of after-school gaming and the projector comes down for family films. With one output on S770H, that can mean moving a cable or adding an HDMI switching device. S980H keeps both display cables attached for the same source. That can justify the upgrade if you change displays often and reaching the receiver is awkward. It matters less when the projector is your only display. Check the signal capabilities and output selection of each display, since an older projector can still complicate the shared chain.
Where this comes from
S770H has one HDMI output, while S980H has two same-source outputs with selection controls and documented mixed-display conditions. What changes is how connections are handled. It is not a quantified time saving or guaranteed HDMI reliability.
The catch
Denon AVR-S980H
The second output just repeats the source. It brings neither independent second-room video nor another fast input.
Denon AVR-S770H
- Why pick it
- Just one TV or projector is needed, and the current new-condition offer works out better for your seven-channel setup.
- You run no more than three 4K120 sources and do not need a second direct display output.
- The catch
- To keep a TV and projector both connected, its single HDMI output calls for some other compatible switching arrangement.
Denon AVR-S980H
- Why pick it
- A TV and projector should stay connected to the same source for you, with compatible output settings.
- Your gaming setup depends on the 1440p100/120 route that the S980H manual explicitly documents.
- The catch
- The second output just repeats the source. It brings neither independent second-room video nor another fast input.
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What this page compares
S770H vs S980H for a shared gaming TV, an evening projector and future Atmos speakers, and which upgrade fixes a connection problem.
For one display, S770H is the simpler seven-channel Denon pick. S980H becomes a plausible upgrade when a projector joins the TV or a specific 1440p route needs documented support. Source count and speaker channels are much closer than the model names would suggest.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
One display, and a better complete offer on S770H
Both have the same seven-channel layout and three fast inputs.
- Denon AVR-S770H
- Better fit
- Denon AVR-S980H
- Similar
A TV during the day, a projector for family films
Two direct monitor outputs carrying the same source are on S980H.
- Denon AVR-S770H
- Caution
- Denon AVR-S980H
- Better fit
Three high-refresh devices alongside three ordinary HDMI players
Under those format assumptions, the six-input, three-fast-input allocation is the same on both.
- Denon AVR-S770H
- Similar
- Denon AVR-S980H
- Similar
A five-speaker base topped with four ceiling speakers
Nine main channels are needed for that plan.
- Denon AVR-S770H
- Caution
- Denon AVR-S980H
- Caution
In practice
Differences you will notice
Upgrading for the projector is about ending a chore the household repeats
Say the TV takes care of after-school gaming and the projector comes down for family films. With one output on S770H, that can mean moving a cable or adding an HDMI switching device. S980H keeps both display cables attached for the same source. That can justify the upgrade if you change displays often and reaching the receiver is awkward. It matters less when the projector is your only display. Check the signal capabilities and output selection of each display, since an older projector can still complicate the shared chain.
How we worked this out
S770H has one HDMI output, while S980H has two same-source outputs with selection controls and documented mixed-display conditions. What changes is how connections are handled. It is not a quantified time saving or guaranteed HDMI reliability.
Six devices at home do not necessarily call for six fast inputs
Two high-refresh consoles, a gaming PC, a streaming box, a Blu-ray player and an older console can take up all six inputs, even though only the first three need 4K120. On that assumption, the useful input allocation is the same on either receiver. Should your next purchase be a fourth 4K120 source, S980H gives you no spare fast socket. List your devices by the signal format they require. That keeps you from paying for an output upgrade when the real bottleneck is on the input side.
How we worked this out
Six HDMI inputs, three of them supporting 4K120, come with both models. The six-device example assumes that the last three devices need no high-refresh input. HDR, bandwidth and format compatibility for each device still need checking.
Work out the ceiling before you call either receiver future-proof
If you are renovating now, you might start with five speakers around the sofa and add overhead speakers later. Either receiver handles two heights. Four heights need nine main channels, and neither provides them. Do not let S980H’s higher place in the range talk you into wiring and buying a four-height system it cannot process. If two heights are the final plan, S770H is still a sensible candidate, and the display connections can decide between them.
How we worked this out
5 + 2 = 7 main channels, and 5 + 4 = 9. Each exact model has seven amplified and seven main processing channels. A powered subwoofer does not take up one of these speaker-amplifier channels.
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.
Denon AVR-S980H
Handles your setup
Runs 5.1.2 on its own built-in amplifiers. Takes 3 HDMI devices, 1 of them at 4K/120Hz.
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
Just one TV or projector is needed, and the current new-condition offer works out better for your seven-channel setup.
- Best for
- Just one TV or projector is needed, and the current new-condition offer works out better for your seven-channel setup.
Facts we checked
- Direct display outputs: One HDMI output
- Independent display programs: One display output
- High-refresh source count: Three 4K120 inputs
- All HDMI sources: Six rear HDMI inputs
Option B
Denon, 301130-01-00-101
AVR-S980H
A TV and projector should stay connected to the same source for you, with compatible output settings.
- Best for
- A TV and projector should stay connected to the same source for you, with compatible output settings.
Facts we checked
- Direct display outputs: Two HDMI monitor outputs
- Independent display programs: Both outputs show the same source
- High-refresh source count: Three 4K120 inputs
- All HDMI sources: Six HDMI inputs
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Denon AVR-S770H | Denon AVR-S980H | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct display outputs | One HDMI output | Two HDMI monitor outputs | A daytime TV and an evening projector can both stay connected to S980H, with no need to move the output cable. |
| Independent display programs | One display output | Both outputs show the same source | Two people do not get separate programs just because there is a second HDMI socket. |
| High-refresh source count | Three 4K120 inputs | Three 4K120 inputs | S980H does nothing for a fourth high-refresh source. |
| All HDMI sources | Six rear HDMI inputs | Six HDMI inputs | Weigh only the demanding sources against the three fast sockets. |
| Speaker layout | Seven amplified channels, including 5.1.2 | Seven amplified channels, including 5.1.2 | Both models fall short of five speakers around the room plus four overhead. |
| 1440p100/120 route | No 1440p claim used in this comparison | Explicitly documented, subject to format settings | For this specific requirement S980H offers a verified option. That is not proof that S770H fails in every setup. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Denon AVR-S770H
- If you add a separate HDMI switch or splitter, it needs its own checks for resolution, refresh rate, HDR and copy protection.
With Denon AVR-S980H
- Seven main channels is where both stop. A 5.1.4 speaker plan does not become possible by paying more for S980H.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
You use one screen, and S770H comes with the better complete offer
Go with Denon AVR-S770H. This setup is covered by its matching input and speaker limits.
A second display on the same source, or a documented 1440p120 route, counts
Go with Denon AVR-S980H. These are verified reasons to go with S980H, within the limits of the full signal chain.
What you buy has to deal with a fourth fast source or four height speakers
Neither model fits. Those input and channel limits stay on both.
Decision guide
Before you buy
You want room to grow, yet paying for a second screen output buys no room for more gaming sources or more ceiling speakers.
What this page can’t tell you
- Missing S770H evidence is not taken to mean it is incompatible with 1440p.
- We claim no winner on subjective sound quality, whole-room volume or measured latency.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the AV receivers we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denon AVR-S770H |
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| Denon AVR-S980H |
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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
Just one TV or projector is needed, and the current new-condition offer works out better for your seven-channel setup.
You run no more than three 4K120 sources and do not need a second direct display output.
See price & reviews on AmazonDenon AVR-S980H
A TV and projector should stay connected to the same source for you, with compatible output settings.
Your gaming setup depends on the 1440p100/120 route that the S980H manual explicitly documents.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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