The catch
Denon AVR-S980H
The second HDMI monitor output repeats the same source, so it cannot keep a game in one room apart from a film in another.
Side by side
Denon AVR-S980H vs Onkyo TX-NR6100: Onkyo has more second-room routes, neither can power 5.1.2 plus stereo Zone 2
Quick verdict
A separate room that needs a supported HDMI source or an external stereo amplifier points to TX-NR6100. Its Zone 2 routes are more flexible, though input and audio-format restrictions matter. S980H is the choice for a same-source TV/projector arrangement or a household that already has compatible HEOS equipment. Neither can power 5.1.2 in the main room plus a stereo second room from its seven built-in amplifier channels.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Playing a console while a film runs takes two source paths, not just two screens
Say one person plays in the living room while someone else watches a player in a second room. S980H’s two outputs do not split the programs in that case. TX-NR6100 has the more suitable route, through its configurable HDMI Zone 2 output. That recommendation comes with a wiring plan, since Onkyo identifies HDMI IN1 to IN3 for external zone sources and its zone audio restrictions must be met. One player also cannot turn into two different programs. Before buying, list the actual sources and where each must appear.
Where this comes from
Same-image monitor outputs are documented for Denon. For Onkyo, separate zone sources, SUB/ZONE 2 assignment and HDMI IN1 to IN3 restrictions are documented. We promise no unrestricted 4K120 and no zone support for every format.
The catch
Onkyo TX-NR6100
Zone 2 works only with suitable inputs and formats. Picking different rooms does not turn NET and Bluetooth playback into two independent streams.
Denon AVR-S980H
- Why pick it
- Both displays will show the same source, and the receiver needs to join compatible HEOS equipment you already have.
- The documented 1440p100/120 route is a must for you, and an independent HDMI Zone 2 program is not.
- The catch
- The second HDMI monitor output repeats the same source, so it cannot keep a game in one room apart from a film in another.
Onkyo TX-NR6100
- Why pick it
- Your second room needs an HDMI source of its own that is supported, using the required Zone 2 input and signal settings.
- Second-room speakers are powered by an external stereo amplifier, which leaves the receiver's main-room height channels intact.
- The catch
- Zone 2 works only with suitable inputs and formats. Picking different rooms does not turn NET and Bluetooth playback into two independent streams.
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What this page compares
Weighing S980H against TX-NR6100 for movies, gaming and a second room? Here is how shared HDMI outputs, independent zone sources and multiroom audio limits compare.
Either could work for a seven-channel living room that also has to serve another screen or listening area. What separates them is how the second room connects. Onkyo has configurable HDMI Zone 2 and analog line outputs, whereas Denon offers same-source monitor outputs and HEOS integration.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
A game and a film, each from its own supported HDMI player
HDMI Zone 2 is available on Onkyo. Plan for IN1 to IN3 and the required zone formats.
- Denon AVR-S980H
- Caution
- Onkyo TX-NR6100
- Better fit
Heights in the main room, with a kitchen that has its own amplifier
With Onkyo’s LINE OUT, the kitchen does not take the main-room height amplifiers.
- Denon AVR-S980H
- Caution
- Onkyo TX-NR6100
- Better fit
Using a TV/projector pair on the same source in an existing HEOS setup
The compatible HEOS route stays with Denon. Both call for mixed-display checks.
- Denon AVR-S980H
- Better fit
- Onkyo TX-NR6100
- Similar
On the Onkyo receiver, two unrelated NET/Bluetooth streams
Those selections are shared on Onkyo. For Denon, check the exact multiroom service yourself and do not assume it wins.
- Denon AVR-S980H
- Caution
- Onkyo TX-NR6100
- Caution
In practice
Differences you will notice
Playing a console while a film runs takes two source paths, not just two screens
Say one person plays in the living room while someone else watches a player in a second room. S980H’s two outputs do not split the programs in that case. TX-NR6100 has the more suitable route, through its configurable HDMI Zone 2 output. That recommendation comes with a wiring plan, since Onkyo identifies HDMI IN1 to IN3 for external zone sources and its zone audio restrictions must be met. One player also cannot turn into two different programs. Before buying, list the actual sources and where each must appear.
How we worked this out
Same-image monitor outputs are documented for Denon. For Onkyo, separate zone sources, SUB/ZONE 2 assignment and HDMI IN1 to IN3 restrictions are documented. We promise no unrestricted 4K120 and no zone support for every format.
An external amplifier for the kitchen heads off a hidden Atmos compromise
While someone cooks and the others watch a film, TX-NR6100’s LINE OUT can feed a suitable kitchen amplifier, so the receiver’s height channels are not assigned to that room. If you use Onkyo’s powered Zone 2 terminals instead, height or surround-back playback stops. S980H runs into the same seven-amplifier bottleneck when it powers another room, and it has no external Zone 2 line-out alternative. Onkyo makes more sense if you often want independent kitchen listening and can make room for the extra amplifier.
How we worked this out
In a seven-amplifier system, both powered-zone layouts use up two channels. Onkyo documents Zone 2 LINE OUT and external volume control as a separate matter. The inference concerns keeping the channel assignment intact. It makes no claim about guaranteed source compatibility or measured sound.
Two rooms are not always free to pick two different streams
Onkyo is more flexible with supported separate sources, yet its NET and Bluetooth selections are shared across rooms. If someone picks Bluetooth in the kitchen, what a NET listener hears in the main room can change. That counts if you are buying to end household arguments about music. S980H deserves a look when compatible HEOS speakers already cover the other rooms and you want to keep that established setup. On either system, check the exact streaming services and the rules for simultaneous playback. The brand badge alone does not settle the question.
How we worked this out
Onkyo states outright that NET/Bluetooth selections share a source across rooms, so switching one can switch the other. HEOS compatibility is documented by Denon. We infer no claim of unlimited independent HEOS subscriptions, accounts or streams.
Plan your receiver connectionsLay out my system
Check a documented speaker layout against HDMI sources and external-amplifier plans.
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.
Onkyo TX-NR6100
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, 301130-01-00-101
AVR-S980H
Both displays will show the same source, and the receiver needs to join compatible HEOS equipment you already have.
- Best for
- Both displays will show the same source, and the receiver needs to join compatible HEOS equipment you already have.
Facts we checked
- Second HDMI destination: Same-source monitor output
- External second-room amplifier: No Zone 2 line-level output
- Powered Zone 2 and heights: Five main channels plus stereo Zone 2
- External HDMI sources to Zone 2: No independent HDMI Zone 2 output
Option B
Onkyo, TX-NR6100
TX-NR6100
Your second room needs an HDMI source of its own that is supported, using the required Zone 2 input and signal settings.
- Best for
- Your second room needs an HDMI source of its own that is supported, using the required Zone 2 input and signal settings.
Facts we checked
- Second HDMI destination: SUB/ZONE 2 output can be configured for a second room
- External second-room amplifier: ZONE 2 LINE OUT supports an external amplifier
- Powered Zone 2 and heights: Height or surround-back playback stops during powered Zone 2 output
- External HDMI sources to Zone 2: HDMI IN1 to IN3, with documented zone signal limits
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Denon AVR-S980H | Onkyo TX-NR6100 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second HDMI destination | Same-source monitor output | SUB/ZONE 2 output can be configured for a second room | Needing a second screen is not the same as needing a second independent activity. |
| External second-room amplifier | No Zone 2 line-level output | ZONE 2 LINE OUT supports an external amplifier | Onkyo can power another room without taking main-room amplifier channels. |
| Powered Zone 2 and heights | Five main channels plus stereo Zone 2 | Height or surround-back playback stops during powered Zone 2 output | Seven amplifiers cannot give either one nine powered channels. |
| External HDMI sources to Zone 2 | No independent HDMI Zone 2 output | HDMI IN1 to IN3, with documented zone signal limits | Work out the input assignment first, before you fill the sockets with game systems and players. |
| Second-room audio format | No equivalent Zone 2 line-out route | External source audio must be analog or two-channel PCM | Before the second room hears a surround-bitstream source, a setting may need to change. |
| Existing streaming equipment | HEOS integration with compatible devices | NET/Bluetooth selections are shared across its rooms | Look at which sources you intend to run at the same time. A multiroom label does not promise independent streaming in every room. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Denon AVR-S980H
- Powered speakers in a second room take the channels that would otherwise go to main-room height or rear speakers.
With Onkyo TX-NR6100
- To keep the main-room heights while second-room speakers play, use an external amplifier through LINE OUT and not the powered Zone 2 terminals.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Compatible HEOS equipment you own already covers the other rooms
Go with Denon AVR-S980H. S980H keeps that route available as long as same-source monitor outputs are enough.
You cannot do without a supported separate HDMI source or external zone amplifier
Go with Onkyo TX-NR6100. TX-NR6100 offers those routes, subject to input and audio-format restrictions.
The receiver by itself has to power 5.1.2 plus two kitchen speakers
Neither model fits. Seven main amplifier channels are in each, and this combination needs nine.
Decision guide
Before you buy
One receiver for two rooms sounds simpler, yet sharing the hardware can mean the two people using it must share a source or give up speakers.
What this page can’t tell you
- HDMI Zone 2 comes with no promise of unrestricted resolution or Dolby bitstream support.
- Which streaming services work depends on the service. Already owning HEOS equipment is a conditional reason to choose Denon and does not mean the sound is better.
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-S980H |
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| Onkyo TX-NR6100 |
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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-S980H
Both displays will show the same source, and the receiver needs to join compatible HEOS equipment you already have.
The documented 1440p100/120 route is a must for you, and an independent HDMI Zone 2 program is not.
See price & reviews on AmazonOnkyo TX-NR6100
Your second room needs an HDMI source of its own that is supported, using the required Zone 2 input and signal settings.
Second-room speakers are powered by an external stereo amplifier, which leaves the receiver's main-room height channels intact.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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