Are you searching for a high-performing and reliable AV receiver under $ 1300? Denon AVR X2800H and Onkyo TX NR7100 are the two most popular AV receivers you can come across within this price range. Let us make a comparative analysis of Denon AVR-X2800H vs Onkyo TX-NR7100 to lead you to a wise purchase decision.
Table of Contents
Denon AVR-X2800H vs Onkyo TX-NR7100 Comparison:
Denon AVR-X2800H | Onkyo TX-NR7100 | |
Preview |   Best Value |   Best Choice |
Channels | 7.2 | 9.2 |
Watts Per Channel | 95 | 100 |
Audio | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, THX Select™ certified |
Video | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 8K Upscaling, 8K Passthrough | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 8K Upscaling, 8K Passthrough |
HDMI Inputs | 6 | 7 |
Wireless Connectivity | AirPlay 2, DLNA, HEOS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | AirPlay 2, Chromecast, DTS Play-Fi, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
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Design
This model does not come with any major changes in terms of product design and build quality compared to previous Denon models. However, the overall design can be termed beautiful. The brushed black finish lends an elegant touch to this device. The large LCD display, two round knobs, and 9 push buttons are arranged smartly to give a clean look. Denon offers a large, sturdy remote with smaller buttons. The user-friendliness of this remote cannot be termed excellent. It is also hard to find any fault with the build quality of this home theater receiver.
What about the design of Onkyo TX NR7100? The overall look catches your attention immediately with sharp corners and straight lines. The central display looks appealing. The front panel boasts a large volume knob, a power button, and two smaller knobs for controlling treble and bass. You can also find a few more buttons and jacks on the front side. Although the remote doesn’t look incredibly appealing, it comes with user-friendly buttons. The overall design looks classy. The build quality is reasonably good as well.
The design and build quality of both models are good. However, the Onkyo model stands taller in terms of user-friendliness and visual appeal.
Winner: Onkyo TX-NR7100
Channels
The Denon model supports a 7.2-channel configuration. It can be configured into a 7.2.2 or 5.2.2 system. The channel processing capability is 7.1. The Onkyo version comes with a 9.2-channel amplifier. With the help of internal amplifiers, you can transform it into a 7.2.2, 5.2.2, or 5.2.4 setup. It supports channel processing up to 9.1.
The TX NR7100 model stands taller than the Denon model when comparing the channels and configuration possibilities of these two products.
Winner: Onkyo TX-NR7100
Connectivity
When it comes to connectivity features, Denon AVR X2800H features 6 HDMI inputs. This model also has 3 HDMI outputs. The number of 2.1 ports available on this device is 3. Onkyo TX NR7100 contains 7 HDMI 2.1.inputs and 2 outputs. All 7 inputs of this receiver come with HDMI 2.1 capability.
If you look at the wireless connectivity features, you can find the Denon model compatible with HEOS, AirPlay2, and Spotify Connect. Spotify, AirPlay 2, DTS Play-Fi, and Chromecast built-in constitute the wireless audio protocols of the TX NR7100 model. You cannot find any DLNA and MHL features on these receivers. They have the same Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity features. Other common features include Ethernet (RJ45) cable and HDCP 2.3 copy protection.
What do these facts convey? The connectivity features of the TX NR7100 are far better than the AVR X2800H.
Winnner: Onkyo TX-NR7100
Audio Capabilities
How much power does X2800H generate? The capability of this model is 95 watts at 8 Ohms. The stereo RMS power of NR7100 is 100 watts (8 Ω). These figures indicate that the power generation capability of the Onkyo model is higher than the Denon model.
Let us explore the audio capabilities of these two models. The Onkyo receiver comes with a 384 KHz/32-bit DMC, while the Denon counterpart has a 192 KHz/32-bit DMC (Digital to Analog Converter). These AV receivers support the same DTS and Dolby surround processing formats.
The sound immersion capability of the Denon AVR X2800H stands second to none. It does not matter whether you are listening to music or watching movies or TV series, this home theater receiver will make you feel that you are always in the midst of the action. Power and precision blend harmoniously to keep you engaged forever. The control and balance at all listening levels are truly admirable. Other notable aspects include an expansive soundstage, clear separation between different elements, and improved coherence.
What to expect from Onkyo TX NR7100? The deep soundtrack makes this model a highly favored choice. The captivating soundstage handles loud sounds with clinical precision to take listeners to a new realm of entertainment. The reference volume of a sophisticated theater can be reproduced at home with this model. Supreme clarity and excellent bass offer the best user experience. It reproduces subtle and loud sounds with perfect details to take your immersion to the next level.
The audio features and sound quality of the NR7100 have a slight advantage over the audio capabilities of the X2800H model.
Winner: Onkyo TX-NR7100
Video Capabilities
The pass-through support of X2800H and NR7100 is 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz. These two receivers support the same HDR formats to deliver an immersive viewing experience. The Denon model offers analog to HDMI video conversion capability for users. This feature cannot be associated with the Onkyo model.
The bottom line is that the video capabilities of the Denon AV receiver stand a bit taller than the features of the Onkyo counterpart.
Winner: Denon AVR-X2800H
Value for Money
The price of the Onkyo TX NR7100 is $100 higher than the price of the Denon AVR X2800H. However, the former offers superior features and capabilities to deliver better value for money.
Winner: Onkyo TX-NR7100
Verdict
What is the final verdict of this Denon AVR-X2800H vs Onkyo TX-NR7100 comparative analysis? It clearly suggests that the latter comes with a more attractive design, better sound quality, more enhanced amplifier performance, and superior connectivity features than the former.
Denon AVR-X2800H | Onkyo TX-NR7100 |
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REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING:
- Denon AVR-S970H Review – New Value King - February 12, 2024
- How To Choose An AV Receiver – Make An Informed Decesion - May 6, 2023
- Onkyo TX-RZ70 Review – The Ultimate Flagship - April 26, 2023