When comparing Denon AVR-S510BT vs Sony STR-DN850, the Slant community recommends Sony STR-DN850 for most people. In the question“What are the best A/V receivers under $400?” Sony STR-DN850 is ranked 4th while Denon AVR-S510BT is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose Sony STR-DN850 is:
Its seven speakers add more depth and detail to the sound when compared to a standard five speaker system. In addition, dual sub-woofers offer more optimal listening positions and has increased headroom. Together, the 7.2 channel configuration creates a more immersive and fuller sound for your system.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro More options with dual subwoofers
Dual subwoofers can offer more choices for fine-tuning your system. It provides an optimal sound at multiple different listening positions and give the user options for different subwoofer placements.
Pro Easy to set up
Is quite easy to set up, even if it’s your first receiver. By following the instructions it will help you connect all the required parts to make it usable.
Pro Has enough HDMI inputs
In total it has 5 HDMI inputs, which is reasonable for the price. Three of those are HDCP 2.2 compatible to future proof your home theater.
Pro Can create shortcuts for your favorite settings
Can use four quick select buttons to switch to your most used sources and audio settings. It greatly simplifies the experience by bypassing multiple selection screens to arrive to your favorite settings.
Pro Creates an optimal sound through calibration
Offers a way of calibrating its settings specifically for your setup. It only lasts a couple of minutes and adjusts them to your room and speakers.
Pro Different options for music playback
A USB port, which is located at the front, is a convenient way of listening to your music. Also, Bluetooth connectivity with A2DP profile is available, to support streaming of music from other devices through Bluetooth.
Pro Another source of control
A dedicated control app is available on Google Play and the App store. The functions of Denon 500 Series Remote include on/off switch, volume up/down or mute and source selection.
Pro An increased depth of sound
Its seven speakers add more depth and detail to the sound when compared to a standard five speaker system. In addition, dual sub-woofers offer more optimal listening positions and has increased headroom. Together, the 7.2 channel configuration creates a more immersive and fuller sound for your system.
Pro Good interface
It has a simple and easy to understand interface that shows all the necessary information while still making it pleasant to look at. This can be applied to the remote as well. It isn’t cluttered with buttons but still offers the same functionality.
Pro Access to multiple streaming services
Can access some of the regularly used streaming services through its Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections. These streaming services are Spotify, TuneIn and Apple’s Airplay.
Pro An extra option for control
The application SongPal is being used as an another controller to manipulate the receiver. It provides the very basic options, such as, source selection, playback of music, volume settings but even includes adding different types of effects to the audio.
Pro Additional music playback
Has a USB port at the front and Bluetooth connectivity with NFC support to give you additional music playback choices.
Pro Supports 4K resolution
For its 5 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output it has 4K pass-through and can even upscale video to a 4K resolution.
Cons
Con No internet connection
The lack of Wi-Fi and Ethernet cable is a notable drawback if you tend to listen to your music using any of the streaming services.
Con An extra cable is needed to receive sound from TV
The lack of Audio Return Channel (ARC) means that you’ll need an optical cable to connect your TV’s audio channel back into the receiver. Without it you will receive no sound from the TV.
Con Employs lower quality connectors
Spring clips are being used to connect the speakers. The whole system is too delicate and can eventually lead to wire fraying. This also means that banana plugs are not available for use.
Con Not future-proof
None of the HDMI ports have HDCP 2.2 support which will prevent the user from experiencing copyrighted 4K quality content. Additionally, it doesn’t employ Dolby Atmos technology which is used to create an extra immersive sound. Currently these technologies are not widespread but will probably become more prevalent as time goes on.
Con Unreliable sound setup
The sound calibration can be a hit or miss. It will either perform accurately and set up your system to a good standard or widely misrepresent the sound. Not suited for people who don’t like to rely on their ears for sound modification.