Onkyo TX-SR494 vs Sony STR-DH770

Here we are comparing Onkyo TX-SR494 to Sony STR-DH770 to reveal their common strengths and weaknesses as well as the differences between them which will help you in making a correct decision before the purchase. Both receivers have 7 channel amplifiers.

Onkyo TX-SR494	Sony STR-DH770
Onkyo TX-SR494 was introduced in 2019. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales 1080p to 4K video signal.	Sony STR-DH770 was introduced in 2016. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 90 W (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It , passes 4K/60Hz video signal.

We evaluated Onkyo TX-SR494 and Sony STR-DH770 and gave them scores of 81 and 68 out of 100 recpectively. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluations section.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Onkyo TX-SR494 over Sony STR-DH770.

	Onkyo TX-SR494	vs	Sony STR-DH770
Certified 4 Ω Performance		vs
Dolby Atmos		vs
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization		vs
Dolby Surround Upmixer		vs
DTS:X		vs
DTS Neural:X		vs
DTS Virtual:X		vs
DTS Dialog Control		vs
Dolby Vision		vs
HLG		vs
Newer HDCP Version	2.3	vs	2.2
Video Signal Upscaling	1080p to 4K	vs
USB DC Out Port		vs
More Zones	2	vs	1
More GUI Languages	7	vs	4
Analog Tuner	FM/AM	vs	FM with RDS
More Presets	40	vs	30 (30/-)
Bigger Power Supply	490 W	vs	240 W
Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	109 db	vs	105 dB (500 mV)

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony STR-DH770 over Onkyo TX-SR494.

	Onkyo TX-SR494	vs	Sony STR-DH770
Higher Power Output	80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	vs	90 W (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Dolby Pro Logic		vs	PLIIx
Dolby Digital EX		vs
DTS Neo		vs	Neo:6
Music Playback via USB		vs	MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV
DSD via HDMI	2-ch	vs	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
More Tone Control Channels	Front L/R Channels	vs	All Channels
USB Input		vs	1 (Front)
More RCA Line Inputs	3	vs	4
More Composite Video Inputs		vs	2
More Composite Video Outputs		vs	1
Front A/V Inputs		vs	USB
Speaker A/B		vs
More Large Speaker Terminals	2	vs	7

We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

STRENGTHS	Onkyo TX-SR494	Sony STR-DH770
DSD via HDMI	2-ch	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	AccuEQ	D.C.A.C.
HDR10
New HDCP Version	2.3	2.2
Bluetooth	SBC, AAC	SBC, AAC
Analog Tuner	FM/AM	FM with RDS

WEAKNESSES	Onkyo TX-SR494	Sony STR-DH770
No Front Wide Channel Support
No IMAX Enhanced
No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
No HDR10+
No eARC
No 8K Passthrough	up to 4K/60p (RGB/YCbCr4:4:4)	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
No Wi-Fi
Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
Few HDMI Inputs	4	4
Few HDMI Outputs	1	1
Few 8K Inputs
No Phono Input
No RCA Pre-Outs	0.2	0.2
No Ethernet
No Digital Radio
No Pandora
No Spotify
No Tidal

Onkyo TX-SR494	Sony STR-DH770
7 channel Amplifier: Onkyo TX-SR494 features 7 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.	7 channel Amplifier: Sony STR-DH770 features 7 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 90 W (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven).

AMPLIFIER	Onkyo TX-SR494	Sony STR-DH770
Channels	7.2	7.2
Power Output	80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	90 W (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Front Wide Channel Support
THX™ Certification
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Bi-amp Capability

Onkyo TX-SR494's and Sony STR-DH770's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
Onkyo TX-SR494: 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
Sony STR-DH770: Not supported.
• DTS:X Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for DTS:X:
Onkyo TX-SR494: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos - 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
Sony STR-DH770: Not supported.
• Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
Onkyo TX-SR494: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
Sony STR-DH770: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
• 2-ch Bi-Amp: Both models are able to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.

Dolby Atmos

Onkyo TX-SR494 supports Dolby Atmos.

• Dolby Surround Upmixer: Onkyo TX-SR494 supports Dolby Surround Upmixer. If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.
• Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization: Onkyo TX-SR494 supports Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization which is a digital signal processing solution that leverages Dolby's deep understanding of human audio perception to create the sensation of overhead sound from the listener-level speakers.

DTS:X

Onkyo TX-SR494 supports DTS:X.

• DTS Neural:X: Onkyo TX-SR494 supports DTS Neural:X which is an advanced upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.
• DTS Virtual:X: Onkyo TX-SR494 supports DTS Virtual:X which bridges the gap between DTS:X codec and the reality of so many consumers' homes, allowing you to enjoy multi-dimensional sound regardless of room size, layout, or speaker configuration. If you have a limited speaker setup you will miss a full immersive potential of your entertainment system. DTS Virtual:X adds height and surround audio effect to your system without adding height speakers. It works with multiple configurations and delivers immersive sound experience out of 5.1 or even 2.1 speaker layouts.
• DTS Dialog Control: Onkyo TX-SR494 supports DTS Dialog Control. This function adjusts the dialog levels during playback of the DTS:X stream. It allows you to separately increase the dialog levels in contrast with the background sound and hear dialog easily even under noisy circumstances.

AUDIO DECODING	Onkyo TX-SR494	Sony STR-DH770
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic		PLIIx
Dolby Digital EX
DTS:X
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo		Neo:6
DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS 96/24
DTS Express
DTS-ES		Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
IMAX Enhanced
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer

Onkyo TX-SR494 and Sony STR-DH770 come with 4 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

• 4K/60Hz Passthrough: On both receivers all inputs pass up to 4K/60p (RGB/YCbCr4:4:4) video signal.
• 4K Upscaling on Onkyo TX-SR494: It can upscale 1080p to 4K from HDMI sources.
• BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35% (available on both models).
• HDCP Copy Protection: Onkyo TX-SR494 is HDCP 2.3 and Sony STR-DH770 is HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
• 3D Ready: Both receivers are able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Onkyo TX-SR494 supports HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma.

Sony STR-DH770 supports HDR10 High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.

VIDEO FEATURES	Onkyo TX-SR494	Sony STR-DH770
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.3	2.2
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K/60p (RGB/YCbCr4:4:4)	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling	1080p to 4K

TERMINALS	Onkyo TX-SR494	Sony STR-DH770
HDMI Inputs	4	4
HDMI Outputs	1	1
8K Inputs
USB Input		1 (Front)
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	1	1
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	1	1
RCA Line Inputs	3	4
RCA Line Outputs
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	0.2	0.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs		2
Composite Video Outputs		1
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs
Component Video Outputs

GENERAL	Onkyo TX-SR494	Sony STR-DH770
Brand	Onkyo	Sony
Model	TX-SR494	STR-DH770
Type	A/V Receiver	A/V Receiver
Country	North America	Europe
Release Year	2019	2016
Successor		Sony STR-DH790

AMPLIFIER	Onkyo TX-SR494	Sony STR-DH770
Channels	7.2	7.2
Power Output	80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	90 W (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Front Wide Channel Support
Dynamic Audio Amplification
Non-Phase Shift Amplifier
VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry)
Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry
THX™ Certification
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Discrete Output Stage Circuitry
Independent Block Construction (Amp/Preprocessor)
Bi-amp Capability
BTL (Bridged Transless or Bridging)

AUDIO FEATURES	Onkyo TX-SR494	Sony STR-DH770
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine	32-bit Digital Signal Processing Engines
DAC	AKM
DAC Specs	384 kHz/32 Bit
Maximum Channel Processing	7.1	7.1
Air Studios Monitor Certification
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic		PLIIx
Dolby Digital EX
THX Listening Modes
Surround EX
DTS:X
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo		Neo:6
DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS 96/24
DTS Express
DTS-ES		Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
IMAX Enhanced
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
360 Reality Audio
PCM	2-ch/Multi-ch Input	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Music Playback via USB		MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network
DSD via HDMI	2-ch	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD via USB
DSD to PCM Converter
USB DAC
Jitter Reduction
DTS Dialogue Control
Dialog Enhancement
Dialog normalization
Dialogue Lift
Digital Legato Linear
In-Ceiling Speaker Mode
OP Processing
Sound Optimizer
Tone Control	Front L/R Channels	All Channels
Compressed Music Enhancer	Advanced Music Optimizer
High-resolution Music Enhancer
THX Processing Mode
Audyssey Dynamic EQ
Audyssey Dynamic Volume
Audyssey LFC
Audyssey Sub EQ HT
Audyssey DSX
Phase-Matching Bass Boost
Direct Mode
Pure Audio Mode
Pure Direct Analog Path Mode
Pure Direct Mode
Virtual Speakers	T-D (Theater-Dimensional)

CALIBRATION	Onkyo TX-SR494	Sony STR-DH770
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	AccuEQ	D.C.A.C.
Calibration Microphone		Mono
Speaker Relocation
Automatic Phase Matching

VIDEO FEATURES	Onkyo TX-SR494	Sony STR-DH770
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.3	2.2
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K/60p (RGB/YCbCr4:4:4)	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling	1080p to 4K
Analog To HDMI Upconversion
isf Certified Calibration Control

CONNECTIVITY	Onkyo TX-SR494	Sony STR-DH770
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth	SBC, AAC	SBC, AAC
Works with Amazon Alexa
Chromecast Built-In
Works with SonoS
DTS Play-Fi
MHL Input
DLNA 1.5
Music Connect
Remote Monitoring with ihiji
AirPlay
Apple Product Connection		iPod, iPhone
Remote App
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue

TERMINALS	Onkyo TX-SR494	Sony STR-DH770
HDMI Inputs	4	4
HDMI Outputs	1	1
8K Inputs
USB Input		1 (Front)
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	1	1
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	1	1
RCA Line Inputs	3	4
RCA Line Outputs
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	0.2	0.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs		2
Composite Video Outputs		1
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs
Component Video Outputs
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch
PC In
Front A/V Inputs		USB
Speaker A/B
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")	6.3 mm (1/4")
Detachable Power Cord
uport

ZONES	Onkyo TX-SR494	Sony STR-DH770
Number of Zones	2	1
Powered Zones	2
Zone 2 Outs	Zone B Pre/Line Out
Whole House Mode
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output	0	0
Remote (IR) Input/Output	0 / 0	0 / 0

MISCELLANEOUS	Onkyo TX-SR494	Sony STR-DH770
On-Screen Display		Graphical User Interface (Only through HDMI)
GUI Languages	7	4
ONKYO-RI System Control
RIHD (Remote Interactive Over HDMI)

RADIO	Onkyo TX-SR494	Sony STR-DH770
Analog Tuner	FM/AM	FM with RDS
Presets	40	30 (30/-)
Digital Radio
Internet Radio
Pandora
Spotify
Tidal
Deezer
Napster
SiriusXM

CONSTRUCTION	Onkyo TX-SR494	Sony STR-DH770
Solid Aluminum Front
Speaker Terminals	7	7
Large Speaker Terminals	2	7
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
Gold plated RCA terminals

POWER	Onkyo TX-SR494	Sony STR-DH770
Power Supply	AC 120 V, 60 Hz	AC 230 V, 50/60 Hz
Independent Power Supply
H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply)
Toroidal Transformer
Power Consumption	490 W	240 W
Standby Power	0.1 W	0.3 W

PHYSICAL	Onkyo TX-SR494	Sony STR-DH770
Dimensions (W x H x D)	435 mm x 160 mm x 328 mm 17-1/8" x 6-5/16" x 12-15/16"	430 mm x 156 mm x 329.4 mm 17" x 6-1/4" x 13"
Dimensions of Package (W x H x D)	525 mm x 240 mm x 405 mm 20-11/16" x 9-7/16" x 15-15/16"
Weight	8.2 kg (18.1 lb 10 oz)	7.8 kg (17 lbs. 4 oz.)
Weight of Package	10.5 kg (23.1 lbs)

SPECIFICATIONS	Onkyo TX-SR494	Sony STR-DH770
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	100 W (0.08% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)		90 W (0.09% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)		105 W (1% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, FTC)		145 W (0.9% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)	160 W (10% THD)
THD	0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, Half power)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	200 mV/47 kΩ (1 kHz, 100 W/8 Ω)	500 mV/50 kΩ
Rated Preout Level and Impedance		2 V/1 kΩ (Subwoofer)
Rated Headphone Power Output	80 mW (32 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	109 db	105 dB (500 mV)
S/N Ratio (digital)		100 dB (20 kHz LPF)
Frequency Response (Analog In)	10 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (Direct)	10 Hz - 100 kHz/+0.5 dB, -2 dB
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI	2.8 MHz	2.8 MHz
Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance		1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
Bluetooth Version	4․2	4․2
Bluetooth Frequency	2.4 GHz	2.4 GHz
USB Terminal	5 V, 1 A	Type A, Ver. 2.0, 5 V, 1 A
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz
FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)	Mono: 1.0 µV (11.2 dBf)
AM Frequency	530 kHz - 1710 kHz
Warranty	2 Years	2 Years

* - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
** - 480i/576i only
*** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
**** - 1080p signal is not converted