Verdict
Head-to-head · Best AV Receivers Under $1000

Denon AVR-X2800H vs Onkyo TX-NR6100

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Onkyo TX-NR6100 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.3). Onkyo TX-NR6100 is best for: Buyers who want THX-certified sound, strong amplification and full 8K/120Hz gaming pass-through at the best price in the class. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Denon AVR-X2800H
Ranked #3 in Best AV Receivers Under $1000
Denon AVR-X2800H
2 sources$999as of Sep 25

The AVR-X2800H is the safest all-rounder under $1000, pairing Denon's mature, open sound with a complete modern feature set. What Hi-Fi handed it a full five stars and Empire four, both praising precise Atmos imaging and an authoritative, well-spread soundstage. Three HDMI 2.1 ports cover 8K and 4K/120Hz gaming, and Audyssey MultEQ XT makes calibration painless. The only real catch is that 8K is limited to half the inputs.

Strengths
  • — Rich, spacious, well-balanced sound that reviewers say outclasses its predecessor and most rivals at the price
  • — Three HDMI 2.1 inputs handle 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz with VRR and ALLM for next-gen consoles
  • — Audyssey MultEQ XT room correction is genuinely effective and beginner-friendly via the on-screen Setup Assistant
Watch-outs
  • — 8K support is limited to three of the six HDMI inputs, not all of them
  • — Street price has crept up over its predecessor and can flirt with the $1000 ceiling
  • — 95W per channel is adequate but not class-leading for large, demanding rooms
Onkyo TX-NR6100
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best AV Receivers Under $1000
Onkyo TX-NR6100
1 source$649as of Oct 11

The TX-NR6100 is the value-and-power pick: a THX Select-certified 7.2 receiver with a genuinely muscular amplifier and full HDMI 2.1 gaming support. AVForums praised its impressive moments under load, though it flags AccuEQ as the weak link versus Audyssey. For buyers who want THX modes and clean 8K/120Hz pass-through at the lowest sensible price, it is hard to beat.

Strengths
  • — Powerful, driving amplifier reviewers describe as punchy with strong dynamics
  • — Three full HDMI 2.1 inputs deliver 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM
  • — Strong value, often the most receiver-per-dollar in the sub-$1000 bracket
Watch-outs
  • — No Dirac Live without stepping up to pricier RZ-series models
  • — Styling and on-screen menus feel dated next to newer rivals

How they stack up

Denon AVR-X2800H

Steps above the Denon AVR-S970H with stronger amplification and a more refined, open presentation.

Onkyo TX-NR6100

Brings THX Select certification and a punchier amplifier than the Denon AVR-X2800H or Yamaha RX-V6A, making it the value-and-power choice.

Specs side-by-side

SpecDenon AVR-X2800HOnkyo TX-NR6100
Channels7.27.2
Power95W per channel (8 ohm, 0.08% THD, 2ch driven)100W per channel (8 ohm, 20Hz-20kHz, 2ch driven)
HDMI6 in / 2 out (3 inputs 8K-capable)6 in / 2 out (3 inputs HDMI 2.1, 8K-capable)
Video8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision, HDR10+8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision
Audio FormatsDolby Atmos, DTS:XDolby Atmos, DTS:X
Room CorrectionAudyssey MultEQ XTAccuEQ
StreamingHEOS, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Wi-FiSonos-ready, Chromecast, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
eARCYes—
Certification—THX Select
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