Denon A-Series, X-Series and S-Series: All the new receivers and amplifiers explained

Denon’s latest range of AV receivers and amplifiers features compatibility with premium audio formats and support for 8K resolutions.

Denon says these receivers and amplifiers have been tuned “meticulously” by a Denon Sound Master to present Denon’s “signature craftmanship and sound design”.

Among the features is support for 3D formats in Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro 3D, as well as Denon’s HEOS technology to create a multi-room set-up for streaming audio to other HEOS devices.

Set-up with the new models is described as being easier than before thanks to a new HD graphical user interface with Denon’s award-winning set-up assistant in tow.

After a staggered launch, all the receivers and amplifiers are available. Here’s each one explained in terms of features, price and where it fits in the overall line-up.

A-Series

AVC-A1H / AVR-A1H

• £5,999 / €6,499 / $6,499
• 15 channels of amplification
• HDMI 2.1 connectivity
• Dirac Live (future update)

The AVC-A1H is the latest model in Denon’s class-leading range of AV amplifiers, boasting 15 channels of amplification, Denon’s most powerful transformer and a hefty, “high-rigidity” construction. Dirac Live functionality is coming in an optional future update.

The AVC-A1H amplifier is available to buy on the Denon website

X-Series

AVC-X4800H / AVR-X4800H

• £1,999 / €2,399 / $2499
• 9.4-channel
• 8K support
• 200W per channel
• HDMI 2.1 connectivity
• Dirac Live (future update)

The X4800H has up to nine channels of amplification and can support use of four subwoofers for some hefty bass. Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced and Auro 3D are all covered, and like the other compatible models mentioned on this list, Dirac Live support is coming in a software update.

The AVR-X4800H amplifier is available to buy on the Denon website

AVC-X3800H / AVR-X3800H

• £1,499 / €1,699 / $1699
• 9.4-channel
• 8K support
• 180W per channel
• HDMI 2.1 connectivity
• Dirac Live (future update)

Broadly covers the same feature set as the X4800H with its 8K support and 3D audio. Supports the same channel count but features less power per channel. Like the AVC models above, Dirac Live is described as arriving in an update down the line. This model, the X4800H and A1H all have models with the AVC prefix, which means they don’t come with a FM tuner.

The AVR-X3800H amplifier is available to buy on the Denon website

AVR-X2800H – AVR-X2800H DAB

• £869 / €969 / $1199 – £899 / €999
• 7.2-channel
• 95W per channel
• HDMI 2.1 connectivity

Two versions of the X2800H are listed, one with DAB digital radio support and the other without, giving customers a choice as well as small price difference (£30 / €30). These models cater to medium-sized rooms with HDMI 2.1 connectivity presenting three 8K inputs and support for higher video resolutions and refresh rates.

The AVR-X2800H amplifier is available to buy on the Denon website

S-Series

AVR-S970H

• £799 / €969 / $899
• 7.2-channel
• Dolby Atmos / DTS:X / DTS Neural:X
• 145W per channel
• HDMI 2.1 connectivity

The most affordable receiver of the lot, the specification appears to be similar to the X2800H except it offers more power per channel. There’s the usual mention of HDMI 2.1 connectivity and compatibility with 8K resolutions and refresh rates“.

The AVR-S970H amplifier is available to buy on the Denon website