Denon AVR-X8500H Preview and Unboxing

[Todd Anderson]

We have a full review on the way... here's a YouTube Preview and Unboxing.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Excellent video Todd... well done!

That's the big daddy of all receivers right there.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Thanks Sonnie - hoping to get this beast integrated and running ASAP.

150W per channel - it's hard to ignore that! I'm really curious to see how much heavy lifting this AVR can do without subs in the picture.

 

[tripplej]

I agree. Nice video. Great work.

 

[jdubs75]

Cannot wait to hear your feedback including the .6!

 

[JBrax]

Nice video Todd. Sheesh, that’s a beast of a receiver!

 

[Michael Scott]

wow, that's a monster.... who's the old man in the video though??

 

[Todd Anderson]

Nice video Todd. Sheesh, that’s a beast of a receiver!

You're not kidding. The big question: can it stand on its own and drive reference levels? We shall see ;-)

 

[Todd Anderson]

wow, that's a monster.... who's the old man in the video though??

Hey now. Reality is brutal!!!

 

[Michael Scott]

You're not kidding. The big question: can it stand on its own and drive reference levels? We shall see ;-)

I would pair that up with a set of high sensitivity drivers and those things could easily power most systems at reference. some of the DIYsoundgroup offerings would be perfect for that monster

 

[Todd Anderson]

I would pair that up with a set of high sensitivity drivers and those things could easily power most systems at reference. some of the DIYsoundgroup offerings would be perfect for that monster

The spec is 150 Watts per channel --- that indicates it should be able to carry quite a bit of weight on its own. But, I hear what you're saying.

 

[Michael Scott]

The spec is 150 Watts per channel --- that indicates it should be able to carry quite a bit of weight on its own. But, I hear what you're saying.

the question will always be, how much of that 150watts is under full load with all channels driven, how much of that is real world vs. theoretical, and how much distortion is added in when they're driven at full load. Like most receivers I SERIOUSLY doubt all 150 watts will be achievable (pretty standard in the industry), but the real question is how they handle in real world scenarios. The more speakers added to the system I PERSONALLY would be switching to high sensitivity drivers so they use less of that available power to reduce the chances of distortion (I'm a high sensitivity DIY fanatic, as I can run some MONSTER speakers off of a simply 90 watt per channel AVR without even breaking a sweat), but again, that will all depend on what speakers people are using on this beast too.

Denon is one of the few that actually comes close to their rated specs so I'm really curious to see the results when it's tested

 

[Todd Anderson]

My thoughts exactly, Mike. What happens when I load this puppy with the weight of a 13-channel System???

We’re gonna find out.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Alright - The X8500H is all set up and calibrated. Native stereo (no subs) with SVS Ultra towers has more than enough juice... and 7.2.6 Atmos with subs also seems to be power-laden and clean. All is looking good.

The added rear height channels are pretty cool. It definitely helps to stretch the sound just a tad further back (clips from the Atmos demo disc). Set up was fairly smooth too... so far all signs point to great gear.

 

[Gufiaito]

How is this system holding up? Is it driving all 13 speakers at reference?

 

[Todd Anderson]

How is this system holding up? Is it driving all 13 speakers at reference?

Yes. This is actually next in queue for write-up. I’m finishing up RIVA Concert now and the X8500 will be on the line, so to speak.

The evaluation is all done, tho. This receiver has excellent power that can - amazingly - drive a full system.

 

[Gufiaito]

A

Yes. This is actually next in queue for write-up. I’m finishing up RIVA Concert now and the X8500 will be on the line, so to speak.

The evaluation is all done, tho. This receiver has excellent power that can - amazingly - drive a full system.

Awesome can't wait to read it. I'm between the 8500h and the Marantz Av 8805

 

[phillihp23]

Highly anticipating and awaiting the review of the Denon 8500H.......

 

[Todd Anderson]

It's coming!! The holidays have kind of put things on hold – lots of family and friends time – but, believe me... I'm itching to get this one live.

The X8500H is a ridiculous piece of equipment... in a good way. It's expensive, yes, but easily a crown jewel for an AV system.

 

[Gufiaito]

It's coming!! The holidays have kind of put things on hold – lots of family and friends time – but, believe me... I'm itching to get this one live.

The X8500H is a ridiculous piece of equipment... in a good way. It's expensive, yes, but easily a crown jewel for an AV s

 

[Gufiaito]

It's coming!! The holidays have kind of put things on hold – lots of family and friends time – but, believe me... I'm itching to get this one live.

The X8500H is a ridiculous piece of equipment... in a good way. It's expensive, yes, but easily a crown jewel for an AV system.

Where is this review it's been a couple months now

 

[Todd Anderson]

Hey @Gufiaito – believe me, I know!!! I complete the review forever and a day ago. We had the holidays and then I hit CES coverage (which is intense and time consuming). Unfortunately, I hit a rough patch of two health issues that have set me back. Totally unforeseen. I was able to get CES coverage up a tad bit late... and I'm working my way to getting about 4 reviews live. Believe me, I want nothing more than to get my opinions about the X8500 out there! I promise you, it's coming. It's weighing heavy on me.

 

[Gufiaito]

Hey @Gufiaito – believe me, I know!!! I complete the review forever and a day ago. We had the holidays and then I hit CES coverage (which is intense and time consuming). Unfortunately, I hit a rough patch of two health issues that have set me back. Totally unforeseen. I was able to get CES coverage up a tad bit late... and I'm working my way to getting about 4 reviews live. Believe me, I want nothing more than to get my opinions about the X8500 out there! I promise you, it's coming. It's weighing heavy on me.

Thank you sir, health is most important stay healthy.