(October 1, 2025) Denon has expanded its entry-level lineup with the AVR-S270BT, a 5.1-channel receiver designed for first-time home theater owners and smaller rooms. Priced at $399 on Denon.com and as low as $299 through Costco in the U.S. (Best Buy Canada lists it at $499), this receiver provides a gateway into multi-channel surround without the complexity or cost of higher-end models.
Denon markets the S270BT as “immersive,” but it’s worth noting that it doesn't support Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. Instead, its decoding focuses on legacy codecs including Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio. For stereo material, it offers Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS Neo:6 upmixing, expanding 2-channel content into a 5.1 soundfield. This still provides a surround experience, though not the overhead or object-based effects offered by modern immersive formats.
Under the hood, the AVR-S270BT drives five channels with 70 watts per channel into 8 ohms (20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.08% THD, two channels driven). A single subwoofer output provides access to the LFE channel, rounding out a traditional 5.1 configuration and offloading bass duties to an active sub. Auto speaker setup is handled via a supplied microphone, and Denon’s Setup Assistant is said to provide a straightforward on-screen walk-through for beginners.
On the video side, the receiver features five HDMI inputs and one HDMI output. Three inputs support 4K/60Hz passthrough with HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision, along with BT.2020 wide color gamut. The other two HDMI ports handle 1080p sources. ARC (Audio Return Channel) is available for connecting TV audio back to the receiver, but eARC is not supported, meaning owners won’t get full lossless formats from built-in TV apps.
Other connections include two optical digital inputs, two analog RCA inputs, and the requisite AM/FM antenna. There’s no network streaming onboard, but built-in Bluetooth allows for wireless playback from phones, tablets, or computers. Denon’s Quick Select buttons on both the unit and the remote let users store and recall input, volume, and sound mode presets.
The AVR-S270BT is available now. For more information, visit Denon.com.
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