Denon Refreshes Its S Series of AVRs, Boosting Entry Level Performance

(May 9, 2019) Denon has given its entry-level S Series as serious makeover with the release of three new wallet-friendly models: the 5.2-channel AVR-S650H ($399), 7.2-channel AVR-S750H ($499), and 7.2-channel AVR-S950H ($599).

This new class is headlined by the AVR-S950H, which packs 185W per channel (6 Ohm, 1kHz, 1ch driven, 10% THD) backed by discrete high-current power amps dedicated to each of its seven channels. The other two models offer 165 and 150 Watts per channel, respectively. Both the XS50H and S950H carry Atmos and DTS:X decoding capabilities, complemented by Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization and DTS: Virtual:X for a 3D sound boost without the need for immersive speakers. Additionally, the receivers can be used to deliver a 5.2.2 audio experience, while powering a second zone of stereo speakers.

The entire S-Series offers simple set up thanks to Denon’s well designed Setup Assistant, which includes Audyssey room calibration tools. And playback is enhanced by the inclusion of Denon’s AVR remote app, Audyssey’s MultiEQ editor app (fee applies), and control using Google Assistant, Siri, and Amazon Alexa voice agents.

Connectivity includes between five and eight HDMI inputs capable of handling the all-new HDCP 2.3 copy protection protocol, while offering eARC, full 4K/60Hz video compatibility (4:4:4 color, BT.2020, HDR 10, Dolby Vision, and HLG), and a new Auto Low Latency Mode for Xbox One. And wireless functionality extends from Sound United’s HEOS multi-room streaming technology to Bluetooth, Apple Airplay 2, Wi-Fi, access to onboard support for popular streaming services such as TIDAL, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Pandora), and an all-new “Party Mode” that plays audio sourced from a TV to all zones.

The S950H carries four analog inputs, a moving magnet phono input, a 4K video upscaling processor, and a Pure Direct mode for audio playback. It also delivers playback of (up to) 24-bit/192kHz ALAC, FLAC, and WAV lossless tracks, as well as MP3, WAV, FLAC, ALAC and DSD (2.8/5.6MHz) files.

"The new 2019 Denon S-Series AVRs provide music and movie enthusiasts with a simple and inexpensive solution to upgrade from a traditional sound bar. With features like automated room calibration and audio optimization alongside industry-leading sound quality, the S-Series are a great way to advance any home theater," said Michael Greco, senior director of global brand management at Sound United.

All three models are available now from authorized Denon brick-and-mortar retailers and web-based dealers.

 

[John Platanitis]

Denon Refreshes Its S Series of AVRs, Boosting Entry Level Performance​

(May 9, 2019) Denon has given its entry-level S Series as serious makeover with the release of three new wallet-friendly models: the 5.2-channel AVR-S650H ($399), 7.2-channel AVR-S750H ($499), and 7.2-channel AVR-S950H ($599).

This new class is headlined by the AVR-S950H, which packs 185W per channel (6 Ohm, 1kHz, 1ch driven, 10% THD) backed by discrete high-current power amps dedicated to each of its seven channels. The other two models offer 165 and 150 Watts per channel, respectively. Both the XS50H and S950H carry Atmos and DTS:X decoding capabilities, complemented by Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization and DTS: Virtual:X for a 3D sound boost without the need for immersive speakers. Additionally, the receivers can be used to deliver a 5.2.2 audio experience, while powering a second zone of stereo speakers.

The entire S-Series offers simple set up thanks to Denon’s well designed Setup Assistant, which includes Audyssey room calibration tools. And playback is enhanced by the inclusion of Denon’s AVR remote app, Audyssey’s MultiEQ editor app (fee applies), and control using Google Assistant, Siri, and Amazon Alexa voice agents.

Connectivity includes between five and eight HDMI inputs capable of handling the all-new HDCP 2.3 copy protection protocol, while offering eARC, full 4K/60Hz video compatibility (4:4:4 color, BT.2020, HDR 10, Dolby Vision, and HLG), and a new Auto Low Latency Mode for Xbox One. And wireless functionality extends from Sound United’s HEOS multi-room streaming technology to Bluetooth, Apple Airplay 2, Wi-Fi, access to onboard support for popular streaming services such as TIDAL, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Pandora), and an all-new “Party Mode” that plays audio sourced from a TV to all zones.

The S950H carries four analog inputs, a moving magnet phono input, a 4K video upscaling processor, and a Pure Direct mode for audio playback. It also delivers playback of (up to) 24-bit/192kHz ALAC, FLAC, and WAV lossless tracks, as well as MP3, WAV, FLAC, ALAC and DSD (2.8/5.6MHz) files.

"The new 2019 Denon S-Series AVRs provide music and movie enthusiasts with a simple and inexpensive solution to upgrade from a traditional sound bar. With features like automated room calibration and audio optimization alongside industry-leading sound quality, the S-Series are a great way to advance any home theater," said Michael Greco, senior director of global brand management at Sound United.

All three models are available now from authorized Denon brick-and-mortar retailers and web-based dealers.

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Denon Refreshes Its S Series of AVRs, Boosting Entry Level Performance​

(May 9, 2019) Denon has given its entry-level S Series as serious makeover with the release of three new wallet-friendly models: the 5.2-channel AVR-S650H ($399), 7.2-channel AVR-S750H ($499), and 7.2-channel AVR-S950H ($599).

This new class is headlined by the AVR-S950H, which packs 185W per channel (6 Ohm, 1kHz, 1ch driven, 10% THD) backed by discrete high-current power amps dedicated to each of its seven channels. The other two models offer 165 and 150 Watts per channel, respectively. Both the XS50H and S950H carry Atmos and DTS:X decoding capabilities, complemented by Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization and DTS: Virtual:X for a 3D sound boost without the need for immersive speakers. Additionally, the receivers can be used to deliver a 5.2.2 audio experience, while powering a second zone of stereo speakers.

The entire S-Series offers simple set up thanks to Denon’s well designed Setup Assistant, which includes Audyssey room calibration tools. And playback is enhanced by the inclusion of Denon’s AVR remote app, Audyssey’s MultiEQ editor app (fee applies), and control using Google Assistant, Siri, and Amazon Alexa voice agents.

Connectivity includes between five and eight HDMI inputs capable of handling the all-new HDCP 2.3 copy protection protocol, while offering eARC, full 4K/60Hz video compatibility (4:4:4 color, BT.2020, HDR 10, Dolby Vision, and HLG), and a new Auto Low Latency Mode for Xbox One. And wireless functionality extends from Sound United’s HEOS multi-room streaming technology to Bluetooth, Apple Airplay 2, Wi-Fi, access to onboard support for popular streaming services such as TIDAL, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Pandora), and an all-new “Party Mode” that plays audio sourced from a TV to all zones.

The S950H carries four analog inputs, a moving magnet phono input, a 4K video upscaling processor, and a Pure Direct mode for audio playback. It also delivers playback of (up to) 24-bit/192kHz ALAC, FLAC, and WAV lossless tracks, as well as MP3, WAV, FLAC, ALAC and DSD (2.8/5.6MHz) files.

"The new 2019 Denon S-Series AVRs provide music and movie enthusiasts with a simple and inexpensive solution to upgrade from a traditional sound bar. With features like automated room calibration and audio optimization alongside industry-leading sound quality, the S-Series are a great way to advance any home theater," said Michael Greco, senior director of global brand management at Sound United.

All three models are available now from authorized Denon brick-and-mortar retailers and web-based dealers.

I have the Denon S740H and I’m very happy with it. It fills my 14 X 32 foot theatre room with incredible DTS-X and Dolby True HD sound. Denon makes a great product. I can only imagine how good the higher end models sound.