Audio Video News

Denon today announced the addition of six richly featured yet affordably priced models to its X- and S-Series of AV receivers.

Ranging in price from $279 to $799, all of the new models are app controllable, support voice control through Amazon’s Alexa platform, and are equipped with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround processing for systems with overhead or Atmos-enabled speakers and DTS Virtual:X processing for 2.1-, 5.1-, and 7.1-channel setups that lack overhead speakers. With the Alexa Smart Home Skill for Entertainment Devices enabled, voice commands can be used to control a variety of functions, including power, volume, mute, play/pause, input switching, and playback of supported streaming services.

All six of the new AVRs also support three high dynamic range formats — Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG — 4K/60/BT.2020 passthrough on all HDMI inputs, and are compatible with Denon’s Heos wireless multiroom music platform/app. Onboard streaming services include Spotify, Pandora, and Tidal and streaming via Bluetooth is supported.

Four new S-Series models — the AVR-S940H ($579), AVR-S740H ($479), AVR-S640H ($379), and AVR-S540BT ($279) — are already in stores and the new X-Series AVR-X2500H ($799) and AVR-X1500H ($599) models are slated for deliver in May.

Both X-Series models have 7.2 channels and are rated to deliver 95 and 80 watts/channel in to 8 ohms, respectively, support vinyl playback with phono inputs, and include custom integration features that enable remote system management over IP. The AVR-X2500H has eight HDMI inputs and two outputs and the AVR-X1500H provides six HDMI inputs and one output. The X2500H distinguishes itself with the addition of picture adjustments and 4K/30Hz upscaling.

Other common X-Series features include 32-bit/192kHz processing for all channels, playback of ALAC, FLAC, WAV (up to 24-bit/196- kHz), and DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz files, Apple AirPlay support, Zone 2 capability with or without power (via preouts), and Audyssey’s mid-level MultEQ XT automated room correction with Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume processing.

All new S-Series models are equipped with Audyssey’s entry-level MultEQ automated room correction with Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume processing and, except for the entry-level AVR-S540BT, include a microphone and stand.

The S-Series AVR-S940H and AVR-S740H have 7.2 channels and are rated to deliver 90 and 75 watts/channel in to 8 ohms, respectively. The AVR-S940H has eight HDMI inputs and two outputs and the AVR-S740H provides six HDMI inputs and one output.

The AVR-S640H and AVR- S540BT have 5.2 channels and are rated to deliver 75 and 70 watts/channel in to 8 ohms, respectively. Both models have five HDMI inputs and one output but on the S540H HDCP 2.2 is only supported on three of the inputs. The S640H distinguishes itself with the addition of a phono input.

For more information, visit usa.denon.com.