New Denon 2022 8K AV Receivers with DIRAC!

Although summer 2020 was a time most of us would like to forget, one of the bright spots (audio wise at least) was Denon's release of the worlds first 8K ready AV receivers.  We said of the AVR-X6700H: "For $2,500 you get (out of the box) 11 channels of amplification (140wpc x 11) and 13 channels of processing, 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz video, 8K upscaling, and all the newest HDMI functionality. Gamers will love the 120Hz refresh rate along with other features to reduce lag time."

In 2020 Denon hedged their bets that audioholics would be spending more time at home, in front of the TV, and made their receivers heavy on the visual side of new improvements. We agreed and thought that other AV receiver companies would follow suit. Shortly after, Marantz released their own 8K receivers and we're seeing the trend continuing through today with Arcam releasing an 8K receiver in August, 2022.

Now, Denon is ahead of the competition again in 2022, releasing SEVEN new 8K AV receivers with enhancements we think will define what we see from other audio companies in the near future.

With our new lineup, Denon has an AVR that is perfect for every consumer and each unique application. Leveraging our brand heritage as an industry leader in both home theater and Hi-Fi, Denon has achieved a level of performance, build quality and overall value that simply cannot be matched.

--Trip Randall, Denon president.

The new receivers are "meticulously tuned by a Denon Sound Master" and combines popular 3D formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X-IMAX Enhanced and Auro 3D, along with Dolby Surround, DTS:X. Most Denon AVRs feature HEOS built-in technology to support a multi-room set-up, so you can stream your favorite music, podcasts or sports to other HEOS devices. 

A-Series

The AVR-A1H is the latest in Denon’s class-leading “A-Series” of receivers, designed to deliver the ultimate home-theater experience. With 15 channels of amplification (150wpc x 15), Denon’s most powerful transformer, carefully selected parts, and hefty, high-rigidity construction, the flagship AVR-A1H is designed to deliver "a professional theater experience in your home cinema". By the numbers, the AVR-A1H is rated to fill large rooms with 3D sound, but the most intriguing features might get overlooked by a cursory glace at the specifications. This receiver looks to be a beast tipping the scale at 70lbs. It's a good 15lbs heavier than the prior AVR-X8500H or A110 models that had 13 channels of amplification. The AVR-A1H is reminiscent of the venerable AVR-5805 100lb monster (170wpc x 10) from yesteryear that Gene DellaSala still has fond memories of being the best AV receiver he's ever tested or owned. Will the AVR-A1H live up to this standard? We shall find out in a formal review. Like the AVR-5805, the AVR-A1H is built in their premier Shirakawa factory in Japan. Denon appears to be carrying over a similar linear Class AB amplifier design from the AVR-X8500h as they have not yet plunged into Class D amplification for their AVR's like they recently have with sister company Marantz and their new 16CH separates - the AV 10 and AMP 10.

The biggest new features released for the top three models (A1H, X4800, and X3800) is the upgrade to Dirac Live room correction. Contributing writer Jacob Green says of Dirac Live, "no software solution that I’ve experienced does a better job than Dirac Live".

Dirac Live works by analyzing measurements made with a microphone at multiple positions clustered around the main listening position. It then finds and corrects issues in the time domain that were common in all measurements. Reflective acoustic energy can be significantly reduced in favor of direct sound, and this can give the end sound much greater clarity and less coloration. After the decay times have been reduced, Dirac Live then goes to work on the frequency response to shore up problems without damaging time domain corrections. The result is a flatter response across all listening positions with far quicker decay times.

--James Larson, Contributing writer, Audioholics

The top three receivers come in the box with Audyssey room correction installed, and the Dirac Live upgrade will be offered with a future software update.

The other big upgrade to the top two receivers (A1H and X4800H) is the  inclusion of FOUR independent subwoofer outs. We are always preaching the more subs the better in a home theater system (particularly two to four) for a variety of reasons such as; smoother bass response across a wider listening area and increased dynamic range. Now Denon has made it easier than ever.

X- Series

AVR-X4800H: This 9.4 channel AV receiver, powering 125W per channel, to deliver 3D audio and high-definition video up to 8K. With nine channels of amplification and up to four independent subwoofers, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X plus IMAX Enhanced and Auro 3D, this unit would also be rated for large rooms for theater-quality sound. The X4800 will also support Dirac Live upgradability with a future software update.

AVR-X3800H: Powering 105W per channel, the Denon AVR-X3800H is a 9.4 channel 8K AV receiver. The X3800 will also support Dirac Live upgradability with a future software update. This may be the ideal affordable preamp/processor by using the preamp disconnect feature you can have up to 11 channels of clean preamp outputs (up to 4Vrms) and 4 independent sub outs for only $1,700.

AVR-X2800H: Designed to fill medium-sized rooms with 7.2 channel s and 95W per channel. The Denon AVR-X2800H consists of increased HDMI 2.1 connectivity with three 8K inputs, which leads to supporting higher video resolution and refresh rates.  

AVR-X580BT: The Denon AVR-X580BT offers an entry-level AV receiver for those looking to enhance their home theater set up. This powerful 5.2 channel AVR provides 70W per channel.

S-Series

AVR-S970H: Offering 90W per channel power, the Denon AVR-S970H 7.2 channel AV receiver consists of three 8K inputs, leading to an increased HDMI 2.1 connectivity and delivers support of higher video resolution and refresh rates.

AVR-S570BT: For movie lovers looking to take the first step in upgrading their home theater experience or those who want better quality sound in a smaller space, this powerful 5.2 channel AVR, with 70W per channel, is the perfect entry-level accompaniment to any users’ set-up. The Denon AVR-S570BT is available in North America only.

What We Think...

The inclusion of Dirac Live and four subwoofer outs in the top models is certainly a HUGE deal, however, the news that stands out to me are the two lowest model Denon receivers. At $400, the AVR-S570BT and AVR-X580BT are two of the most affordable, yet advanced receivers available today. With 8K video, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for smooth, lag-free gaming, the two lowest models may be the biggest news from Denon. Best of all, ALL models support HDMI 2.1 with up to 40GBPS on EVERY input, not just one input like outgoing models.

For more information on the entire Denon product line and market availability, visit www.denon.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.