Design

First, the AVR-X2700H and AVR-X2800H have somewhat similar designs. Denon stays with the conventional AV receiver style, which has both advantages and disadvantages. Though it fits most configurations, this black rectangular box is no-nonsense and won't win any style prizes. Their right huge volume knob is the same; their left input selection knob is smaller; and their center display is the same. This is fantastic if your home theatre arrangement results in the receiver, not being on full show. These receivers could seem a little antiquated, however, if you like sleek, contemporary devices.

When you receive the AVR-X2800H, however, it does seem somewhat more premium. The general build quality and buttons seem stronger. The X2800H wins this round if you're particular about the tactile feel of your gadgets, but the difference is not that great. Having said that, both models are somewhat large and you will have to make sure your arrangement can handle them. Neither of them is very little.

While the X2800H, with its somewhat tougher structure, would appeal to someone more focused on the long-term longevity of their system, the X2700H can easily fit into a living room in a real-world configuration.

Connectivity

These days, the connection is when things start to become interesting. With six HDMI ports, all models provide plenty of room to connect to all of your devices—from streaming boxes to Blu-ray players to gaming consoles. Though most of us are currently living in the 4K world for now, both models also offer 8K passthrough, thus future-proofed for the next wave of content.

In the HDMI ports, the AVR-X2800H edges the X2700H. While the X2700H has one HDMI 2.1 port, the X2800H has three. The additional HDMI 2.1 connections make a difference whether you want to access more 8K video or have a next-generation gaming system like a PS5 or Xbox Series X. This is particularly true if many devices need the increased bandwidth these ports provide.

Another noteworthy quality of both receivers is eARC, which guarantees complete, uncompressed audio back-off from your TV for the receiver. I have mostly utilized this function for streaming Dolby Atmos material, and the audio quality is much improved. You will get a deeper, more immersive sound whether you are playing games, watching TV programs, or movies.

Regarding wireless devices, both receivers come standard with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and AirPlay 2. On both models, streaming via Spotify, Tidal, or even Apple Music is seamless. Testing both with an iPhone and an Android phone, I found that the wireless communication is consistent and devoid of any obvious lag or loss.

On network connection, the X2800H excels, nevertheless, with a slightly higher performance. If you often stream podcasts or music, this little improvement in network stability will be apparent, particularly if your home network is big and includes many linked devices.

Performance

Although the AVR-X2800H has a little advantage, both receivers perform rather well when we go into performance. Both systems support Dolby Atmos, DTS, and a broad spectrum of audio codecs, therefore, they are more than suited to handle everything from movie explosions to subdued ambient noises in a drama. I tried both with a 5.1.2 configuration and in both situations the sound was immersive. Still, the AVR-X2800H managed to handle the more demanding sequences gracefully.

While outstanding, the X2700H sometimes fails to differentiate all the layers of sound when the action heats up; in a fast-paced action sequence, such as a car pursuit or a gunfight, the X2800H manages to retain every sound unique and clear. This isn't to say the X2700H doesn't deliver—it surely does—but the X2800H simply seems like it handles those intricate soundscapes and is somewhat more sophisticated.

In music, both receivers are outstanding. At them, I hurled everything from jazz to hip-hop, and they never missed a pulse. The bass strikes without overloading the mids and highs; the soundstage is broad and balanced. Both receivers provide whether you're playing anything acoustic and subdued or bass-heavy music. But, particularly when playing high-resolution audio files, the AVR-X2800H once again beats out the X2700H with somewhat tighter bass control and crisper instrument separation.

Both receivers will wow you if you take your home theatre or music setup very seriously. The AVR-X2800H is the best option, nevertheless, if you have a little more discriminating taste or find those finer subtleties in sound quality.

Where and When to Use

Medium to large rooms fit both the AVR-X2700H and AVR-X2800H. Though they could be overkill in smaller environments, they are strong enough to surround a living room or dedicated home theatre with immersive sound.

In a real-world situation, both receivers produce a cinematic experience if you are seeing a blockbuster movie in a big living room. Here the Dolby Atmos technology truly shines, with audio emanating from all directions—including above. These receivers might seem excessive, however, if you live in a tiny flat. In a small room, you most likely won't be able to enjoy the surround sound capabilities fully, so you might find yourself not utilizing all the functions.

For someone who is truly into their home theatre and wants that little bit more to make their setup stand out, the X2800H is well suited with its minor performance enhancements. Conversely, the X2700H is more than perfect for most individuals, particularly if your living room is set out traditionally.

Compatibility

Both the X2700H and X2800H are compatible with a broad spectrum of devices, therefore, connecting your TV, gaming system, or streaming device should not provide any problems. Everything operated as expected when I tried both receivers using an Apple TV, a PS5, and a Roku.

The additional HDMI 2.1 ports of the X2800H make a significant impact if you have many devices requiring the newest HDMI 2.1 functionality. With next-generation consoles, which are more prevalent, you won't have to worry about switching connections or missing out on features like 120Hz gameplay.

For voice control, both models can interface with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple's Siri. Though I didn't find myself utilizing this function very frequently, it's good to have if you're interested in smart home technologies. Just your voice will allow you to modify inputs or vary the loudness, which might be helpful in certain cases.

Ease of Use

Setup for both receivers might be a little chore, particularly if you're not accustomed to AV receivers. There are many inputs; hence, it takes time to have everything set exactly. The good news is that Denon's setup assistance helps you through the procedure and after everything is tuned in, both receivers are daily usable.

Though first a bit daunting, the provided remotes are loaded with buttons, which you will get used to with some usage. Both versions have Audyssey room calibration, which, depending on the arrangement of the space, automatically modulates the sound. Though I still manually changed a few parameters to make everything sound perfect, in my experience, it performed an excellent job in both circumstances.

Said otherwise, the X2800H does offer a little user-friendliness advantage. The menus seem a little simpler, and with the X2800H, I found negotiating the settings to be somewhat simpler. Though it's a little improvement, the X2800H might help someone who isn't very tech-savvy save some setup aggravation.

Cost

Usually costing around $800, the Denon AVR-X2700H is somewhat less than the AVR-X2800H, which comes in at about $1000. Most individuals would find the X2700H more than sufficient and provide excellent value for the money. From movies to audio, this strong receiver will manage almost all you toss at it.

However, the X2800H is worth the additional $200 if you want it for the newest technology and optimal performance. If you're ready to pay a little more, this is a fantastic choice with the extra HDMI 2.1 connections, somewhat improved audio performance, and more quality design.