Denon AVR-S960H 7.2 channel 8K A/V Receiver (2022 model) Review

7.44 Mixed Usages
8 VIDEO FEATURES:
6.8 CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS:
7.4 AUDIO FEATURES:
7.2 MULTIZONE:
7.8 AMPLIFICATION:
Release year: 2020 Rating: 4.4

The Denon AVR-S970H is an excellent 7.2 channel 8K A/V receiver from the 2022 lineup. It's perfect for peeps who want a good mix of quality and not breaking the bank. If you're a homeowner with a decent-sized living space and you really dig good audio, this receiver could be just what you need. We need to know more about this.  

 

Our Verdict

 

The Denon AVR-S970H is great at making movies and music sound super impressive with its top-notch audio quality. It's got 8K capabilities, so you're all set for the future. It's got user-friendly features and a decent price, so pretty much anyone can use it.

But, it might not satisfy audiophiles who are looking for, you know, very high-quality power. Setting up can be a pain, especially when there's a bunch of stuff crammed in the back. It's even worse when you're working in a small area.

 

PROS

Clear and immersive sound quality.

Extensive connectivity options.

User-friendly setup and calibration.

Support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

HEOS wireless multi-room audio.

Voice control compatibility (Alexa).

High-resolution audio support.

Solid build and sleek design.

 

CONS

Limited HDMI input options.

Zone 2 audio requires amplified speakers.

Remote control layout can be confusing.

 

 

Where to buy
Specification

GENERAL

Receiver Type A/V Receiver
Number Of Channel 7.2 Channel
Number Channel Processing 7
Audio Feature Dolby Atmos , DTS:X , Auro 3D
Video Feature HDR10 , HDR10+ , Dolby Vision , 8K Passthrough , 8K Upscaling
Watts Per Channel 90 W
Zones 2
Radio Internet Radio , Pandora , Spotify , Tidal , Deezer , Napster , SiriusXM
Amplifier Class G

CONNECTIVITY

Ethernet Yes
Wi-Fi Yes
Bluetooth Yes
USB Yes
RCA LIne Input: 4
RCA LIne Output: 0
RCA Pre-Outs: 0.2
XLR Line Inputs: 0
XLR Pre-Outs: 0
Phono Input: Yes
Optical Inputs: 2
Optical Output: 0
Coaxial Inputs: 1
Multi-Channel Input: 0
Headphone Out: 6.3 mm (1/4
HDMI Inputs: 6
HDMI Outputs: 2
8K Inputs: 3
Composite Video Input 2
Composite Video Output: 0
Component Video Input: 0
Component Video Output: 0
Front A/V Inputs: 1
Speaker A/B: 0

AUDIO FEATURES:

Maximum Channel Processing 7.2
Dolby Atmos up to 5.1.2
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Yes
Dolby Atmos Music Yes
Dolby TrueHD Yes
Dolby Digital Plus Yes
Dolby Surround Upmixer Yes
Dolby Pro Logic N/A
Dolby Digital EX Yes
Surround EX N/A
DTS:X up to 5.1.2
DTS Neural:X Yes
DTS Virtual:X Yes
DTS Neo Yes
DTS-HD Master Audio Yes
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio Yes
DTS 96/24 Yes
DTS Express Yes
DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
IMAX Enhanced Yes
PCM 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Music Playback via USB MP3, WMA, MPEG-4 AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network up to 192 kHz
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD
Gapless Playback Yes
DSD via HDMI No
DSD via USB 2-ch Input
DSD to PCM Converter N/A
USB DAC N/A
Jitter Reduction N/A
DTS Dialog Control Yes
Dialog Enhancement N/A
Dialog Level Adjustment Yes
Dialog Normalization Yes
Dialogue Lift N/A
Compressed Music Enhancer Yes
High-resolution Music Enhancer N/A
Audyssey Dynamic EQ Yes
Audyssey Dynamic Volume Yes
Audyssey LFC N/A
Audyssey Sub EQ HT N/A
Audyssey DSX N/A
Direct Mode Yes
Pure Direct Mode Yes
Independent Subwoofer Outputs N/A
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. Audyssey MultEQ
Audyssey App Support Yes
Bass Sync N/A
Optimized Bass Redirection Yes

VIDEO FEATURES:

HDMI Version 2.1
Enhanced ARC Yes
HDCP Version 2.3
HDR10+ Yes
Dynamic HDR Yes
Dolby Vision Yes
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) Yes
QMS (Quick Media Switching) Yes
3-D Ready Yes
Video Signal Passthrough Yes
Video Signal Upscaling Yes
Analog To HDMI Upconversion Yes
Component Video Upscaling Yes
isf Certified Calibration Control N/A

AMPLIFIERS

Channels 7.2
Front Wide Channel Support N/A
Current Feedback Topology N/A
Discrete Amplification Yes
HDAM N/A
THX™ Certification N/A
Continuous 6 Ω Rated Yes
Certified 4 Ω Performance Yes
Bi-amp Capability No

GAMING FEATURES

Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) Yes
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) Yes
Quick Frame Transport (QFT) Yes

ZONES

Zones 2
Powered Zones 2
Zone 2 Outs Yes
Zone 3 Outs No
RS-232C Interface Yes
+12V Trigger Output Yes

RADIO

Analog Tuner Yes
Digital Radio N/A
Internet Radio Yes
Pandora Yes
Spotify Yes
Tidal Yes
Deezer Yes
SiriusXM Internet Radio Yes
Napster Yes

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

On-Screen Display Advanced Graphic User Interface
GUI Languages 3
Web Browser Control Yes
IP Control for CI Yes
Control4 SDDP N/A
PreAmp Mode Yes
Display 1 line
Remote Controller RC-1253
Remote Control In/Out 0 / 0
LCD Display N/A
Detachable Power Cord N/A
Setup Assistant Yes

POWER

Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 90 W + 90 W
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC) 95 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front) 135 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front) 120 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front) 80 W
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 80 W + 80 W
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA) 145 W
Power Supply AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Toroidal Transformer N/A
Power Consumption 430 W
No Sound Power 35 W
Standby Power 0.1 W

BUILD

Dimensions (W x H x D) 17.1 x 6.6 x 13.3 inches
Weight 20.7 lbs
Chassis Solid metal construction with anti-vibration feet
Front Panel Brushed aluminum front panel with four quick select buttons and a dimmable display
Speaker Terminals 7
Large Speaker Terminals 7
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals Yes
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals N/A
High Grade Audio Components Yes
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function Yes
Auto Power off Yes
Warranty 3 years

SPECIFICATIONS

THD digital 0.08% (20-20,000 Hz)
Analog Distortion 0.05% (20-20,000 Hz)
Phono Distortion 0.02% (20-20,000 Hz)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line) 200 mV / 47 kohms
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM) 2.5 mV / 47 kohms
Rated Lineout Level and Impedance 1.2 V / 2.3 kohms
Rated Output digital 2 V / 75 ohms
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) 100 dB
S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A) 74 dB
S/N Ratio (digital) 100 dB
Phono RIAA Deviation ±1 dB
Frequency Response (Analog In) 10 Hz - 100 kHz, +1/-3 dB
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz
DSD Sampling Rates via USB 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz
Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance 1 Vp-p, 75 ohms
Video Frequency Response 5 Hz - 10 MHz, 0/-3 dB
Ethernet Standard IEEE 802.3 10BASE-T/IEEE 802.3u 100BASE-TX
Wi-Fi Standard IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz
Bluetooth Version 4.1
Bluetooth Frequency 2.4 GHz
USB Terminal Type A (for connecting USB devices)
FM Frequency 87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz
FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.) Mono: 1.2 μV, Stereo: 2.8 μV
FM S/N Ratio Mono: 70 dB, Stereo: 67 dB
FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz) Mono: 0.7%, Stereo: 1.0%
AM Effective Sensitivity 18 μV
AM Frequency 520 kHz - 1,710 kHz
Where to buy
Details Review

Design

The Denon AVR-S960H has a really modern and simple design. It's not about trying to make a big statement or anything but just fitting in perfectly with your home entertainment setup. The front panel is super easy to use and has an apparent display. It's super lightweight, so installing it is a breeze.

But, when it comes to how it's made, it might not be as strong as fancier models. The buttons on the front panel could be more emotive, and the remote control, while it gets the job done, might not be the easiest to figure out.

Connectivity

The Denon AVR-S960H is quite intriguing because it has a bunch of different ways to connect stuff, so it can be the center of your home entertainment system. The multiple HDMI inputs and outputs make connecting all kinds of devices, like gaming consoles and Blu-ray players, super easy. This cool feature lets you easily switch between all your entertainment stuff. Plus, the support for 8K video is superb because it keeps your home theatre up to date with all the latest tech stuff.

Yet, here's the thing about all this connectivity stuff. The back panel of the receiver can get pretty crowded, especially if you've got a ton of devices to hook up. This might make things tricky when you're trying to get to the ports, especially if your entertainment center doesn't have much space in the back. You have to make sure your cables are all nice and tidy to keep your setup looking clean and organized. Also, the receiver can work with a bunch of different devices, but some might need adapters or converters to make everything fit together smoothly. This extra layer of complexity might be a bit challenging especially if you've got a mix of different and older gear in your setup.

Performance

The Denon AVR-S960H is all about performance and definitely holds its ground in that department. It's got this 7.2 channel setup that gives you super clear and balanced audio. Perfect for movie nights or if you're really into music. The 8K upscaling and passthrough stuff make sure your video looks exceptionally beneficial, even if you're not watching real 8K stuff.

But, with any electronic device, there are a few things to think about. In bigger rooms, the receiver might have a hard time filling the whole space with sound, so some areas might not have as much audio coverage. If you're really into music and want something that can make the walls shake, this model might not be exactly what you're looking for. It doesn't have the same powerful sound as those more expensive models. Also, when you use it a lot for a long time, the receiver can get a little hot. No need to freak out, but it's really important to make sure we have good ventilation. Making sure the receiver is in a spot with enough airflow is super important to keep it working its best, especially when you're having those long movie nights or intense gaming sessions.

Where and When to Use

The Denon AVR-S960H is a fantastic addition to your home entertainment setup. It's perfect for small to medium-sized living spaces and just fits right in with your home theatre or living room. It's perfect for chill movie nights, gaming sessions, or just playing in the background while hanging out.

But, in bigger and more open areas, it might not give you that super immersive experience you're looking for. If you've got a big living area or an open-plan setup, you might want to consider getting a beefier A/V receiver to handle all your needs.

Compatible Devices

This receiver is great with any type of device. If you're using a 4K streaming device or a turntable, it can handle many gadgets. And, with its 8K support, it's totally ready for the future, making sure it stays relevant.

Most devices are cool with it, but some older gadgets might need extra adapters or converters, which can make the setup a bit more complicated. If you've got a bunch of old equipment, get ready to put in some time and effort to make sure everything works together smoothly.

Ease of Use

Setting up the Denon AVR-S960H is simple enough thanks to its user-friendly interface. The setup wizard on the screen is really helpful, and the remote control, although not perfect, does the trick. The Audyssey calibration system helps you fine-tune the audio for your room.

But, if you're new to A/V receivers, the remote control can be a bit overwhelming because of all the buttons. The manual is okay, but it could use more detailed explanations, especially for people using it for the first time. Some users might think that the receiver's user interface could be more responsive, especially when going through settings.

Cost

The Denon AVR-S960H is a pretty solid choice when it comes to bang for your buck. It's got a great mix of quality and affordability, so it's a smart buy for anyone who wants good audio and video without breaking the bank.

The cost might still be a big deal for people on a tight budget. Also, you might want to think about setting aside some cash for things like cables or converters, depending on what gear you already have. These extra costs can add up, so it's important to think about them when you're planning your budget.

 

Where to buy

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