Denon AVR-S970H Review: Premium 8K AV Receiver for Home Theaters
Home entertainment systems demand high-quality audio and video for an immersive experience. Whether you’re watching a blockbuster, enjoying music, or gaming, the right AV receiver can elevate your experience. Enter the Denon AVR-S970H, a powerful 7.2-channel AV receiver that takes home theaters to new heights. Built with features like 8K support, Dolby Atmos, and next-gen gaming capabilities, this receiver is designed for users who want to experience unmatched audiovisual quality.
The Denon AVR-S970H promises smooth visuals, immersive sound, and seamless connectivity options for any home entertainment setup. Let’s dive deeper into its features and see if it lives up to the hype.
Product Details – Denon AVR-S970H AV Receiver
- Power Output: 90 watts per channel
- Surround Sound Configuration: 7.2-channel
- HDMI Ports: 6 inputs, 2 outputs (3 8K inputs)
- Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HEOS multi-room
- Audio Formats Supported: Dolby Atmos, DTS
- Video Compatibility: 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz pass-through, HDR, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
- Gaming Features: Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
- Streaming: Spotify, Pandora, TIDAL, TuneIn
- Room Calibration: Audyssey Room Correction Suite
- Dimensions: 20.5 x 16.9 x 9.6 inches
- Weight: 20.9 pounds
✅ Best For: Audiophiles and gamers who want a top-notch AV receiver with next-gen video and sound capabilities.
Denon AVR-S970H Review – Pros & Cons
Pros of Denon AVR-S970H
✅ Immersive Audio: Dolby Atmos and DTS
deliver surround sound that brings movies and music to life.
✅ Next-Gen Gaming: With VRR, QFT, and ALLM, gaming is lag-free and visually smooth.
✅ 8K Ready: Future-proof your home theater with support for 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video.
✅ HEOS Multi-Room Audio: Seamless music streaming across multiple rooms without additional hardware.
✅ Easy Setup: The intuitive on-screen setup assistant simplifies installation and calibration.
Cons of Denon AVR-S970H
❗ Lacks IMAX Enhanced: Unlike more expensive models, the AVR-S970H doesn’t support IMAX Enhanced.
❗ No Dirac Live: Some audiophiles may miss this premium room correction feature.
The Denon AVR-S970H AV Receiver has received mostly positive reviews for its immersive sound and video quality. Users appreciate its advanced features for gaming and home theater setups.
In-Depth Review of the Denon AVR-S970H AV Receiver
When it comes to creating a truly immersive home entertainment experience, the Denon AVR-S970H delivers on all fronts. With its 7.2-channel surround sound capability, 8K support, and seamless connectivity, this AV receiver is designed to transform your living room into a cinema. Let’s break down its key features and how they benefit users.
Crystal Clear Audio with Dolby Atmos and DTS
The Denon AVR-S970H is built to deliver exceptional sound quality. Its support for Dolby Atmos and DTS
ensures that you’re not just hearing sound but feeling it. Whether it’s the rumble of a distant explosion or the soft whisper of dialogue, the AVR-S970H immerses you in the moment. This is particularly impressive when using a 7.2 or 5.2.2 surround setup, making it perfect for medium to large rooms.
Future-Proof Video Quality with 8K and 4K Pass-Through
With the growing demand for 8K content, the Denon AVR-S970H has you covered. It supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through, ensuring that you get the sharpest picture quality available. For those with next-gen gaming consoles or streaming 8K content, the AVR-S970H provides seamless, lag-free visuals. Even if you don’t have 8K equipment yet, this receiver is future-proofed for years to come.
Next-Gen Gaming Features: A Dream for Gamers
Gamers will appreciate the attention to detail Denon has put into this receiver. With Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), you can enjoy fluid, responsive gaming. These features reduce frame tearing and lag, giving you an edge whether you’re playing fast-paced action games or immersive RPGs.
Connectivity Made Easy
The Denon AVR-S970H shines in the connectivity department. With 6 HDMI inputs (including 3 8K inputs), 2 outputs, a phono input, and multiple analog/digital inputs, this receiver can connect to any device in your home entertainment system. Wireless connectivity options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and HEOS make it simple to stream music from any device or service.
Simple Setup with Audyssey Room Calibration
Setting up an AV receiver can be intimidating, but Denon makes it easy. The built-in Audyssey Room Correction Suite calibrates all your speakers to your room’s unique acoustics, ensuring optimal sound quality. The on-screen setup assistant guides you through the entire process, from connecting your speakers to fine-tuning the sound.
Drawbacks to Consider
While the Denon AVR-S970H excels in many areas, it’s not without its limitations. One noticeable omission is IMAX Enhanced support, which is available in higher-end models like the AVR-X3800H. Additionally, audiophiles may miss Dirac Live, an advanced room correction feature found in premium receivers. However, these are minor drawbacks considering the AVR-S970H’s price point and overall feature set.
Who Is the Denon AVR-S970H Perfect For?
✅ Home theater enthusiasts who want a future-proof receiver with 8K support.
✅ Gamers who need VRR and ALLM for smooth, lag-free gameplay.
✅ Music lovers looking for multi-room audio with HEOS built-in.
✅ Audiophiles seeking immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS
surround sound.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
✅ Those specifically seeking IMAX Enhanced and Dirac Live room correction may want to consider higher-end models like the Denon AVR-X3800H.
Customer Experiences – Denon AVR-S970H AV Receiver
We’ve thoroughly researched honest customer experiences with the Denon AVR-S970H AV Receiver, and here’s what users had to say:
✅ Immersive Sound: Users praised the AVR-S970H for delivering immersive and crisp sound quality, especially when paired with high-quality speakers.
✅ Easy Setup: Many users appreciated how easy it was to set up the receiver, with the on-screen instructions being particularly helpful.
✅ Seamless Gaming: Gamers loved the VRR and ALLM features, noting how the receiver significantly reduced lag and provided a smooth gaming experience.
🚫 Lack of IMAX Enhanced: A few users mentioned missing IMAX Enhanced support, especially if they were upgrading from a higher-end model.
🚫 Complex Tuner Settings: Some users found the FM tuner settings difficult to navigate, especially when trying to reset the presets.
Value Analysis – Denon AVR-S970H AV Receiver
The Denon AVR-S970H AV Receiver offers a great balance of performance, features, and price. While it’s not the most expensive AV receiver on the market, it provides several high-end features that make it a worthwhile investment for both casual users and serious home theater enthusiasts.
Key Strengths: Immersive Sound and Future-Proof Video
- Sound Quality: Dolby Atmos and DTS
offer a level of audio immersion that rivals professional theaters. Whether you’re watching a movie or playing a game, the sound is rich and dynamic. - Future-Proof Technology: With support for 8K video, this receiver is prepared for the next generation of home entertainment.
- Gaming Capabilities: The combination of VRR, QFT, and ALLM ensures that gamers experience smooth, lag-free gameplay, making the AVR-S970H a strong contender for gaming setups.
Considerations: Missing Premium Features
- IMAX Enhanced: While not a deal-breaker for most users, the lack of IMAX Enhanced support may disappoint some home theater purists.
- Dirac Live: Audiophiles who demand the best in room correction technology may want to consider a receiver that includes Dirac Live.
The Denon AVR-S970H AV Receiver is an excellent investment for anyone looking for a future-proof AV receiver with top-tier sound and video quality.
Final Thoughts: Is the Denon AVR-S970H AV Receiver Worth It?
The Denon AVR-S970H AV Receiver is a reliable, future-proof option for home theater enthusiasts who want an immersive audio-visual experience. Its 8K support and gaming features make it ideal, though some may miss IMAX Enhanced support.
FAQs – Denon AVR-S970H AV Receiver
Is the Denon AVR-S970H suitable for gaming?
Yes, the Denon AVR-S970H is an excellent choice for gaming. It supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which ensure smooth, lag-free gameplay. Gamers will experience fluid visuals without frame tearing, making it a perfect receiver for consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Does the Denon AVR-S970H support 8K video?
Yes, the Denon AVR-S970H supports 8K/60Hz video pass-through, making it future-proof for the next generation of content. It also supports 4K/120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and more. With its 8K support, this receiver is ideal for users who want to upgrade their home theater system without worrying about future video format changes.
What audio formats does the Denon AVR-S970H support?
The Denon AVR-S970H supports Dolby Atmos, DTS
, and Dolby Surround for immersive 3D audio experiences. These formats provide multi-dimensional sound, perfect for home theaters, ensuring that you’re surrounded by sound from every angle. Whether you’re listening to music or watching a movie, the audio will feel more immersive and detailed.
Can the Denon AVR-S970H be used with wireless speakers?
Yes, the Denon AVR-S970H supports HEOS built-in technology, allowing you to stream music wirelessly to HEOS-compatible devices like Denon Home speakers. You can extend your audio experience to any room in your house using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making it easy to control music playback from your smartphone or tablet.
Does the Denon AVR-S970H include room calibration?
Yes, the Denon AVR-S970H includes the Audyssey Room Correction Suite. This technology automatically calibrates the speakers based on your room’s acoustics, ensuring optimal sound performance. The calibration process is straightforward and guided through an easy-to-use on-screen setup assistant.
Denon AVR-S970H Review – Conclusion
The Denon AVR-S970H AV Receiver delivers a powerful, immersive sound experience, backed by future-proof 8K video support and advanced gaming features. With its seamless setup process and easy-to-use interface, it’s a great choice for audiophiles, gamers, and home theater enthusiasts alike. While it may lack some premium features like IMAX Enhanced, the overall performance and value make it a solid investment for anyone looking to upgrade their entertainment system.