Denon has just announced a series of three lower-priced 8K AV receivers intended to bring immersive surround sound to smaller and medium-sized living rooms.
The company explains that the three Denon S-Series AVR models serve as an “entry point for those wanting to take their first steps into the world of surround sound.” They’re targeted at anyone who’s using a basic TV and soundbar setup and wants to expand that to reap the benefits of proper surround sound.
Denon’s S-Series AV receivers are entry-level models that make it simple for users to generate an immersive audio experience in their living room. They act as both an amplifier and an audio/video switching device, sitting at the centre of your home theatre setup. They receive input signals from the TV, DVD player, media streaming box, console or any other component, coordinating them and sending them to the optimal output locations (speakers). An AV receiver is, in effect, the nerve centre of your home theatre setup.
The new S-Series models are the first in the lineup to support 8K images, Denon said. They come with multiple connections, with three 4K-capable HDMI slots, three more that support 8K, an eARC HDMI output, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
The new additions include the Denon AVR-S770H, starting at £699, the AVR-S670H at £599 and the AVC-S670H, which costs £549. According to Denon, the higher-priced AVR-S770H is the most powerful of the bunch, delivering 140 watts per channel (6 ohms, 1kHz, THD 1 per cent, 1ch driven). Meanwhile the AVR-S670H and AVC-S670H are slightly less capable, delivering 135 watts per channel (6 ohms, 1kHz, THD 1 per cent, 1ch driven).
All three of the new AVRs support Dolby Vision HDR, Variable Refresh Rates, Auto low-latency mode and Quick Frame Transport to enable next-generation gaming. Other features include Denon’s HEOS streaming software, which allows the AVR to stream music directly to any HEOS-supporting external speaker in the house. Meanwhile, Denon’s Audyssey MultEQ calibration software helps to optimise the sound quality according to the layout of your living room.
One reason to consider the higher-priced Denon AVR-S770H is that it can support both a 7.2 and a 5.2.2-channel sound set-up, with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. That makes it a better option for those with more speakers, whereas the AVR-S670H and AVC-S670H can support 5.2-channel surround sound in Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio.
Denon said the three S-Series AVRs are expected to hit the shops by early September.
