Denon makes some excellent home theater receivers for a range of uses and budgets, so it can be a little confusing to figure out which one is right for you. We‘ve put together a list of our favorite receivers and what makes them great. Each one has its own pros and cons that should help you narrow down the search.
Currently, Denon is in the process of releasing its newest line of receivers, such as the X2800H and X3800H. Not all of the new receivers are out yet, and you may still find older models. Overall, the previous models are very similar, with only a few minor changes. Be sure to carefully looked through the specs on each product to determine whether it matters to you.
So, after weeks of reviewing dozens of options, our ranking for the best Denon home theater receivers in 2023 are:
Best Overall Receiver: Denon AVR-X3800H
The Denon AVR-X3800H is our favorite Denon home theater receiver, offering some of the best features at a great price point. It is a 9.4-channel receiver, and you can take out one subwoofer and swap it for a bass shaker. In all, there are 15 total channels of processing since it does have an A/B for the front.
This receiver has quite a number of inputs, including six HDMI inputs. However, RCA and video connections, present in older models, are missing. There is also a secondary HDMI output which is a good addition.
RCA inputs for CD players and phonographs are still present. Similarly, the X3800H has optical connections and antenna ports. It also has built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, so you can stream music directly.
While this unit may be overkill for some people, it offers exceptional value and will provide many years of awesome sound.
Best Premium Receiver: Denon AVR-X6700H
One of Denon’s best receivers in the market, the Denon AVR-X6700H has 8 HDMI inputs, including one that is 8K compatible. It also features HDMI 2.1 for the other inputs, so it supports all of the newest standards required by high-end devices. The receiver also has 13.2 channels of audio for the absolute maximum amount of speakers you could possibly fit in your space.
Of course, if you plan to use the receiver in a smaller space, you don’t have to use every output. The AVR-X6700H has a wide range of inputs as well, including RCA and optical audio that you can use to connect all of your devices, such as Blu-Ray players and game consoles. You can also stream music straight to the receiver with its built-in WiFi and Bluetooth.
Best Entry-Level Receiver: Denon AVR-S660H
You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to get a great sound home theater receiver, and the Denon AVR-S660H is proof. The receiver has many of the same great features as the higher-end models but with fewer connections and extra functionality. It still comes with a wide range of presets and includes wireless connectivity through WiFi and Bluetooth.
AVR-S660H is a 5.2-channel receiver that pushes 75 watts per channel at 8 ohms. It has six HDMI inputs, three of which support 4K and the other three support 8K. The receiver also has a few RCA and optical connections, but these are somewhat limited compared to more expensive units. However, it offers everything that you need for average home use with a nice amount of connections and an easy setup.
Best Mid-Range Receiver: Denon AVR-X2800H
The Denon AVR-X2800H is one of Denon’s newest home theater receiver models. Throughout the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023, Denon began rolling out new receivers. However, you may not notice a difference at first, as the X2800H has the same face as the X2800H. Nonetheless, this is an excellent mid-price option that delivers a lot of features without costing nearly as much as some of the higher-end units.
With that said, it is a 7.2-channel system that also includes 8K HDMI with eARC support. Each channel is capable of 67 watts with all speakers or 95 watts in stereo mode. The receiver also features WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. There are optical audio and RCA inputs, but notably missing are RCA video inputs that are included in other models.
Best Stereo Receiver: Denon DRA-800H
Certain home theater systems don’t need five channels and only use a stereo system. The Denon DRA-800H is a stereo system that does not have connections for center or rear speakers. Despite having a narrower number of uses, it does still include plenty of connections, including 5-HDMI ports that are 4K compatible.
It also has hookups for optical and RCA, including a dedicated phono input. In addition, it does have WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity to play music directly. There is also an A and B channel for the speakers. While this receiver could be used for a home theater, it is best for audiophiles who just want to listen to music or those who do not plan to use rear speakers.
How To Pick The Best Home Theater Receiver: Step-by-Step
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When choosing a home theater receiver, there are four main considerations for most buyers:
- Channels
- Power
- Connections
- Compatibility
Let‘s review each one in more detail.
Channels
Channels are essentially the number of different speakers that the receiver can drive. A stereo system uses only two channels, while most home theater systems use five channels. Many new receivers offer seven channels or more so that they are compatible with Dolby Atmos.
When looking at the number of channels, most companies list them as (X.X). The number before the period is for regular speakers, while the number after is the number of subwoofer channels. So a 5.1 system has two front speakers, two rear speakers, a center, and a subwoofer. Try to determine how many channels you need before you start searching for a receiver. This includes figuring out the layout of your room.
Power
Another factor to consider is how much power the receiver can deliver to each channel. Most receivers produce around 75 watts, which is sufficient for most home theater and bookshelf speakers. If you‘re using larger speakers, then you might need to look for a larger receiver. Keep in mind you should size the speakers to your space and then size the receiver accordingly.
Connections
Connections are extremely important because you will undoubtedly want to hook up other devices to your receiver. One of the main reasons for getting a home theater receiver is to use it as a switching device between various components. Therefore, you should check that the receiver has enough ports for all of your devices and that they are sufficient. For instance, HDMI ports come in several different speeds, which allow different functionality, and some are even capable of 8K, which is great future-proofing.
Compatibility
As mentioned above, you will need to make sure that your receiver is compatible with any of your existing devices. This includes speakers, but you should also consider pre-amps and other stereo equipment. Another factor for compatibility is your existing wiring. Make sure that it is sufficient for the amount of power your new receiver will be capable of. Also, consider support for third-party devices through connections like HDMI eARC.
Using a Home Theater Receiver: What it‘s Like
A good home theater system will provide you with an unparalleled experience that is comparable to what you get in a movie theater. While these systems come at a high cost, the convenience of having a home theater system is great. But the most important part of any home theater system is the receiver.
Having a good receiver like a Denon will not only give you exceptional sound but also make using other devices much easier. Simply put, your home theater receiver should act like a hub that all your audio and video signals pass through. But a great receiver is also easy to set up, and most Denon receivers have a built-in calibration that automatically adjusts presets with a microphone.
So in summary, Denon makes excellent home theater receivers across a wide range of prices and features. Carefully consider your needs, budget, and setup before deciding which model is the right one for you. With one of these Denon receivers, you‘ll be able to create an immersive home theater experience.