Denon AV receivers are a great choice for any home theater room.
You can be sure of a great sound with all the features you would expect from a modern AV receiver.
But, there are several models to choose from. Which is the right one for you?
There are three main product categories in the Denon AV receiver range:
This guide compares the mid-range Denon AVR-S series.
If you want to compare the higher-end models, go to my guide to the Denon AVR-X and AVR-A AV receiver product range.
The Denon receivers here are grouped by year - and then listed in order of value (using the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price as a guide).
Just be aware that you will often find a model selling below the MSRP. But, it's useful guide to the price point of each receiver.
The specifications are from the US models and you may find these vary slightly in different countries.
I have listed many of the most useful specifications that you may be interested in when looking to buy an AV receiver.
My guide to the best AV receivers gives more detail on other brands that you can buy - and what all the terms mean.
If you are on a budget, then don't think that you can't get a great quality AV receiver. The AVR-S range from Denon provides a great value modern AV receiver. You might not get all the bells and whistles as with the AVR-X range, but all the basics are covered at a great price.
2020
Channels | 7.2 |
---|---|
Dolby Atmos | 5.2.2 |
HDMI In / Out | 6/2 (eARC) |
Zones | Zone 2 (2-ch audio - powered) |
Pre Out / Line Out | Subwoofer (x2) |
Power (W)* | 90 |
Speaker Impedance (Ohms) | 4 - 16 |
UHD / HDR Support | 8K/60p & 4K/120p, 4:4:4, HDCP2.3 / HDR10+, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
Network / Wireless | Ethernet / Wi-Fi / Bluetooth (Send & Receive) / Airplay 2 / HEOS / Amazon Alexa / Google Assistant / Apple Siri / Josh.ai |
Auto Room Calibration | Audyssey MultEQ |
Selected Audio Decoders | Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS-ES (Matrix6.1 & Discrete6.1), DTS 96/24, DTS Express, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, DSD, LPCM (Up to 192/24 7.1ch) |
Selected Sound Modes: Post Decoding | Dolby Surround, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17.1 x 6.6 x 13.4 in | 434 x 167 x 341 mm (w/o antenna) |
Weight (lbs) | 21 |
2019
Channels | 7.2 |
---|---|
Dolby Atmos | 5.2.2 |
HDMI In / Out | 7+1/2 (eARC) |
Zones | Zone 2 (2-ch audio) |
Pre Out / Line Out | Subwoofer (x2) |
Power (W)* | 90 |
Speaker Impedance (Ohms) | 4 - 16 |
UHD / HDR Support | 4K/60p, 4:4:4, HDCP2.3 / HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
Network / Wireless | Ethernet / Wi-Fi / AirPlay 2 / Spotify Connect / Bluetooth / HEOS / Amazon Alexa / Google Assistant |
Auto Room Calibration | Audyssey MultEQ |
Selected Audio Decoders | Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS-ES (Matrix6.1 & Discrete6.1), DTS 96/24, DTS Express, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, DSD, LPCM (Up to 192/24 7.1ch) |
Selected Sound Modes: Post Decoding | Dolby Surround, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17-1/8 x 6-5/8 x 13-1/2 in | 434 x 167 x 341 mm (w/o antenna) |
Weight (lbs) | 20.9 |
2019
Channels | 7.2 |
---|---|
Dolby Atmos | 5.2.2 |
HDMI In / Out | 5+1/1 (eARC) |
Zones | Zone 2 (2-ch audio) |
Pre Out / Line Out | Subwoofer (x2) |
Power (W)* | 75 |
Speaker Impedance (Ohms) | 4 - 16 |
UHD / HDR Support | 4K/60p, 4:4:4, HDCP2.3 / HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
Network / Wireless | Ethernet / Wi-Fi / AirPlay 2 / Spotify Connect / Bluetooth / HEOS / Amazon Alexa / Google Assistant |
Auto Room Calibration | Audyssey MultEQ |
Selected Audio Decoders | Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS-ES (Matrix6.1 & Discrete6.1), DTS 96/24, DTS Express, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, DSD, LPCM (Up to 192/24 7.1ch) |
Selected Sound Modes: Post Decoding | Dolby Surround, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17-1/8 x 6 x 13-3/8 in | 434 x 151 x 339 mm (w/o antenna) |
Weight (lbs) | 18.9 |
2019
Channels | 5.2 |
---|---|
Dolby Atmos | None |
HDMI In / Out | 5/1 (eARC) |
Zones | None |
Pre Out / Line Out | Subwoofer (x2) |
Power (W)* | 75 |
Speaker Impedance (Ohms) | 4 - 16 |
UHD / HDR Support | 4K/60p, 4:4:4, HDCP2.3 / HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
Network / Wireless | Ethernet / Wi-Fi / AirPlay 2 / Spotify Connect / Bluetooth / HEOS / Amazon Alexa / Google Assistant |
Auto Room Calibration | Audyssey MultEQ |
Selected Audio Decoders | Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS 96/24, DTS Express, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DSD (2.8/5.6MHz), LPCM (Up to 192/24 7.1ch) |
Selected Sound Modes: Post Decoding | Dolby Pro Logic II & DTS Neo:6 |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17-1/8 x 6 x 13-3/8 in | 434 x 151 x 339 mm (w/o antenna) |
Weight (lbs) | 17.2 |
2018
Channels | 7.2 |
---|---|
Dolby Atmos | 5.2.2 |
HDMI In / Out | 7+1/2 (ARC) |
Zones | Zone 2 (2-ch audio) |
Pre Out / Line Out | Subwoofer (x2) |
Power (W)* | 90 |
Speaker Impedance (Ohms) | 4 - 16 |
UHD / HDR Support | 4K/60p, 4:4:4, HDCP2.2 / HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
Network / Wireless | Ethernet / Wi-Fi / AirPlay 2 / Spotify Connect / Bluetooth / HEOS / Amazon Alexa |
Auto Room Calibration | Audyssey MultEQ |
Selected Audio Decoders | Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS-ES (Matrix6.1 & Discrete6.1), DTS 96/24, DTS Express, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, DSD, LPCM (Up to 192/24 7.1ch) |
Selected Sound Modes: Post Decoding | Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X & DTS Virtual:X |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17-1/8 x 6-5/8 x 13-1/2 in | 434 x 167 x 341 mm (w/o antenna) |
Weight (lbs) | 20.7 |
2018
Channels | 7.2 |
---|---|
Dolby Atmos | 5.2.2 |
HDMI In / Out | 5+1/1 (ARC) |
Zones | Zone 2 (2-ch audio) |
Pre Out / Line Out | Subwoofer (x2) |
Power (W)* | 75 |
Speaker Impedance (Ohms) | 4 - 16 |
UHD / HDR Support | 4K/60p, 4:4:4, HDCP2.2 / HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
Network / Wireless | Ethernet / Wi-Fi / AirPlay 2 / Spotify Connect / Bluetooth / HEOS / Amazon Alexa |
Auto Room Calibration | Audyssey MultEQ |
Selected Audio Decoders | Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS-ES (Matrix6.1 & Discrete6.1), DTS 96/24, DTS Express, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, DSD, LPCM (Up to 192/24 7.1ch) |
Selected Sound Modes: Post Decoding | Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X & DTS Virtual:X |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17-1/8 x 6 x 13-3/8 in | 434 x 151 x 339 mm (w/o antenna) |
Weight (lbs) | 18.9 |
2018
Channels | 5.2 |
---|---|
Dolby Atmos | None |
HDMI In / Out | 5/1 (ARC) |
Zones | None |
Pre Out / Line Out | Subwoofer (x2) |
Power (W)* | 75 |
Speaker Impedance (Ohms) | 4 - 16 |
UHD / HDR Support | 4K/60p, 4:4:4, HDCP2.2 / HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
Network / Wireless | Ethernet / Wi-Fi / AirPlay / Spotify Connect / Bluetooth / HEOS / Amazon Alexa |
Auto Room Calibration | Audyssey MultEQ |
Selected Audio Decoders | Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS 96/24, DTS Express, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, LPCM (Up to 192/24 7.1ch) |
Selected Sound Modes: Post Decoding | Dolby Pro Logic II & DTS Neo:6 |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17-1/8 x 6 x 13-3/8 in | 434 x 151 x 339 mm (w/o antenna) |
Weight (lbs) | 17.2 |
2018
Channels | 5.2 |
---|---|
Dolby Atmos | None |
HDMI In / Out | 5/1 (ARC) |
Zones | None |
Pre Out / Line Out | Subwoofer (x2) |
Power (W)* | 70 |
Speaker Impedance (Ohms) | 6 - 16 |
UHD / HDR Support | 4K/60p, 4:4:4, HDCP2.2 / HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
Network / Wireless | Bluetooth |
Auto Room Calibration | Denon Auto Setup |
Selected Audio Decoders | Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS 96/24, DTS Express, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, LPCM (Up to 192/24 7.1ch) |
Selected Sound Modes: Post Decoding | Dolby Pro Logic II & DTS Neo:6 |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17-1/8 x 6 x 12-5/8 in | 434 x 151 x 319 mm (w/o antenna) |
Weight (lbs) | 16.75 |
2017
Channels | 7.2 |
---|---|
Dolby Atmos | 5.2.2 |
HDMI In / Out | 7+1/2 (ARC) |
Zones | Zone 2 (2-ch audio) |
Pre Out / Line Out | Subwoofer (x2) |
Power (W)* | 90 |
Speaker Impedance (Ohms) | 4 - 16 |
UHD / HDR Support | 4K/60p, 4:4:4, HDCP2.2 / HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
Network / Wireless | Ethernet / Wi-Fi / AirPlay 2 / Spotify Connect / Bluetooth / HEOS / Amazon Alexa |
Auto Room Calibration | Audyssey MultEQ |
Selected Audio Decoders | Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS-ES (Matrix6.1 & Discrete6.1), DTS 96/24, DTS Express, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, DSD, LPCM (Up to 192/24 7.1ch) |
Selected Sound Modes: Post Decoding | Dolby Surround & DTS Neural:X |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17-1/8 x 6-5/8 x 13-3/8 in | 434 x 167 x 339 mm (w/o antenna) |
Weight (lbs) | 20.7 |
2017
Channels | 7.2 |
---|---|
Dolby Atmos | 5.2.2 |
HDMI In / Out | 5+1/1 (ARC) |
Zones | Zone 2 (2-ch audio) |
Pre Out / Line Out | Subwoofer (x2) |
Power (W)* | 75 |
Speaker Impedance (Ohms) | 4 - 16 |
UHD / HDR Support | 4K/60p, 4:4:4, HDCP2.2 / HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
Network / Wireless | Ethernet / Wi-Fi / AirPlay / Spotify Connect / Bluetooth / HEOS / Amazon Alexa |
Auto Room Calibration | Audyssey MultEQ |
Selected Audio Decoders | Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS-ES (Matrix6.1 & Discrete6.1), DTS 96/24, DTS Express, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, DSD, LPCM (Up to 192/24 7.1ch) |
Selected Sound Modes: Post Decoding | Dolby Surround & DTS Neural:X |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17-1/8 x 6 x 13-3/8 in | 434 x 151 x 339 mm (w/o antenna) |
Weight (lbs) | 18.75 |
2017
Channels | 5.2 |
---|---|
Dolby Atmos | None |
HDMI In / Out | 5/1 (ARC) |
Zones | None |
Pre Out / Line Out | Subwoofer (x2) |
Power (W)* | 70 |
Speaker Impedance (Ohms) | 6 - 16 |
UHD / HDR Support | 4K/60p, 4:4:4, HDCP2.2 / HDR10 |
Network / Wireless | Bluetooth |
Auto Room Calibration | Denon Auto Setup |
Selected Audio Decoders | Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS 96/24, DTS Express, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, LPCM (Up to 192/24 7.1ch) |
Selected Sound Modes: Post Decoding | Dolby Pro Logic II & DTS Neo:6 |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17-1/8 x 6 x 12-5/8 in | 434 x 151 x 319 mm (w/o antenna) |
Weight (lbs) | 16.5 |
Paul started the Home Cinema Guide to help less-experienced users get the most out of today's audio-visual technology. He has worked as a sound, lighting and audio-visual engineer for around 20 years. At home, he has spent more time than is probably healthy installing, configuring, testing, de-rigging, fixing, tweaking, re-installing again (and sometimes using) various pieces of hi-fi and home cinema equipment.