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Denon AVR-S AV Receiver Product Range Compared

Updated: March 10, 2021

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:

  • AVR-A Series: limited edition high-end products released for the 110-year anniversary
  • AVR-X Series: high-end receivers with top quality sound and design
  • AVR-S Series: mid-range range receivers for those with a smaller budget

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.

Denon AVR-S AV Receivers Compared - Front of an AV receiver

Quick Navigation

Denon AVR-S Series

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

Denon AVR-S960H

MSRP: $649

Denon AVR-S960H 7.2-Ch AV ReceiverDenon AVR-S960H 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Image Credit: Denon
Denon AVR-S960H 7.2-Ch AV Receiver - Rear ViewDenon AVR-S960H - Rear View
Image Credit: Denon
Denon AVR-S960H Manual
Denon AVR-S960H AV Receiver Features
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
* 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 Channels Driven CLICK FOR LATEST PRICE

2019

Denon AVR-S950H

MSRP: $599

Denon AVR-S950H 7.2-Ch AV ReceiverDenon AVR-S950H 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Image Credit: Denon
Denon AVR-S950H 7.2-Ch AV Receiver - Rear ViewDenon AVR-S950H - Rear View
Image Credit: Denon
Denon AVR-S950H Manual
Denon AVR-S950H AV Receiver Features
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
* 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 Channels Driven CLICK FOR LATEST PRICE

2019

Denon AVR-S750H

Features in the best AV receivers under $500

MSRP: $499

Denon AVR-S750H 7.2-Ch AV ReceiverDenon AVR-S750H 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Image Credit: Denon
Denon AVR-S750H 7.2-Ch AV Receiver RearDenon AVR-S750H - Rear View
Image Credit: Denon
Denon AVR-S750H Manual
Denon AVR-S750H AV Receiver Features
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
* 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 Channels Driven CLICK FOR LATEST PRICE

2019

Denon AVR-S650H

MSRP: $399

Denon AVR-S650H 5.2-Ch AV ReceiverDenon AVR-S650H 5.2-Ch AV Receiver
Image Credit: Denon
Denon AVR-S650H 5.2-Ch AV Receiver - Rear ViewDenon AVR-S650H - Rear View
Image Credit: Denon
Denon AVR-S650H Manual
Denon AVR-S650H AV Receiver Features
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
* 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 Channels Driven CLICK FOR LATEST PRICE

2018

Denon AVR-S940H

MSRP: $579

Denon AVR-S940H 7.2-Ch AV ReceiverDenon AVR-S940H 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Image Credit: Denon
Denon AVR-S940H 7.2-Ch AV Receiver - Rear ViewDenon AVR-S940H - Rear View
Image Credit: Denon
Denon AVR-S940H Manual
Denon AVR-S940H AV Receiver Features
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
* 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 Channels Driven CLICK FOR LATEST PRICE

2018

Denon AVR-S740H

MSRP: $479

Denon AVR-S740H 7.2-Ch AV ReceiverDenon AVR-S740H 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Image Credit: Denon
Denon AVR-S740H 7.2-Ch AV Receiver - Rear ViewDenon AVR-S740H - Rear View
Image Credit: Denon
Denon AVR-S740H Manual
Denon AVR-S740H AV Receiver Features
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
* 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 Channels Driven CLICK FOR LATEST PRICE

2018

Denon AVR-S640H

MSRP: $379

Denon AVR-S640H 5.2-Ch AV ReceiverDenon AVR-S640H 5.2-Ch AV Receiver
Image Credit: Denon
Denon AVR-S640H 5.2-Ch AV Receiver - Rear ViewDenon AVR-S640H - Rear View
Image Credit: Denon
Denon AVR-S640H Manual
Denon AVR-S640H AV Receiver Features
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
* 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 Channels Driven

2018

Denon AVR-S540BT

MSRP: $279

Denon AVR-S540BT 5.2-Ch AV ReceiverDenon AVR-S540BT 5.2-Ch AV Receiver
Image Credit: Denon
Denon AVR-S540BT 5.2-Ch AV Receiver - Rear ViewDenon AVR-S540BT - Rear View
Image Credit: Denon
Denon AVR-S540BT Manual
Denon AVR-S540BT AV Receiver Features
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
* 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 Channels Driven CLICK FOR LATEST PRICE

2017

Denon AVR-S930H

MSRP: $579

Denon AVR-S930H 7.2-Ch AV ReceiverDenon AVR-S930H 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Image Credit: Denon
Denon AVR-S930H 7.2-Ch AV Receiver - Rear ViewDenon AVR-S930H - Rear View
Image Credit: Denon
Denon AVR-S930H Manual
Denon AVR-S930H AV Receiver Features
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
* 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 Channels Driven CLICK FOR LATEST PRICE

2017

Denon AVR-S730H

MSRP: $479

Denon AVR-S730H 7.2-Ch AV ReceiverDenon AVR-S730H 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Image Credit: Denon
Denon AVR-S730H 7.2-Ch AV Receiver - Rear ViewDenon AVR-S730H - Rear View
Image Credit: Denon
Denon AVR-S730H Manual
Denon AVR-S730H AV Receiver Features
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
* 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 Channels Driven CLICK FOR LATEST PRICE

2017

Denon AVR-S530BT

MSRP: $279

Denon AVR-S530BT 5.2-Ch AV ReceiverDenon AVR-S530BT 5.2-Ch AV Receiver
Image Credit: Denon
Denon AVR-S530BT 5.2-Ch AV Receiver - Rear ViewDenon AVR-S530BT - Rear View
Image Credit: Denon
Denon AVR-S530BT Manual
Denon AVR-S530BT AV Receiver Features
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
* 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 Channels Driven CLICK FOR LATEST PRICE

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Denon AVR-S AV Receivers Compared
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About Home Cinema Guide

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.

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