Samsung owned Denon has unveiled the long awaited follow up to its AVR S970H receiver. The new AVR S980H boasts better music streaming and gaming support. It has been a rough few years for AV fans, with very few new receivers since the end of the pandemic. The AVR S980H may mark a resurgence of sorts. The receiver will be available this month for $949,whichisonly$949,whichisonly50 more than the previous version.

Key Specifications And Channels

The Denon AVR S980H is a 5.1.2 channel, or 7.1 channel, Dolby Atmos receiver that boasts 90 watts per channel. This amount of power should be enough to drive most home theater speakers. The 5.1.2 channel configuration means you can have five main speakers at ear level, one subwoofer, and two height speakers for overhead sound effects from Dolby Atmos content.

Connectivity And HDMI Ports

Connectivity is consistent with the previous model. The AVR S980H has six HDMI inputs in total. Three of these are 4K ports, and the remaining three are 8K and 4K 120Hz ports. There are also two HDMI outputs. For gamers, the inputs support 1440p pass through and AMD FreeSync, which helps reduce screen tearing during gameplay.

Streaming Support And Multiroom Audio

Streaming support is improved over the previous model. The AVR S980H includes Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, and HEOS multiroom. The receiver is also Roon Ready, which means it can be streamed directly from the Roon software without needing additional hardware. Roon is a popular music management and streaming platform for audiophiles.

Denon Home Speaker Integration And Phono Input

The receiver supports Denon’s own Home speakers as rear channels. This includes the newer 200, 400, and 600 models. This feature allows you to use wireless speakers as part of a wired home theater setup, which can simplify installation in rooms where running speaker wire to the back is difficult. The Denon also includes a phono input, which means you can plug a turntable directly into the receiver for a potential boost in sound quality compared to using a standard auxiliary input.

Price And Availability

The Denon AVR S980H will be available this month at a price of increase over the previous version, the AVR S970H. Given the added features including better streaming support and gaming enhancements, the price increase is relatively modest.

Pros And Cons

Pros

• 90 watts per channel is enough for most home theater speakers
• 5.1.2 channel Dolby Atmos support for overhead sound effects
• Six HDMI inputs including three 8K and 4K 120Hz ports for gaming
• Supports 1440p pass through and AMD FreeSync
• Improved streaming support with Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and multiple Connect services
• Roon Ready for direct streaming from Roon software
• Supports Denon Home wireless speakers as rear channels
• Phono input for turntable connectivity
• Only $50 more expensive than the previous model

Cons

• $949 is still a significant investment for casual listeners
• No built in Wi Fi mentioned for streaming, though HEOS typically uses network connection
• Very few new receivers have been released in recent years, so competition is limited
• Requires separate speakers, subwoofer, and sources to function
• 5.1.2 channels may not satisfy users wanting 7.1.4 or more advanced setups

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many channels does the Denon AVR S980H have?
The AVR S980H is a 5.1.2 channel receiver, which supports five ear level speakers, one subwoofer, and two height speakers for Dolby Atmos.

2. How much power does the Denon AVR S980H provide?
It provides 90 watts per channel, which is sufficient for most home theater speakers.

3. How many HDMI inputs does the AVR S980H have?
It has six HDMI inputs total: three 4K ports and three 8K and 4K 120Hz ports. It also has two HDMI outputs.

4. Does the AVR S980H support gaming features?
Yes, the HDMI inputs support 1440p pass through and AMD FreeSync for smoother gameplay.

5. Is the Denon AVR S980H Roon Ready?
Yes, the receiver is Roon Ready, meaning it can be streamed directly from Roon software.

6. Does the receiver have a phono input?
Yes, there is a phono input for connecting a turntable directly to the receiver.