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Less is definitely more with the new Denon S-Series of home cinema amplifiers. While the brand is arguably best known for its multichannel behemoths, this new line sets out to address the real world requirements of more regular users, where massive amplification and bulk are often seen as reasons not to buy into home cinema.

Instead, this trio promises a surround sound experience that’s more easy to live with – indeed, only one of the three has Dolby Atmos decoding on board.

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The AVR-S770H (£699) is Dolby Atmos/DTS:X ready, with seven channels of amplification, but the AVR-S670H and AVC-S670H are conventional 5.1 designs, with Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio codec support.

That’s not to say their specification has been left wanting. All Denon's newbies have HDMI v2.1 connectivity, with 8K futureproofing and 4K/120Hz support for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles. The HDMI input board is split equally, with three inputs supporting higher bitrate connections, and three capped at 60Hz. There’s a single HDMI output. Additional connectivity includes optical digital audio and analogue stereo inputs, plus twin subwoofer pre-outs.

The AVR-S670H and AVC-S670H are separated only by the provision of an FM tuner in the AVR-prefix model. Selling for £599 and £549 respectively, they’re the jumping on point for the brand’s AV lineup.

To simplify installation, all three receivers integrate Denon’s intuitive graphical system setup routine, which includes room EQ courtesy of Audyssey MultEQ.

The HEOS platform comes as standard, allowing the models to function as part of a whole home, multiroom HEOS speaker ecosystem. Music streaming services via the HEOS app include Spotify, Amazon Music HD and Tidal. There’s also provision for Apple AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth wireless headphone support.

The new S Series are full-size designs, albeit slim at just 151mm high. Power output across the three models is rated at 75W per channel (8ohm), making them suitable for smaller listening rooms and apartments. www.denon.com