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Targeted at both home cinema enthusiasts and gamers, the new AVRs all feature a dedicated 8K-capable HDMI input allowing 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video passthrough.

Further HDMI-based features new to the range include HDR10+ compatibility, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support, and Quick Media Switching (QMS) and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) features.

QMS is an HDMI 2.1 trick that, says Denon, ‘allows a source to instantly switch the resolution or frame rate to eliminate screen blackout.’ QFT, meanwhile, is a gamer-friendly feature that reduces latency, and is rated by the HDMI Licensing Adminstrator as delivering ‘no-lag gaming, and real-time interactive virtual reality.’

The new models are the AVR-X2700H, AVC-X3700H, AVC-4700H and AVC-X6700H. All feature HEOS integration for multiroom audio/streaming, plus Apple AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth.

The top-line AVC-X6700H is an 11-channel model rated at 9 x 205W. The receiver borrows the dual SHARC+ core DSP chip design of Denon’s flagship 13-channel AVC-X8500H, and supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced and Auro-3D.

Further use of the amp’s 13.2-channel processing (through external amplification) will be made later in the year via a firmware update enabling DTS:X Pro decoding for 7.2.6 or 9.2.4 speaker setups.

Connectivity includes 8 x HDMI inputs and 3 x outputs, coaxial and optical digital inputs, MM phono, and multichannel analogue input.

Stepping down the range, the AVC-X4700H claims 9 x 200W of onboard power (and 11-channel processing), and Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced and Auro3D compatibility. The AVC-X3700H – 9 x 180W, 11.2 processing – misses out on Auro3D.

The AVR-X2700H is rated at 7 X 150W for 5.1.2 (Atmos/DTS:X) and 7.1 playback.

For system fine-tuning, Denon is continuing its partnership with Audyssey (with Audyssey MultEQ XT32 deployed on the three AVC models) and introducing a new Dual Speaker Setup Preset feature to allow calibration and quick switching between two speaker configurations – stereo and multichannel, for instance.

Other features of Denon's new AVRs include HDMI eARC; hi-res audio playback (including 24-bit/192-kHz ALAC, FLAC and WAV, plus DSD 2.8Mhz/5.6MHz); Bluetooth headphone support; Roon Tested certification; dual subwoofer pre-outs; Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri voice control; and 32-bit AKM DAC architecture.

Says Denon: 'The new X-Series AV amplifiers and receivers deliver the ultimate home theatre and take advantage of the latest HDMI technologies. With incredible picture quality and immersive audio decoding capabilities, it is easier than ever to replicate the theatre experience at home.'  

  Denon 2020 AV receiver pricing/availability
AVR-X2700H – £600 (September)
AVC-X3700H – £1,000 (August)
AVC-X4700H – £1,400 (July)
AVC-X6700H – £2,300 (July)