Denon AVR-S960H AV Receiver Review [2023 Review]

Have you upgraded your home theater receiver in the last few years? You might be astonished by how far technology has progressed. Take, for example, the Denon AVR-S950H AV Receiver.

It has high-resolution surround sound, app control, wifi streaming, and multi-room audio functionality. It even works with Google and Amazon’s popular voice control products. The S950H can simultaneously power up to seven speakers.

In a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos® or DTS: XTM system, use all seven channels. Alternatively, you may go with a typical 5.1-channel configuration and use the other two channels for music in a different zone.

If you are interested in this model, keep reading our Denon AVR S950H review for more information below.

Denon AVR-S960H AV Receiver

Pros
  • The surround sound is reflected through the ceiling thanks to Dolby Atmos technology
  • You may tune the sound reproduction of your speakers to the room using the measuring microphone
  • Connect the receiver to your HEOS multi room system to enjoy music around your home
Cons
  • Can’t listen to a DAB + signal on the radio

Overall Review

Eight HDMI inputs and two outputs with full HDCP 2.3 support on all ports connect your media players and TV. The front-panel USB allows for high-resolution audio playback of MP3, WAV, FLAC, ALAC, and DSD (2.8/5.6MHz) files.

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Using Bluetooth and the HEOS built-in, stream popular music services like Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, and more.

For hands-free voice control, it integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The Denon AVR-S950H is easy to connect and enjoy thanks to the award-winning Denon setup aid.

Features

The AVR-S650H is a straightforward 5.2-channel receiver with built-in channel-based surround decoding, whilst the AVR-S750H and AVR-S950H are 7.2-channel receivers with more inputs, more capacity, and the capability to decode Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks.

For hands-free use, all three new S-Series phones work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri voice assistant according to this Denon AVR S950H review. 

Alexa is the most sophisticated of the three, allowing users to switch inputs and alter numerous settings. Google Assistant and Siri are still limited to volume adjustments and track skipping.

Several new HDMI features from the newest HDMI 2.1 configuration are also supported by all three S-Series receivers, such as AutoLow Latency Mode (ALLM) for gaming and augmented Audio Return Channel (eARC) functionality.

This allows uncompressed and interactive audio soundtracks to be transmitted directly from the TV to the receiver via the linked HDMI cable according to this Denon AVR S950H review.

Dolby Atmos

Dolby Atmos surround sound technology replaces channel-based coding with more complex object-based coding, allowing sound designers to precisely place sounds everywhere in the three-dimensional space.

The AVR-S950H can connect a 5.1-channel surround sound speaker system to two extra overhead speakers or two Dolby Atmos-certified up-firing speakers according to this Denon AVR S950H review.

DTS:X

DTS: Immersive X’s object-based audio technology, which blurs the lines between channels, elevates the home theater experience to new heights according to this Denon AVR S950H review. 

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In a 5.1.2-channel system, the flexibility of objects allows sound to be scaled large or tiny and moved around the space, resulting in a richer, more immersive audio experience.

Upgrade Your Home Theatre System

With the new Denon AVR-S950H, you can upgrade your home theater (2019 Model). The performance-tuned Denon amplifier delivers an incredible 3D audio experience (supports Dolby Atmos®, Dolby Atmos Height VirtualizationTechnology) with 185W per channel.

In addition, compatibility for the most recent 4K video technologies, including Dolby VisionTM, HDR10, and HLG, guarantees that your TV or projector produces the greatest possible image.

The AVR-S950H features eARC and 4K video upscaling, as well as eight HDMI inputs and two outputs with full HDCP 2.3 support on all ports, ensuring compatibility with the most recent and Ultra HD TVs, Blu-ray players, and game consoles.

Formats

MP3 and hi-res audio formats (WAV, FLAC, ALAC, and DSD 2.8/5.6MHz files) can be played on the front-panel USB. With HEOS built-in, you can play popular music services like Spotify®, Pandora®, Tidal, and more wirelessly through Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and Wi-Fi.

Voice control is made simple with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The award-winning Denon Setup Assistant ensures a quick and easy installation by graphically guiding you through each step of the setup procedure.

Because every home theater’s acoustics are different, the AVR-S950H includes Audyssey’s premium room calibration technology, which automatically measures and optimizes your AV receiver’s performance.

7-Channels

The AVR-S950H delivers maximum performance and 185 watts of power per channel thanks to discrete high-current power amplifiers on all channels (6 Ohm, 1kHz, 1ch driven, 10 percent THD).

It provides operating stability with a wide range of speakers for balanced, high-quality sound thanks to its low-impedance driver capability.

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Furthermore, auto Eco Mode regulates power output to speakers based on volume level and on-screen eco meter, resulting in real-time power consumption decrease.

Frequently Asked Questions: Denon AVR-S960H AV Receiver Review

How many channels does the AVR-S960H support? 

It is a 7.2 channel receiver, capable of powering up to seven speakers and two subwoofers for surround sound.

What audio formats does it support?

The receiver supports popular audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, providing three-dimensional sound experiences.

Does it support 4K and HDR video?

Yes, the AVR-S960H supports 4K Ultra HD video resolution and High Dynamic Range (HDR) formats such as HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG for improved video quality.

Can I control the AVR-S960H with my smartphone?

Yes, Denon offers a mobile app that allows you to control the receiver from your smartphone. This app provides access to settings, streaming services, and more.

Does it have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities?

Yes, It has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing you to wirelessly stream music from your devices and connect to online streaming services.

What makes the AVR-S960H stand out from other models?

It stands out with its combination of advanced audio and video technologies, voice control compatibility, and HEOS multi-room audio support.

Can I set up multi-room audio with the AVR-S960H?

Yes, It features HEOS technology, allowing you to set up a multi-room audio system with compatible HEOS speakers throughout your home.

Conclusion: Denon AVR-S960H AV Receiver Review [2023 Review]

The Denon AVR-S950H provides surround sound. The Dolby Atmos technology is included in this 7.2 channel AV receiver. The sound of a movie is reflected through the ceiling to your listening position using this technology.

The sound comes to life as a result of this. To get a tailored sound reproduction, connect the measuring microphone to the receiver. A movie sounds even better than it does in the theater according to this Denon AVR S950H review.

Have you installed a HEOS multi-room system in your home? After that, connect it to the receiver. You now have an additional zone in which to play music. All of these features will be yours if you purchase AVR S950H. We hope you liked our Denon AVR S950H review and it was helpful.

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