Sound United brand Denon, now part of Harman International Industries, Inc., which itself is part of Samsung Electronics, has launched a new audio/video receiver (AVR) called the AVR-S980H that seeks to deliver an uncommon blend of audio excellence with simple, intuitive setup, and ease-of-use, along with flexibility and configurability to meet the varied needs of today’s consumers. The announcement sets a high bar, but the features and specs of the new Denon AVR-S980H suggest it clears that bar with ease.
See more on the new Denon AVR-S980H
The first new AVR from Denon under Harman ownership, the AVR-S980H is a 7.2-channel audio workhorse that is intentionally designed to better address the varied lifestyle of today’s consumer. Whether streaming your favorite playlist while completing chores, playing a game with your #1 squad, or settling down to stream your favorite show or movie after dinner, the S980H is the entertainment control center that gets the job done with easy, intuitive control, as you switch from one source to another.
This new AVR from Denon is not intended to be a high-end, reference cinema solution. Rather, it is designed to be the gateway drug for the end user looking for more from their starter system.
A Great Way to Upgrade a Soundbar or Entry-Level System to A/V Components
The company notes that the S980H is the perfect solution for those users looking to step up the quality and/or flexibility from their existing sound bar or a more basic system. Perhaps seeking more power, better quality, or more flexibility – whatever motivates them, users don’t have to give up on ease of use thanks to Denon’s efforts to build in logical controls, graphical menus with easy-to-understand options, app control, and more.
Denon has always believed that when you make something better, it sounds better, and that ethos has guided every first we’ve brought to the industry. Better sound is powerful and it brings people closer to the stories, music and moments they love. With the AVR-S980H, we’re giving families an easy way to make every day experiences feel more engaging and far more enjoyable.
Lyle Smith, President of Sound United at Harman
7 Full Channels of Robust 90 watts for Impactful Movie Effects or Music that Moves You
The AVR-S980H features 7 channels of robust 90 watts/channel power. Those cannon explosions in your favorite blockbuster action movie are going to shiver your timbers! But more importantly, these are 90 watts of Denon power, which ensures that users not only will have more power…they will have better sound quality…an unbeatable combination.
Denon says that the AVR-S980H has hand-selected components that combine to deliver a more detailed sound, as well as a more accurate surround sound, “…so that everyday listening feels noticeably richer.” The company has been engineering industry-leading audio products for many, many decades, an incredible edge in engineering experience over most other brands.
HEOS Built-In for the Option of Wireless Surround Speakers
Denon is also the inventor of the HEOS wireless multi-room music system, and the S980H has HEOS built-in as one of your wireless connectivity options. The company also recommends its recently announced line of wireless music speaker systems – Denon Home 200, 400, and 600. Cleverly, the AVR-S980S supports the option of employing any of the Denon Home models as surround sound speakers with no connecting wires necessary. Neat! (Note that this feature is not available at the launch of the S980H, but will be available shortly via a future firmware update.)
In any event, pick your favorite speakers to hook up to the AVR. Wired or wireless – it’s up to you! This is just one example of the uncommon level of flexibility the AVR-S980H offers consumers.
Supports 4K and 8K Ultra High Definition Resolutions
This new Denon model supports 4K and 8K ultra-high-definition resolutions. It also offers enhanced color and contrast with Dolby Vision. Finally, the S980H also offers HD content upscaling optimized for modern displays. This AVR not only sounds good, but looks good too.
All popular cinema surround sound modes are supported. That includes the latest Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for a fully immersive, 360-degree surround sound experience.
Denon Didn’t Forget Gamers
When it comes to gaming, Denon didn’t forget you gamers. The S980H offers ultra-smooth 4K play, lightning-fast response, and 3D audio that moves with the action. But wait…there’s more! Also included is Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Low Latency Mode, and AMD FreeSync technology to keep gameplay at its best. Put this technology all together, and Denon puts gamers right in the middle of all of the action in whatever their favorite game is.
Also onboard in the S980H is Audyssey MultEQ room correction technology. With Audyssey, your system can be optimized for any size or shape room, simply and accurately.
It’s easy to integrate the S980H into your entertainment life. In addition to HEOS multiroom audio, it includes Bluetooth, AirPlay2, and Spotify Connect connectivity.
Other AVR-S980H Specifications
| Number of Processing Channels | 7.1 |
| Subwoofer Outputs | 2 |
| Number of Power Amps | 7 |
| Power Output | 90 watts per ch, @8Ω, 20-20kHz, 0.08%, 2chnls driven 125 watts per ch, @6Ω, 1kHz, 0.07%, 2 chnls driven |
| Multi-Source/Multi-zone | Can serve 2 independent sources for 2 independent zones simultaneously |
| Dimensions (unit minus antenna) WxDxH | 17.1″ x 13.0″ x 6.6″ |
| Weight (unit alone / unit packaged) | 21.0lbs x 25.4 lbs |
| Connectivity | HDMI – 6 inputs: (3) 4K inputs, (3) 8K inputs / 2 outputs Analog – 4 inputs / 0 outputs Phono – Yes, moving magnet Digital Inputs – 2 optical / 1 coaxial Multichannel Pre Outputs/Subwoofer out – 2 |
| AM/FM Tuner | Yes |
| Number of Speaker Outputs | 7 / 2 (marked “surround back”) are assignable for sub-room |
For More Information…
The new Denon AVR-S980H is available this month at Denon.com and through authorized global Denon dealers. It is priced at $949 (MSRP).
Learn more about the S980H and other Denon products by visiting denon.com.
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