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A Heritage Japanese Hi-Fi Brand Just Got More Serious About Home Theater

It promises a way superior sound than your old soundbar.

Black Denon audio receiver with knobs and display on a wooden cabinet next to a tall speaker.Denon
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By Tucker Bowe

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Denon has had a hot spring.

In March, the Japanese audio maker introduced its first-ever Bluetooth turntable in the DP-500BT, as well as a revamped lineup of Home wireless speakers, which are positioned as Sonos rivals (with a few additional home theater-specific features).

Then in April, Denon unveiled the AVR-S980H, a relatively entry-level 7.2-channel AV receiver that, according to the brand, is designed for people “ready to step up from a soundbar or basic audio setup into a more immersive home theater experience.” It costs $949.

Now, it’s releasing two new AV receivers to its midrange X-Series, which Denon claims are aimed at enthusiasts and custom integrators who “want more power, more precision, and more control from their home theater systems.”

Denon’s New X-Series AVRs

Black Denon AV receiver and brown speaker on a wooden cabinet under a wall-mounted TV showing a soccer game.
Denon has added two new options to its midrange X-Series of AVRs.
Denon

The two newest additions to Denon’s X-Series are the AVR-X2900H and AVR-X3900H. They are the successors to the X2800H and X3800H, both of which were released in 2022.

Denon says that both models have been updated with a new high-performance 32-bit multi-channel DAC and feature more advanced room calibration options.

Each also supports HEOS, Denon’s proprietary multi-room technology, so they support high-resolution streaming (over Wi-Fi) and can be grouped/configured with other HEOS-enabled speakers and soundbars.

Black Denon AVR-X2900H integrated network AV receiver with digital display and silver control knobs.
The AVR-X2900H is a 7.2-channel AVR that can deliver up to 95 watts (at 8 ohms) per channel.
Denon
Black Denon AV receiver with silver knobs and digital display on a wooden cabinet next to a center speaker.
The AVR-X2900H is the successor to the 2022-released X2800H, boasting a fresh look, an upgraded 32-bit DAC and support for more advanced audio technologies.
Denon

More power, more speakers

The AVR-X2900H is the tamer of two new AV receivers, but it’s still pretty advanced. It’s a 7.2-channel AVR that can deliver up to 95 watts (at 8 ohms) per channel. Denon describes it as “a clear step up for home theater enthusiasts ready to move beyond entry-level sound.”

Denon’s AVR-X3900H steps things up by supporting up to 9.4 channels and delivering up to 105 watts (at 8 ohms) per channel. It has four independent subwoofer outputs, too, making it geared towards more advanced home theaters and professionally designed systems.

Two people sitting on a couch watching a large screen showing a medieval scene with a person and horse at sunset.
The AVR-X3900H is the higher-end of the two new options.
Denon

Additionally, each of Denon’s new AV receivers has six HDMI inputs for your various gaming consoles, streaming boxes and Blu-ray players. They also have multiple HDMI outputs to partner the latest and greatest 4K (at 120Hz) or even 8K (at 60Hz) TVs.

Both support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive surround sound, as well as Audyssey and Dirac Live room calibration technologies (the latter is available as an upgrade option).

Black Denon AVR-X3900H integrated network AV receiver with digital display showing "Atmos" and "B-ray".
The AVR-X3900H is a 9.4-channel AVR that can deliver up to 105 watts (at 8 ohms) per channel.
Denon
Man sitting on a dark brown sofa watching a large wall-mounted screen showing a fantasy castle scene.
Both of these new AVRs are available now.
Denon

Availability and pricing

Denon’s new X-Series AVRs are available now.

The AVR-X2900H costs $1,349, while the AVR-X3900H costs $1,849. This places them in the middle of the brand’s X-Series offerings, which can range from $700 to $3,800.

If you’re in the market for even more advanced AVRs by Denon, check out the brand’s flagship A-Series.

About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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