
( Brand: Denon ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: AVR-S960H-R ), ( Supported Modes: Am, Fm ), ( Receiver Combo Features: Internet/media Streamer, Radio Tuner ), ( Color: Black ), ( Year Manufactured: 2020 ), ( Band: Am/fm ), ( Surround Sound Formats: Dolby Atmos ), ( Dts: X ), ( Compatible Product: Antenna ), ( Audio Outputs: Hdmi, Headphone Jack ), ( Amplifier Class: Ab ), ( Type: A/v Receiver ), ( Audio Inputs: Hdmi, Usb ), ( Number Of Channels: 7.2 ), ( Manufacturer Warranty: 1 Year ), ( Features: Bluetooth, Wi-fi ), ( Power: 90 W )
The **Denon AVR-S960H-R** is a high-performance, next-generation home theater receiver designed to deliver immersive, cinematic audio experiences with unparalleled clarity and flexibility. Engineered as part of Denon s premium **Pioneer Elite** lineup, this **7.2-channel AV receiver** combines cutting-edge processing, seamless connectivity, and advanced audio technologies to transform any room into a true theater. With a robust **90W per channel** (8 , 20Hz 20kHz) power output, the AVR-S960H-R ensures deep, dynamic bass and crisp highs, whether you re enjoying Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, or high-resolution stereo music. Its **Dolby Atmos** and **DTS:X** support create a three-dimensional soundscape, with overhead speakers and height channels elevating action, dialogue, and music to new heights, making every film or game feel like a live experience.
At the heart of the AVR-S960H-R is **Denon s advanced audio processing**, including **Dolby Atmos Processing** and **DTS Neural:X**, which intelligently decode and enhance surround sound for a more natural and enveloping audio experience. The receiver also supports **Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and PCM** for lossless playback, ensuring that your music and movies retain their original fidelity. For music enthusiasts, it features **up to 24-bit/192kHz** resolution support, allowing it to handle high-end audio formats like **FLAC, ALAC, and WAV** with ease. The inclusion of **Wi-Fi and Bluetooth** further enhances convenience, enabling wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, and computers, while **AirPlay 2** compatibility ensures seamless integration with Apple devices.
Connectivity is where the AVR-S960H-R truly excels, offering **eight HDMI 2.1 inputs** (with **4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz** support) for next-gen gaming and high-resolution video, along with **four HDMI 2.1 outputs** for multi-room or additional display setups. The receiver also features **two optical digital outputs** and **two coaxial digital outputs**, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio sources. For wired connections, it includes **four HDMI ARC/eARC inputs**, **two component video inputs**, **two composite video inputs**, and **multiple analog and digital audio inputs**, making it versatile for both modern and legacy devices. The **built-in Wi-Fi** allows for easy streaming from services like **Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, and Amazon Music**, while **Denon s HEOS** integration enables multi-room audio control via a dedicated app.
The **AVR-S960H-R** is also designed with the modern home theater in mind, featuring **Denon s intuitive remote control** with a **backlit display** for easy navigation, as well as **voice control compatibility** with **Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri** for hands-free operation. The receiver s **Dolby Vision** support ensures that your 4K content is displayed with vibrant colors and deep blacks, while **HDR10, HDR10 , and HLG** compatibility guarantees a visually stunning experience. Additionally, the **built-in 4G LTE module** (optional via Denon s **AVR-S960H-R LTE** model) allows for streaming without relying on your home Wi-Fi network, providing greater flexibility for large or multi-room setups.
Built with durability and performance in mind, the AVR-S960H-R features **high-quality capacitors** and **efficient power supply circuitry** to deliver clean, distortion-free audio. Its **compact yet robust design** ensures it fits seamlessly into any entertainment center, while the **front-panel controls** provide quick access to essential functions. Whether you're a film buff, a gamer, or a music lover, the **Denon AVR-S960H-R** is a powerhouse receiver that bridges the gap between cutting-edge audio technology and effortless usability, making it an ideal choice for those who demand nothing less than the best in home theater performance.
The Denon AVR-S960H-R is a mid-range AV receiver designed for home theater setups, offering a range of features for immersive audio and video experiences. Below is a detailed breakdown of its pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.
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### **Pros of the Denon AVR-S960H-R**
1. **Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Support**
The receiver fully supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, allowing for height channel processing and immersive 3D audio experiences. This is ideal for modern movies, games, and music that utilize spatial audio.
2. **7.2-Channel Audio with 90W PCM Power**
With 7.2-channel amplification (7 channels front/surround 2 height channels subwoofer), it can drive a wide range of speaker setups, including 7.1.2 or 5.1.4 configurations. The 90W per channel PCM power (4-ohm load) is sufficient for most mid-sized speaker systems, though it may struggle with very high-efficiency or large speakers.
3. **Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity**
The built-in Wi-Fi allows for streaming from services like Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, and Amazon Music. Bluetooth connectivity adds flexibility for casual listening with wireless headphones or speakers. This eliminates the need for additional dongles or adapters for basic streaming.
4. **HDMI 2.1 Support**
The receiver includes multiple HDMI 2.1 ports, which are essential for next-gen gaming (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X S) and 4K/120Hz content. This ensures compatibility with future-proofing for high-refresh-rate and high-resolution displays.
5. **Dolby Vision and HDR Support**
The AVR-S960H-R supports Dolby Vision pass-through, meaning it can handle HDR content from Blu-ray players, streaming services, and gaming consoles without upscaling or downgrading the signal. This is crucial for maximizing picture quality from compatible sources.
6. **ARCA Mounting System**
The ARCA-compatible mounting system allows for secure wall-mounting, which is useful for saving space and organizing your setup neatly.
7. **User-Friendly Interface**
Denon s interface is intuitive, with clear on-screen menus and a remote control that includes a touchpad for easy navigation. The setup process is straightforward, even for beginners.
8. **Good Audio Processing**
The receiver includes Denon s Pure Direct mode, which bypasses some processing for purists, and a variety of equalization and room correction tools (like Denon s Room Correction) to optimize sound quality.
9. **Multiple Inputs and Outputs**
The AVR-S960H-R offers a variety of inputs, including HDMI, optical, coaxial, and analog, as well as multiple outputs for speakers, subwoofers, and preouts. This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of setups.
10. **Reliable Brand Reputation**
Denon is a well-established brand with a strong reputation for reliability and customer support. The AVR-S960H-R is part of Denon s mid-range lineup, which typically offers a good balance of features and performance.
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### **Cons of the Denon AVR-S960H-R**
1. **Limited Upgradability**
The AVR-S960H-R is a 7.2-channel receiver, which means it cannot be easily upgraded to a higher channel count (e.g., 9.2.4 or 11.2) without replacing the entire unit. If you plan to expand your setup in the future, you may need to invest in a more advanced receiver.
2. **Moderate Power Output**
While 90W per channel is adequate for many setups, it may be insufficient for driving very high-efficiency speakers (e.g., those requiring 100W per channel) or large, low-impedance speakers without distortion or clipping. Users with demanding speakers may need to pair it with a separate amplifier or step down in speaker sensitivity.
3. **No Built-in Ethernet Port**
While Wi-Fi is convenient, the lack of a wired Ethernet port means that network streaming may be less stable or slower compared to a wired connection. This could be a drawback for users who prioritize consistent streaming performance.
4. **Average Sound Quality for High-End Audiophiles**
The AVR-S960H-R is not designed for audiophile-grade performance. While it delivers solid sound for home theater and casual listening, it lacks the high-end components (e.g., premium DACs, analog circuitry) found in higher-tier receivers like the Denon AVR-X4500H or Marantz SR7012. Purists may find it lacking in terms of analog warmth or precision.
5. **No Built-in Phono Input**
The receiver does not include a built-in phono preamp for turntables, which means you ll need an external phono stage or preamp if you plan to connect a vinyl record player.
6. **Limited Room Correction Features**
While Denon offers basic room correction tools, they are not as advanced as those found in high-end receivers (e.g., Audyssey MultEQ or Harman s room correction). Users who prioritize precise acoustic tuning may need to rely on third-party software or external tools.
7. **No Built-in Subwoofer Processing**
The receiver does not include advanced subwoofer processing features like individual channel EQ or subwoofer crossover adjustments, which some users may find limiting for fine-tuning bass response.
8. **Price Relative to Features**
While the AVR-S960H-R offers a lot of features, some competitors in the same price range (e.g., Onkyo TX-NR686, Yamaha RX-V4A) may provide slightly different strengths or additional features (like built-in Ethernet or more HDMI ports). Whether this is a con depends on your specific needs.
9. **No Built-in Streaming Services Subscription**
The receiver does not include a subscription to premium streaming services like Tidal HiFi or Qobuz, which may require additional costs for high-resolution audio.
10. **Remote Control Limitations**
While the remote is functional, it lacks some advanced features found in higher-end Denon receivers, such as voice control or more customizable buttons. The touchpad can also be slightly laggy compared to competitors.
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### **Conclusion**
The Denon AVR-S960H-R is a well-rounded mid-range AV receiver that excels in home theater applications, particularly for users who prioritize Dolby Atmos, HDMI 2.1, and wireless streaming. It strikes a good balance between features, usability, and price, making it a solid choice for most consumers who want a reliable receiver for movies, gaming, and music. However, it is not ideal for audiophiles seeking high-end analog performance or users who require advanced room correction or subwoofer processing.
The receiver s strengths lie in its support for modern audio formats, ease of use, and Denon s reputation for reliability. Its weaknesses are primarily related to power output, lack of wired networking, and limited upgradability. If you re looking for a receiver that can handle 4K/120Hz gaming, Dolby Atmos, and wireless streaming without breaking the bank, the AVR-S960H-R is a strong contender.
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### **Recommendation**
**Buy the Denon AVR-S960H-R if:**- You want a versatile AV receiver for home theater, including support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and HDMI 2.1.
- You prioritize wireless streaming (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) and don t mind relying on Wi-Fi for network connectivity.
- You have a mid-sized speaker setup that doesn t require extreme power output (e.g., 88dB sensitivity speakers).
- You value Denon s user-friendly interface and reliability.
- You plan to use it primarily for movies, gaming, and casual music listening.
**Consider alternatives if:**- You need a receiver with higher power output (e.g., Denon AVR-S760H or Onkyo TX-NR808).
- You require advanced room correction or subwoofer processing (e.g., Yamaha RX-V4A or Marantz SR6012).
- You want a receiver with a built-in Ethernet port for more stable streaming (e.g., Onkyo TX-NR686).
- You plan to upgrade to a higher channel count (e.g., 9.2.4 or 11.2) in the future, in which case a more scalable receiver like the Denon AVR-X4500H may be better.
- You re an audiophile who prioritizes analog warmth and high-resolution audio (e.g., Denon AVR-X4500H or Marantz SR7012).
For most consumers looking for a balanced, feature-rich AV receiver that delivers great performance for movies and gaming, the Denon AVR-S960H-R is an excellent choice. However, if your needs are more specific or demanding, exploring alternatives may yield a better fit.
I only opened the box just to show you a picture of it inside with controls and everything in excellent condition This came from Denon straight factory being refurbished.