Choosing a Denon AVR

[dmattern]

I’m considering upgrading my AVR and I’ve narrowed down my choices to two current Denon models, the S960H and the X2700H. From the specs these appear very similar, with the X2700H slightly more powerful. That doesn’t seem to justify the $200 difference so I’m leaning towards the S960H. Am I missing something? Are there other brands or models I should consider?

I know how I use the AVR is very important, so here’s my use case: I only use this system for watching movies (I have a separate good 2 - channel system in another room for music). It will drive a 7.1 system in a smallish room, about 12’x16’. I do not need streaming services, wireless, Alexa, etc. I’m watching 4K Blu Rays and I want an immersive audio experience. My current AVR is a Yamaha VX-800 that’s over five years old that sounds okay but doesn’t handle current audio encryptions.

 

[Trebdp83]

Here is a side by side comparison to see any differences in the two units. There are just a few but how important they are is up to you.

Denon AVR-X2700H vs Denon AVR-S960H: Comprehensive Comparison

Compare the Denon AVR-X2700H and Denon AVR-S960H. Discover the differences in features, specs, performance, and find out which A/V receiver is the best for you.

www.zkelectronics.com

Here is a comparison of new Yamaha models with very similar features and a $200 difference in price.

Yamaha RX-V6A vs Yamaha RX-A2A: Comprehensive Comparison

Compare the Yamaha RX-V6A and Yamaha RX-A2A. Discover the differences in features, specs, performance, and find out which A/V receiver is the best for you.

www.zkelectronics.com

Costco carries their exclusive TSR-700 for $400. It is a twin of the RX-V6A.

 

[lovinthehd]

Here is a side by side comparison to see any differences in the two units. There are just a few but how important they are is up to you.

Denon AVR-X2700H vs Denon AVR-S960H: Comprehensive Comparison

Compare the Denon AVR-X2700H and Denon AVR-S960H. Discover the differences in features, specs, performance, and find out which A/V receiver is the best for you.

www.zkelectronics.com

Here is a comparison of new Yamaha models with very similar features and a $200 difference in price.

Yamaha RX-V6A vs Yamaha RX-A2A: Comprehensive Comparison

Compare the Yamaha RX-V6A and Yamaha RX-A2A. Discover the differences in features, specs, performance, and find out which A/V receiver is the best for you.

www.zkelectronics.com

Costco carries their exclusive TSR-700 for $400. It is a twin of the RX-V6A.

Where does ZK get power supply spec? Seems they're using the power consumption spec in the first mention of bigger power supply....then later on just uses same numbers for power consumption (and then for power supply spec just says 120V 60hz). Pretty good comparison chart otherwise....

@dmattern no the difference in power of 5 wpc is negligible (even a doubling of power only nets you 3dB spl and it wouldn't surprise me they basically share the same amp section from the specs). Biggest difference to me would be the Audyssey MultEQ vs XT, if that matters to you. Might check out connectivity, I see the 960 doesn't have zone 2 preouts if that matters, and neither unit has a full set of pre-outs (which is a nice thing to have, but you have to go up to the X3xxx and above series, but that would also get you Audyssey XT32).

ps Meant to add the Audioholics article on power consumption spec (not watt you think ) https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/receiver-back-panel-power-ratings

 

[PENG]

Where does ZK get power supply spec? Seems they're using the power consumption spec in the first mention of bigger power supply....then later on just uses same numbers for power consumption (and then for power supply spec just says 120V 60hz). Pretty good comparison chart otherwise....

@dmattern no the difference in power of 5 wpc is negligible (even a doubling of power only nets you 3dB spl and it wouldn't surprise me they basically share the same amp section from the specs). Biggest difference to me would be the Audyssey MultEQ vs XT, if that matters to you. Might check out connectivity, I see the 960 doesn't have zone 2 preouts if that matters, and neither unit has a full set of pre-outs (which is a nice thing to have, but you have to go up to the X3xxx and above series, but that would also get you Audyssey XT32).

ps Meant to add the Audioholics article on power consumption spec (not watt you think ) https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/receiver-back-panel-power-ratings

That website tried hard and put a good effort on the comparison tables but I won't rely on them for reasons you cited and also I found inaccuracies, not serious but not as accurate as Denon's own website's tool for comparing different models. I think the zk site is very popular because it is a quick and easy way to narrow things based on the main features, good for most people who are not too keen on the technical details.

 

[Trebdp83]

It’s convenient for a side by side comparison when looking at room correction software, audio features or connection types when somebody wants some basic info on two models. Then, if a model looks interesting, one can do some deeper digging elsewhere. If the budget can be stretched and atmos speakers are ever considered, the X3700H pre-outs could be used to send audio to the older Yamaha for a 7.1.4 setup. I think it’s actually a Yamaha RX-V800 and those have six channel, 5.1, analog inputs so the four height channels could be sent there. Just an idea.