Denon’s AVR-S960 receiver offers 8K for under $700
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Denon has announced its most “affordable” 8K receiver yet, the $ 649 AVR-S960H, and offers a host of new technologies, including HDR10 Plus support. The company announced its high-end X series in early June, but prices started at $ 849. The AVR-S960H will go on sale in July.
The 7.1.2-channel receiver has six HDMI 2.3 inputs, including one with 8K capability. and two exits, one with eARC. These ports can decode higher quality data Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. Audio, in addition to upscaling, virtual surround technologies such as Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology and DTS Virtual: X.
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The receiver offers seven 90-watt channels (stereo, 20 Hz – 20 kHz) and high-resolution music compatibility with a digital 32-bit AKM audio converter.
The AVR-S960H supports multiple video standards, including 8K / 60Hz and 4K / 120Hz video pass-through, as well as high dynamic range formats such as HDR10 Plus, Hybrid Log Gamma and Dolby Vision. Compatibility with Fast media switching from HDMI 2.1 means the receiver “should switch resolution or frame rate immediately to avoid screen failure,” says Denon.
The Denon was also developed to appeal to gamers. It has a variable refresh rate to reduce frame tearing and an automatic mode with low latency.
Compatibility with music streaming also includes the company’s proprietary HEOS system as well AirPlay 2 and bluetooth. The receiver can be controlled via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Josh.ai and Apple Siri.
We’re in the middle of 2020 and Denon is one of the first companies to announce new receiver models designed to help them gain an edge over their rivals Yamaha, Pioneer and Sony. Onkyos TX-NR696 was our favorite receiver of 2019, but doesn’t offer 8K compatibility and needs to be replaced. We have enjoyed Denon receivers a lot in the past and look forward to hearing the AVR-S960H (and the inevitable AVR-S760H) when they are released.
Continue reading:: Best AV receiver of 2020
