Denon AVR-S960H Review

Denon AVR-S960H
Votes 14 14
Rating 5 5
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Denon AVR-S960H review

A potential consumer is met with multiple issues when deciding to buy a receiver. In this review of one of the devices, we will attempt to answer all of these questions - Denon AVR-S960H. This model received a ranking of 7.8 out of 10 during our review. The public met this model in 2020. One of the key characteristics of the model is an amplifier with 7.2 channels.

Denon AVR-S960H Pros

  • The receiver has a function of wireless connection to the Internet via Wi-Fi.
  • Bluetooth is now one of the key wireless communication protocols. In AV receivers, it is used for audio signal transmission or remote control. And it is in the model under review that Bluetooth support is implemented.
  • The presence of a USB port allows the receiver to play content from external media.
  • DLNA is a feature that gives the receiver the ability to transmit and receive various media content over the home network, as well as display it in real time.
  • Like any modern receiver, AVR-S960H has a Phono (MM) input for connecting a phonograph or turntable.
  • Dolby Atmos technology has been included in this model specifically to create a 3D effect when watching movies, which reveals all its features with a minimum 5.1 configuration.
  • Denon AVR-S960H with an adaptive and flexible DTS:X surround format can support any speaker configuration, unlike Dolby Atmos.
  • With HDR10 pass-through support, it is possible to transfer data over the AVR-S960H with a much wider range of colors.
  • With 4K/120Hz pass-through support, it is possible to pass data through this model without degrading image quality.
  • The AVR-S960H is fitted with the 8K pass-through feature and able to send 8K signals directly to an 8K TV without degrading image quality.
  • ARC feature eliminates the need for an additional composite or optical cable when connecting this unit to a TV.
  • eARC is more bandwidth-intensive than ARC and therefore allows Denon AVR-S960H to support advanced high-quality audio formats.
  • The manufacturer claims support for CEC in Denon AVR-S960H and therefore you can control any HDMI-connected device using one remote control.
  • This receiver supports the data encryption protocol HDCP 2.3 which allows licensed devices to play high definition audio and video.
  • Can stream audio using the AirPlay protocol.
  • Has access to the Amazon Music network service.
  • Stream music from one of the most popular services Spotify directly on the Denon AVR-S960H.
  • The main functions of this model can be controlled using voice control.
  • This receiver consumes less power thanks to ECO mode.
  • The reviewed receiver has a Pure Direct mode, when used it feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
  • This AV receiver is able to use 2 zones to send a source signal to speakers or a separate audio system in different locations.
  • With the included microphone, the Denon AVR-S960H can use the auto speaker calibration mechanism to create the most suitable soundstage.

Denon AVR-S960H Cons

  • Bi-amping is not available.
  • Has no speaker A/B switching function.
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Denon AVR-S960H back and front view

Denon AVR-S960H Denon AVR-S960H

Denon AVR-S960H specs and features

Amplifier

Channels 7.2
Stereo power (RMS), W/Ohm 90/8, 125/6
Output impedance, Ohm 8, 6
Frequency response 10Hz-100KHz
THD in stereo, % 0.08

Audio features

Digital to analog converter (DAC) N/A
Bi-amping
Pure direct (straight)
Auto speaker calibration Audyssey MultEQ
Speaker A/B switching
Other audio features Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Audyssey Dynamic EQ, Hi-Res audio

Connectivity

Wi-Fi 2.4/5GHz
USB 1 (USB 2.0)
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45) 1
DLNA
MHL

Streaming services

Apple Music (AirPlay) AirPlay, AirPlay 2
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming services Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Qobuz, TuneIn Radio

Extensive connection

HDMI input/output 6/2
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)
HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)
HDMI CEC
Digital content protection (HDCP) HDCP 2.3
Subwoofer output (LFE) 2
Headphone output 1 x 6.3
Optical digital input 2
Coaxial digital input 1
Composite input 2
Component input/output 2/2
Phono (MM) input
Front panel connectors USB, phones, setup mic
Multi channel preamp output

Video features

HDR (High Dynamic Range) HDR10
4K signal pass-through 4K/120Hz
8K signal pass-through 8K/60Hz
HDMI signal pass-through
3D signal pass-through
HDMI pass-through in standby mode
Video conversion
Analog to HDMI scaling
HDMI to HDMI scaling
Dolby Vision
Other video features HLG, BT.2020

Additional features

Voice control Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI
App control iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android
Display colour OSD
Tuner AM, FM
Sleep timer
Auto power off
ECO mode
Graphical user interface (GUI)
Setup assistant
Firmware update network, USB
Other additional features IP Control, Web Control, RS-232 Control, App Control

Multi-room

Multi-room zones 2
Zone audio output speaker
Zone HDMI output
Multi-room control HEOS App, Denon 2016 AVR Remote
RS-232 0
Remote control input/output (IR) 0/0
DC trigger output (12V) 0

Multichannel surround

Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Surround
Dolby (other) Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
DTS:X
DTS HD Master
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neural:X
DTS (other) DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD, DTS-EXPRESS
Auro-3D
IMAX Enhanced
Multichannel stereo

Audio file formats

MP3
WMA
AAC
WAV
FLAC
ALAC
Other audio file formats AIFF, DSD

Power

Operational power consumption, W 500
Standby consumption, W 0.1
Removable power cord

Dimensions

Size W x H x D, cm/inches 43.8 x 15.2 x 33/17.1 x 6.6 x 13
Weight, kg/lbs 9.5/21

Other

Release year 2020

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