Denon AVR-S940H vs Denon AVR-S960H

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Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Denon AVR-S940H and Denon AVR-S960H takes place. According to the results of our review, Denon AVR-S940H received 7.4 points out of 10 possible, and Denon AVR-S960H was rated 7.8 points. The release date of AVR-S940H is 2018, and AVR-S960H is 2020. Based on the data on the characteristics and features of both models, we can conclude that AVR-S960H has better performance than AVR-S940H.

Main advantages Denon AVR-S940H over Denon AVR-S960H

Main advantages Denon AVR-S960H over Denon AVR-S940H

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the models have rated 7 points out of 10.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. Both receivers can handle the 7.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced. In terms of RMS power, the models have the same characteristics - 90/8, 125/6/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the AVR-S940H 7 out of 10, and the AVR-S960H - 6.

Most receivers now come with a microphone included. It is with the help of this microphone that the auto-calibration system functions, which adjusts the sound of the receiver to the room.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Denon AVR-S940H scored 7, and Denon AVR-S960H scored 10 out of 10.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

DLNA is the perfect way to use your local cloud storage to stream movies and music directly to a TV. You can use the DLNA protocol only with Denon AVR-S960H.

Streaming services

Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.

Extensive connections

The presence of many connectors makes the receiver more versatile. But there are also narrowly targeted models, the number of connectors which are limited to a certain area of use. And when choosing their own receiver, users need to consider exactly your goals for using the receiver. For extensive connection, Denon AVR-S940H got 9 points, but Denon AVR-S960H received 8 points.

Denon AVR-S940H is equipped with 8/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Denon AVR-S960H has 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

HDMI eARC is the next step in the development of audio return channel technology, which works in conjunction with HDMI 2.1. Using eARC provides the highest sound quality for home audio systems. HDMI eARC is available on Denon AVR-S960H.

The HDCP encryption protocol is now mandatory for most media devices. This security technology encrypts digital signals from one product to another. HDCP content-encryption protocol is present on Denon AVR-S940H in the HDCP 2.2 version, and Denon AVR-S960H has the HDCP 2.3 version.

Video features

The AV receiver is the heart of the home theater. And in this case, support for all current video formats ensures the best user experience, so it is very important to consider this when choosing a device. Video features of the AVR-S940H were rated 6 out of 10 against the 8 for the AVR-S960H.

With the 4K pass-through feature, the AV receiver sends "native" 4K signals to a 4K TV from a video source without any processing. The AVR-S940H works with the 4K/60Hz video, and the AVR-S960H has the 4K/120Hz.

The AV receiver passes "native" 8K signals from a video source to 8K TV without any encoding, with the 8k pass-through features. The 8K path-through is available on Denon AVR-S960H.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, both receivers received a score of 10 out of 10.

Multi-room

As the center of a home media system, each multichannel receiver has an additional set of terminals for connecting the second set of speakers to create additional audio space in Zone 2 or even Zone 3 where audio can have the separate source.

Multichannel surround

For the ability to create multichannel surround sound, each of the receivers received 7 points out of 10.