Denon AVR-S970H Quick take:

Clean, room-filling sound with dialogue that stays locked in and surround effects that flow smoothly. Dual-sub integration is easy, 4K/120 passthrough is solid, and Audyssey gets you dialed in fast. Once set up, the S970H quietly disappears behind your movies, music, and games.

Pros	Cons
• Clean, room-filling sound with confident dynamics; stays composed during big action peaks.	• Power may feel modest for very large rooms or true reference-level listening.
• Dialog is easy to follow—even at lower volumes—thanks to solid center imaging and Audyssey’s help.	• Menu/UX could be sleeker; there’s a learning curve on first setup.
• Atmos/DTS:X effects pan smoothly overhead and around you; surround bubble feels cohesive in 5.2.2.	• Second HDMI output mirrors the main output (not an independent HDMI video zone).
• Dual-sub outputs make bass integration smoother and more even across seats.
• Stable HDMI pass-through for 4K/120 and 8K sources; no obvious softness or banding with HDR when set up correctly.
• Audyssey MultEQ delivers quick, noticeable gains in clarity and balance—especially in tricky rooms.

Denon S970H Review

When it comes to creating a home theater setup that can dazzle both your eyes and ears, the Denon AVR-S970H is a powerhouse contender. Combining cutting‐edge 8K video support with immersive 3D audio formats, this receiver is built not only to play your favorite movies and music but to transform your living room into a cinematic sanctuary. Whether you’re a gamer craving ultra‐smooth visuals or a music lover wanting rich, nuanced sound — the AVR‐S970H promises to be a versatile hub that does it all.

Key Features Explained

Spec	Details
Amplification	7.2 channels, 90 W/ch (8Ω, 20–20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2ch)
HDMI	6 in / 2 out; 3× 8K/60 & 4K/120 inputs; eARC on main out
Video	8K pass-through & upscaling, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, Dynamic HDR
Gaming	VRR, QFT, ALLM
Audio formats	Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Atmos Height Virtualization, DTS Virtual:X
Room correction	Audyssey MultEQ + Dynamic EQ/Volume (MultEQ Editor app optional)
Networking & streaming	HEOS, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Roon Tested
I/O highlights	Phono (MM) input, 2× optical / 1× coax, 2× sub outs, USB front
Zones	Zone 2 speaker outputs (audio); second HDMI output mirrors main
Tuner	AM/FM

Big, balanced sound—without the fuss
Seven powered channels give you the punch for movie nights and playlists alike. Dual subwoofer outputs help smooth the low end across multiple seats, so bass feels tight instead of boomy.

8K-ready HDMI that just works
You get six HDMI inputs (three handle 8K/60 and 4K/120) and two HDMI outputs; the main one supports eARC so TV audio—including Atmos—returns over a single cable. HDR formats like Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, and Dynamic HDR keep colors and contrast looking right.

Built for modern gaming
VRR, QFT, and ALLM cut tearing and reduce input lag, so fast motion looks clean and controls feel snappy on compatible consoles and PCs.

Real surround made easy
Run a 5.2.2 Atmos/DTS:X setup for true overhead effects, or stick with classic 7.2. Don’t have height speakers yet? The upmixers and virtual height modes still add a convincing sense of space.

Setup that holds your hand
Denon’s on-screen Setup Assistant walks you through wiring and inputs step by step. Run the included Audyssey MultEQ mic and it quickly tames boomy bass, clears up voices, and evens out all the seats—no golden ears required.

Streaming your way
HEOS Built-in covers the big services and multi-room playback; AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth are on board, and it’s Roon Tested for library listeners. Late night? Flip on Bluetooth headphone transmit and keep the room quiet.

Everyday convenience features
There’s a phono (MM) input for a turntable, two optical plus a coax digital input for legacy gear, a front USB for quick plug-and-play, and Zone 2 speaker outputs for music in another room. The second HDMI output mirrors the main—handy for a TV and projector combo.

Plays nice with your room
Compact for a 7-channel receiver yet stout enough to drive typical living-room speakers. If your room is very large or your speakers are unusually demanding, you can still start here and upgrade speakers first—Audyssey will help you get the most from what you have.

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Sound Quality and Usability in Detail

Users consistently praise the Denon AVR-S970H’s sound quality for delivering clear, rich, and immersive audio. The combination of 90 watts per channel and support for multiple channel configurations allows this receiver to fill rooms with sound that is both detailed and powerful. Fans of home theater report crisp dialog reproduction, thunderous bass when paired with subwoofers, and an impressive surround sound effect thanks to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X capabilities.

One of the standout qualities is the three-dimensional audio experience. When watching movies with object-based soundtracks, users feel the audio moving overhead and around them for a truly enveloping experience. Audiophiles appreciate the clarity and warmth in music streaming, particularly when leveraging HEOS with high-definition streaming services.

On the usability front, many users find the HD Setup Assistant and Audyssey calibration process straightforward and effective, especially compared to more cumbersome receiver setups. The inclusion of contemporary HDMI features such as VRR and ALLM means gamers enjoy reduced latency and smoother visuals, setting it apart from older receivers lacking these enhancements.

On the downside, some users mention that while 90 watts per channel is sufficient for most rooms, those with large spaces or particularly demanding setups might find the power somewhat limiting, especially at high volumes. If you have a large space a more powerful amp may be ideal. Additionally, the user interface for navigating streaming apps and settings could occasionally feel less intuitive, though this is a common quibble in many AV receivers.

Who Is It For?

The S970H is an excellent home theater AV receiver for a wide variety of users. If you love watching movies with room-shaking bass and detailed surround sound, this receiver has the features to impress. Gamers who want the benefits of ALLM and VRR to reduce input lag and screen tearing will find this a worthy addition to their setup. Music enthusiasts who stream wirelessly from popular services will appreciate HEOS integration and the ability to control with Alexa voice commands.

However, this receiver is best suited for those with medium-sized to moderately large rooms. If you host wild parties or have a cavernous home theater that demands extreme volume levels, you might want to consider a more powerful unit. Additionally, users who desire a plug-and-play setup with minimal tweaking should still prepare to spend some time with Audyssey and configuration settings to achieve the best results.

Final Thoughts

The Denon AVR-S970H amp stands out as a feature-packed, flexible centerpiece for home entertainment. With future-ready 8K video passthrough, support for cutting-edge HDR formats, and immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio, it brings a cinema-grade experience right into your living room. Its power output, while not the highest among flagship receivers, is robust enough for most home applications, delivering crisp, dynamic sound.

The convenience of HEOS streaming, Alexa voice control, and gaming-friendly HDMI features makes the AVR-S970H a well-rounded device for a variety of entertainment needs. Although there’s a modest learning curve with setup and UI navigation, Denon’s Audyssey Room Correction Suite delivers great sound tailored to your environment.

Overall, the Denon AVR-S970H offers a compelling blend of audio and video technologies backed by Denon’s rich heritage of sound expertise. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home theater with a receiver that conquers both current and next-gen formats.

For more details and availability, you can check out the Denon AVR-S970H on Amazon.

FAQ

How many 8K HDMI inputs does the AVR-S970H have?
Three of the six HDMI inputs support 8K/60 and 4K/120. There are two HDMI outputs; the main output supports eARC.

Which Audyssey version is included?
Audyssey MultEQ (base version) with Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume. You can fine-tune further with the optional MultEQ Editor app.

Can it do Dolby Atmos? What layouts?
Yes—Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are supported. Typical layouts are 5.2.2 with height speakers or a traditional 7.2 without heights.

Is this good for gaming?
Yes. It supports VRR, QFT, and ALLM for smoother motion and lower latency with compatible consoles and PCs.

Does it have a phono input for a turntable?
Yes—there’s an MM phono input for moving-magnet cartridges.

Can I use Bluetooth headphones?
Yes. The AVR-S970H can transmit audio to Bluetooth headphones, and you can play speakers and headphones together if desired.

Are there pre-outs?
You get dual subwoofer pre-outs; there are no full-range pre-outs for the main channels.

Does the second HDMI output work as a separate HDMI zone?
No—the second HDMI output mirrors the main output, which is handy for a second display.

Denon AVR-S970H vs Denon AVR-S770H

For more details and availability, you can check out the Denon AVR-S970H on Amazon.

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