Power is rated at 90 watts per channel into 8 ohms, two channels driven, which should position it in a sweet spot for small to mid-sized rooms and a generous range of speaker pairings. Headline factory specs? No. But if they hold true, the S980H should deliver controlled, dynamic sound across a full surround setup, whether that’s a 5.1 surround system or a true 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos configuration.
Speaking of immersive audio, the AVR-S980H supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, along with their respective upmixers for legacy content. That means it can take standard surround or stereo material and expand it into a more enveloping presentation. What’s missing is Auro-3D. For some listeners, that matters, especially those who prefer Auro’s ability to preserve the integrity of a front soundstage during upmixing. While not a deal-breaker, its absence is notable.
On the video side, Denon is keeping things current. The receiver offers six HDMI inputs and two outputs, with support for 8K pass-through, HDCP 2.3, and modern HDR formats including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG. There’s also eARC support, which simplifies sending audio from a TV back to a receiver via a single HDMI connection. Gaming features are part of the package as well. Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Low Latency Mode, and AMD FreeSync are all supported, along with 1440p pass-through. In practical terms, those should make for smoother gameplay and fewer distractions when things get fast.
Room correction is handled by Audyssey MultEQ, which uses a calibration microphone to tailor the sound to your space. It’s a familiar system, and while it doesn’t offer the same level of customization as some higher-end solutions, it remains effective for dialing in a balanced, cohesive sound without a steep learning curve.
There’s also a strong focus on flexibility. The S980H integrates with Denon’s HEOS platform for multiroom audio, supports AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth, and, via a future update, opens the door to wireless surround speakers through Denon Home products, which is intriguing considering Denon's recent Home launch.
The Denon AVR-S980H is available now through Denon and authorized retailers like Amazon, priced at $949.
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