Denon Announces The AVR-X1800H
As a surprise to no one, Denon announced the AVR-X1800H, the successor to the popular AVR-X1700. The Denon AVR-X1800H will most likely maintain a popular place amongst enthusiasts, offering 7.1 or 5.1.2 configurations with a price tag of $749 ($50 more than the X1700H). It’s perfect for those who want to dip their toes into AV but still are price-conscious. Will the Denon AVR-X1800H be on your shopping list? Let’s discuss.
Under The Hood
The Denon AVR-X1800H boasts the same specs as 2021’s X1700H. It is an 80 watts per channel 7.1 AV receiver with seven built-in amplifiers. This allows you to max out at 7.1 or step up to Atmos/DTS:X in a 5.1.2 configuration. There are three HDMI 2.1 8K60/4K120 40Gbps ports. An additional three 4K60 ports are available for your non-HDMI 2.1 devices. Along with HDMI 2.1, you get all the next-gen goodies like ALLM and VRR. And, of course, you get HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 8K Upscaling, and 8K Passthrough.
| Denon AVR-X1800H |
| 7.2 channels |
| 7.1 channel processing |
| 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) |
| HDMI 2.1 |
| Dolby Atmos, DTS:X capable |
| HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 8K Upscaling, 8K Passthrough |
| AirPlay 2, DLNA, HEOS |
| Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| X2 RCA/Optical Inputs, Phono input |
Room correction stays the same with Audyssey MultEQ XT. While not the most potent version available, it is enough for most folks in most rooms. Add a pair of RCA and optical inputs and a phono input; the Denon AVR-X1800H will allow you to connect your legacy analog audio gear. But we need to point out that the Denon AVR-X1800H has lost its Zone 2 Preouts*, assignable composite video, and digital coaxial. So for $50 more, you get less.
*Note: The only images and specs we had for the X1800 were of the European models. The NA models not only have Zone 2 Preouts, but L-R preouts as well. This does give the new X1800H a leg up on its older counterpart.
| Feature | Denon AVR-X1800H |
| Room Correction | Audyssey MultEQ XT |
| RCA Inputs | 2 |
| Zone 2 Pre-Outs | No/Yes* |
| Composite Video | No |
Our Take
The Denon AVR-X1800H is not a complete refresh of the mid-tier offering from Denon, just a cycle update. Anyone who put down cash for the X1700H can rest easy knowing their AV receiver is not obsolete by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, if you have legacy audio and video products like VCRs or component video gaming consoles, the X1700 is your only choice.
For those who want to get into the hobby, or want to upgrade to a mid-tier AV receiver without breaking the bank, the Denon AVR-X1800H will probably be on your shortlist. You also can expect the X1700H to be on sale (currently on Amazon for $539), so keep your eyes peeled and you may be able to snag a great deal on the X1700H!
I really don’t see the necessary for brand like DENON to come out a new model every year. The X1800 is just a waste of time in the consumer market with same specs as the older model. The worse is DENON launched out so many S and X entry level series with same specs. Only difference is the watts and the number of hdmi ports.
Sony is the perfect example of this. Sony only recently updated their lines in a meaningful way. While I understand that brands need to remain competitive in the space, I tend to agree that a yearly refresh is just window dressing at this point.