Denon S-Series Receivers Get Updated
The new Denon S-Series receivers are a definite step up from last year’s models, with Bluetooth audio, wireless streaming, HDMI 2.0, and more. Denon officially launched 3 new S-Series audio/video receivers today, including the AVR-S500BT, AVR-S700W and the AVR-S900W. Pricing ranges from $249-$599 on these new models, making them the most affordable Bluetooth receivers in the market of which we’re aware. All of the receivers include wireless Bluetooth streaming and HDMI 2.0. That means they can handle the new 4K Ultra HD 60 Hz signals coming to market as well as 4:4:4 Pure Color and 21:9 video content. If you’re excited about the new 4K ultra high definition televisions hitting the market, you’ll need an AV receiver that can handle passing through the new content. It’s almost unbelievable that you can pick up the AVR-S500BT for just $249. That’s a model with 5 HDMI inputs and Bluetooth!
The Denon AVR-S700W retails for just $449 and steps up from the AVR-500BT by adding an additional (front) HDMI input, real binding posts, two more output channels (making it a true 7.2 receiver), and integrated WiFi. The $599 AVR-S900W builds even further by adding two more HDMI inputs, a second HDMI output, and component video inputs (with video upconversion to HDMI).
Denon S-Series Receivers Features
Integrated Bluetooth and WiFi
All three of the Denon S-Series receivers support built-in Bluetooth connectivity so that users can stream audio from virtually any Bluetooth-enabled device. That means you can take your smartphone, tablet, portable audio player—whatever—and get streaming Bluetooth Audio (though there is no AptX support). The S700W and S900W also feature built-in Wi-Fi technology which connects to the Internet through any wireless home network. With this, you can listen to Internet radio, Pandora, Spotify, or even SiriusXM. AirPlay is also included, so iOS users can easily connect their iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. Last, but not least, DLNA 1.5 will have you streaming content from any PC, Mac or Android device as well. If you can’t get your music to the AVR-S700W or AVR-900W—well, you aren’t trying very hard. Denon’s iOS and Android Remote App makes all of these even easier with direct connectivity and control over the two higher-end model receivers.
HDMI 2.0
Check out our article on the HDMI 2.0 specification if you aren’t up to speed, but the new format is included in the new Denon S-Series AVRs. HDMI 2.0 is the latest HDMI spec that finally covers 4K Ultra HD 60 Hz video as well as full resolution 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling and 21:9 aspect ratios. It also gives you dynamic auto lip synchronization which we’ve found incredibly useful, particularly when combining older sources with newer displays.
Denon S-Series Receivers Model Overview
Denon AVR-S500BT Features
- Built-in Bluetooth
- 5 HDMI inputs
- Dual subwoofer outputs
- Auto Eco Mode
- 70 watts x 5
- Auto speaker setup and EQ with microphone
- Color-coded speaker terminals
- Setup Assistant with On-Screen display
- HDMI 2.0
- 4 Quick Select buttons
- Front panel USB input
Denon AVR-S700W Features
- Built-in Bluetooth
- WiFi streaming
- 6 HDMI inputs
- Dual subwoofer outputs
- Auto Eco Mode
- 75 watts x 7 (with new 4 ohm certification)
- Auto speaker setup and EQ with microphone
- Color-coded speaker terminals
- Setup Assistant with On-Screen display
- HDMI 2.0
- 4 Quick Select buttons
- Front panel USB input
- AirPlay wireless streaming
- DLNA 1.5 audio and photo streaming
- Pandora and SiriusXM online streaming
- Spotify Connect
- Audyssey Bronze (MultEQ, Dynamic EQ, Dynamic Volume)
- Powered Multi-zone/Multi-source listening
Denon AVR-S900W Key Features
- Built-in Bluetooth
- WiFi streaming
- 8 HDMI inputs, 2 HDMI outputs
- Dual subwoofer outputs
- Auto Eco Mode
- 90 watts x 7 (with new 4 ohm certification)
- Auto speaker setup and EQ with microphone
- Color-coded speaker terminals
- Setup Assistant with On-Screen display
- HDMI 2.0
- 4 Quick Select buttons
- Front panel USB input
- AirPlay wireless streaming
- DLNA 1.5 audio and photo streaming
- Pandora and SiriusXM online streaming
- Spotify Connect
- Audyssey Bronze (MultEQ, Dynamic EQ, Dynamic Volume)
- Powered Multi-zone/Multi-source listening
- Analog to HDMI video transcoding
These new Denon S-Series receivers look like incredible values—particularly for those looking for a wireless-equipped system that can stream just about anything.
