The new Denon AVC-X3900H.

Photo: Denon

Hot on the heels of its recent unveiling of a new convenience-focused AVR-S980H AV receiver, Denon has now taken the wraps off two new additions to its acclaimed X series of AVRs.

The AVC-X3900H and AVR-X2900H are designed with discerning home theater enthusiasts and custom integrators in mind, combining claimed high performance standards with such premium features as advanced calibration options, flexible system configuration, and unusually far-reaching controls for dedicated home theater and whole-home audio installations.

Both of the new models are also claimed to deliver Denon’s “Performance DNA” thanks to updated internal components and a high-performance 32-bit multi-channel DAC architecture, and the fact that each model has been developed and tuned at Denon’s famed Shirakawa Audio Works facility in Japan under the watchful ear of the “Denon Sound Master”. The resulting mix of precise measurements and careful subjective listening is claimed to have achieved a sound that feels open, dynamic and engaging, in keeping with Denon’s signature sound, regardless of whether you’re watching a film or listening to music.

The X2900H and X3900H are built on the principle that getting the best sound experiences depends on adapting to different rooms, systems and listener tastes. With this in mind, both new AVRs carry IP-based Web UI setup, the Audyssey calibration system, and support for Dirac Live room optimization features alongside many other integrated calibration tools.

Note that while Audyssey is built in to both new models, the Dirac Live features are available on an upgrade basis. Denon sees this dual path approach to set up as ensuring that users aren’t locked into a single way of customizing their sound, giving them more freedom when it comes to tailoring their listening experienced to their personal circumstances and tastes.

Both models are powered by Denon’s HEOS multiroom audio platform, with support for Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2 and such services as TuneIn Internet Radio, Spotify and Qobuz. This makes it simpler to enjoy music throughout your home in different grouped or individual spaces configured using a single, easy-to-use app.

Both new AVRs can partner with Denon Home 200, 400 and 600 speakers as wireless rear surrounds, too, making it easier to install a full surround sound system even in rooms that can’t accommodate long cable runs. And both receivers carry HDMI loop-through connections capable of supporting both of the Dolby Vision and HDR10+ premium high dynamic range formats, as well as game-friendly 4K/120Hz feeds and variable refresh rates – including in the AMD FreeSync format.

Delving into the specifics of each model, the AVC-X3900H carries 9.4 channels of amplification, 11.4 channels of processing, and can provide 105 watts per channel. It carries four independent subwoofer outputs with expanded configuration options to allow better balanced bass for different room environments and supports Dirac Live Room Correction, Bass control and Active Room Treatment tools as optional upgrades.

The AVR-X2900H chiefly differs from the X3900H by reducing the supported channel count to seven, and dropping the power output to 95W per channel.

Both of Denon’s new AVRs are available from today from Denon’s website or authorised retailers worldwide, with the X2900H costing $1,349/£899/€1,000 and the X3900H costing $1,849/£1,299/€1,499.

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