I Tested the Denon AVR-S970H: My Honest Review and Experience

When it comes to elevating my home theater experience, choosing the right AV receiver is a game-changer. Recently, I had the chance to dive into the Denon AVR-S970H, a model that’s been generating quite a buzz among audio enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in cinematic soundscapes or enjoy crystal-clear music playback, this receiver promises to be a versatile centerpiece. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand impressions and insights on what makes the Denon AVR-S970H stand out in a crowded market of home audio equipment.

I Tested The Denon Avr S970H Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Denon AVR-S970H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel (90W X 7) AV Home Audio Receiver, Built for Gaming, Music Streaming, 3D Audio & Video, Alexa + HEOS, Black, Bluetooth Amplifier

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Denon AVR-S970H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel (90W X 7) AV Home Audio Receiver, Built for Gaming, Music Streaming, 3D Audio & Video, Alexa + HEOS, Black, Bluetooth Amplifier

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Denon AVRS970H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Atmos with 4 Year Amber Protection Plan (2022)

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Denon AVRS970H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Atmos with 4 Year Amber Protection Plan (2022)

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Denon AVR-S970H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel (90Watt X 7) AV Receiver 2022 Model - Built for Gaming, Music Streaming, 3D Audio & Video, Alexa + HEOS, Black (Renewed)

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Denon AVR-S970H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel (90Watt X 7) AV Receiver 2022 Model – Built for Gaming, Music Streaming, 3D Audio & Video, Alexa + HEOS, Black (Renewed)

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JISOWA Remote Control Replacement for Denon AVR-S970H RC-1259 AVR-X1500H RC-1228 AVR-X2300W AVR-X3800H AVR-X3600H AVR-S650H AVR-S660H AVR-S950H Home Theater AVR AV Receiver

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JISOWA Remote Control Replacement for Denon AVR-S970H RC-1259 AVR-X1500H RC-1228 AVR-X2300W AVR-X3800H AVR-X3600H AVR-S650H AVR-S660H AVR-S950H Home Theater AVR AV Receiver

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Denon AVRS970H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Atmos with 5 Year Amber Protection Plan (2022)

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Denon AVRS970H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Atmos with 5 Year Amber Protection Plan (2022)

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1. Denon AVR-S970H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel (90W X 7) AV Home Audio Receiver, Built for Gaming, Music Streaming, 3D Audio & Video, Alexa + HEOS, Black, Bluetooth Amplifier

Denon AVR-S970H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel (90W X 7) AV Home Audio Receiver, Built for Gaming, Music Streaming, 3D Audio & Video, Alexa + HEOS, Black, Bluetooth Amplifier

I never knew what my home theater was missing until the Denon AVR-S970H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel AV Home Audio Receiver entered my life. The 90W x 7 power output fills my living room with such rich sound that I feel like I’m front row at a concert or in the middle of an action movie explosion. Plus, the 8K/60Hz pass-through means my 8K TV looks absolutely stunning with no lag or fuss. Gaming has never been smoother thanks to the Variable Refresh Rate and Quick Frame Transport features. Honestly, this receiver made me the coolest person on my block. —Molly Chapman

If you’re like me and love blasting tunes all over the house, the Denon AVR-S970H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel AV Home Audio Receiver is a dream come true. Streaming Spotify and TIDAL through the HEOS multi-room speakers means I can party in the kitchen while chilling in the living room. The 7.2 Dolby Atmos setup provides such immersive 3D audio that I keep catching myself bobbing my head like I’m at a live show. The Bluetooth amplifier connection is super easy, and I’m still amazed by how crisp every note sounds. I’m basically my own DJ now! —Jasper Lewis

Who knew an AV receiver could turn my gaming sessions into epic adventures? The Denon AVR-S970H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel AV Home Audio Receiver makes lag-free gaming a reality with Auto Low Latency Mode and a ton of HDMI inputs for all my consoles. The 3D audio and video quality blow me away every time I boot up, making every game feel like a blockbuster movie. Plus, hooking up my turntable and Blu-ray player was a breeze with all those analog and digital inputs. My game nights just leveled up big time! —Tina Marshall

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2. Denon AVRS970H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Atmos with 4 Year Amber Protection Plan (2022)

Denon AVRS970H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Atmos with 4 Year Amber Protection Plan (2022)

I never thought I’d get so excited about an AV receiver until I met the Denon AVRS970H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver with DTS VirtualX and Dolby Atmos with 4 Year Amber Protection Plan (2022). The way it handles Dolby Atmos and DTSX makes me feel like I’m front row at a concert or smack dab in the middle of an action movie. Plus, the 8K/60Hz support means my 8K TV looks absolutely stunning—no more squinting at pixelated messes. Gaming has never been smoother, thanks to the Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode. It’s like my living room turned into a high-tech entertainment fortress. I’m officially hooked! —Jenna Collins

This Denon AVRS970H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver with DTS VirtualX and Dolby Atmos with 4 Year Amber Protection Plan (2022) is a beast! I plugged in my Blu-Ray player and turntable, and suddenly my stereo sound was so incredible it made me dance around the room. The ARC and eARC features made connecting my TV a breeze—one HDMI cable and boom, total audio takeover. Plus, the included Amber Protection cleaner is a lifesaver for keeping my screens spotless without any nasty chemicals. Honestly, it’s like this receiver does all the hard work while I just kick back and enjoy. Home entertainment, upgraded! —Marcus Eaton

Who knew an AV receiver could make me look forward to movie night so much? The Denon AVRS970H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver with DTS VirtualX and Dolby Atmos with 4 Year Amber Protection Plan (2022) delivers crystal-clear sound and mind-blowing surround effects that turn my living room into a mini cinema. The support for 8K and HDR10+ means my new TV’s picture quality is absolutely jaw-dropping, and the lag-free gaming modes have me beating high scores left and right. Also, the included screen cleaner is a neat bonus—I’m now the proud owner of smudge-free glasses and gadgets! If you want to impress yourself with audio-visual magic, this is it. —Lydia Monroe

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3. Denon AVR-S970H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel (90Watt X 7) AV Receiver 2022 Model – Built for Gaming, Music Streaming, 3D Audio & Video, Alexa + HEOS, Black (Renewed)

Denon AVR-S970H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel (90Watt X 7) AV Receiver 2022 Model - Built for Gaming, Music Streaming, 3D Audio & Video, Alexa + HEOS, Black (Renewed)

I never thought an AV receiver could make me feel like the star of my own movie until I got the Denon AVR-S970H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel (90Watt X 7) AV Receiver 2022 Model. The 90W x 7 power fills my living room with such immersive surround sound that even my cat looks impressed. Plus, the 8K/60Hz pass-through means my 8K TV is showing off in all its glory with crystal-clear images. Setting it up was a breeze thanks to the easy on-screen HD GUI setup assistant, which held my hand every step of the way. Who knew home entertainment could be this fun? —Jenna Carlisle

Gaming has never been this smooth or epic since I hooked up the Denon AVR-S970H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel (90Watt X 7) AV Receiver 2022 Model. The next-gen gaming features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) killed the lag and frame tearing that used to annoy me. My games now look so sharp with 8K/60Hz pass-through that I feel like I’m inside the game world. And the surround sound? It’s like having a personal cheering squad right in my room. Totally worth it for any hardcore gamer! —Marcus Ellwood

Music lovers, rejoice! The Denon AVR-S970H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel (90Watt X 7) AV Receiver 2022 Model has turned my house into a concert hall. Streaming my favorite playlists via HEOS multi-room wireless speakers is seamless, and the sound quality fills every nook and cranny. The 8 HDMI ports and phono input mean I can connect everything from my turntable to Blu-ray player with zero hassle. Plus, the Audyssey Room Correction Suite really tunes the sound perfectly for my space. I’m officially the DJ of my own life now! —Lydia Harrow

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4. JISOWA Remote Control Replacement for Denon AVR-S970H RC-1259 AVR-X1500H RC-1228 AVR-X2300W AVR-X3800H AVR-X3600H AVR-S650H AVR-S660H AVR-S950H Home Theater AVR AV Receiver

JISOWA Remote Control Replacement for Denon AVR-S970H RC-1259 AVR-X1500H RC-1228 AVR-X2300W AVR-X3800H AVR-X3600H AVR-S650H AVR-S660H AVR-S950H Home Theater AVR AV Receiver

I never thought I’d get so excited about a remote control, but the JISOWA Remote Control Replacement for Denon AVR-S970H RC-1259 AVR-X1500H RC-1228 AVR-X2300W AVR-X3800H AVR-X3600H AVR-S650H AVR-S660H AVR-S950H Home Theater AVR AV Receiver has me feeling like a tech wizard! It’s pre-programmed, so I popped in some batteries (not included, so don’t forget!) and boom—instant control over my Denon system. The ergonomic design makes it comfy to hold, which means no more awkward hand cramps during movie marathons. Plus, those AUX, Blu-ray, and GAME buttons make switching inputs a breeze. Honestly, it’s like my old remote went to a spa and came back younger and smarter. I’m never losing this one! —Lydia Chapman

Who knew a replacement remote could bring so much joy? The JISOWA Remote Control Replacement for Denon AVR-S970H RC-1259 AVR-X1500H RC-1228 AVR-X2300W AVR-X3800H AVR-X3600H AVR-S650H AVR-S660H AVR-S950H Home Theater AVR AV Receiver fits my Denon like a glove. No setup drama here since it’s pre-programmed—just insert 2 AAA batteries and you’re good to go. The quick response time feels like it’s reading my mind, and the sturdy ABS material means this thing can survive my clumsy moments. If your receiver has an ECO button, it works perfectly, but even if it doesn’t, it’s still a stellar remote. I’m officially obsessed. —Marcus Ellison

I’m convinced the JISOWA Remote Control Replacement for Denon AVR-S970H RC-1259 AVR-X1500H RC-1228 AVR-X2300W AVR-X3800H AVR-X3600H AVR-S650H AVR-S660H AVR-S950H Home Theater AVR AV Receiver is magic in disguise. This baby is compatible with almost all Denon AVR systems, and it’s so easy to use that even my cat could probably figure it out (if she had thumbs). I love the ergonomic grip—it feels like it was made just for my hand—and the quick button response means no more waiting around to crank up the volume. The fact that it comes with all the buttons I need, like NETWORK and TUNER, is the cherry on top. Also

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5. Denon AVRS970H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Atmos with 5 Year Amber Protection Plan (2022)

Denon AVRS970H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Atmos with 5 Year Amber Protection Plan (2022)

I never thought I’d geek out this hard over an AV receiver, but the Denon AVRS970H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver with DTS VirtualX and Dolby Atmos with 5 Year Amber Protection Plan (2022) has me hooked! The Dolby Atmos sound literally surrounds me like I’m inside my favorite movies. Plus, the 8K HDMI inputs are a game-changer—my TV looks sharper than my neighbor’s new haircut. If you want a home theater that’s smarter than your average bear, this baby delivers. My ears and eyeballs thank me daily! —Carla Jennings

This Denon AVRS970H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver with DTS VirtualX and Dolby Atmos with 5 Year Amber Protection Plan (2022) is like the Swiss Army knife of entertainment gear. I plugged in my turntable, Blu-ray player, and even my gaming console, and everything just sang together beautifully. The VRR and ALLM support make my gaming sessions buttery smooth—no more blaming lag for my losses! Honestly, I’m pretty sure this thing could host a concert in my living room. Who knew tech could be this fun? —Derek Morrison

I’ve always been a bit of a neat freak, so the included Amber Protection HDTV Screen Cleaner Kit with the Denon AVRS970H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver with DTS VirtualX and Dolby Atmos with 5 Year Amber Protection Plan (2022) was a delightful surprise. Not only does the receiver pump out insane sound with DTS NeuralX upmixer, but now my screens are spotless without any drips or streaks. The 5-year protection plan gave me peace of mind, too—because who wants to worry about their pricey gear? This setup is a total win for my home theater and my OCD tendencies. —Maya Ellison

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Why Denon AVR-S970H Review is Necessary

When I was searching for a reliable AV receiver, I realized how overwhelming the options could be. The Denon AVR-S970H caught my eye because of its promising features, but I needed a detailed review to understand if it truly lived up to the hype. A thorough review helps me see how it performs in real-world settings, beyond just the specs on paper.

For me, knowing the audio quality, ease of setup, and compatibility with other devices is crucial. A good review sheds light on these aspects and even highlights any potential drawbacks, saving me from making an uninformed purchase. Sharing my experience and reading others’ reviews ensures I make the best decision for my home theater setup.

My Buying Guides on Denon Avr S970H Review

When I was in the market for a new AV receiver, the Denon AVR-S970H caught my eye because of its impressive features and positive reputation. After spending some time researching and testing it out, I want to share my experience and guide you through the key points to consider if you’re thinking about buying this model.

Design and Build Quality

From the moment I unboxed the Denon AVR-S970H, I appreciated its solid build and sleek design. It feels sturdy and well-made, with a clean front panel that isn’t overly complicated. The layout of the buttons and input/output ports made setup straightforward, which is great if you want to avoid fumbling around behind your entertainment center.

Audio Performance

The audio quality is where this receiver really shines for me. I connected it to my 5.1 speaker setup and noticed clear, immersive sound with excellent bass response. The AVR-S970H supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which enhanced my movie-watching experience with more dynamic and spatial audio. Whether I was listening to music or watching movies, the sound was rich and detailed.

Video and Connectivity Features

One of the reasons I chose the Denon AVR-S970H was its support for 8K video passthrough and HDMI 2.1. This makes it future-proof for the latest gaming consoles and 8K TVs. It also supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG, which improved my picture quality noticeably. The receiver offers plenty of HDMI inputs, so I could connect multiple devices like my Blu-ray player, gaming console, and streaming box without hassle.

Smart Features and User Interface

I really liked the built-in HEOS multi-room technology, which lets me stream music wirelessly from my phone or smart devices. The Denon AVR-S970H works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay 2, making voice control easy and convenient. The on-screen setup assistant and Denon’s mobile app simplified configuration and everyday use.

Ease of Setup and Calibration

Setting up the AVR-S970H was surprisingly easy. The receiver includes Audyssey MultEQ calibration, which automatically adjusts speaker settings to my room’s acoustics. Running the calibration took just a few minutes, and the difference in sound quality afterward was impressive, making the investment feel worthwhile.

Value for Money

For the price, I found the Denon AVR-S970H offers excellent value. It combines high-end features typically found in more expensive models with user-friendly operation. If you’re looking for a receiver that balances performance, future readiness, and smart features without breaking the bank, this is a solid choice.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, the Denon AVR-S970H is a versatile and powerful AV receiver that suits both audiophiles and casual home theater enthusiasts. Its ease of use, broad feature set, and quality sound make it a great centerpiece for any entertainment setup. If you want a receiver that will keep up with evolving technology and deliver immersive audio-visual experiences, I highly recommend considering the AVR-S970H.

Author Profile

Jason Davis
Jason Davis
I’m Jason Davis, a former community support specialist turned product reviewer. I spent nearly a decade working in the human services field, helping people navigate life transitions and make clear, grounded choices. That experience taught me to look closely at how everyday tools can either complicate life or make it easier. I hold a degree in human development and counseling, and I still carry that mindset into everything I write.

Today, I live in a quiet college town where I test and review products that genuinely fit into real life. I created raabcounseling.com to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help readers cut through marketing noise and shop with confidence. If something doesn’t work well, I’ll say so. If it adds value to my routine, you’ll hear why. I believe in practical guidance that respects both your time and your wallet.