Denon AVR-S770H Review – Great Value

Denon AVR-S770H Review

The Denon AVR-S770H stands as a testament to Denon’s commitment to delivering high-quality audio experiences to home theater enthusiasts. This receiver, part of Denon’s renowned AVR lineup, is designed to cater to the needs of audiophiles and cinephiles alike, offering a blend of powerful performance, advanced features, and user-friendly operation. With its 7.2 channel capability, the AVR-S770H is engineered to produce a rich, immersive sound that brings movies, music, and games to life in a way that few other receivers can match.

Equipped with the latest audio and video technologies, including 8K video support, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and HDR10, the AVR-S770H ensures compatibility with the newest formats and highest quality content. This makes it a future-proof investment for anyone looking to elevate their home entertainment system. Additionally, its HEOS Built-in feature offers seamless integration with multi-room audio, allowing users to enjoy their favorite music throughout their home.

The AVR-S770H also prioritizes ease of use, featuring a straightforward setup process and an intuitive interface. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or new to home theater systems, the Denon AVR-S770H offers a compelling mix of features that promise to enhance your listening and viewing experience. This Denon AVR-S770H review aims to delve into the specifics of what makes the AVR-S770H a standout option in its category, examining its performance, features, and overall value.

Denon AVR-S770H Build and Design

The Denon AVR-S770H is meticulously designed to cater to both aesthetic appeal and functional excellence, embodying Denon’s commitment to providing superior home theater experiences. This 7.2 channel AV receiver is not just about its impressive technical specifications; its build quality and design also speak volumes about Denon’s attention to detail.

The AVR-S770H features a sleek, modern exterior with a minimalist front panel, dominated by a large, easy-to-read display that provides essential information at a glance. The clean lines and uncluttered appearance make it a fitting addition to any entertainment setup, blending seamlessly with other components. The chassis is robust, designed to minimize vibration and ensure optimal audio performance, reflecting Denon’s dedication to sound quality.

Internally, the AVR-S770H boasts a high-performance discrete 7-channel amplifier, ensuring that each channel is powered independently for clearer, more precise sound. This design choice underscores Denon’s focus on delivering an immersive audio experience, capable of handling the complexities of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks. The inclusion of advanced room correction technology, Audyssey, further enhances the listening experience by optimizing the receiver’s audio output for the specific acoustics of the room.

Connectivity is another area where the AVR-S770H shines, with ample inputs and outputs to accommodate a wide range of sources and speakers. Its future-proof features, such as 8K HDMI support, ensure that it remains relevant in the evolving landscape of home entertainment technology.

In comparison to its sibling, the AVR-S970H, the AVR-S770H is slightly smaller and lighter, indicative of its efficient design. While the AVR-S970H offers additional power and connectivity options for more demanding setups, the AVR-S770H stands out for its balance of performance, design, and value, making it an excellent choice for those looking to create a compelling home theater experience without overwhelming their living space.

This blend of aesthetic elegance, robust build quality, and cutting-edge technology makes the Denon AVR-S770H a standout receiver, capable of bringing cinematic sound into the home with style and sophistication.

Denon AVR-S770H Features

7.2 Channel Configuration

The Denon AVR-S770H is designed to fill your room with immersive sound, supporting a 7.2 or 5.2.2 surround sound setup. This configuration allows for a rich, enveloping audio experience, perfect for movies, music, and gaming.

3D Audio with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X

Experience the height of audio realism with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. These technologies place sound in three-dimensional space around you, creating a lifelike soundscape that puts you at the center of your entertainment.

8K HDMI Support

Prepare for the future of video with 8K HDMI inputs and outputs. The AVR-S770H supports 8K/60Hz pass-through and 4K/120Hz pass-through for gaming, ensuring compatibility with the latest video formats and technologies.

HEOS Built-in

With HEOS Built-in, the AVR-S770H becomes the heart of a multi-room audio system. Stream your favorite music wirelessly across HEOS-enabled speakers throughout your home for a seamless listening experience.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity

Easily connect to your home network via Wi-Fi and stream music through Bluetooth. This receiver offers flexible streaming options from a variety of devices and services.

Audyssey Room Correction

Optimize your audio experience with Audyssey MultEQ XT room correction technology. This feature automatically measures and adjusts the audio output to suit the unique acoustics of your room, ensuring optimal sound quality.

Voice Control Compatibility

Control your AVR-S770H using your voice with compatibility for Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri. Adjust volume, skip tracks, and more with simple voice commands.

High-Performance Discrete 7-Channel Amplifier

Each channel is powered by its own discrete amplifier, ensuring clear and powerful audio performance. This design minimizes interference between channels for pristine sound quality.

Advanced Video Processing

Enjoy exceptional picture quality with support for HDR10, HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma), and Dolby Vision. These technologies enhance contrast and color, providing a more vibrant and lifelike viewing experience.

Easy Setup and Operation

Setting up the AVR-S770H is straightforward, thanks to its intuitive on-screen setup assistant. The receiver guides you through the process, making it easy to get started.

Eco-Friendly Design

The AVR-S770H features an Eco mode that reduces power consumption without compromising on performance. This mode can be manually adjusted or set to switch on automatically.

These features make the Denon AVR-S770H a versatile and future-proof choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home theater system. With its combination of advanced audio and video technologies, easy usability, and eco-friendly design, the AVR-S770H offers a comprehensive solution for immersive home entertainment.

Denon AVR-S770H Connectivity

The Denon AVR-S770H offers a wide range of connectivity options designed to cater to both modern and traditional home theater setups. Here’s an overview of its key connectivity features:

Wi-Fi and Ethernet

For seamless integration into your home network, the AVR-S770H is equipped with both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity. This allows for easy access to streaming services, internet radio, and networked audio files without the need for additional external adapters.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth connectivity enables wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This feature allows for quick and easy playback of your favorite music without the need for a wired connection.

HEOS Built-in

HEOS Built-in technology enables multi-room audio streaming throughout your home. With HEOS, you can connect compatible speakers and devices to play the same song everywhere or different music in each room, all controlled via the HEOS app.

HDMI Inputs and Outputs

The AVR-S770H features multiple HDMI inputs and outputs, supporting 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through. This ensures compatibility with the latest video formats and technologies, including HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision, for stunning picture quality.

USB Port

A front-panel USB port provides convenient connectivity for playing audio files from USB storage devices. This supports a wide range of audio formats, ensuring your digital music collection can be easily accessed and enjoyed.

Analog and Digital Audio Inputs

For connecting traditional audio sources, the AVR-S770H includes both analog and digital audio inputs. This allows for the connection of a variety of devices, from CD players to game consoles, ensuring compatibility with your existing equipment.

Phono Input

Vinyl enthusiasts will appreciate the dedicated phono input, allowing for direct connection of a turntable. This feature ensures that you can enjoy your vinyl collection with the high-quality sound Denon is known for.

Speaker Terminals

The AVR-S770H is equipped with high-quality speaker terminals for connecting up to seven speakers and two subwoofers, supporting a 7.2 channel setup. This allows for flexible speaker configurations to match your room’s acoustics and your personal preferences.

Voice Control Compatibility

Integration with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri enables voice control of the AVR-S770H. Adjust volume, switch inputs, and play music using simple voice commands for a convenient hands-free experience.

These connectivity options make the Denon AVR-S770H a versatile and future-proof choice for any home theater setup, ensuring easy integration with both current and emerging technologies.

Denon AVR-S77OH Sound Quality

The Denon AVR-S770H is celebrated for its exceptional sound quality, a hallmark of Denon’s AV receivers. The AVR-S770H’s sound quality can be attributed to several key features and technologies.

High-Performance Discrete Amplification

The AVR-S770H features a high-performance discrete 7-channel amplifier, delivering 75 watts per channel. This ensures a powerful and dynamic audio output that can drive a wide range of speakers, providing a rich and immersive listening experience. The discrete amplification, as opposed to integrated circuits, offers cleaner, purer sound with reduced interference between channels.

Audyssey MultEQ XT Room Correction

Equipped with Audyssey MultEQ XT room correction technology, the AVR-S770H automatically optimizes its audio output for the specific acoustics of your listening environment. This sophisticated calibration process measures the sound in the room via a supplied microphone and adjusts the speaker levels, timing, and crossover, ensuring the best possible sound quality in any room setup.

Support for 3D Audio Formats

The AVR-S770H supports advanced 3D audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. These technologies place sound in three-dimensional space around the listener, creating a more immersive audio experience that envelops you in the action. Whether watching movies, listening to music, or playing games, the sound is incredibly lifelike and multidimensional.

HEOS Built-in for Wireless Music Streaming

With HEOS Built-in, the AVR-S770H offers extensive streaming capabilities. You can enjoy your favorite music from online services like Spotify, Tidal, and more, or use Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to stream directly from your devices. HEOS also enables multi-room audio, allowing you to share music wirelessly across HEOS-enabled speakers throughout your home.

Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)

The AVR-S770H supports the latest HDMI features, including eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel). eARC allows for the transmission of high-bitrate audio from your TV to the receiver, ensuring that you can enjoy the full quality of advanced audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio from your TV’s streaming apps or connected devices.

Vinyl Playback

For vinyl enthusiasts, the AVR-S770H includes a phono input, enabling direct connection of a turntable. This feature allows for high-quality playback of vinyl records, ensuring that even the warmth and character of analog audio are delivered with clarity and detail.

In summary, the Denon AVR-S770H’s sound quality is characterized by its powerful discrete amplification, sophisticated room correction technology, support for immersive 3D audio formats, and versatile streaming capabilities. These features, combined with its commitment to high-resolution audio playback, make the AVR-S770H an excellent choice for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts seeking a receiver that delivers both performance and versatility.

Denon AVR-S770H Pros and Cons

Based on the insights gathered from Audio Advice and Audioholics, here are five pros and two cons of the Denon AVR-S770H:

Pros:

1. 8K and 4K High Frame Rate Support: The AVR-S770H is future-proofed with 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through capabilities, ensuring it is ready for the next generation of video content and gaming, providing a high level of detail and smoothness in visuals.

2. Advanced Audio Decoding: It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, offering an immersive 3D audio experience that places sound in three-dimensional space around the listener, enhancing the realism of movies, music, and games.

3. HEOS Integration: With HEOS built-in, the AVR-S770H allows for seamless streaming from popular services like Spotify, Pandora, and Tidal, and enables multi-room audio setups with other HEOS-enabled speakers, offering a versatile and connected home audio experience.

4. Ease of Setup: Denon’s Setup Assistant and Audyssey MultEQ room correction technology make the initial setup and calibration process straightforward and user-friendly, especially beneficial for those new to AV receivers.

5. Sufficient Power for Most Setups: Offering 75 watts per channel, the AVR-S770H provides ample power for small to medium-sized rooms, ensuring a dynamic and powerful audio performance across a wide range of speaker setups.

Cons:

1. Limited Cutting-Edge Performance for Audiophiles: While it excels in its price range, the AVR-S770H may not satisfy the demands of hardcore audiophiles or those with high-end home theaters looking for the absolute pinnacle of audio performance.

2. Potential Overkill for Basic Needs: For users with older or less advanced TVs and sound systems, the next-gen features like 8K support may not be immediately beneficial, potentially making the AVR-S770H more than what is needed for their current setup.

These pros and cons highlight the AVR-S770H as a versatile, future-proof AV receiver that offers a great balance of features, ease of use, and performance for its price point, with considerations mainly revolving around the specific needs and existing equipment of the user.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Denon AVR-S770H emerges as a compelling choice for those seeking to elevate their home theater experience without breaking the bank. Balancing affordability with a suite of advanced features, this receiver stands out for its future-proof design, supporting 8K video and the latest in 3D audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Its integration with HEOS offers unparalleled convenience for streaming music and multi-room audio setups, ensuring that users can enjoy a high-quality audio experience throughout their home.

The AVR-S770H’s user-friendly setup, powered by Denon’s Setup Assistant and Audyssey MultEQ room correction technology, makes it an attractive option for both AV enthusiasts and newcomers alike. With sufficient power to fill small to medium-sized rooms with dynamic sound, it caters to a wide audience. However, it’s important to consider the specific needs of your home theater setup, as the AVR-S770H, while versatile, may offer more features than necessary for those with basic requirements or may not meet the demands of the most discerning audiophiles.

Ultimately, the Denon AVR-S770H represents a smart investment for the future, ensuring compatibility with emerging technologies while providing a rich, immersive sound that Denon users have come to expect. Whether you’re upgrading your current system or setting up a new home theater, the AVR-S770H offers a blend of performance, convenience, and value that is hard to beat.