New Denon 8k Hi-Fi receiver and 7.1 AVR have no head for heights

Denon has launched two new 8k/60Hz compatible receivers. The AVR-X1800H is a 7.2-channel AVR, while the DRA-900H is a 2.2 model for two channel entertainment. Both have HEOS Built-in.

Essentially updating the concept of the classic Hi-Fi receiver, the DRA-900H is rated at 145W per channel with six HDMI inputs, three of which are 4k 120Hz / 8k ready.

It offers the ability to connect two pairs of speakers for A/B switching, parallel playback, or bi-wiring, and has dual subwoofer outputs. Additional inputs are labelled CD, Phono, USB, Bluetooth, DAB+/FM, HEOS Music, and TV Audio.

There’s support for ALAC, FLAC, and WAV at up to 192kHz/24 bit, as well as 2.8/5.6- MHz DSD files.

Similarly, the AVR-X1800H is a flatbed theatrical receiver with seven channels of amplification, and can be configured in 7.1, 5.1 or 2.1 speaker arrangements. While it supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive codecs, there’s no output for height channels. Power output is rated at 145W per channel.

It also offers a six input HDMI board, with three 4k 120HZ / 8k capable.

HLG, HDR, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dynamic HDR pass-through up to 40Gbps is available, alongside Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) support.

Like its stereo stablemate, there’s Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay wireless streaming onboard. HEOS Built-in technology supports various music streaming services, including Spotify, Amazon Music HD, and Tidal.

The DRA-900H will sell for £799 (€899) and will be available at the end of September. The AVR-X1800H arrives October with a £699 (€799) price tag. It will be joined by a DAB edition, the AVR-X1800 DAB, priced at £749 (€849).