Denon AVR-S980H Hi-Fi AV Receiver

Denon AVR-S980H — A 7.2-Channel Hub for Movies, Music, and Games

The Denon AVR-S980H anchors a modern home entertainment system with 90 watts per channel into 8 ohms (20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 channels driven). Discrete Class AB amplification delivers clean, controlled power that holds up across dialogue, action, and music. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-based decoding create a three-dimensional soundstage where effects move naturally around and above the listening position. Six HDMI inputs (three 8K-capable) and two HDMI outputs route every source through one hub, while HDMI 2.1 features like Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Low Latency Mode, and AMD FreeSync keep gaming smooth and responsive.

What Sets This Receiver Apart

Denon's 70% Power Guarantee means the amplifier delivers over 70% of rated output to up to five channels simultaneously, so dialogue stays clear and dynamics feel natural as the system expands from stereo into full multichannel surround. Audyssey MultEQ uses the supplied measuring microphone to analyze the room and generate high-precision DSP correction filters, smoothing tonal balance across up to six listening positions. Built-in HEOS turns the unit into a whole-home audio controller, streaming different tracks to compatible speakers in every room or grouping them for party playback.

Amplification That Grows With Your System

The discrete Class AB amplifier section uses high-current power transistors to drive a wide range of speakers, with a 4-ohm minimum impedance rating for stable operation. Rated output reaches 125 watts per channel into 6 ohms (1 kHz, 0.7% THD, 2 channels driven), giving extra headroom for less efficient speakers or larger rooms.

• Channels: 7.2 — supports 7.1, 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos, or 5.1 + Zone 2 configurations
• Power Output: 90 W per channel (8 ohm, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2ch driven)
• Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 100 kHz — extends well beyond the audible band for clean transient response
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 100 dB — low noise floor for quiet passages and refined detail

HDMI 2.1 Video With 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz Pass-Through

Three of the six HDMI inputs handle 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz signals up to 40 Gbps, with HDCP 2.3 across all inputs and outputs. Both HDMI monitor outputs support the same high-bandwidth signals, and the main output also upscales 1080p and 4K sources to 8K.

• HDMI Inputs: 6 (3 × 8K-capable) — room for consoles, Blu-ray, and streaming boxes
• HDMI Outputs: 2 (1 × eARC) — drive a TV and projector or extend to a second zone
• HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision — full dynamic metadata for scene-by-scene tone mapping
• Gaming Features: VRR, ALLM, AMD FreeSync, QFT — fluid, tear-free gameplay on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC

Wireless Streaming, Voice Control, and Two Zones

Built-in HEOS, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, and Roon Ready cover every common streaming path. Bluetooth 5.0 works in both receiver and transmitter modes, so music can also be sent wirelessly to Bluetooth headphones for late-night listening.

• Wireless: Wi-Fi (802.11ac, 2.4/5 GHz), Bluetooth 5.0, Ethernet — flexible connection to any home network
• Number of Zones: 2 — assign surround back channels to power a second room
• Radio: FM — built-in tuner with 56 station presets
• Voice Assistants: Alexa, Google Assistant, Josh.ai, Siri (via AirPlay 2) — hands-free control of volume, inputs, and playback

Built for Listeners Planning to Grow Their System

This receiver is the right choice for home theater enthusiasts who want immersive Dolby Atmos sound today and the flexibility to expand their speaker layout over time. Starting with a 2-channel setup and growing into 5.1, 5.1.2, or full 7.2 surround works without replacing the unit, making it a smart long-term investment. Gamers benefit from HDMI 2.1 features that eliminate screen tearing and reduce input lag, while music lovers get HEOS multi-room streaming and Roon Ready support for high-resolution playback up to 24-bit/192 kHz and DSD 5.6 MHz. Audyssey MultEQ also makes the receiver approachable for first-time AV buyers who want balanced sound without manual tweaking.