Denon S-Series AVRs Explained: Which Budget Home Theater Receiver Is Right for You in 2025?

For more than 115 years, Denon has been a cornerstone of the audio industry, evolving through mergers with Marantz, DEI Holdings, Sound United and now Harman (a Samsung company). Despite the corporate reshuffles, Denon has maintained its reputation for building reliable, feature-packed audio/video receivers (AVRs) that deliver strong performance at every price point.

Often contrasted with sibling brand Marantz—seen as the more refined “audiophile” option—Denon has carved out its niche as the go-to choice for dependable, budget-friendly home theater receivers.

Denon organizes its AVRs into three core lines. At the top, the flagship A-Series is built for those who want the very best, no compromises. The mid-priced X-Series strikes a balance of performance and value, offering advanced features at competitive price points. And for budget-conscious buyers, the S-Series trims back extras while keeping the essentials that make Denon a trusted name in home theater.

With options that cover almost every budget and feature list, Denon has something for nearly every listener. In this guide, we’re focusing on the five affordable S-Series models to help you decide which one is the right fit for your home theater.

What Is an A/V Receiver (AVR)

An A/V Receiver (AVR) is the backbone of a home theater system, combining three core functions in one unit: a preamplifier, a surround sound processor, and a power amplifier. This all-in-one design makes it the central hub that connects your speakers, source devices, and display—whether that’s a TV or a projector. Unlike a standard integrated amplifier, most AVRs also include a built-in radio tuner (AM/FM or FM-only), which is what traditionally sets them apart.

Denon AVR-S Series Receivers: 2025 Lineup

With the addition of the AVR-S270BT, Denon now offers five distinct S-Series models:

• AVR-S270BT ($399) – The most affordable option, ideal for smaller rooms or first-time home theater buyers.
• AVR-S570BT ($449) – Builds on the S270 with dual subwoofer outputs and a front-panel USB port for playback of compatible audio files.
• AVR-S670H ($649) – Adds network connectivity, HEOS multi-room streaming, and advanced HDMI support while keeping the price accessible.
• AVR-S770H ($749) – A mid-tier model in the S-Series, offering a well-rounded feature set for growing home theater setups.
• AVR-S970H ($949) – The most powerful S-Series receiver, delivering higher output and expanded features for larger rooms and more demanding systems.

Denon AVR-S Series Preamp Functions Explained for Home Theater Buyers

The preamplifier stage of an AVR serves as the central hub for all audio and video sources. Blu-ray players, game consoles, streaming devices, media players, and cable boxes all connect directly to the receiver, allowing you to switch between inputs seamlessly with the AVR’s remote or a universal remote. The preamp manages audio signals from each source, controls volume, and routes video to your display while preparing the sound for amplification.

Every Denon AVR-S model includes built-in Bluetooth for wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, and other compatible devices, along with a traditional AM/FM radio tuner. Starting with the AVR-S670H, you also get HEOS integration for whole-home audio streaming.

Denon AVR-S Series A/V Processing

The Denon AVR-S Series handles all the audio decoding and digital-to-analog conversion from your connected sources. 

Every current AVR-S model supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD formats, while the AVR-S770H and S970H models also include immersive formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, along with common digital audio formats, MP3, WAV, and PCM. 

On the video side, the Denon AVR-S270BT supports 4K pass-through, while the S570BT and higher models handle full 8K pass-through. The S670H, S770H, and S970H can also upscale 4K content to 8K. That said, in most home theater setups, it’s often best to let your display handle video processing for the most accurate results.

Denon AVR-S Series Amplifier Functions

The amplifier stage of Denon S-Series AVRs takes the analog audio signals from connected sources and boosts them, sending power to your speakers through the built-in amplifiers. This allows movies, music, and games to come to life with dynamic, room-filling sound and accurate tonal balance across all channels.

Denon AVR-S Series Receivers: Common Features and Highlights for Home Theater Buyers

Exterior Design: Denon AVR-S Series receivers feature a clean, functional design with a rectangular status display and essential front-panel controls. Key function buttons are easily accessible for quick operation.

Amplifier Type: All AVR-S models use Class D amplification, providing an efficient balance of sound quality and power, suitable for home theater setups of different sizes.

Surround Sound Support: The series supports most modern surround sound formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X on the AVR-S770H and S970-H.

HDR Support: Every AVR-S model passes through HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG, while the AVR-570BT and up are compatible with HDR10+. 

HDMI 2.1: The AVR-S570BT and up include HDMI 2.1 inputs with eARC, supporting 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz signals, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), and QFT (Quick Frame Transport), making them ideal for high-performance gaming and next-gen video sources.

Phono Input: The AVR-S670H and higher models include a dedicated phono input that supports MM (Moving Magnet) cartridges, making it easy to connect a traditional turntable. Turntables with built-in phono preamps can be connected to any standard analog input instead.

Hi-Res Audio: The AVR-S670H, S770H, and S970H support high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. Compatible digital formats include MP3, WMA, WAV, MPEG-4/AAC, FLAC, and ALAC, as well as DSD playback at 2.8 and 5.6 MHz.

Compressed Audio Restorer: This feature (available on the AVR-S670H, S770H, and S970) improves compressed audio files such as MP3, WMA, and AAC by recalculating the frequency range to restore detail and clarity, making digital tracks sound more natural.

HEOS Wireless Streaming: The AVR-S670H and higher models feature integrated HEOS, enabling streaming from multiple music services—including Qobuz—with full multi-room control. HEOS-compatible wireless speakers can work alongside wired speakers, supporting up to 64 zones. You can play the same track throughout your home or select different music for each zone, creating a flexible, whole-home audio system.

Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth is included in all AVR-S Series AVRs. AirPlay 2 and Wi-Fi are also available on the AVR-S670H and higher models.

Voice Control: The AVR-S670H, S770H, and S970H are compatible with Alexa Built-in, Google Assistant, and Siri for hands-free operation.

Smartphone App Control: Full control via iOS and Android apps allows easy access to all settings and features.

Room Correction: The AVR-S670H, S770H, and S970H include Audyssey MultEQ, Dynamic EQ, and Dynamic Volume for precise room calibration and consistent audio performance.

Denon AVR-S Series Onscreen Setup Assistant

Every Denon AVR-S Series receiver comes with a built-in Setup Assistant that simplifies the installation process. When the AVR is powered on for the first time (with the TV on and the correct input selected), the guided setup menu launches automatically. If you exit the Setup Assistant using the BACK button on the remote, it can be reopened anytime from the main menu (GUI).

The Setup Assistant guides you through:

• Language selection
• Speaker setup and connections
• Speaker calibration using Audyssey (when applicable)
• Network connection setup (when applicable)
• ARC/eARC HDMI configuration
• Input assignment and labeling
• Mobile control app download instructions

This process ensures your Denon AVR-S Series receiver is ready to perform at its best, making setup simple even for first-time home theater owners.

Denon AVR-S Series Models: Features and Performance Differences

AVR-S270BT (5.1 channels) – NEW for 2025!

At the entry-level of Denon’s AVR-S Series is the AVR-S270BT. This receiver supports a 5.1-channel configuration with 70 watts per channel (8 ohms, 2 channels driven), making it suitable for medium-sized rooms. Connectivity includes five HDMI inputs—three with 4K/HDR pass-through—and one HDMI output. The AVR-S270BT is a budget-friendly option for modest home theater setups.

AVR-S570BT (5.2 channels)

Priced under $450, the Denon AVR-S570BT is an entry-level option for modest home theater setups. It supports a 5.2-channel configuration with 70 watts per channel (8 ohms, 2 channels driven), providing ample power for medium-sized rooms.

The AVR-S570BT can handle a standard 5.2 setup—five main and surround channels and up to two subwoofers (compared with the AVR-S270BT, which supports only one subwoofer).

Connectivity includes four HDMI inputs—three supporting 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through for next-gen gaming and video—and one HDMI output. The AVR-S570BT is a budget-friendly solution for those not focused on Dolby Atmos or DTS:X setups.

AVR-S670H (5.2 channels)

The Denon AVR-S670H offers five amplified channels rated at 75 watts per channel (8 ohms, 2 channels driven) with two subwoofer outputs, making it suitable for modest home theater setups. While it omits some premium features found in higher-end models, it still delivers strong performance for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

Connectivity includes six HDMI inputs and one HDMI output, with three inputs supporting 4K resolution and three supporting 8K resolution, ensuring compatibility with modern video sources and displays.

AVR-S770H (7.2 channels)

The Denon AVR-S770H features a 7.2-channel configuration rated at 75 watts per channel (8 ohms, 2 channels driven).

Audio support includes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, delivering cinematic and immersive sound across a variety of setups, including 7.2 and 5.2.2 channel configurations.

For video connectivity, the AVR-S770H has six HDMI inputs and one HDMI output, with three inputs supporting 4K resolution and three supporting 8K, making it a strong choice for those seeking high performance at a more accessible price point.

AVR-S970H (7.2 channels)

The Denon AVR-S970H is the flagship of the S-Series AVR lineup. It features seven amplifier channels, each delivering 90 watts (8 ohms, 2 channels driven), along with two subwoofer outputs.

This allows for 7.2 and 5.2.2 channel configurations using Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. Additionally, the S970H supports Bi-Amp, powered Zone 2, and A/B speaker setup options.

Video connectivity includes six HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs, with three inputs supporting 4K and three supporting 8K resolution. The AVR-S970H is a versatile and powerful option within the affordable S-Series line.

Denon AVR-S Series Receivers Rear Panels

Denon AVR-S Series Comparison Chart

The Bottom Line

For anyone stepping up from a soundbar, the Denon AVR-S Series delivers solid home theater performance without breaking the bank. Prices range from $399 for the entry-level AVR-S270BT up to $949 for the flagship S970H, offering options for a variety of budgets and room sizes. The series shines with reliable Class D amplification, support for modern video standards (4K/8K), HEOS wireless streaming on the S670H and above, and compatibility with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X on the higher models.

On the downside, the lower-end models like the S270BT and S570BT lack advanced audio formats, fewer HDMI inputs, and limited features compared with midrange or flagship AVRs. For most users, the S670H strikes the best balance of affordability, feature set, and performance, making it the recommended choice for a budget-conscious home theater that doesn’t compromise on sound or connectivity.

Price & Availability

• AVR-S270BT (5.1): $399 at Denon ($299 at Costco)
• AVR-S570BT (5.2): $449 at Amazon | Crutchfield | Denon
• AVR-S670H (5.2): $649 at Amazon | Crutchfield | Denon
• AVR-S770H (7.2): $749 at Amazon | Crutchfield | Denon
• AVR-S970H (7.2): $949 at Amazon | Crutchfield | Denon

Related Reading

• Which Denon X-Series AVR Should You Buy?
• Which Marantz AVR Should You Buy?
• Denon’s Budget-Priced AVR-S770H and AVR-S670H A/V Receivers Will Rock Your Little Home Theater
• Best AV Receivers: Editors’ Choice