Denon is doubling down on the sweet spot of the A/V receiver market with the new AVR-S980H, a 2026 update to its popular S-Series lineup that replaces the 2022 AVR-S970H. Positioned at the top of its affordable S-series range, the AVR-S980H builds on its predecessor with refinements aimed at easier setup, improved system control, and broader compatibility for modern home theater and gaming setups—all without pushing buyers into premium price territory.
“Denon has always believed that when you make something better, it sounds better, and that ethos has guided every first we’ve brought to the industry,” said Lyle Smith, President of Sound United at HARMAN. “Better sound is powerful, and it brings people closer to the stories, music, and moments they love. With the AVR-S980H, we’re giving families an easy way to make everyday experiences feel more engaging and far more enjoyable.”
What’s New in the Denon AVR-S980H?
- Improved performance through carefully selected internal components.
- Channel Level Monitoring that provides real-time visibility into speaker levels, making it easier for users to fine-tune and troubleshoot their setup.
- 1440p Video Pass-Through support for modern gaming setups
- New Web UI that provides a more modern, browser-based interface for setup and control, improving ease of use for both consumers and installers.
Additional Feature Highlights
Exterior Design: Starting with the basics, the AVR-S980H keeps things clean and functional, with a rectangular status display and a straightforward front panel. Essential controls are easy to access, so you’re not digging through menus just to get sound out of the thing.
Channel Configuration: The AVR-S980H incorporates a 7.2-channel configuration that can also be used in a 5.2.2 channel setup for Dolby Atmos.
Amplification: Incorporating Class A/B amplification, the S980H can deliver up to 90 watts per channel. This makes it suitable to handle all forms of content with a wide range of speaker systems in small-to-medium-sized rooms.
Surround Sound Support: The AVR-S980H provides support for several surround sound formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
Wireless Surround Option: The AVR-S980H will support Denon Home 200, 400, and 600 speakers as wireless surrounds via a forthcoming firmware update. Once enabled, it offers a cleaner, more flexible home theater setup for rooms where running speaker wire isn’t practical.
Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth. AirPlay 2 and Wi-Fi are also included.
HEOS Home App: The AVR-S980H features 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.
HDR Support: For further video support, via HDMI, the AVR-S980H can pass through HDR10, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG HDR formats to a TV or video projector.
Two-sources with Two Zones: In addition to wireless multi-room audio, the AVR-S980H supports two-source, two-zone wired setups. This allows users to enjoy 5.1 channel surround sound in the main room and listen to a different source in
a second room in two-channel stereo, or play the same source in two rooms.
Room Correction: The AVR-S980H includes Audyssey MultEQ, Dynamic EQ, and Dynamic Volume for precise room calibration and consistent audio performance.
HDMI 2.1: The S980H provides 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. For added video and gaming support, the AVR-S980H provides 1440p resolution pass-through and is AMD FreeSync (TM) compatible.
Phono Input: For vinyl record fans, the AVR-S980H includes 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: High-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz is supported. 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 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.
Voice Control: The AVR-S980H is 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.
Denon AVR-S Series Onscreen Setup Assistant
The Denon AVR-S980H 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 helps the AVR-S980H perform properly from the start, keeping setup straightforward for first-time home theater users.
Comparison
| Denon Model | AVR-S980H (2026) | AVR-S970H (2022) |
| Price | $949 | $949 |
| Product Type | Home Theater Receiver | Home Theater Receiver |
| Amplified Channels | 7 | 7 |
| Power Output | 90 watts per channel (8 ohm, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.08% 2ch Drive) 125 watts per channel (6 ohm, 1kHz, 0.7% 2ch Drive) | 90 watts per channel (8 ohm, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.08% 2ch Drive) 125 watts per channel (6 ohm, 1kHz, 0.7% 2ch Drive) 185 watts per channel (6 ohm, 1kHz, 10% 1ch Drive) |
| Auto Speaker Setup via Microphone | Yes – Audyssey MultEQ | Yes – Audyssey MultEQ XT 32 |
| Front Display | 1-Line FLD | 1-Line FLD |
| GUI Languages | 3 (English, French, Japanese) | 3 (English, French, Japanese) |
| Setup Assistent | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Inputs | 6 | 6 (3 support 4K/HDR 120Hz – pass-through) (3 support up to 8K/50Hz pass-through and 4K to 8K upscaling) |
| HDMI Outputs | 2 | 2 |
| HDMI ARC/eARC | Yes | Yes |
| Analog Video Inputs (Composite) | 0 | 0 |
| Analog Video Outputs (Composite) | 0 | 0 |
| Analog Audio Inputs | 4 | 4 |
| Phono Input (MM) | 1 | 1 |
| Analog Audio Outputs | 0 | 0 |
| Digital Optical Inputs | 2 | 2 |
| Digital Coaxial Inputs | 1 | 1 |
| Subwoofer Output | 2 | 2 |
| Headphones | 1 | 1 |
| Speaker Terminals | 7 (Binding Posts) | 7 (Binding Posts) |
| Bi-Amp Option | Yes | Yes |
| Zone 2 Speaker Option | Yes | Yes |
| Speaker A/B Option | Yes | Yes |
| USB | 2 (1 front for audio/1 rear for power) | 2 (1 front for audio/1 rear for power) |
| AM/FM Tuner | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| HEOS | Yes | Yes |
| Apple AirPlay 2 | Yes | Yes |
| Roon | Yes (Roon Ready) | Yes (Roon Tested) |
| Surround Sound Support | Dolby Atmos Dolby Height Virtualization Dolby Music Dolby TrueHD Dolby Surround DTS:X DTS Master Audio DTS Neural:X DTS Virtual:X | Dolby Atmos Dolby Height Virtualization Dolby Music Dolby TrueHD Dolby Surround DTS:X DTS Master Audio DTS Neural:X DTS Virtual:X |
| HDR Pass-Through | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Color Gamut Support | BT.2020 | BT.2020 |
| 3D Viewing Support | Not Indicated | Yes |
| Gaming Support | Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) Quick Frame Transport (QFT) Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) 1440p Video Resolution Pass-Through AMD FreeSync (TM) Compatible | Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) Quick Frame Transport (QFT) Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) |
| System Remote Control | Denon AVR Remote (RC-1263) Remote App Web UI (Updated) | Denon AVR Remote (RC-1253) Remote App Web UI |
| Power Consumption | 430W | 400W |
| Power Consumption, No Sound (ECO On/Off) | 35W/75W | 35W/75W |
| Standby Power Consumption | 0.1W | 0.1W |
| CEC Standby Consumption | 0.5W | 0.5W |
| Dimensions (WDH) | 17.1 x 13.4 x 6.6 inches (Antenna Horizontal) 17.1 x 13.4 x 9.3 inches (Antenna Vertical) | 17.1 x 13.4 x 6.6 inches (Antenna Horizontal) 17.1 x 13.4 x 9.3 inches (Antenna Vertical) |
| Weight (Lbs) | 21 | 21 |
| What’s in the Box | 1 x AVR-S980H 1 x Denon AVR Remote (RC-1263) Remote Control Batteries AM/FM antennas 2 x Bluetooth/WiFi antennas 1 x Audyssey Calibration Microphone Quick Start Guide | 1 x AVR-S970H 1 x Denon AVR Remote (RC-1253) Remote Control Batteries AM/FM antennas 2 x Bluetooth/WiFi antennas 1 x Audyssey Calibration Microphone Quick Start Guide |
| Finish | Black | Black |
The Bottom Line
Denon isn’t rewriting the playbook with the AVR-S980H, but it is tightening the formula where it matters for buyers under $1,000. The updates focus on usability, system control, and broader compatibility for modern gaming and streaming setups—practical improvements that make day-to-day use less of a chore. The addition of wireless surround support (via firmware) is arguably the most forward-looking move here, offering a cleaner path for users who want surround sound without turning their living room into a wiring project.
What’s missing is just as telling. There’s still no sign of HDMI 2.2, although to be fair, nothing in the current ecosystem really demands it yet. The lack of detail around the new web interface is also a miss, especially as ease of control becomes a bigger selling point in this category. And for those expecting a major sonic or architectural leap over the AVR-S970H, this isn’t that moment.
The AVR-S980H is aimed squarely at buyers ready to move beyond a soundbar but not interested in the cost or complexity of higher-end separates or flagship AVRs. It’s a practical, incremental upgrade that keeps Denon competitive in the entry-level space—while leaving the door open for a more meaningful overhaul of the S, X, and A series down the line.
Pro Tip: Denon and Marantz are sister companies under Sound United and Harman International, which, in turn, is owned by Samsung.
Price & Availability
The Denon AVR-S980H is available for $949 at Crutchfield.
Tip: The Denon AVR-S970H is likely to go on sale while supplies last. Check Amazon.
Related Reading:
- Denon S-Series AVRs Explained: Which Budget Home Theater Receiver Is Right for You in 2025?
- Which Denon AVR Should You Buy? Our Guide to the Best Denon X-Series A/V Receivers in 2025
- Denon A-Series A/V Receiver Buying Guide: Which Flagship AVR Is Right for You in 2025?
- Denon vs Marantz AVRs: Which Home Theater Receiver Is Right for You in 2025?
