Denon AVR-X2800H Review

Denon, a renowned name in the audio world, has been crafting exceptional sound equipment since 1910. This Denon AVR-X2800H review will show it’s no exception to this legacy. Tipping the scales at a substantial 21 pounds, this 7.2-channel AVR boasts an amplifier section that’s ready to take on the challenge of powering most home theater speaker systems effortlessly. Its dynamic power capability sets the AVR-X2800H apart from its similarly priced competitors. Denon’s longstanding commitment to audio excellence is evident in most aspects of this receiver. That’s why I want to share my impressions from testing this unit. Let’s not waste time and get to the first part of my review.

Design

The design of this Denon model doesn’t break any new ground, as it shares the same aesthetic as its predecessors. It has a sleek matte black finish with a sizable monochrome 1080p display. The user experience remains top-notch, with intuitive controls that make navigation a breeze. Shortcut buttons are conveniently located below the display for quick access to frequently used functions. Inputs and outputs are arranged by type on the rear panel and clearly labeled. Color coding helps differentiate channels. However, I don’t like how all of them are cramped together, making plugging/unplugging tedious.

Features and specs

I’ll start by saying that you’ll be quite satisfied with the power it brought to the table, thanks to its discrete high-current amplifiers assigned to each individual channel. These amplifiers work at maximum, unleashing 95W (8 ohms, 20-20kHz, THD of 0.08%). This output empowered the receiver to effortlessly handle an array of speaker configurations. It also has a 7.1-channel pre-out for connecting to an external amplifier or powered subwoofer.

The AVR-X2800H specifications represent cutting-edge video formats. This receiver includes 8K video support on half of its 6 HDMI inputs and both of its outputs. But that’s not all; the AVR-X2800H offers a range of HDR format compatibility. There are HLG, HDR, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dynamic HDR pass-through. All HDMI ports support HDCP 2.3, allowing for seamless content protection.

The device features built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz/5 GHz) connectivity and wireless music streaming from compatible devices accordingly. It also supports Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect for music streaming.

What’s more important about the Denon AV receiver is that it can be set up to drive a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos or DTS:X system, enveloping you in a truly three-dimensional soundscape. If you don’t have dedicated vertical channels, the 2800 offers DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization technologies so you can still experience the magic of 3D audio.

Last but not least, this model is compatible with HEOS multi-room audio technology, allowing you to create a wireless multi-room audio system with compatible HEOS speakers. Even though I find the HEOS app clumsy, running high-definition audio through streaming with it is a huge improvement over Apple Airplay 2 or Bluetooth.

If we talk about negative impressions, several times, one of the TV’s HDMI outputs (ARC) malfunctioned (the image was lost for a while). I haven’t looked into the problem in detail (maybe a software glitch or a problem with the connector itself), but this little misunderstanding didn’t spoil my overall pleasant impression of the X2800H.

Listening experience

Denon’s signature sound within this model remains the same, but it’s more polished and has a well-balanced top end. Compared with the Denon X2700H, the X2800H provides a soundstage that feels more open and well-distributed. It doesn’t rely solely on heavy bass. When you’re immersed in an intensive action-packed scene, this receiver is able to separate distinct elements. While watching movies (for sound testing), I noticed one interesting thing compared to previous models in this series. With this receiver, the dialog really comes to life with remarkable clarity, immersing yourself deeper into the story.

Overall, the Denon has a lively, neutral tone, which I attribute to it being a bit leaner in the low end as well as being a bit more forward in the upper mids and treble regions. This is not something bad. This Denon is a great choice if you prefer a more neutral sound.