Hi-Fi Network Stereo Receiver: Denon DRA-800H

Connected Stereo Amplifier

The Denon DRA-800H, despite its home theater amplifier appearance, is actually a connected stereo hi-fi amplifier. It’s capable of combining the best of both worlds without compromise in a single unit. It will deliver detailed and precise sound regardless of your audio or video sources.

To ensure you don’t miss a thing from your favorite movies or TV series, it has HDMI inputs and output compatible with 4K HDR10. It doesn’t skimp on the network side either - the DRA-800 integrates all the latest features like dual band Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and the HEOS multi-room system with support for various online music platforms.

Unlimited Music Streaming

For easy use, it can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. In terms of design, the DRA-800 comes in two finishes, black or silver, with an aluminum front panel to easily integrate into your interior decor.

On the Technical Side

The Denon DRA‑800H boasts a power of 2 x 100 W into 8Ω. It features an AKM AK4458 eight-channel DAC (two per channel), 32-bit/768 kHz. It’s internet-connected (Wi-Fi or cable) and packs advanced network functionalities. Indeed, it’s compatible with AirPlay 2, web radios, TuneIn, DLNA, Amazon Music, Deezer, SoundCloud, Tidal, etc. Certified Hi-Res Audio, the Denon DRA‑800H supports DSD 2.8/5.6 MHz, FLAC, WAV and ALAC codecs up to 192 kHz/24-bit in addition to the standard MP3, WMA and AAC.

Back to the HDMI connectivity, it includes five inputs and one output compatible with 4K HDR, HDR10 and HDR HLG, HDCP 2.3, eARC, 3D, Deep Color and xvYCC. The 4K Pass-Through function is also included. We have optical and coaxial digital inputs, two analog RCA inputs, an MM Phono input for your turntable, a headphone output, a front USB port, an Ethernet port, a second zone, and two subwoofer outputs. Note that it also has a DAB+/FM tuner. The Dual Band Wi-Fi allows you to store up to 8 devices and also stream sound to headphones in addition to speakers.

Low Latency Mode

The Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) guarantees Xbox One users a more responsive and immersive gaming experience when connected to certain TV models that also support ALLM technology.

Our Opinion

We tested this amplifier with Q Acoustics bookshelf and Monitor Audio floor standing speakers. The DRA-800 has a warm and balanced sound, allowing it to be easily paired with most entry and mid-range speakers. Ultra-complete, it’s a true hi-fi “Swiss Army knife” that represents excellent value for money without compromising on audio and video reproduction.