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Each year, dozens of European journalists gather to select the best electronic products of the year. Awarded by a diverse and impartial jury, the EISA (Expert Imaging and Sound Association) awards recognize exceptional products for their performance, design, or ergonomics.
The Denon AVC-X8500HA in silver is a high-end home theater amplifier that pushes the boundaries of sound and visual immersion. As the successor to the AVC-X8500H model, it brings notable improvements while retaining the qualities that made its predecessor a success. Let’s dive into the details of this technological marvel designed for the most demanding cinephiles and audiophiles.
The AVC-X8500HA boasts an impressive amplification section with 13 channels, each delivering 150 W at 8 ohms. This substantial power allows it to drive complex speaker configurations up to 7.2.6 or 9.2.4 without requiring external amplification. The 13 independent monoblock amplifiers ensure optimal channel separation and precise reproduction of every sound effect.
The monolithic amplifier design, combined with carefully selected components and an optimized signal path, guarantees impeccable sound quality. The oversized transformer and high-capacity capacitors deliver high currents instantly, essential for reproducing the most intense sound impacts without any compression.
When it comes to audio processing, the AVC-X8500HA makes no compromises. It supports all current immersive audio formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro-3D. The DTS:X Pro decoding fully utilizes the 13 available channels for even more precise spatialization of sound effects.
The audio processor features Denon’s AL32 Processing Plus technology, which performs upsampling and signal smoothing for more natural reproduction. Digital-to-analog conversion is handled by premium 32-bit/192 kHz AKM DACs on all channels.
The AVC-X8500HA also includes the Audyssey MultEQ XT32 acoustic calibration system. Using the provided microphone, it analyzes the room’s acoustic response and finely adjusts each speaker’s parameters to achieve perfectly balanced sound at the listening position.
While the AVC-X8500HA excels in audio performance, it doesn’t neglect video. It features an HDMI 2.1 section compatible with the latest 8K and high-frame-rate 4K video standards. A dedicated HDMI 2.1 input allows for 8K at 60 Hz or 4K at 120 Hz, ideal for next-generation gaming consoles.
The amplifier supports all current HDR formats: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG. Compatibility with gaming technologies like ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) ensures a smooth and responsive gaming experience.
The built-in video scaler can also upscale 1080p and 4K sources to 8K resolution, allowing you to fully enjoy the capabilities of the latest 8K TVs.
The AVC-X8500HA is not just a home theater powerhouse; it also serves as a complete multimedia hub for the entire home. It features HEOS technology, enabling wireless music streaming across multiple rooms in sync with other HEOS-compatible devices.
Network connectivity is comprehensive, with dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet. The amplifier is compatible with major music streaming services like Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, and Amazon Music HD. It also supports high-resolution audio file playback up to DSD 11.2 MHz via network or USB ports.
For added versatility, the AVC-X8500HA is compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri. It can be voice-controlled to adjust volume, change sources, or play music.
Compared to its predecessor, the AVC-X8500H, the new AVC-X8500HA model offers several notable improvements:
These upgrades, while subtle, ensure the AVC-X8500HA remains at the cutting edge of technology for years to come. Owners of the previous model can also opt for a paid HDMI board upgrade to access the new features.
The main difference is the addition of an HDMI 2.1 input on the AVC-X8500HA, enabling support for 8K/60 Hz and 4K/120 Hz signals. The new model also supports HDR10+, DTS:X Pro, and voice assistants.
Yes, the amplifier features a Pure Direct mode that disables all unnecessary digital processing for pure stereo listening. The high-quality components and available power make it an excellent choice for music listening.
Yes, its robust design allows it to drive 4-ohm speakers without issue, even at high volumes. It has ample power reserves to handle impedance variations.
The AVC-X8500HA allows for up to 3 independent audio/video zones. The main zone can use up to 11 channels, leaving 2 channels available for secondary zones.
Yes, the amplifier allows you to individually deactivate unused channels to reduce power consumption and heat generation. This is useful if you’re not utilizing all available channels.
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Cyrille
Very, very good amplifier with a multitude of functions, exceptional sound, and ease of use.
Comment from March 14, 2025
Michel
Superb AV amplifier with excellent personal sound quality.
Comment from December 14, 2024 — Experience from December 30, 2023
Adelaide
I moved from the Denon 6700, which had already convinced me. And now, a new revelation with a Kef R7 stereo setup—the music is just impressive, precise, with stunning spatialization and punch. In short, I'm won over. The home cinema aspect is downright mind-blowing, precise, striking—in short, astonishing. I do not regret the change at all. And aesthetically, it remains true to Denon, and I'm a fan! Highly recommended.
Comment from September 24, 2024 — Experience from September 12, 2024
