Denon AVR-S980H

Four years after the AVR-S970H, Denon refreshes the top of its S series with the AVR-S980H. This 7.2-channel amplifier retains the power and versatility of its predecessor while adding practical improvements: support for Denon Home wireless speakers as surrounds, 1440p video passthrough, and a redesigned web interface. The positioning remains unchanged: delivering a complete setup for modern installations without the complexity of higher-end ranges.

Seven channels and two subwoofers to grow with your setup

The AVR-S980H delivers 90 W per channel at 8 ohms (20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.08%, two channels) and reaches 125 W at 6 ohms (1 kHz, 0.7%, two channels). The Japan-designed engineering and sonic tuning carried out by the Denon Sound Master aim for faithful reproduction of the original signal.

The amplifier supports configurations ranging from a simple stereo system up to 7.2 channels or 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos. This modularity allows you to start with two speakers and progressively add a subwoofer, surround channels, and height speakers without changing the unit. The 70% guarantee ensures that five channels driven simultaneously still receive more than 70% of the rated power — a point worth considering for larger configurations.

The two subwoofer outputs allow the use of two subwoofers for more even bass coverage in medium to large rooms.

Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and height sound virtualization

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding ensures the reproduction of soundtracks with height information. Dolby Atmos Height virtualization and DTS Virtual:X simulate a vertical soundstage even without ceiling speakers — a welcome option when installing height speakers is not possible. DTS Neural:X upmixing expands stereo or 5.1 content across all available channels.

Video section built for gaming and UHD

The unit features six HDMI inputs, three of which support 8K at 60 Hz and 4K at 120 Hz. The other three are limited to standard 4K. This distinction requires careful thought about cabling: demanding sources (recent consoles, UHD players) deserve the three high-speed ports. Two HDMI outputs operate in parallel to feed a television and a projector simultaneously.

VRR, ALLM, and QFT are included as standard, along with AMD FreeSync compatibility and 1440p passthrough. HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, and Dynamic HDR formats pass through to the screen without alteration. Upscaling can scale 4K content up to 8K. HDCP 2.3 ensures compatibility with protected content.

HEOS and streaming: an open approach to third-party services

The built-in HEOS platform transforms the amplifier into a multiroom hub. The system supports multiple zones, with the ability to stream the same music everywhere or different sources in each room.

Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect, and Spotify Connect are all available, allowing playback to be controlled directly from each service’s own app. Roon Ready certification opens access to this music library manager for those who have invested in the ecosystem. AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth round out the wireless options.

High-resolution audio is supported, including FLAC, ALAC, and WAV formats, as well as DSD. A Compressed Audio Restorer function attempts to restore body to MP3 and AAC files by recalculating frequencies lost during compression.

Wireless speakers as surrounds

The AVR-S980H introduces a long-awaited feature: the ability to use Denon Home 200, 400, and 600 speakers as wireless surround channels. This option, planned via a firmware update, simplifies installations in rooms where running cables to rear speakers is a challenge.

This hybrid approach — wired speakers at the front, wireless at the rear — offers a compromise between quality and convenience. Purists will prefer fully wired setups, but the option is there for those who prioritize a discreet installation.

Automatic calibration and manual adjustments

The Audyssey MultEQ system measures the room’s acoustics and adjusts each speaker’s response accordingly. The procedure uses an included microphone and multiple measurement positions. The Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume functions complete the package: the former maintains tonal balance at low volumes, the latter limits level differences between quiet scenes and action sequences.

The paid Audyssey MultEQ Editor app allows you to fine-tune correction curves, modify crossover frequencies, and save multiple profiles.

Full connectivity and built-in tuner

A dedicated MM phono input connects a turntable directly without an external preamplifier. Turntables with their own built-in preamp can be connected to one of the four analog inputs.

The connectivity also includes two optical inputs, one coaxial input, an eARC output to retrieve audio from the television, and a front-panel headphone jack. An AM/FM tuner remains available for traditional radio reception. Bi-zone management allows a different source to be played in a second room in stereo while a film plays in the main room.

Voice control and remote operation

The amplifier responds to Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri via their respective connected speakers. Commands cover volume, source selection, and music playback. The Denon AVR Remote smartphone app offers full control, as does the web interface accessible from a browser.

The Denon Setup Assistant guides the initial on-screen setup — a welcome aid for those new to home theater amplifiers. Menus are available in nine languages.

Dimensions and power consumption

Technical specifications

Power and amplification

• Built-in amplification: 7 channels
• Rated power
  • 90 W per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.08%, 2 channels)
  • 125 W per channel (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.7%, 2 channels)
• 5-channel driven guarantee: 70%
• High-precision audio processing, Denon sound signature

Audio formats

• Dolby Atmos (virtualization compatible)
• DTS:X
• DTS Neural:X (upmix)
• High-resolution audio (Hi-Res Audio)

Calibration and acoustic processing

• Automatic calibration: Audyssey MultEQ
• Assisted setup: Denon Setup Assistant (guided interface)
• Acoustic optimization: advanced room correction

Video and HDMI

• Video compatibility: 4K / 8K
• Pass-through: native 8K with 4K to 8K upscaling
• HDCP: 2.3
• HDR: HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, Dynamic HDR
• HDMI with ARC / eARC

Gaming

• High-frame-rate 4K
• VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
• ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
• AMD FreeSync

Connectivity and streaming

• Wireless multiroom: HEOS built-in
• Streaming: music services via the HEOS app
• Control: mobile app and web interface
• Synchronized or independent multi-room playback

Connections

• Subwoofer outputs: 2
• HDMI: inputs / outputs compatible with ARC / eARC
• Network, digital / analog audio (according to standard Denon configuration)

Interface and ergonomics

• Display: 1-line FLD
• Graphic interface languages: 9
• Simplified setup via TV / smartphone / computer

Advanced features

• Central hub for TV, gaming, and streaming
• Multi-source management
• Whole-home audio expansion via HEOS
• Faithful playback with respect for the original signal

General information

• Type: home theater audio / video amplifier
• Configuration: 7.2 channels
• Scalability: 2.0 to 5.1 to 7.2 or 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos
• Multi-zone: 2 zones / 2 sources
• Multiroom: yes, via HEOS built-in