Denon AVR-S960H 7.2-Channel 4K Home Theater Receiver with 3D Audio and Amazon Alexa Voice Control

I've always been a Sony guy. I read a ton of reviews on Denon and have seen them on display in Costco. I decided it was time to update my system with Dolby Atmos speakers. Went with the Klipsch 7.2.2 speakers and wanted a true Dolby Atmos sound. I researched many Amps and settled on the AVRS960H. Price was a big issue and playing with them in Costco was another. Didn't buy at Costco but listened and played for quite a while. Once I got my system set up in my house, I was quite surprised at the sound. I still have quite a bit of learning about the Dolby Atmos, however. Can't seem to get the Dolby Atmos to show in my surround settings when the movie is in Dolby Atmos. It is quite confusing just because it's all new to me. I consider myself quite knowledgeable on technology, however, Dolby Atmos is very new to me. All I run is my cable box, but still haven't got the Doby Atmos to appear. It does get a bit frustrating but I'm sure I will figure it out soon. I am hearing new sounds and true surround, however.

Hands down the best money spent, if you’re looking for a high quality theater sound reproduction this is it. I have mine set up in our master bedroom with a 10 foot ceiling, if set up properly it is impressive.

Ptenty of power, easy set up and integration with existing components

Delighted with the overall experience so far. The on-screen step-by-step setup was so easy and straightforward. The speaker calibration was also very easy and actually enjoyable at how new technology works. The Denon S960H is replacing a 10 year old Yamaha AVR that failed. I have been using the new Denon for three weeks now and I am really enjoying the movie and music listening experience, far better than what I had before. I am running a 5.1 Klipsch speaker arrangement currently.

It was all that we expected from a Denon- good quality equipment

This AVR replaced an excellent but no longer compatible Marantz AVR I had, and on balance they are quite similar but with a few points on Denon's side for the Winner. Sonically they are similar to what I'd call the Denon "sound" which is probably Warm to Neutral. Denon receivers make music sound more like it really is, without a lot of artificial boom and sizzle. It doesn't push anything out like some amps would, nor does it have any obvious omissions in the spectrum. You could easily use this as a "music only" amp and be very happy with it, though in that case you'd be leaving out all the other channels! The point is the "sound" is not only clean with exceptional processing, it clearly is more than just about movie effects. It also looks great in terms of the 4K signal throughput.

Setup was relatively easy, and for many going through the Audessy step-by-step, this will be all they need. However, IMO that really is more a "rough first pass" process that gives "OK" surround but nowhere near the full potential of the system. At the end of the day, if you have a decent set of "real" speakers (not tiny 3" cubes with a sub in the corner) you'll need to spend some time manually adjusting things after the Audessy has set things to their initial state. For those do the extra work, they will be rewarded with a first-class surround system that can truly "disappear." I've been amazed just how well my 7.1 system has been able to create a real sense of space with the Denon; by far the best results I've gotten from any previous other AVR.

So why 4 and not 5 stars? A few things: There was quite a bit of work to actually have the 4K signal pass through on to the TV without any processing for one thing. The other is that this is one situation where a printed manual should absolutely be included, and not make even the basic setup have to utilize a downloaded PDF. Considering how easy certain aspects of setup is made, they make others overly complicated, or buried within the manual.

So the star off is more for ease-of-use than anything else, as indeed the sound and picture are near perfect, especially for the price.

Customer support was great helping me set it up. Sound is Excellent!

This unit is a replacement of my awesome DPR1001. My old unit is out dated, but still amazing. Without HDMI I could not fully experience the fullness of high definition movies compared to toslink cable. So far the unit exceeded my expectations. I have not set up it fully yet but I’m not in a hurry. If not for HDMI eArc and HDMI inputs/outputs, I’d continue to use my Harman Kardon. Nevertheless, Denon got me hooked - no regrets.

This advanced AV receiver replaced a simpler unit that had nearly twenty years of service and far less capability. I began by reviewing the initial instruction materials that were provided in the box. Then I pulled out the old one and connected my television (an older Toshiba 44" LCD, no 4K or 8K so I can't speak about any features or quality level beyond 1080P HDTV). I worked through the setup menu and was able to get my 5.1 speakers playing correctly by setting up a pair of outputs as Zone 2 (even though I don't have a second zone of speakers at this time). I have used Blu-Ray disks plus the built-in streaming in my Blu-Ray player with great success. Surround works marvelously and the system is well equalized for my small-speaker + sub playback setup. I have run the radio a bit and will be adding a Bluetooth receiver to stream from my phone. Next up -- new speakers!

EXCELLENT SOUND EASY HOOK UP
BUT SETING FOR THE ROOM IS A LITTLE CONFUSING
CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS GREAT TO HELP

Great product, only 95w and 7 channel but has every thing you need to incorporate good quality sound into your listening and watching experience.

This product is extremely frustrating. the Denon app is clunky and disorganized. The quick setup guide does not set the unit up correctly or to its potential. The Microphone cord is too short for most home theaters that now have the receiver in another room and no accessories order page for just this situation

I've been a Denon user for several decades. This unit was expressly purchased to support the latest technology, namely 4K 120Hz support.

It took me a little bit to figure it out. I mistakenly plugged all of my devices into the 4K inputs. There are multiple 4K inputs and only one (1) 8K 60Hz & 4K 120Hz input.

In order to use the 4K 120Hz support one needs to plug in their source system into the single 8K input.

Also, ensure you have a certified 8K cable in from the source and out to the TV.

Once done, the Xbox Series X, the Denon AVR, and the LG OLED TV all worked in harmony.

I can't emphasize how important calibrating the sound to your environment is. I had moved in and had not calibrated my old unit to the new environment, so when I plugged this in and used Audyssey the sound was phenomenal.

All in all, I am pleased with the unit. I am especially pleased with the discounted price, although one might get the newer 760 (I believe is the number) for less. It has all the features, but less power output.

I had to call support due to a shipping error and they were great.

All in all, quite pleased.

In my opinion refurbished is the way to go if you want to save ! Lives all up to what Denon says ! Second week using the S960H and the WOW factor is amazing ??

Upgraded from an 2004 Kenwood. This is a great product! Seamless integration with my Polk audio speakers and TV. The sound and video is superb! I am not an audio file by any means but output is clear and crisp. Worth the money. Thank you Denon for your support with shipping!

Nice receiver, happy overall, but regretting not choosing a model with more power.

A lot of ‘bang’ for the buck…literally!

Replaced an older AV receiver that was not HDMI 2.1 capable. The sound through the receiver to my old Bose Acoustimass surround system is awesome. The 4K pass through is flawless. Got a new Sony A80J 77” 4K TV also and I cannot be more blown away with the setup.

Be sure to update your HDMI cables and CAT5 cables too.

This receiver DOES NOT communicate from the receiver to the Denon 150 Speakers. If you are thinking they can be used as side or rear speakers as I did you will be mistaken. I wasted hours trying to get them to pair with the receiver. You can play music from them using Alexa to the receiver but not as surround speakers to watch TV. There are much less costly solutions for wireless rear speakers using an audio transmitter/receiver.

awesome receiver. I use it for sound for my TV, game system and a turn table. all sound comes through wonderful and the HDMI pass through works flawlessly.

Ease of setup was perfect, still doing some minor tweeks, (learning other equipment remotes/commands, but no worries, I've been involved with A/V since the mid 70's.

Great user experience, seamless integration, music via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is great

I've had the refurb for 2 weeks now, and everything works perfectly. Great sound!

Purchased a refurbed unit to replace my Onkyo THX certified TX-818NR because the HDMI switching failed completely (a common issue). So far so good. The unit runs only warm (not hot) when watching movies and the dialogue sounds fine. I experienced none of the issues in Andrew Robinson’s YouTube review (I was only mildly concerned because of Denon’s 30 day return policy). The receiver is driving 4 ohm speakers with powered subs in a 5.2 setup. Audessy calibration/setup worked very well and nailed distances to each speaker. Shipping only took 1 day because United Radio (service center for Denon in located in Syracuse, NY, which is local to me.

The denon receiver was a refurbish that we bought directly through dennon and and we got it it arrived in a very quick manner delivery was fine. The optic did not work on the receiver. The receiver also had problems with a crackling coming through our center speaker when we use the receiver. We are returning the receiver for full refund. They wanted to replace the receiver with another refurbished one but why go that route whem the first refurbished one had big problems. I'll never order again from denon.

Easy setup for customizing the surround sound setup for our 7.2 channel speakers. Some sound modes seem too echoey, but Movie mode works great for TV cable and streaming services. I actually was fooled by the surround system into thinking someone was knocking at our door, but it was in a show we were watching hehe.

This is a great system. I replaced an older AVR with my first Denon and I am blown away. My only complaint is an absence of an owners manual or a reference to a digital copy. I needed it to setup alexa on/for the AVR which isnt mentioned on Denon's website. I finally figured it out in the alexa app.

Great doing business with you

This receiver is a wonderful upgrade from my 20 year old non HDMI receiver. The sound quality is wonderful. Most important to me was the ability to feed my 2nd TV on the other end of our lower level through an HDMI cable. It handles all of my feeds, Amazon Fire Stick, game station, DVD, Apple TV device perfectly on both tvs. My 7 ceiling mounted speakers and one Sub woofer were accommodated perfectly. I have to figure out how use less remotes, which I was hoping was a capability of this denon, but it is not. That is ok and the ability to reduce the load on my TV as the main hub for devices has increased the video and sound quality immesnely! Love it! Refurbished? Do it!

So far so good, great sound quality. Only criticism would be the antiquated remote.

Got my AVR S960H from denon. Set up was easy. Like the picture and the sound. ALso got a HEOS link and am pleased with that Except that I cannot play the analog channels from the AVR on the link separately from the AVR, in other words the AVR has to be playing the analog channels at the same time as the Link which literature seemed to indicate that it could be played separately while something else was being played on the AVR.

Excellent product and even better customer support. I had a question about my order and was taken care of quickly.

Amazing clarity. Very user friendly. I highly recommend Denon receivers.

This is the fourth Denon receiver I’ve purchased over the last few decades. All of them performed great with no issues. The only reason I bought new ones was to upgrade to newer technology. Now that the kids are older I finally decided to upgrade the basement system with a refurbished S960-HR. Paired it with a new 75” Sony TV and my vintage Klipsch sound system. Brought a smile to my face. Thanks to Denon for keeping phono inputs on these units too! Set up my turntable again and it sounds great.

Best purchased I ever made regarding when I selected the Denon AVR-S960H. Compared to previous units I had purchased over the years this one receiver blew me away with superior sound and options.

I like the receiver. I only gave it a 4 because i am still trying to get used to it. The receiver itself works great and does everything as advertised.

It does what it’s supposed to do, produce surround sound for 5.1 movies.

I was updating my older surround system to be compatible with a new Vizio TV and found the installation to be very easy and straight forward. While I don't have an overly sophisricated system the S960H provided me with the option necessary to attach all of my audio components and yet given my options to further expand my system in the future. I am very happy with the unit. I works exactly as I expected.

Only had the Denon AVR-S960H for a few days. So far so good. Its my third different Surround Sound System and my first Denon. Set up was easier than my old Sony or JVC.
I have it paried with Bose Cube speakers and a Polk subwoofer.
The remote control is simple to use compared to my old system's remote controls.
I did have to set up my dish satellite receiver to go through the Denon then to my TV because my TV doesn't have enough HDMI jacks. I used an "Digital Audio" cable on my Sony system but the new Denon does not support that type of jack.
Also, the Denon does not have any extra speaker outlets for remote speaker that i have on the screen porch. (I know, i could go bluetooth but I like hard wired speakers).
Finally, when watching a football game, the surround sound speakers with crowd noise over power the annoucer's audio on the center speaker.
I have to do some additional research on how to make that adjustment.
Over all, i am pleased with the AVR-S960H.

Top tech for 25% off the price. Works as new and couldn’t be more content with my purchase.

Love the atmos sound on my 5.1.2. Can not figure out how to have subwoofer come back on with bluetooth from phone. Tech department won't answer email back on same thread of other questions on Xbox series x 4k 120 hz issue

A great piece of equipment, after the set up (it takes a little while), the sound and and functionality is awesome.

Excellent sound quality and features! I find the receiver one of the best for movies and solid for music.

All of the features are wonderful and very edgy. Things like HEOS and Bluetooth are wonderful. A network receiver is a real plus! I only whisper it had some of the old features like a record out on 1 of the inputs..and the display is not very colorful. I was use to a receiver that had more than 1 color. They were easier to read from across the room.
And easier to tell true DD sources..

A bit overkill for what I needed (only needed 5.1 setup, but it works well. Driving KEF T101 for mains and center, JBL Sub with unknown ceiling speakers (came with the house). Mainly use for AppleTV 4k 2nd gen. Good unit for a reburb.

Absolutely the best receiver I have ever owned. Paired with Klipsch speakers, this system is awesome for anything from music, movies,... could not be happier with my purchase.

Operating system is very intuitive. The AVR just works as designed. I use Heos with BubbleUpNp for hi res streaming of Qobuz. Sound is more analytical than the Yamaha TSR-700. Plenty of power!

The 960H amplifier didn’t work at all and now their refusing to give my money back. I had a little over a week! This company is full of crooks! Don’t buy anything from them! I going to stick my son on them who works for the state medical enforcement division

Magical new technology , immersive , captivating surround sound

Easy to set up and easy to use. Amazing! This is my third Denon receiver and it is the only brand that I will buy. Of course technology advances result in the need to upgrade and I’ve done that three times with Denon. Never a disappointment!

took awhile to connect without the manuel but I figured it out but almost called.