Denon AVR-S760H
Pros
- Loaded with Features
- Dolby Atmos & DTS:X
- Solid Sound Quality
Cons
- May Struggle in Large Rooms
- At High Volume Loses Cohesion
I would consider the Denon AVR-S760H to be an entry-level 7-channel receiver. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. When you look at Denon’s AV line-up, the S760H is one of the most affordable 7-channel amps that they have, but Denon has somehow managed to cram a significant amount of features inside this receiver’s little black box.
Denon AVR-760H Appearance
I would love to say that the 760H is a marvelous example of modern design, but that would be an exaggeration. In truth, the Denon 760H features a utilitarian design that puts more emphasis on function over form. This amp features the same look as previous models of years past.
The front features a large central display which is flanked by large input select and volume knobs. You’ll also find a series of buttons that allow you to select various sound modes. Unless you lose the remote, you’ll rarely find a reason to use any of these buttons, but it’s nice that they’re there. The front also features an input for headphones, an input for the calibration microphone, and a USB input
Connectivity
The Denon AVR-S760H has a variety of options for connecting your audio sources. With 6 HDMI inputs, you can hook up multiple devices such as your CD player, Blu-Ray player, or even a gaming console. And if you need to send an HDMI signal to another device, there’s 1 HDMI output to make that possible.
Three of the HDMI inputs support both 4K and 8K video. That means you can connect 8K devices and enjoy incredibly sharp, detailed images with a resolution of up to 8K/60Hz. 8K content is sparse currently, but in the future when it’s more widespread this amp is prepared for the future.
Read our review of the Denon AVR-S570BT
In addition to 8K, the AVR-760H also offers 4K pass-through along with 4:4:4 Pure Color Sub Sampling, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG, which means you’ll get a wider range of colors and brighter highlights.
Along with the HDMIs, the av receiver has 2 digital optical inputs and one coaxial. Be prepared to dust off your old vinyl collection because the 760H includes a phono input as well as two analog inputs. Additionally, it features an eARC output for even more flexibility with your audio setup. And for those who crave more bass, the AVR-S760H has 2 pre-outs that allow you to connect two subwoofers. To finish things off, Bluetooth and WiFi are also built into the unit.
Denon 760H Features
Thanks to the 760H’s Bluetooth & Networking capabilities, the receiver includes HEOS Built-in, which gives you access to a variety of streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music HD, TuneIn, SoundCloud, SiriusXM, and TIDAL. You can also use smart home platforms, like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri, and Josh.ai. to control the receiver with your voice.
One of its standout features is its compatibility with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, two of the most advanced surround sound technologies available today. Dolby Atmos adds an extra layer of sound to traditional surround sound setups by allowing sound to come from above as well as from the sides and rear. This makes it feel like you’re actually inside the action, with sounds coming from all around you. DTS:X, on the other hand, uses object-based audio to create a more natural and lifelike soundscape.
Denon AVR-760H Performance
Overall, the Denon 760H is a solid audio performer. The 7.2-channel Denon AVR-760H pumps out about 75 watts per channel. The receiver won’t blow you away with its power, but it should be more than adequate to drive most speakers.
For pop and hip-hop fans, the Denon AVR-S760H delivered tight, punchy bass and crisp, clear highs that brought out the energy and excitement of my favorite tracks. For instance, the Weeknd’s songs, with their deep bass lines and soaring vocals, were the perfect test for the AVR-S760H’s power, and it didn’t disappoint. The bass was punchy and tight, while the vocals were clear and full-bodied.
When it came to classical music, the Denon AVR-S760H delivered a rich and detailed sound that truly brought out the beauty of orchestral pieces. At medium volume the 760H displayed fantastic transparency. Each instrument was given its own space, allowing you to fully appreciate the intricate interplay of different sections of the orchestra. However, at high volumes instruments lost their distinctiveness. Not a deal breaker, but this just illustrated that the 760H isn’t the ideal AV receiver for big open spaces.
For movies, the Denon AVR-760H was equally impressive. The first movie I cued up was Gravity. This sci-fi thriller takes you on a journey through space and is a perfect example of how Dolby Atmos can enhance the movie-watching experience. With its intense action sequences and breathtaking visuals, Gravity is a movie that demands an immersive audio experience. With Dolby Atmos, I felt like I was floating in space, as the sounds of rocket engines, communication beacons, and alarms swirled around.
The Denon AVR-760H also presented itself well with Mad Max: Fury Road. This high-octane action movie is tailor-made for Dolby Atmos. With its intense car chases and explosive action sequences, Mad Max: Fury Road is a movie that truly benefits from Dolby Atmos. The 760H convincingly placed overhead sounds throughout my listening space. With bullets whizzing overhead, the 760H placed me right in the middle of the action.
Conclusion
The Denon AVR-S760H is a home theater receiver that truly delivers solid sound quality. Whether you’re a fan of classical music, pop, hip-hop, or movies, this receiver has a lot to like. It’s not the most powerful receiver on the market, but the receiver will shine in most medium-sized spaces. The amp also has a plethora of features from 8K support to Bluetooth which make it one of the more versatile AV receivers on the market.
