An advanced middle-class entertainment machine with multi-room theaters

Denon's new AVR-X2700H offers a range of advanced features for a wide variety of entertainment needs – even in multi-room environments!

The year 2020 has been a significant milestone for the classic manufacturer For Denon For two reasons: first of all, it has been the brand's 110th year of operation, and in addition, the Japanese manufacturer has brought to market its first 8k-compatible AV amplifier series, the AVR-X. The most affordable of the four model lineup AVR-X2700H offers many clever features for its recommended price of 749.90 euros.

Externally, the AVR-X2700H hardly deviates from the conventions that have been well-received. On both sides of the front panel of the device are large rotary controls for selecting the program source and adjusting the volume, and in the middle there is an easy-to-read display that provides basic information. The front panel also includes a 6.3mm headphone output, a room correction microphone input, and a USB port. The discreet control bezel is located below the display.

On the back of the receiver, attention is drawn to a row of hdmi connections (six in and two out), which are equipped with the most modern standards. As mentioned, the AVR-X2700H is 8k compatible, so its hdmi input specifications support 8k/60Hz and 4k/120Hz video transmission, new hdr formats including hdr10+, as well as dynamic hdr. Among more familiar formats, support is available for hdr10, hlg, and dolby vision. Additionally, the AVR-X2700H is capable of upscaling hd and 4k content to a format suitable for display devices compatible with 8k.

The AVR-X2700H’s versatile connectivity arsenal also takes care of more traditional sources, and includes both analog and digital inputs. A vinyl player connection is included, as is a place for an antenna.

The device has seven amplifier channels, and Denon promises 95 watts of power (eight ohms) to them. The channel configuration can therefore be 7.2, and the AVR-X2700H can also virtualize the surround sound channels of the Dolby Atmos audio track.

To ensure that the sound from the audio signal is as uniform as possible, the AVR-X2700H includes the Audyssey MultEQ XT version of the intelligent room acoustics measurement and calibration system. With the supplied microphone, it accurately analyzes the playback of each speaker and optimizes the sound for each channel. The user can store two Audyssey settings in the amplifier’s memory and switch between them as needed.

In addition, the Audyssey MultEQ Editor app available separately in app stores gives an experienced user the opportunity to peek under the hood to fine-tune and customize audio playback. The app is available for both iOS and Android.

One of Denon’s most important and popular features is the HEOS multi-room feature. This is a generic term for a technology that connects devices such as speakers, amplifiers, and AV receivers into a network. This in turn allows music to be played seamlessly in the home from a single central device, such as a smartphone or tablet, so that sound is transmitted wirelessly to every component of the system.

The location or implementation method of the music collection doesn’t really matter. Whether it’s a music server, a USB device, or a music streaming service like Spotify, Amazon Music HD, Tidal, or Deezer, the music is always available and controllable via the HEOS system in the way the user prefers.

The main ability of the HEOS system is to reach every corner of the home. In addition to this, using the HEOS controller app that can be downloaded to a smart device is easy. In practice, this only requires setting up a HEOS-compatible device and installing the app. The system can be expanded by adding other HEOS devices, and soon every room in the home can, if desired, listen to different content – and everything can be controlled through a single app.

Watch this presentation video of the Denon AVR-X2700H:

Additional information: Denon