Denon AVR-X2800H 7.2 Ch Receiver: In-Depth Review

The Denon AVR-X2800H 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver is a high-performance audio-video receiver that promises to transform your home entertainment system. With advanced features like 8K support, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and multi-room streaming capabilities, it is designed to cater to audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike. In this review, we will delve into its key features, performance, customer feedback, pros and cons, and ultimately provide a final verdict on whether the Denon AVR-X2800H is worth the investment.

Key Features and Specifications

The Denon AVR-X2800H is packed with state-of-the-art features that make it a solid contender in the home theater receiver market. Below are some of the standout features and specifications of this model:

8K UHD Support

The AVR-X2800H supports 8K video pass-through at 60Hz, which means you can enjoy ultra-high-definition resolution with smooth animations. Whether you’re streaming content or watching 8K-compatible movies, the receiver ensures that you are getting the best possible video quality. The device also supports 4K upscaling, making sure that your legacy content looks sharp on an 8K screen.

3D Audio Experience

Denon has included Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Dolby Surround formats to deliver a rich and immersive sound experience. The receiver comes equipped with a 7.2 channel configuration, allowing you to set up a comprehensive surround sound system with multiple speakers. Additionally, the Dolby Height Virtualization and DTS Virtual:X features create an overhead sound effect, even without the need for height speakers, enhancing the overall experience.

Multiple HDMI Ports

The AVR-X2800H is equipped with eight HDMI ports, with six inputs and two outputs. These ports support the latest HDMI specifications, including eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dynamic HDR. This versatility ensures that you can connect multiple devices like gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and turntables without the hassle of constantly switching cables.

Wireless Streaming and Multi-Room Audio

This AV receiver supports a wide range of wireless streaming options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay 2. Additionally, it features HEOS built-in, which allows for multi-room audio streaming. You can listen to music in various rooms of your home through services like Spotify, Pandora, and TIDAL, ensuring that your audio experience extends beyond just your home theater.

Audyssey Room Correction Suite

The Audyssey Room Correction Suite is a standout feature that helps optimize your audio setup by calibrating your speakers according to your room’s unique acoustics. The HD GUI Setup Assistant provides clear on-screen instructions to guide users through the setup process, making it easier for even beginners to configure their system correctly.

Voice Control Integration

The AVR-X2800H is compatible with major voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri. This allows you to control the receiver with simple voice commands, further enhancing its convenience.

Feature	Specification
Audio Channels	7.2
Power Output	95W x 7
Video Pass-Through	8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, HDR, Dolby Vision
Wireless Streaming	HEOS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2
HDMI Ports	8 (6 In, 2 Out)
Surround Sound	Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS Neural:X
Voice Control	Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri
Room Calibration	Audyssey Room Correction Suite
Other Features	Phono input, USB, Dual subwoofer out

Performance

The Denon AVR-X2800H excels in both audio and video performance. It delivers clear, crisp, and immersive sound thanks to its support for advanced surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. These formats bring depth and dimension to the soundscape, making it ideal for movies, games, and music.

Audio Quality

The AVR-X2800H offers a full-range sound experience, from deep bass to soaring highs. The 7.2 channel configuration, combined with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, provides a detailed, three-dimensional soundstage that pulls you into the action. The Denon receiver also supports Dolby Height Virtualization, which enhances the soundstage by simulating the effect of height speakers, even if you don’t have a full 7.1.4 or 5.2.2 speaker setup.

One of the key highlights is the Audyssey Room Correction Suite. This feature automatically adjusts the receiver’s output to compensate for room acoustics, ensuring that every speaker is calibrated to perform at its best. The result is a more balanced and cohesive sound, which is crucial for achieving a true surround sound experience.

Video Quality

On the video front, the Denon AVR-X2800H impresses with its 8K/60Hz pass-through capability. This means that it can handle ultra-high-definition content without any loss of quality. Whether you’re gaming on a next-gen console or watching 8K movies, the receiver ensures that you get a sharp and vibrant picture. The device also supports HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dynamic HDR pass-through, which are essential for delivering high-quality visuals with enhanced contrast and brightness.

Multi-Room Audio

With HEOS built-in, the AVR-X2800H extends its utility beyond just the home theater. The ability to stream music to other rooms in your house makes it ideal for creating a whole-home audio experience. Whether you’re using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or AirPlay 2, the receiver seamlessly integrates with music streaming services like Spotify, TIDAL, and Pandora, making it easy to enjoy high-quality audio throughout your home.

Gaming Performance

For gamers, the AVR-X2800H provides exceptional performance with support for 4K/120Hz and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate). These features are particularly useful for fast-paced gaming, as they minimize lag and provide smoother visuals. Whether you’re gaming on an Xbox Series X or a PlayStation 5, the Denon receiver ensures that the audio and video quality are top-notch.

Customer Feedback

Customer feedback for the Denon AVR-X2800H has been largely positive, with many praising its ease of setup, audio and video performance, and multi-room streaming capabilities. Here are some common themes in customer reviews:

• Easy Setup: Many users found the setup process to be straightforward, thanks to the HD GUI Setup Assistant. This makes the AVR-X2800H a great option for those who are new to home theater systems or who want to avoid complicated configurations.
• Excellent Sound Quality: Reviewers are impressed by the wide soundstage and clarity of the audio. The ability to customize the sound with Audyssey Room Correction is frequently mentioned as a bonus.
• Build Quality and Reliability: Several customers have highlighted the solid build quality of the receiver, as well as its long-lasting performance. Many users have reported that it continues to perform well even with a 7.2 4K TV setup.
• Mixed Bluetooth Feedback: While most aspects of the receiver are highly praised, the Bluetooth functionality has received some mixed reviews. A few customers reported that Bluetooth connectivity doesn’t always work as expected, which may be a concern for those who prioritize wireless streaming.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• 8K Support: Future-proof your home theater with support for 8K video pass-through.
• Impressive Sound Quality: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Audyssey Room Correction provide an immersive audio experience.
• Versatile Connectivity: 8 HDMI ports, multiple streaming options, and support for various audio formats.
• Multi-Room Audio: HEOS built-in allows you to stream music throughout your home.
• Easy Setup: The HD GUI Setup Assistant makes installation simple and hassle-free.
• Voice Control: Compatible with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant for hands-free control.

Cons

• Bluetooth Issues: Some customers have reported connectivity problems with Bluetooth, which may hinder wireless audio streaming.
• Complex for Beginners: While the setup is easy for most, some users may still find the array of features overwhelming at first.

Final Verdict

The Denon AVR-X2800H 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver is a top-tier option for anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment system. Its impressive feature set, including 8K support, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and multi-room audio streaming, makes it a versatile and future-proof choice for audiophiles and movie lovers alike. The receiver delivers excellent audio and video performance, along with easy setup and voice control integration.

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