Denon AVR-X8500H Flagship Receiver

Denon introduces the world's first 13-channel receiver

 This 13-channel beast (rated at 150 watts per channel) certainly caught our attention. As our correspondent JR put it, "for anyone that wants to do [Dolby] Atmos, this seems like a go-to product."

New heights for overhead sound

The 'X8500H offers the most flexibility for setting up an Atmos system that we've ever seen from a single A/V component. You can add as many as six overhead or Atmos enabled speakers in up to a 7.1.6 configuration, or you can set up a 9.1.4 system with "front width" speakers to create a larger soundstage — no additional amp required! And you can use up to two subwoofers, supported by discrete outputs on the receiver, in any Atmos configuration.

Loaded with up-to-the-minute features

In addition to its impressive Dolby Atmos capabilities, the 'X8500H supports DTS:X and Auro-3D for realistic, multidimensional surround sound that puts you in the middle of the action. This receiver also passes 4K video signals, including those encoded with HDR information, to your 4K TV. And it even upscales HD and standard definition video to 4K resolution. Plus you can stream music from different sources and enjoy high-resolution music in your living room — or any room in your house.

Streamline your music with HEOS Built-in

HEOS Built-in technology lets you access all your music — from your personal library, internet radio, and popular streaming services like Pandora®, Spotify®, and TIDAL — through the 'X8500H.

This receiver can be easily integrated into a wireless multi-room audio system. Stream music to HEOS wireless speakers and components in different rooms, and control each room's sound independently with the free HEOS app. The app lets you control playback, browse music sources, and select which rooms you want to use. Play the same music throughout your home, or listen to something different in each room.

Complete multi-room flexibility

The 'X8500H has a "Zone 2" HDMI output so you can watch video from two separate sources in your living room and a second room. With outputs for 15 speakers, you get plenty of options for setting up your home theater exactly the way you want it, and expanding into other rooms (don't forget, it can "only" power 13 speakers at a time).

While going for a full-on 9.1.4 or 7.1.6 Atmos system sounds just glorious to us, a simpler 9.1.2 or 7.1.4 Atmos system can still provide an awesome home theater experience while leaving you two free channels to power a set of speakers outdoors or in another room.

And that's just one example. This receiver supports more speaker configurations than we have room to cover here. Basically, if you're happy using fewer channels in your home theater, it can power speakers in two additional zones. Or you can use one of the extra sets of height channels to bi-amp compatible front speakers for more powerful sound. Or you can just use all 13 channels to power the baddest Atmos, DTS:X, or Auro 3D home theater system anyone has ever seen.

Product highlights:

Power and Processing:

• 13-channel amplifier
• 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.05% THD, with 2 channels driven
• Dolby® and DTS® surround sound decoding
  • Dolby Atmos processing for use with in-ceiling or "height" speakers for more enveloping surround sound
  • supports a range of Atmos configurations, including 9.2.4 and 7.2.6
  • DTS:X for an immersive, 3-dimensional soundstage
• Auro-3D® built-in for three-dimensional soundfields with Auro-3D soundtrack mixes (supports up to a 13.1-channel configuration; future firmware update required)
• IMAX Enhanced certification for improved performance with IMAX Enhanced content (via firmware update)
• analog-to-HDMI video conversion
• upscales standard-definition video signals to HD and Ultra HD (up to 4K)
• Audyssey Platinum speaker calibration and system optimization includes:
  • MultEQ® XT32 auto setup and room calibration delivers balanced, dynamic sound with enhanced surround performance for as many as eight seating positions
  • Dynamic Volume anticipates loud sounds to keep volume levels even
  • Dynamic EQ improves dialogue, bass response, and surround channel levels at lower volumes
  • Sub EQ HT provides individual calibration for dual subwoofers, for even bass response throughout the room
  • Low Frequency Containment reduces the amount of bass that bleeds into other rooms
  • Audyssey MultEQ Editor app for further audio customization (paid app; not included)

Digital and Streaming Music Options:

• built-in Wi-Fi for listening to music from a networked PC and free internet radio
  • includes support for TuneIn
• HEOS Built-in technology wirelessly connects compatible HEOS components for whole home audio
  • includes support for Pandora®, SiriusXM, and Spotify® (subscription required for some services)
  • free HEOS app offers easy Wi-Fi control, settings adjustments, and music selection and playback
  • works with Amazon Alexa and Google Home voice control assistants
• Apple AirPlay 2 lets you stream directly from an iPhone® or iPad® and ask Siri to play Apple Music
  • supports multi-room audio with compatible wireless speakers
• built-in Bluetooth® for wireless music listening with smartphones, tablets, and compatible computers
• plays high-resolution digital music files via USB storage device or a networked computer (PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution; DSD up to 5.6 MHz)
• Denon's Compressed Audio Restorer improves sound quality of MP3s and other digital music files

Multi-room Audio/Video:

• three-room/three-source output
  • powered stereo outputs for second and third rooms allow playback in three rooms at once
  • amp assign feature lets you reassign extra surround channels to second and third zones
  • line-level outputs for Zones 2 and 3 for use with additional receiver, amplifier, or powered speakers
  • independent HDMI outputs for watching video content from different sources in two zones simultaneously
  • Zone 2 compatible audio sources: HDMI audio, optical/coaxial digital inputs, analog audio inputs, AM/FM tuner, USB, Bluetooth, and HEOS music apps
  • component and composite video outputs can be assigned to Zone 2
  • HDMI audio sources cannot be output to Zone 3

Connections:

• HDMI audio/video switching: 8 in (includes 1 front-panel input), 3 out
  • HDCP 2.2 technology ensures compatibility with 4K Ultra HD sources and TVs (all HDMI inputs and outputs)
  • HDR-compatible for extended picture contrast and brightness with compatible 4K TVs and HDR-encoded content
  • supports Dolby Vision™
• supports eARC with firmware update
• component video switching: 3 in, 1 out (Zone 2)
• composite video switching: 4 in, 2 out (includes 1 front-panel input)
• digital audio inputs: 2 optical, 2 coaxial
• 6 analog stereo RCA audio inputs
• MM (moving magnet) phono input for connecting a turntable
• 7.1-channel preamp inputs
• 13.2-channel preamp outputs
• two discrete line-level subwoofer outputs for more precise multi-subwoofer setups
• front-panel USB port for audio playback from USB flash drives
• Denon Link HD creates a jitter-free connection to compatible Denon Blu-ray players; requires HDMI connection and proprietary Denon Link RCA-style cable
• Ethernet port for network connection
• outputs for 15 speakers (Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R, Surround Back L/R, Height 1 L/R, Height 2 L/R, Height 3 L/R, Height 4 L/R)
• receiver can power a maximum of 13 channels at once
• RS-232C port for use with external controllers
• IR in/out and 12-volt triggers
• 1/4" headphone jack
• removable power cord

General Features:

• 4K/60p and 3D video pass-through
• Setup Assistant guides you through the initial connection process and settings
• 4 quick select function buttons for one-touch power-up, source selection and recall of volume and Audyssey configuration
• HDMI standby pass-through allows HDMI switching without powering up receiver
• support for third-party control systems by Control4 for home automation
• intuitive, full-color on-screen guide
• bi-amp compatible front left and right speakers by reassigning Surround Back or Height channels
• AM/FM tuner
• remote control
• 17-1/8"W x 7-3/4"H x 18-3/4"D
• weight: 39.24 lbs.
• warranty: 3 years