Denon Introduces New Affordable. Audiophile-Grade AV Receivers

Denon just announced the launch of two affordable 8K audio/video receivers (AVRs) ideal for small to mid-sized home cinema applications. The 7.2 channel AVR-S770H and the Denon AVR-S670H provide the latest features resulting in outstanding performance, making them the ideal solution for discerning music and movie enthusiasts.

The Denon AVR-S770H 7.2-channel 8K AV receiver combines object-based surround sound featuring Dolby Atmos and DTS:X with the unrivaled picture quality of 8K video processing, creating the most dramatic cinematic experience for enthusiasts. The Denon AVR-S670H is the heart of a high-performance 5.2 home theater, offering incredible 8K video and high-definition surround sound featuring Dolby TrueHD, and DTS HD Master Audio decoders.

Denon’s latest additions to the S-Series help listeners make their first steps into the realm of immersive home entertainment by offering:

• Unmatched clarity of 8K video and the latest HDMI technology featuring HDR10+, Dolby Vision™, and 8K/60 and 4K/120 pass-through for the most life-like home theater experience.
• HEOS integration offers seamless music playback, allowing users to stream and share music from their favorite online services such as Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, and others, with HEOS-enabled speakers providing access to millions of songs with exceptional sound quality in a single room or throughout the home.
• Easy to setup and enjoy, Denon’s award-winning Setup Assistant provides clear, step-by-step instructions making it easy to get started—and Audyssey MultEQ room correction technology hat optimizes the listening experience in your room to deliver stunning audio performance.

The Denon AVR-S770H and the Denon AVR-S670AV AVRs can be pre-ordered online at Denon.com and through select authorized Denon retailers for $649 and $549, respectively.

The Audiophile History of Denon

Denon, a company that has become synonymous with high-quality audio equipment, has a history that dates back to the early 20th century. Founded in 1910 in Tokyo, Japan, Denon’s roots can be traced back to its initial collaboration with Columbia Phonograph Company of the United States, which led to the creation of Nippon Columbia. This joint venture was focused on introducing phonographs and records to the Japanese market, thus marking the beginning of Denon’s longstanding commitment to high-fidelity audio. Through a steady evolution of technological advancements and innovation, Denon has cemented its place as a pivotal player in the audiophile world, producing some of the finest audio products available.

The Early Years and Rebranding

In the early years, the company focused on manufacturing phonograph records and players, becoming a key player in Japan’s developing audio industry. In 1939, the company rebranded as Denon, drawing inspiration from the words “De” from Columbia and “non” from Nippon. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in Denon’s history, one that would eventually span a wide variety of audio products, including turntables, amplifiers, and speakers. Denon’s focus during this period was on creating reliable, high-quality audio equipment that would establish a reputation for sound accuracy and craftsmanship.

Denon was also quick to adopt emerging audio technologies. In the 1950s, as the concept of high-fidelity (hi-fi) audio was gaining ground, Denon began producing amplifiers, turntables, and speakers that targeted audiophiles. These early products were designed to produce cleaner, more accurate sound, which garnered the brand a growing fanbase. Denon’s high-quality audio components were part of the burgeoning hi-fi movement, positioning the company as one of the leading Japanese brands in the space.

Denon’s Role in High-Fidelity Audio

The 1960s and 1970s saw Denon embrace even more innovation. The company began producing direct-drive turntables, a technology that would become a staple in high-end audio systems. Denon’s direct-drive turntables were prized for their precision and durability, which made them favorites among audiophiles. This period also saw Denon’s increasing presence in the home stereo market, with the company introducing more high-quality amplifiers, speakers, and other components aimed at providing the best possible listening experience.

Denon’s commitment to high-quality sound continued throughout the 1970s, and in 1979, the company made a groundbreaking contribution to the world of digital audio. Denon introduced the first commercially available digital-to-analog converter (DAC), which would become a critical component in the digital audio revolution. This innovation allowed Denon to enter the world of digital audio, a market that would become increasingly important in the decades to come.

By the early 1980s, Denon had firmly established itself as one of the most respected names in the hi-fi world. The company had begun producing high-quality CD players, following the launch of the compact disc as a new audio format. Denon’s early CD players were praised for their reliability, sound quality, and build, quickly making the company a prominent name in the growing digital audio space.

The Digital Revolution and Denon’s Expanding Influence

As digital audio technology took hold in the 1980s and 1990s, Denon continued to innovate and lead the charge. The company released a range of CD players, amplifiers, and home audio systems that integrated new technologies such as digital signal processing (DSP), which improved sound quality and enabled more efficient audio reproduction. Denon’s focus on quality sound and advanced features helped the company maintain its status as one of the top names in home audio.

During the 1990s, Denon was also an early adopter of multi-channel audio and surround sound technology, which had become increasingly popular in home theater systems. Denon’s AV receivers became highly regarded for their performance, offering immersive audio experiences that were critical to the development of home theater setups. With the rise of home theater systems, Denon continued to build its reputation as a leader in both stereo and multi-channel audio systems.

The company was also a key player in the development of home theater equipment, offering high-quality amplifiers, receivers, and speakers that provided audiophiles and movie lovers with an unparalleled experience. Denon’s AV receivers, in particular, were recognized for their exceptional sound quality, ease of use, and support for the latest formats, including Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound.

The Vinyl Resurgence and Denon’s Continued Focus on Analog Audio

While digital audio technology continued to grow in importance, Denon never lost sight of its analog roots. As vinyl records made a comeback in the late 1990s and 2000s, Denon re-entered the turntable market with a new lineup of high-quality models that catered to audiophiles who preferred the warmth and depth of analog sound. The company’s turntables, such as the DP-300F and DP-450USB, were recognized for their precision and sound quality, maintaining Denon’s long tradition of excellence in analog audio reproduction.

Denon’s commitment to producing high-quality turntables helped to establish the company as a key player in the vinyl revival, and the brand became synonymous with premium sound and craftsmanship for analog audio enthusiasts. Denon’s turntables have consistently received praise for their solid construction, user-friendly features, and high-performance sound, making them a go-to choice for audiophiles looking for superior vinyl playback.

Denon in the Modern Era

Today, Denon continues to produce a wide array of audio equipment that meets the needs of both casual listeners and audiophiles alike. The company’s portfolio includes a variety of home audio components, from AV receivers and amplifiers to turntables and wireless speakers. Denon has expanded its focus to include multi-room and streaming audio systems, most notably through its HEOS wireless audio platform, which allows users to stream high-quality audio throughout their home.

The company’s AV receivers remain some of the most popular in the home theater market, offering cutting-edge features like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and support for 4K video. Denon’s receivers are known for their impressive sound quality, ease of use, and integration with popular streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, and Apple Music.

Denon has also embraced the growing demand for digital audio components such as DACs and headphone amplifiers. The company’s DACs are recognized for their high-fidelity sound reproduction, providing audiophiles with a crucial tool for achieving superior sound from digital sources. Denon’s headphone amplifiers are similarly designed to improve the sound quality of portable audio systems, delivering a more refined listening experience for users who demand the best possible performance from their headphones.

The company has also stayed relevant in the vinyl market, offering a range of turntables that appeal to both new vinyl enthusiasts and seasoned audiophiles. Denon’s DP-400 and DP-450USB turntables, for example, combine modern convenience with the timeless appeal of analog sound, ensuring that the company continues to play an important role in the ongoing vinyl resurgence.