Daniel J SaitDenon has introduced its latest AV receiver, the AVR-S980H, a 7.2-channel model aimed at delivering high-performance home cinema sound in a format designed for today’s connected homes.
The new model reflects a growing demand for systems that balance performance with simplicity, as more households look to enhance streaming, gaming and everyday listening experiences without the complexity traditionally associated with AV receivers.
Lyle Smith, President of Sound United at HARMAN, says, ‘Denon has always believed that when you make something better, it sounds better, and that ethos has guided every first we’ve brought to the industry. Better sound is powerful and it brings people closer to the stories, music and moments they love. With the AVR-S980H, we’re giving families an easy way to make every day experiences feel more engaging and far more enjoyable.’
Designed to Elevate Everyday Entertainment
Delivering 90W per channel, the AVR-S980H is engineered to handle everything from dynamic movie soundtracks to detailed music playback. The company says carefully selected components help provide improved clarity and more precise surround sound performance.
The receiver also continues Denon’s established sound tuning approach, aiming to deliver the open and spacious presentation the brand is known for. It is designed to work with both traditional wired speaker systems and Denon’s wireless range, including the Denon Home 200, 400 and 600 models.
Flexible, Multiroom and Wireless Ready
A key feature of the AVR-S980H is its integration with HEOS, Denon’s multiroom platform, allowing users to stream music throughout the home and group rooms with ease. The platform supports a wide range of streaming scenarios, from casual background listening to whole-home audio distribution.
The company also confirms that support for using Denon Home speakers as wireless surrounds will be added via a future firmware update. This functionality is designed to simplify installation in spaces where running cables is not practical, further aligning the product with modern living environments.
Built for Gaming and Streaming
Recognising the importance of gaming in today’s home entertainment mix, the AVR-S980H includes support for 1440p pass-through and AMD FreeSync, helping to deliver smoother and more responsive visuals.
These capabilities position the receiver as a versatile hub for a wide range of content, from films and TV to gaming and music streaming.
Simple Setup, Long-Term Flexibility
Ease of use is a central part of the design. The AVR-S980H features guided on-screen setup instructions, alongside control options via remote app and web interface. It also supports Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, ensuring compatibility with widely used streaming methods.
Importantly, the receiver is designed to grow with the user. Installations can begin with a simple stereo setup and expand over time to configurations such as 5.1 or 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos, without the need to replace the core unit.
Availability and Pricing
The Denon AVR-S980H is available from April 15, 2026 via Denon’s website and authorised retailers.
Pricing is set at $949, £799 and €899.
With this launch, Denon continues to focus on making high-quality home cinema more accessible, combining performance, flexibility and ease of use in a package that reflects how people now experience entertainment at home.