Free Shipping on US orders above $49
What You Need to Know
What Is the AVR-S980H?
An AV receiver — short for Audio/Video receiver — is the brain of a home theater system. It takes all your sources (TV, streaming box, game console, turntable) and routes the audio to your speakers and the video to your TV. It also handles surround sound decoding, room calibration, and music streaming. One box does it all.
The Denon AVR-S980H is a 7.2-channel AV receiver — meaning it can power up to seven speakers and two subwoofers at the same time. It delivers 90 watts per channel, supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound, passes 8K and 4K video through HDMI 2.1, streams music wirelessly via HEOS, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and Spotify Connect, and even has a built-in phono stage for turntables. It replaces the popular AVR-S970H and is available from April 2026 at $949.
Denon designed the AVR-S980H specifically for people who want to move past a soundbar or basic TV speakers but don’t want a complicated system. It walks you through setup with on-screen instructions, grows from a simple stereo setup all the way to a full 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos configuration, and fits naturally into a home already using wireless music systems.
90 Watts Per Channel — Plenty of Power for Most Rooms
The AVR-S980H uses Class D amplification delivering 90 watts per channel. Class D amps are efficient and run cool, making them well-suited for all-in-one receiver designs. Ninety watts is more than enough to fill a living room or dedicated home theater space with dynamic, detailed sound — whether that’s an action film soundtrack, a concert Blu-ray, or background music during dinner. Denon says it was tuned to produce an open, spacious presentation, which is the brand’s recognized sonic signature.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X — Surround Sound That Wraps Around You
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are the two leading formats for immersive surround sound. They add height channels — speakers above or around you — to the traditional front, center, surround, and subwoofer layout. Instead of sound coming from the sides only, it can come from above, creating a truly three-dimensional effect. Explosions come from overhead. Rain sounds like it’s falling on you. Music wraps around you from every direction.
The AVR-S980H supports both formats fully. You can start with a basic stereo setup and expand over time to 5.1, 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos, or full 7.2 surround — without ever having to buy a new receiver.
8K-Ready HDMI 2.1 — Future-Proof Video
The AVR-S980H includes HDMI 2.1 inputs with eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel). HDMI 2.1 supports 4K at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz video — the standards required by the latest TVs, game consoles, and streaming services. It also supports:
- VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) — reduces screen tearing and stuttering in games
- ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) — the receiver automatically switches to game mode when you pick up a controller
- QFT (Quick Frame Transport) — reduces latency for a more responsive feel
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG — full pass-through of all current HDR formats
For gaming, there’s also 1440p resolution pass-through and AMD FreeSync compatibility, which reduces visual tearing and produces smoother gameplay — especially useful for PC gaming setups.
HEOS — Your Whole Home, One App
HEOS is Denon’s whole-home music platform. Think of it as a Sonos-style ecosystem built around Denon and Marantz components. With the AVR-S980H as your hub, you can stream music throughout the house, group rooms together, or play different sources in different rooms simultaneously. HEOS supports up to 64 zones — so this scales from a one-room setup to a full whole-home audio system.
The AVR-S980H also supports a forthcoming firmware update that will let you use Denon Home 200, 400, and 600 wireless speakers as rear surround speakers — no speaker wire required. This is ideal for rooms where running cables to rear speakers isn’t practical.
AirPlay 2, Bluetooth & Spotify Connect
Beyond HEOS, the AVR-S980H connects wirelessly via AirPlay 2 (for iPhones, iPads, and Macs), Bluetooth (for any phone or tablet), and Spotify Connect (which lets Spotify apps control the receiver directly without going through your phone’s Bluetooth). You’re never more than a tap away from your music.
Hi-Res Audio and a Built-In Phono Stage
The AVR-S980H supports high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz — well beyond CD quality — in formats including FLAC, WAV, ALAC, and DSD (2.8 and 5.6 MHz). It also includes a Compressed Audio Restorer that recalculates lost frequency data in compressed formats like MP3 to improve their sound quality.
For vinyl fans, there’s a built-in MM phono preamplifier. Just connect your turntable directly to the phono input — no separate phono stage required (as long as your turntable has a moving magnet cartridge). Turntables with a built-in phono preamp can connect to any standard line input instead.
Audyssey MultEQ — Room Correction That Actually Works
Audyssey MultEQ is an automatic room calibration system. Using a microphone (included), it measures how sound behaves in your specific room — the way it bounces off walls, furniture, and floors — and adjusts the receiver’s equalization to compensate. The result is a flatter, more accurate sound for your room, with none of the boomy bass or muffled highs that bad room acoustics can cause. Dynamic EQ maintains surround sound balance at lower volumes, and Dynamic Volume automatically adjusts loud passages so you’re not constantly reaching for the remote during commercials or action scenes.
Two-Zone Audio
The AVR-S980H supports two-source, two-zone audio. You can enjoy 5.1 surround sound in your main room and a completely different audio source in a second room in stereo at the same time — or play the same source in both. This is separate from the HEOS wireless multiroom capability and works with traditional wired speaker outputs.
Guided Setup — Easy for Anyone
The AVR-S980H walks you through setup with clear on-screen instructions from the moment you plug it in. After initial setup, control it via your TV’s on-screen display, the Denon remote app on your phone, or a new web-based interface from any browser on your smartphone or PC. A new Channel Level Monitoring feature gives real-time visibility into speaker levels so you can fine-tune and troubleshoot your setup without guesswork.
What the Experts Say
What Hi-Fi? noted the AVR-S980H is positioned to challenge their current Award-winning AV receiver in its price class. They praised the scalable design — from basic stereo up to 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos — and highlighted Audyssey room calibration and gaming support (1440p and AMD FreeSync) as key practical strengths. They called it one to watch in the under-$1,000 AV receiver segment for 2026.
ecoustics praised the AVR-S980H for tightening the formula where it matters at its price point, highlighting the new Channel Level Monitoring, 1440p gaming pass-through, and wireless surround speaker support (via firmware) as the most practical upgrades over the AVR-S970H. They noted that for buyers under $1,000, the wireless surround compatibility is “arguably the most forward-looking move here” for rooms where running rear speaker cables isn’t practical.
Denon’s parent company described the AVR-S980H as designed for people who want great sound without complexity: “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 everyday experiences feel more engaging and far more enjoyable.”
Building Your System? Here Are Some Great Companions.
- Subwoofer. With dual subwoofer outputs, the AVR-S980H is ready for one or two subs. A powered subwoofer adds the deep bass that even the best small speakers can’t reproduce. Browse Subwoofers.
- Denon Home Wireless Speakers. The Denon Home 200, 400, and 600 integrate with HEOS and (via a future firmware update) will work as wireless surround speakers with the AVR-S980H. See Denon products at Audio Advisor.
- Turntable. The built-in MM phono stage means you can plug in any moving magnet turntable directly. Browse our Turntables.
- HDMI Cables. To use 8K, 4K/120Hz, or gaming features like VRR and ALLM, you need HDMI 2.1-certified cables. Make sure your cables are rated for 48Gbps bandwidth. Browse HDMI Cables.
Features & Specifications
7.2-Channel Amplification — 90W Per Channel (Class D)
Powers up to seven speakers and two subwoofers. Ninety watts per channel of Class D amplification handles dynamic movie soundtracks, music, and games in small-to-medium rooms. Denon tuned the AVR-S980H for an open, spacious sound signature.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Surround Sound
Full support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X — the leading immersive audio formats that add height and object-based sound to a standard surround setup. Scale up from 2.0 stereo to 5.1, 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos, or 7.2 as your speaker system grows, without replacing the receiver.
HDMI 2.1 with eARC — 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz
HDMI 2.1 inputs support the highest resolution video standards currently available, including VRR, ALLM, QFT, and full HDR pass-through (HDR10, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG). eARC carries high-quality audio back from your TV to the receiver over the same HDMI cable. Confirm HDMI input count with Denon spec sheet before publishing.
1440p Pass-Through & AMD FreeSync — Gaming-Ready
Pass 1440p resolution directly from a game console or PC to your display. AMD FreeSync reduces visual tearing and delivers smoother, more responsive gameplay. ALLM automatically enables game mode when a controller is detected.
HEOS Built-In — Whole-Home Music Up to 64 Zones
Stream music to any room using the HEOS app. Group rooms, play different sources in different zones, or send the same music everywhere. Compatible with Denon and Marantz HEOS-enabled components and speakers. Denon Home 200/400/600 wireless surround support coming via firmware update.
AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect
Stream from any Apple device via AirPlay 2. Connect any phone or tablet via Bluetooth. Control Spotify directly with Spotify Connect — the music plays through the receiver without going through your phone’s Bluetooth connection.
Hi-Res Audio — Up to 24-bit/192kHz
Plays FLAC, WAV, ALAC, and DSD (2.8 and 5.6 MHz) at full resolution. Also supports MP3, WMA, AAC, and MPEG-4. The Compressed Audio Restorer recovers lost frequency data in compressed formats to improve their playback quality.
Built-In MM Phono Preamplifier
Connect a moving magnet turntable directly to the dedicated phono input — no external phono stage required. Turntables with built-in preamps connect to any standard line input.
Audyssey MultEQ Room Correction
Automatic room calibration using the included microphone. Measures your room acoustics and adjusts the receiver’s EQ to compensate. Dynamic EQ maintains surround sound performance at low volumes. Dynamic Volume automatically levels loud and quiet passages.
Two-Zone, Two-Source Audio
Run different audio sources in two rooms simultaneously — for example, surround sound in the main room and a different music source in a second room. Works independently of HEOS wireless multiroom.
New Web UI and Channel Level Monitoring
Control setup and configuration from any browser on your phone, tablet, or PC via the new web-based interface. Channel Level Monitoring gives real-time visibility into individual speaker levels for easy troubleshooting and fine-tuning.
Key Specifications
- Channels: 7.2
- Power output: 90W per channel (Class D)
- Surround formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and others
- Video: HDMI 2.1 (4K/120Hz, 8K/60Hz), VRR, ALLM, QFT, eARC
- HDR support: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG
- Gaming: 1440p pass-through, AMD FreeSync
- Wireless: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, HEOS (up to 64 zones)
- Hi-res audio: Up to 24-bit/192kHz; DSD 2.8 and 5.6 MHz
- Room correction: Audyssey MultEQ, Dynamic EQ, Dynamic Volume
- Phono input: MM (moving magnet)
- Zones: 2-source, 2-zone
- Finish: Black
- MSRP: $949
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “7.2-channel” mean?
It means the AVR-S980H can power up to 7 speakers and 2 subwoofers at the same time. You don’t have to use all of them at once — you can start with 2 speakers (stereo) and add more over time. The “.2” refers to two separate subwoofer outputs, which gives you the option of placing subs in two locations in the room for more even bass.
Do I need 8K TV to use this receiver?
No. The AVR-S980H supports 8K pass-through, but it works perfectly with any 4K or 1080p TV as well. The HDMI 2.1 ports are also where you get benefits like 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM for gaming — features that work with current 4K TVs and game consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
What is HEOS and do I need it?
HEOS is Denon’s whole-home music platform. It lets you stream music to the AVR-S980H and to other HEOS-enabled speakers throughout the house, all from one app. You don’t need HEOS to use the receiver — it also works with Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect. But if you want whole-home audio or wireless rear surround speakers (via firmware update), HEOS is how you get there.
Can I use this as a stereo amplifier for music?
Absolutely. The AVR-S980H works just as well as a two-channel stereo amplifier for music listening as it does as a full surround sound system. You can connect a turntable, stream from Spotify, play from a CD player, or stream hi-res audio. It’s genuinely versatile.
Does it work with my turntable?
Yes, if your turntable has a moving magnet (MM) cartridge and no built-in phono stage, plug it directly into the dedicated phono input. If your turntable has a built-in phono preamp (common on most entry-level and mid-range tables), plug it into any standard line input instead and switch the built-in preamp off if it has that option.
What’s the difference between this and the older AVR-S970H?
The AVR-S980H is the 2026 update to the 2022 AVR-S970H. Key additions include: Channel Level Monitoring for easier setup and troubleshooting, 1440p gaming pass-through, AMD FreeSync support, a new browser-based web control interface, and future wireless surround support for Denon Home speakers via firmware update. Core specs like power output and HDMI 2.1 remain similar.
Are the wireless rear surrounds available now?
Not yet at launch. Denon has confirmed that support for using Denon Home 200, 400, and 600 speakers as wireless rear surround speakers will arrive via a future firmware update. The date hasn’t been announced. Wired surround speakers work fully from day one.
What speakers should I pair with this?
The AVR-S980H works with virtually any passive (non-powered) speakers with 4–16 ohm impedance — bookshelf speakers, floor-standing towers, in-wall speakers, and so on. For surround sound, you’ll typically want a matching center channel and surround speakers from the same brand or line. Give us a call at 800-942-0220 and we can recommend a system for your room size and budget.
What’s in the Box
- Denon AVR-S980H AV receiver
- Remote control
- Audyssey setup microphone
- AM/FM antenna
- Power cord
- Quick start guide
Why Audio Advisor?
40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we’ve helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.
60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it’s right for you.
Real Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.
Free Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.
Flexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.
New to AV receivers or home theater? Visit our Audio Advisor Learning Center for guides on how to build a home theater system, how to choose the right speakers, and how to get the best sound from your room.
