The verdict
The AVR-S970H is the budget Denon pick. Same brand engineering and HEOS streaming as the X2800H, with cuts at the right places: fewer 8K HDMI ports, less power, entry-tier Audyssey. Best for users who want Denon reliability under $700.
Strengths
- +Cheapest 7.2-ch AVR with Dolby Atmos in this lineup
- +Denon HDMI 2.1 with 8K/60 on 1 input — covers a single 8K source
- +Audyssey MultEQ (entry tier) room correction included
- +HEOS multi-room streaming built in
Watch-outs
- −Only 1 HDMI port supports 8K/60 — the X2800H has 3
- −75W per channel — lowest power in this round-up
- −Audyssey MultEQ entry tier — less calibration depth than X2800H's MultEQ XT
How it compares
Cheapest Denon in lineup. Fewer 8K HDMI inputs than the AVR-X2800H. Less power than every other pick. HEOS streaming on par with X2800H.
Who this is for
At a glance: Denon-loyal buyers on a $700 ceiling who don't need multiple 8K inputs.
Why you’d buy the Denon AVR-S970H
- Cheapest 7.2-ch AVR with Dolby Atmos in this lineup.
- Denon HDMI 2.1 with 8K/60 on 1 input — covers a single 8K source.
- Audyssey MultEQ (entry tier) room correction included.
Why you’d skip it
- Only 1 HDMI port supports 8K/60 — the X2800H has 3.
- 75W per channel — lowest power in this round-up.
- Audyssey MultEQ entry tier — less calibration depth than X2800H's MultEQ XT.
Rating sources
Our 4.4 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
