Denon AVR-X1700H vs Denon AVR-S960H
An AV receiver can make it easy for you to set up the home theatre. You can connect various accessories through a single interface of the AV receiver.
The problem is, that there are too many AV receivers to choose from. It is not possible to compare each one of them. However, today we will compare two of the most popular AV receivers, the Denon AVR-X1700H and Denon AVR-S960H. Our Denon AVR-X1700H vs Denon AVR-S960H comparison will consider various aspects of both these AV receivers to help you understand which receiver is better.
Table of Contents
Denon AVR-X1700H vs Denon AVR-S960H Comparison:
Denon AVR-X1700H | Denon AVR-S960H | |
Preview |   Best Value |   Best Choice |
Channels | 7.2 | 7.2 |
Watts Per Channel | 80 | 90 |
Audio | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X |
Video | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 8K Upscaling, 8K Passthrough | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 8K Upscaling, 8K Passthrough |
HDMI Inputs | 6 | 6 |
Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, DLNA, HEOS | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, DLNA, HEOS |
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Design and Build
The exterior of an AV receiver plays a crucial role in its aesthetics. That is why; the first thing which we will compare both these AV receivers on is the design and the build quality.
Denon AVR X1700H has dials and controls on the front, easy to access. It has a handful of ports at the front as well. That is why; connecting devices by using the front panel is possible. The design consists of a large display at the front if you look at the design. It certainly makes it elegant. The seamless casing ensures that durability is not going to be a problem. To ensure that the case remains safe, it consists of feet at the bottom. That is why placing it on any flat surface is undoubtedly possible.
Denon AVR-S960H has a very similar design. For starters, the buttons, dials, and the ports in the front are the same. However, you will notice the circular buttons at the front, allowing you to select between the different inputs quickly. That is why there is no need to always use the back panel to control it. The display is equally large.
The casing is equally strong in this AV receiver and also has feet at the bottom, making it easy for you to place it on the table or any other surface.
Winner: Tie
Channels
Channels refer to the number of speakers you can connect to the AV receiver. You might think, why do you need to connect multiple speakers?
To create the surround sound system, it is essential to connect multiple speakers. Consequently, considering the number of channels on offer is essential.
Denon AVR-X1700H offers 7 different channels. The output on all these channels is pretty clear and crisp. That is why all the frequencies can be fed to the speaker.
Denon AVR-S960H offers seven channels with excellent clarity. The noise is pretty minimal, ensuring that you can connect it to the speakers without lag or distortion.
In this aspect, both the AV receivers are on an equal footing.
Winner: Tie
Connectivity
Whether you wish to connect a gaming console, DVD player, or any other gadget to your TV, the AV receiver can help you. However, it can do so when it has multiple connectivity options. We will look at the connectivity options on offer, and after that, you can better understand what each of these AV receivers has on offer.
Denon AVR X1700H offers you 6 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output. Besides that, it also provides ports for coaxial cable, phono input port, and so on. There are two subwoofer outputs if you want to connect it to the subwoofers.
Apart from that, voice control is possible through Alexa. Additionally, it also offers you USB, ethernet, and Bluetooth connectivity. Whether you’re looking for wired connectivity or wireless, it offers all of them and more.
Denon AVR S960H offers 8 HDMI ports in total. For the input, it offers six different ports, for the output, it offers 2 HDMI ports. Along with that, there is a digital input port, phono input port, and a network port as well.
Besides that, you get Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. Also, you can control it using Alexa as well.
Both of these AV receivers offer you numerous connectivity options. That is why, in this regard, none is better than the other.
Winner: Tie
Audio Capabilities
The output power on every channel will determine how the speakers will operate once you connect them to the AV receiver.
Denon AVR X1700H offers 80W of power on every channel. That is why it is easy to get the proper output from the speaker. Not only that, it allows you to customize equalizer settings.
With Dolby Atmos height virtualization technology on offer creating the virtual height and immersive experience is possible.
Furthermore, this AV receiver has a class AB amplifier. The amplifier reduces noise while amplifying the sound, ensuring extremely clear output.
The AV receiver also consists of a 32-bit D/A converter. The job of this converter is to decode lossless audio files. It can work with AAC, WAV, and FLAC audio file types. Also, it can handle frequencies up to 196 kHz.
AVR-S960H offers 90W of power on every channel. If you’re looking for an AV receiver that offers higher power, this one will meet your requirements.
DSD file supports up to 5.6 Mhz; it ensures high-quality audio playback. Apart from Dolby Atmos, it also offers DTS:X.
The AV receiver also supports MP3 and WMA file types.
Overall, in the audio department, both are pretty similar. However, what works in favor of Denon AVR S960H is the higher audio power at the output and better file support.
Winner: Denon AVR-S960H
Video Capabilities
Of course, when you connect various devices to the AV receiver, the AV receiver will be connected to the display as well. This is where the video capabilities of the AV receiver come into play.
Denon AVR X1700H offers 8K connectivity at 60 Hz. Also, if you need connectivity at a higher frequency, it offers 4k clarity at 120 Hz. The 8K upscaling is available on six inputs.
With the help of pure color subsampling, the color reproduction and contrast are excellent.
Denon AVR S960H offers 4K connectivity at 120 Hz and 60 Hz. For 8K connectivity, it offers you 60 Hz. With a clean and crisp picture, you can use it for gaming and entertainment. The video connectivity is exceptionally seamless and does not suffer from any lag.
Once again, both the AV receivers offer almost similar features when it comes to video quality.
Winner: Tie
Value for money
Denon AVR X1700H is approximately 33% cheaper than Denon AVR S960H. If you’re on a strict budget, Denon AVR X1700H offers better value for money.
Winner: Denon AVR-X1700H
Verdict
In comparing Denon AVR-X1700H vs Denon AVR-S960H, the one you should go with depends on your requirements. If you’re looking for a feature-rich option, the Denon AVR S960H is better due to its higher output power.
However, if you want an AV receiver that offers value for money, you can go with Denon AVR X1700H.
Denon AVR-X1700H | Denon AVR-S960H |
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REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING:
- Denon AVR-S970H Review – New Value King - February 12, 2024
- How To Choose An AV Receiver – Make An Informed Decesion - May 6, 2023
- Onkyo TX-RZ70 Review – The Ultimate Flagship - April 26, 2023