The AVR-S980H is a home theater receiver by Denon. It is a 7-channel design using a AB output stage. A minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes it compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. It also has a phono input, so a turntable can connect straight to it. The Denon AVR-S980H has an MSRP of $949.
Performance Specs
One of the most important factors when deciding on a home theater receiver is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements. The Denon AVR-S980H is rated at 90 watts RMS into 8-ohms (2 channels driven).
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
- 90 watts into 8-ohms
- 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
How loud will 90 watts actually play in your room? →
Wiring more than one pair of speakers to it? Check the load first →
Need more power?
Denon AVR-S980H is rated at 90 watts into 8 ohms, which puts it in our 61 to 90 watts band. The next band up is 91 to 120 watts, which is worth about 1.5dB more output. That is a real difference in headroom on peaks, and a modest one in how loud the system plays - power and loudness are not the same thing.
Before buying watts, check what your speakers actually need: the amp and speaker matcher works it out from their sensitivity, impedance and your room. Plenty of systems are better served by the Up to 60 watts band and better speakers.
When pairing the Denon AVR-S980H with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels.
Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the Denon AVR-S980H, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
Denon AVR-S980H has total of 4 Analog inputs .
Inputs
- Total Number of Analog Inputs: 4
- Phono Input
- 2 Optical Digital Input
- 1 Coaxial Digital Input
- USB Input
Outputs
- Speaker Outputs
- Subwoofer Output (Dual)
- HDMI Output (2)
Surround Sound and Channels
Denon AVR-S980H is a 7.2-channel receiver, powering 7 speakers directly - the .2 is 2 subwoofer outputs, not extra amplified channels. It decodes Dolby Atmos, DTS:X.
Video and HDMI
An AV receiver is the switch every source passes through on its way to the
television, so what it can carry sets a ceiling on the rest of the system.
- Pass-through: 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz
- HDMI version: 2.1
Room Correction
Denon AVR-S980H includes
Audyssey MultEQ.
Room correction measures the speakers where they actually stand and corrects
for what the room does to them, which in a multi-channel system matters more
than in a stereo one - the surround and height channels are usually the ones
placed where they fit rather than where they should be.
Denon AVR-S980H Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓7 channels of amplification on board.
- ✓6 HDMI inputs and 2 outputs, HDMI 2.1.
- ✓Video passthrough at 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz.
- ✓Decodes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
- ✓Room correction: Audyssey MultEQ.
- ✓Subwoofer outputs: Dual - more than one sub is the cheapest route to even bass in a real room.
- ✓Has a phono input, which most receivers at any price no longer bother with.
- ✗The 90-watt rating is measured with two channels driven; expect less with every channel working, which is how a receiver actually runs.
Denon AVR-S980H External Dimensions and Weight
Denon AVR-S980H has external dimensions of (H x W x D) (166.6 x 436.6 x 346.2mm ). The unit weighs
9.53 kg (21 lbs).
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a home theater receiver may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of the Denon AVR-S980H is approximately 1511.5cm2 / 234.3inch2.
- Width: 436.6mm (17.19")
- Height: 166.6mm (6.56")
- Depth: 346.2mm (13.63")
- Weight: 9.53 kg (21 lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~1511.5cm2 / 234.3inch2
- Volume: ~25.2 liter / 6.6 gallon
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the Denon AVR-S980H Integrated Amplifier can be found below:
Official Product Page for Denon AVR-S980H
| General |
| Brand |
Denon |
| Full Model Name |
Denon AVR-S980H |
| Amplifier Type |
Home Theater Receiver |
| Number of Channels |
7 |
| Amp Class |
AB |
| Amplifier Technology |
Solid State |
| Performance |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms |
90 watts |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms |
N/A |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms |
N/A |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
|
| THD |
|
| Minimum Impedance |
4 |
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
N/A |
| CONNECTIONS |
| Total Analog Inputs |
4 |
| Phono Input |
Yes |
| Optical Digital Inputs |
2 |
| Coaxial Digital Inputs |
1 |
| USB Input |
Yes |
| Preamp Outputs |
No |
| Removable Power Cord |
|
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
166.6mm (6.56") |
| Width |
436.6mm (17.19") |
| Depth |
346.2mm (13.63") |
| Weight |
9.53 kg (21 lbs) |
| OTHER |
| Parts Warranty |
|
| Labor Warranty |
|
What amplifier class is the Denon AVR-S980H?
The Denon AVR-S980H uses a Class AB amplifier design. Class A/B is the traditional linear design: it runs warmer and is less efficient than Class D, but it is long valued for its natural, low-distortion sound.
Can I connect a turntable to the Denon AVR-S980H?
Yes. The Denon AVR-S980H has a built-in phono stage, so a turntable can be connected directly without a separate phono preamp.
Can I connect a subwoofer to the Denon AVR-S980H?
Yes. The Denon AVR-S980H has dual subwoofer outputs, so you can add a powered subwoofer to extend the low end below what your main speakers manage.
How much does the Denon AVR-S980H cost?
The Denon AVR-S980H has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $949.
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