For home cinema enthusiasts building their first serious system or upgrading an older setup, the "entry-level" category is more exciting than ever. Denon, a name synonymous with audio fidelity, has just raised the bar with the introduction of the AVC-X2850H. This new 7.2-channel receiver isn't just a minor refresh; it's a significant step up, packing features and power that were once reserved for more expensive models, all for an official MSRP of €839.
Positioned as the new entry-point to Denon's esteemed X-Series, the AVC-X2850H effectively replaces the popular AVC-X1800H. The most immediate upgrade? More raw power. Denon has equipped the X2850H with robust 150-watt per channel amplifiers, providing the headroom needed for clear, dynamic, and uncompressed sound, even at reference levels. This makes it a perfect centerpiece for small to medium-sized home theaters and living rooms, capable of driving a full 7.2-speaker setup with ease.
A Modern Hub for Picture and Sound
At its core, the Denon AVC-X2850H is built for the modern media landscape. It’s fully equipped for the current and next generation of video content.
- 8K/60Hz & 4K/120Hz Ready: With three dedicated 8K HDMI inputs, the receiver supports the highest-resolution content available today. It also handles 4K/120Hz passthrough for buttery-smooth gaming. Features like Quick Media Switching (QMS) eliminate screen blackouts when switching sources.
- Gamer-Friendly Features: For the console crowd, the X2850H supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which automatically switches the receiver into a game mode for minimal lag. It also includes Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) to reduce tearing and stuttering for a smoother visual experience.
- Immersive 3D Audio: The cinema experience comes home with full support for object-based audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. While it's a 7.2-channel receiver, you can configure it into a 5.2.2 layout, placing two overhead or upward-firing speakers for a truly three-dimensional soundstage that places effects all around you, and even above.
Audyssey Room Calibration and Effortless Setup
One of the biggest hurdles for new AV users is setup and calibration. Denon tackles this head-on with its intuitive setup assistant, which guides you through every connection step, making the process surprisingly straightforward.
Once physically set up, the real magic happens with Audyssey MultEQ XT. This room correction software uses a supplied microphone to analyze your specific room's acoustics—accounting for speaker size, distance, and even problematic sound reflections. It then automatically calibrates the system to deliver a balanced and optimized sound tailored to your unique space, ensuring you hear exactly what the content creators intended.
For those who want to dive into the full specifications and supported formats, the official product page on the Denon website is an excellent resource. You can find it here.
Seamless Music Streaming with HEOS Multiroom
The Denon AVC-X2850H understands that an AV receiver is often the heart of a home's entire entertainment system, not just the TV. Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth are standard, but the standout feature is full integration of the HEOS multiroom ecosystem.
With HEOS, you can wirelessly stream music from popular services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal directly to the receiver. More importantly, you can group the AVC-X2850H with other HEOS-compatible speakers throughout your home. This allows for a perfectly synchronized whole-home audio system. The receiver also supports dual-zone playback, meaning you can watch a movie with full Dolby Atmos sound in the living room while simultaneously streaming a podcast or music to a second set of speakers in the kitchen or patio.
Final Impressions
The Denon AVC-X2850H is a compelling package that blurs the line between entry-level and mid-range. By offering more power, comprehensive 8K and gaming support, and the versatile HEOS platform at a competitive price point, Denon has created a receiver that offers tremendous value.
It’s a future-proof investment for anyone looking to build a high-quality, immersive home theater without breaking the bank. It provides the performance and features to satisfy audiophiles and videophiles alike, all wrapped up in Denon's reliable and user-friendly package.
*The Denon AVC-X2850H is now available through various retailers. To check current pricing and availability on Amazon, you can click here.*
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