Denon AVR-S660H vs Denon AVR-S970H

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Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Denon AVR-S660H and Denon AVR-S970H takes place. According to the results of our review, Denon AVR-S660H received 6.7 points out of 10 possible, and Denon AVR-S970H was rated 8.3 points. The release date of AVR-S660H is 2021, and AVR-S970H is 2022. Based on the data on the characteristics and features of both models, we can conclude that AVR-S970H has better performance than AVR-S660H.

Main advantages Denon AVR-S660H over Denon AVR-S970H

Main advantages Denon AVR-S970H over Denon AVR-S660H

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 6 and 7, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Denon AVR-S660H supports 5.2-channels sound, but Denon AVR-S970H supports a 7.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced. The differences between the models in terms of RMS power are significant - for the AVR-S970H this value is 90/8 W/Ohm, and for the AVR-S660H it is 75/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the AVR-S660H 6 out of 10, and the AVR-S970H - 8.

Bi-amping is the amplification of one speaker with two amplifiers. This amplification method has a positive effect on sound quality. Bi-amping is possible on the AVR-S970H.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Denon AVR-S970H has Pure Direct mode.

Most receivers now come with a microphone included. It is with the help of this microphone that the auto-calibration system functions, which adjusts the sound of the receiver to the room.

Speaker A/B switching allows you to change between the main and sub speaker set. Denon AVR-S970H can work with the main and additional set of speakers - and switch between them.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Denon AVR-S660H scored 7, and Denon AVR-S970H scored 8 out of 10.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

Streaming services

Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.

Extensive connections

The presence of many connectors makes the receiver more versatile. But there are also narrowly targeted models, the number of connectors which are limited to a certain area of use. And when choosing their own receiver, users need to consider exactly your goals for using the receiver. For extensive connection, Denon AVR-S660H got 7 points, but Denon AVR-S970H received 8 points.

Denon AVR-S660H is equipped with 6/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Denon AVR-S970H has 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

Video features

The AV receiver is the heart of the home theater. And in this case, support for all current video formats ensures the best user experience, so it is very important to consider this when choosing a device. Video features of the AVR-S660H were rated 8 out of 10 against the 10 for the AVR-S970H.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, both receivers received a score of 10 out of 10.

Multi-room

As the center of a home media system, each multichannel receiver has an additional set of terminals for connecting the second set of speakers to create additional audio space in Zone 2 or even Zone 3 where audio can have the separate source.

Multichannel surround

For the ability to create multichannel surround sound, each of the receivers received 8 points out of 10.

Dolby Atmos' particularity is that this is the object-oriented sound format, that is, each audio signal object is independently sounded and connected to its spatial position. Denon AVR-S970H can create 3D sound due to the Dolby Atmos support.

DTS:X is an algorithm used by the processor to create sound scenes, where sounds connected directly to objects rather than channels, and to determine the optimum sound output distribution in space. Surround sound with DTS:X is available on the AVR-S970H.