Introduction
In this comprehensive review of the Denon AVC X4700H, we delve into the features, performance, and overall value of this high-end home theater receiver. Discover how this AV receiver delivers exceptional audio and video quality that will elevate your home entertainment experience to the next level.
Denon’s AVC-X4700H AV receiver is priced between the company’s AVC-X3700H and AVC-X6700H models, at 1.4 Lakh rupees making it the company’s second highest model. Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced are the only formats that are supported by the X3700H. The X4700H, on the other hand, also supports the superior Auro-3D format. The chassis has been improved, and it now has a greater amount of power.
Because the vast majority of purchasers will be content with its nine channels, the X4700H is an appealing option for an AVR (or, at a stretch, eleven).
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Even if Auro-3D is not your thing, which is the case for the vast majority of people, the X3700H is a fantastic value regardless of this fact. For many years, Denon has maintained its position as the industry leader in the entry-and mid-level AV receiver markets because to an unparalleled combination of aesthetics, pricing, features, and performance.
The AVC-X4700H is capable of passing all formats and resolutions up to 8K/60, 4K/120, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. Moreover, it features a broad variety of input and output ports, including HDMI 2.1. It is compatible with AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant, and comes equipped with Denon’s HEOS multi-room technology as standard. When all is considered, the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of 1,549 pounds (November 2021) appears to be fairly attractive. Is the volume set at this level appropriate for your AV receiver?
Design And Build
The Denon AVC-X4700H is an ultra-modern A/V receiver that looks and works great. In the centre of its black brushed aluminium faceplate is a sizable LCD screen, allowing quick and simple navigation of the receiver’s many features and customization options. There is a set of controls on the front panel that allow you to quickly and easily adjust the volume and switch inputs.
The AVC-X4700H has numerous inputs and outputs for analogue and digital audio, as well as eight HDMI inputs and three HDMI outputs on the back panel. Separate subwoofer outputs may power numerous subwoofers, and preamp outputs can link to external power amplifiers. The Denon AVC-X4700H is constructed with the utmost care and attention to detail. The chassis is built to be sturdy and dampen vibrations and distortion as little as possible, so the sound you hear is true to the original. The premium power transformers and capacitors used in the receiver contribute to its ability to faithfully transmit audio signals.
The AVC-X4700H also has cutting-edge digital signal processing technologies, such as Denon’s proprietary Advanced AL32 Processing Plus, which allows for crystal-clear and detailed playback of high-resolution audio. In addition to high-resolution audio formats like FLAC, WAV, and DSD, the receiver is compatible with a broad variety of audio formats, including as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D.
The maximum power output of the Denon AVC-X4700H is 125 watts per channel into 8 ohms, across 9 channels. This means that the receiver has ample of headroom to drive even the most demanding speakers to their full potential. A power button in the lower left corner is the sole visual distraction from the otherwise uncluttered front panel. The HDMI input, USB port, headphone jack, and connector for the setup microphone are all hidden away behind a drop-down flap, along with some rudimentary buttons for setup and control.
The chassis is neatly constructed and machined, and the overall construction quality is high. It boasts a brushed metal matte surface with a sturdy aluminium front panel, chassis, and stabilised high-density feet. The X4700 from Denon comes in either black or premium silver, and its dimensions (without the antennae) are 434 x 389 x 167mm (WxDxH) and its weight is 13.7kg.
Connections And Control
All of the Denon AVC-connections X4700H’s are located at the back (the HDMI input and USB port are hidden under a drop-down cover). Six HDMI 2.0 inputs and one HDMI 2.1 input can be found here. Further three HDMI outputs are available, including one HDMI 2.1 with eARC and two HDMI 2.0 outputs (one for a second display and one for zone 2).
A flaw in the HDMI 2.1 chipset affected early models of Denon’s products, as it did with products from other manufacturers. Denon provided a free, albeit cumbersome, hardware remedy, however as of May 2021, all units were built with an updated, bug-free chipset. However, the only real issue is that there is only one HDMI 2.1 input, which is a pain if you have both a PS5 and an Xbox Series X. (although you can use eARC).
Even though there is just a single input and HDMI 2.1 support, at least the issue that plagued initial production runs has been fixed.
HDMI 2.1 input and output support 8K/60 and 4K/120, and the X4700 can also pass 4K/60, HDCP 2.3, 3D, CEC, wide colour gamut, and high dynamic range (HDR10, HLG, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision). Additional features include compatibility with QMS (quick media switching), QFT (quick frame transmission), VRR (variable refresh rate), and ALLM (adaptive logic based luma management) (automatic low latency mode).
Denon also provides broad compatibility with older devices by including three composite video inputs, two component video inputs, and outputs for each, as well as two optical audio inputs, two coaxial audio inputs, five analogue stereo inputs, and analogue stereo outputs for zones 2 and 3. An analogue stereo tuner input and an unbalanced phono input (both of which are grounded) are also provided.
There are two 12V triggers, an RS232 connector for serial control, and an Ethernet port for a hardwired connection. The two antennas allow for dual band 2.4/5 GHz wireless connectivity for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as well as support for Apple AirPlay 2. The Denon can be controlled through RS232, but it also supports IP control, online control, and app control for more flexibility with custom installations.
The remote contains all the necessary buttons and a logical layout, however there is no backlight for usage in the dark.
There are 11.2 channel pre-outs on the X4700H, but you’ll need to add two additional channels of amplification to actually use them all. It has only nine built-in channels, but you can connect two active subwoofers and choose from 11 different speaker binding post configurations. They are displayed in a single line, color-coded for ease of wiring.
Denon’s typical mid-range controller (included in the X4700H) is unpleasant because it lacks a lighting. Apart for that, it’s a well-designed remote that’s easy on the hands and has buttons that make sense. Denon also provides remote apps for iOS and Android that provide all the necessary controls and are compatible with the HEOS multi-room system if you prefer not to use the included remote.
Features And Specs
The Denon AVC-X4700H is powered by a pair of Griffin Lite twin core SHARC DSP chipsets, which were first seen in the AVC-X8500H. Together, they are capable of doing 10.8 billion floating point numerical computations per second. It also includes nine channels of internal amplification, which can produce either 200W (6 ohm, 1 kHz, THD 1%, 1ch Driven) or 125W (8 ohm, 20Hz-20kHz, THD 0.08%, 2chs Driven) of power, depending on the load. It has the capability to decode 11.2 channels on two separate subs.
The X4700 is compatible with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, and IMAX Enhanced; in the case of Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced, it can handle speaker combinations of 7.2.4; in the case of Auro-3D, it can manage configurations of 11.2. Dolby Surround, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualisation, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X, and Auro-3D Auro-Matic are only few of the up-mixers that enable such a crossover. HD Digital (32-bit) D.D.S.C., AL32 Multichannel Alpha Processing, Clock Jitter Reduction, and Compressed Audio Restorer are the last touches.
Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, and IMAX Enhanced are all supported via the 11.2-channel processing and nine channels that come standard.
The Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room acoustic measurement technology, in conjunction with Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Dynamic EQ, and LFC, is included in the X4700H. This technology, when combined with the included microphone, evaluates the sound coming from each speaker to enhance the listening experience as a whole. Advanced users can further tailor their setup with the help of the accompanying Audyssey MultEQ Editor App, which gives them access to features like target options, midrange compensation, a curve editor, the MultEQ Filter Frequency range, and Audyssey settings.
Because the X4700 is compatible with Denon’s HEOS multi-room system, you may play your music library in any room of your house. Wireless HEOS speakers, or any other HEOS-compatible receivers, can be used to play music from your home network, Internet radio, or streaming services anywhere in the house. Supporting a wide variety of streaming services like TuneIn, Internet Radio, Spotify Connect, Soundcloud, Tidal, Napster, and Deezer, the system may be controlled by downloading the free HEOS app (iOS and Android).
The X4700H is compatible with the Alexa and Google Home voice assistants as well as AirPlay 2 and Denon’s HEOS multi-room system. The amplifier is DLNA certified, enables gapless playback, and works with lossy formats like MP3, WMA, and AAC in addition to lossless formats like FLAC (192/24), WAV (192/24), ALAC (192/24), and DSD (5.6). The Denon is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling smart features and some voice control, and it supports Apple’s AirPlay 2, which gives you access to Siri. Spotify Connect, TuneIn Internet Radio, and Roon Certification are all available for use with the X4700. Finally, Bluetooth headphones are supported, with options for single or multiple users.
Installation And Use
With to Denon’s superb Setup Assistant, setting up the AVC-X4700H is a breeze. This wizard walks you through the entire procedure, from selecting your speaker arrangement to connecting the speakers and all the inputs and outputs, as well as any additional zones, in a straightforward and concise manner. You can use the accompanying microphone to go through the Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room equalisation process after it checks the polarity of your speakers and the loudness of your subwoofer(s).
The microphone can be mounted on a tripod; if you don’t have one, the cardboard stand that comes with the package will do. The audio calibration method measures test tones from all of the connected speakers and any subwoofers, and takes readings from up to eight locations to determine the speaker sizes, crossovers, distances, and volumes before correcting for the impacts of the listening environment. Once you’re done, it’s a good idea to head back into the manual speaker menu to double-check your speaker sizes, distances, and crossover settings. Verify that Dynamic Compression and Loudness Management are both set to “off.”
It’s easy to adjust the settings to your preferences thanks to the amp’s well-thought-out menu system, which features a straightforward design and is just as user-friendly as the device itself. To get the most out of your HDMI 2.1 connection while using an 8K or, more likely, 4K/120 source, make sure Enhanced 8K is selected in the 4K/8K Signal Format drop-down menu. The graphical user interface has been updated with two new information screens: the first is accessed by pressing the INFO button on the remote and displays video information, and the second is accessed through the menu system and displays HDMI information from the attached display.
Although not as advanced as some other systems, Audyssey nonetheless produces satisfying results thanks to its simple installation and highly adaptable configuration options. Two-channel to 9.2-channel speaker setups are possible with the built-in amplification; however, if you want to run a complete 7.2.4-channel layout, you’ll need to add two additional channels, with front left and right being the most logical places to add stronger amplifiers. In addition to bi-amping and other channel reassignment options, the X4700 may also be used in “Pre-Amplifier” mode to function as a standalone audio/video processor. The Denon can save a total of four speaker configurations, listening position, and source material combinations, in its internal memory.
Convenient functions like auto-renaming HDMI inputs and assigning inputs via custom names help during setup. As an additional listening option, TV audio distribution lets you listen in native multi-channel in the primary listening area, while simultaneously streaming the same audio as a two-channel downmix to additional zones like Zone 2 or the HEOS system. The X4700H can be configured to interact with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, and it also supports Siri through AirPlay 2. In the end, you may always choose to turn off AirPlay if you find it to be a nuisance.
A 2.2-channel speaker arrangement was used for testing, then a 5.2-channel configuration, and finally a 7.2-channel configuration. Then, a 5.2.4 and 7.2.2 system was used to test Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced’s immersive audio formats before an additional two channels of amplification were added to operate a 7.2.4 system. Music in two channels, 5.1 soundtracks from movies, and 7.1, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, and IMAX Improved soundtracks from movies were also used during testing. High-resolution audio files, streaming services like Spotify and Tidal, and physical media like CDs, SACDs, DVD-Audio discs, Blu-rays, and Ultra HD Blu-rays served as secondary sources.
Performance
In every way, the Denon AVC-X4700H outperforms expectations. Denon’s dominance in the entry- and mid-level AV receiver markets is not surprising, given that the company consistently releases high-quality AVRs with superior design, unique functionality, and outstanding multi-channel performance.
The Generation and Amplification of Power:
The Denon AVC-X4700H can output 125 watts per channel into 8 ohms, making it a 9.2 channel AV receiver. The receiver’s high-current amplifiers are optimised to deliver clean, dynamic power to each channel, making it capable of driving even the most difficult speakers with relative ease. The receiver is compatible with a wide range of speaker sets, including 5.2.4 and 7.2.2 Dolby Atmos configurations, and up to 7.2.4 with an extra amplifier.
Signal Analysis and Decoding for Audio:
The Denon AVC-X4700H is compatible with a variety of cutting-edge audio processing formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D. In addition, it uses Denon’s Advanced AL32 Processing Plus, a technology created specifically for reproducing high-resolution audio with unmatched fidelity and precision. The receiver is compatible with a broad variety of audio formats, including the most recent immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization and DTS Virtual:X, as well as more traditional ones like FLAC, WAV, and DSD.
Upscaling and processing of video:
The Denon AVC-X4700H is equipped with cutting-edge video processing and upscaling algorithms meant to improve the picture quality of content from virtually any source. It’s compatible with 4K UHD video, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG, plus it has HDMI 2.1 capabilities including eARC and ALLM. The receiver also features cutting-edge video upscaling technologies, which enhance the quality of lower-resolution sources so they seem better on 4K televisions.
Streaming and multi-room:
The Denon AVC-X4700H is intended to be the primary component in a home theatre setup. It comes with HEOS multi-room audio technology, which lets users stream music from services like Spotify, TIDAL, Amazon Music HD, and more, across many rooms in the house. The receiver has built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, as well as support for Apple AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth for streaming audio and video over wireless networks.
Simplicity of Operation:
The Denon AVC-X4700H is packed with high-end features and functions yet was made with the average user in mind. The receiver’s sizable LCD screen or a mobile phone app both provide access to the system’s intuitive graphical user interface. The receiver is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri for hands-free management of the AV setup with just your voice.
Conclusion
The Denon AVC-X4700H is an excellent choice if you want a mid-range AV receiver. Even though it hasn’t been updated in quite some time, Denon’s design continues to be a successful and attractive offering. There may only be one input, but the variety of ports available makes up for it, especially now that Denon has rectified the HDMI 2.1 shortcoming. There is no format that the HDMI ports on the X4700 cannot handle, and if that fails, the eARC is there as a backup.
Even if Audyssey isn’t as state-of-the-art as some of the other options out there, it still manages to be incredibly successful because to its easy installation and very flexible configuration. Denon’s AirPlay 2, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa are all supported, as is Denon’s HEOS whole-house audio system. All of the major music streaming services are supported, along with high-resolution audio, and the receiver has been tested to operate with Roon. The X4700H has few flaws; the lack of a backlight on the remote and an integrated tuner are the biggest complaints (although there is Internet Radio).
The amplifier comes with nine pre-installed channels, all of which can be used simultaneously without affecting the amplifier’s ability to power the systems for which it was intended. The X4700 is able to handle up to 11.2-channel processing and is compatible with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, and IMAX Enhanced. The vocals are absolutely clear, and the use of effects is subtle but effective. The majority of listeners are content with a 9.2-channel system, but those that demand 11.2 will be pleased. The Denon really shines when it comes to immersive or multi-channel audio, but it also does a great job when playing music in stereo.
For these reasons, and more, the Denon AVC-X4700H comes highly recommended as a mid-range AV receiver for those looking to spend less than Rs 2 Lakh on a system.
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