Denon AVR-S650H Review: Affordable and High-Performance AV Receiver

Introduction 

It’s no secret that the Denon AVR-S650H is a highly sought-after audio/video receiver for usage in private cinemas. The AVR-S650H is an A/V receiver that promises to revolutionise your home theatre experience with its cutting-edge processing technologies, robust amplification, and compatibility with a wide variety of audio and video file types.

 

To help you decide if the Denon AVR-S650H is the ideal AV receiver for your home entertainment setup, we will examine its features, performance, and overall value in this review.

 

Design And Build

The AVR-S650H by Denon is a 5.2-channel A/V receiver designed for domestic use. It debuted in 2019 as a replacement for the popular AVR-S640H. The AVR-S650H is a high-quality home theatre receiver that can play back high-definition video and audio without compromising on portability or price.

The AVR-S650H is a beautiful addition to any cutting-edge media room. At just over 17 pounds and 17.1 by 13.3 by 5.9 inches, it’s easy to transport and stow away in nearly any home theatre. The control layout and front panel design are both simple and uncluttered. The front panel prominently displays information such as the input source, the volume, and the various settings.

The AVR-chassis S650H’s is built to last and is designed to minimise interference and keep performance stable over time. The built-in 75-watt-per-channel power amplifier means that a wide range of speaker types may be driven with ease. In the same vein, the amplifier section uses very little power when idle (only 0.1 watts).

Because of its support for modern audio and video file formats, the AVR-S650H stands out from the crowd. It supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG, so 4K Ultra HD broadcasting and streaming is a breeze (Hybrid Log-Gamma). In addition, it supports premium audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, so you can listen to music and watch movies with immersive, three-dimensional sound.

The AVR-S650H includes built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for hassle-free wireless music streaming from your mobile device or PC. Native support for Spotify, Pandora, and Amazon Music. For remote control of your Denon receiver, use the app available for both iOS and Android, called Denon AVR Remote.

Last but not least, the Denon AVR-S650H is a high-quality AV receiver that comes at a fair price and has several helpful functions. Because to its compact size, modern design, and support for all the latest audio and video codecs, it is a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment setup.

Features And Specs

The 5.2 channel gadget has a simple, modern design on the outside with clean lines. There are the standard input and volume controls, as well as jacks for headphones, a USB cable, and a measuring microphone, on the front panel.

The screen is large enough that the captions may be read from a reasonable distance. Sadly, there is no HDMI port on the front panel. The amplifier has a DAC chip operating at 192 kHz and 32 bits in resolution.

In addition to transmitting signals in 4K Ultra HD at 60Hz and upscaling them to 4K resolution, it supports Bluetooth connections, headphones/earbuds, Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), HDCP 2.3 copy protection, and Auto Delay Mode (ALLM). Signals at 2.8 MHz and 5.6 MHz can be processed by the 24 BIT / 192 Khz and PCM DSD over the front panel USB connector. There is a digital converter (32-bit AKM DAC) and a multi-channel stereo feature in the amplifier’s 75 watts of output power for 2 channels.

When compared to the abundance of inputs and outputs on the back panels of other amplifiers we’ve evaluated, this one seems surprisingly bare. There are two analogue RCA inputs, one Phono MM input, and two optical digital inputs on the back panel. Wireless options such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and AirPlay2 are also supported. In addition to the LAN Ethernet port, subwoofer analogue outputs, 5 HDMI inputs, 1 HDMI output, 2 composite video inputs, and speaker connectors, the device also features a LAN Ethernet connection and 5 HDMI inputs.

There’s also support for Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, and Google Voice Search; HEOS multiroom; HDR10; Dolby Vision Hybrid Log Gamma. Online music and video streaming services, including but not limited to Amazon Prime, Spotify, TIDAL, Tuneln, Deezer, Napster, and Internet radio is available as well.

In order to facilitate a speedy and trouble-free amplifier setup, Denon includes a Setup Assistant. Audyssey MultiEQ, a technology for adjusting the sound in a room, can analyse the transmission parameters. Although the results of using room acoustic optimization software are impressive, it is important to keep in mind that the software simply detects and modifies sound pressure. Modern DRC software can now calibrate not only the pulse transmission but also the pulse phase. Nevertheless, echoes, reflections, and interferences account for the vast majority of sonic difficulties.

These mistakes are interpreted by room acoustic optimization software as problems with sound pressure, and the software tries to correct for this by decreasing the sound pressure, which creates a muddled, distorted audio experience. By adjusting the phase and pulse transmission, DRC programmes enhance sound quality and dynamics.

Unfortunately, EQ software has no way of fixing the issues with reverberation time and sound reflections that arise in a poorly acoustical space. Fine tuning the sound is best done with the EQ programmes in acoustically well-treated rooms. Of course, there’s also a remote control for it, but alas, it doesn’t have a backlight.

Sound

The Denon AVR-S650H is a high-quality 5.2-channel AV receiver. With support for high-end audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, it’s made to deliver an impressive and all-encompassing listening experience. A few of the AVR-most S650H’s notable features are as follows, all of which enhance the sound quality:

The AVR-S650H has a high-quality amplifier built in, one that can pump out 75 watts of power per channel. This assures distortion-free, crystal-clear sound at maximum volume, and is more than enough power to drive most speakers.

The sound quality of the AVR-S650H can be improved with the help of the high-end audio processing technologies it incorporates. Features like Audyssey MultEQ room calibration, which adjusts the sound to your specific listening environment, and Dynamic Volume, which constantly fine-tunes the volume, are included.

The AVR-S650H is compatible with cutting-edge audio codecs like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which allow for the creation of truly spatial, three-dimensional sound. The audio in these formats has more depth and dimension, putting the listener in the heart of the action.

The AVR-S650H has the capability of streaming music to multiple rooms in your house, thanks to its multi-room audio functionality. This is a fantastic feature for parties because it lets you play music in several rooms at the same time.

The Denon AVR-S650H boasts exceptional sound quality thanks to its high-powered amplification, cutting-edge audio processing, and compatibility with cutting-edge audio formats. The AVR-S650H creates a realistic and satisfying acoustic environment for both movies and music.

Performance

The Denon AVR-S650H is a state-of-the-art A/V receiver made specifically for use in a private cinema. It has a number of cutting-edge extras that further boost its already remarkable audio and video quality. In terms of performance, the AVR-S650H excels in the following areas:

The AVR-S650H has high-quality video processing thanks to its compatibility for 4K Ultra HD video in HDR10 and Dolby Vision. Amazing sharpness, colour, and contrast are the results.

The AVR-power S650H’s amplifier component can pump out 75 watts of power per channel for impressive volume levels. This assures distortion-free, crystal-clear sound at maximum volume, and is more than enough power to drive most speakers.

The sound quality of the AVR-S650H can be improved with the help of the high-end audio processing technologies it incorporates. Features like Audyssey MultEQ room calibration, which adjusts the sound to your specific listening environment, and Dynamic Volume, which constantly fine-tunes the volume, are included.

The AVR-S650H has the capability of streaming music to multiple rooms in your house, thanks to its multi-room audio functionality. This is a fantastic feature for parties because it lets you play music in several rooms at the same time.

The AVR-straightforward S650H’s and instinctive interface makes it a breeze to set up and operate. The Denon AVR Remote app, which is designed for use with iOS and Android smartphones, may be used to manage the system.

The Denon AVR-performance S650H’s is outstanding because of its high-quality video and audio processing, powerful amplification, and cutting-edge features. The AVR-S650H creates a vivid and satisfying audio/video environment for movies, games, and music alike.

Verdict

When it comes to budget-friendly audio equipment, the AVR-S650H home theatre amplifier may be the best option. With all of its useful functions and its cohesive stage image and pleasant, expansive, airy sound, it’s surprising how reasonably priced it is. Don’t buy Denon’s tiniest “brat” if you prefer deeper bass and sounds with greater clarity, and if you can afford to choose from a more expensive category.

We also wished there was an HDMI input available on the front panel, and the dynamics could have been enhanced. The device’s only black colour option is another drawback. Whether we’re watching movies or listening to music, we can confidently declare that this Denon product does both tasks admirably. At this pricing point, it’s hard to pass up the cutting-edge video quality and abundance of extras.