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Denon AVR-X2900H DAB & AVC-X3900H
Denon has introduced a new generation of X Series AV receivers, unveiling two models aimed at users who want to move clearly beyond entry-level home cinema. The AVR-X2900H DAB and AVC-X3900H are intended for systems where power, control, configuration flexibility and room correction matter more than simply adding surround sound to a living room. They also make sense for installers working on more complex home cinema and multiroom projects. That distinction is important, as Denon recently presented the AVR-S980H as a more accessible gateway into modern home theater, while the new X Series models sit higher in the range as more refined, scalable and configurable solutions, designed to be matched more precisely to the room, the loudspeakers and the listener's expectations.
The new models continue the direction with which Denon's X Series has long been associated - higher performance, more serious installation potential and more advanced setup tools than the company's basic AV receivers. Denon says both units use upgraded internal components and a 32-bit multichannel digital-to-analog converter architecture, designed to improve imaging, high-frequency clarity and low-frequency control across every channel. As with the brand's more advanced designs, the receivers were developed and tuned at Shirakawa Audio Works in Japan, following the Denon Sound Master philosophy, which combines measurement with critical listening. The company describes the result as an open, dynamic and engaging sound, whether the system is used for films, music or gaming.
"Denon's X Series has always stood for uncompromising performance. With the latest additions to the series, we have gone a step further, combining expanded room calibration capabilities with flexible system designs to deliver better sound quality and greater flexibility for those who take sound seriously." - said Lyle Smith, President of Sound United. In practice, one of the most important aspects of the new models is their approach to room correction. Denon continues to offer built-in Audyssey calibration, intended to provide a relatively quick and straightforward setup process, but both receivers also support Dirac Live as a paid upgrade. This means users can begin with the tools available out of the box, then move to more advanced room correction later if the system or their requirements grow.
The Denon AVR-X2900H DAB is the more affordable of the two new models and has been designed as a step toward more serious home cinema for listeners who want to go beyond basic AV receivers. It offers seven channels of amplification and a claimed output of 95 W per channel, which should translate into greater dynamic headroom, better clarity and more freedom when driving good-quality loudspeaker packages. The model supports immersive audio formats, modern HDMI features and gaming-oriented functions, allowing it to serve as the center of a system used not only for films, but also for consoles and music. An important upgrade over simpler designs is compatibility with Dirac Live Room Correction, giving owners the option to unlock more precise system tuning in the future.
The higher-positioned Denon AVC-X3900H has been created for more elaborate systems and rooms where the number of channels is only part of the story. Bass management, configuration flexibility and upgrade potential become just as important. This model offers 9.4-channel amplification, 11.4-channel processing and a claimed output of 105 W per channel. One of the key differences is the inclusion of four independent subwoofer outputs, which can help control low frequencies more effectively in larger or acoustically more difficult rooms. The AVC-X3900H supports not only Dirac Live Room Correction, but also Bass Control and Active Room Treatment as optional paid upgrades. These are clearly features aimed at more experienced users and installers who want to fine-tune system behavior, especially in the bass range and in the interaction between loudspeakers and the room.
Both models include functions designed to simplify setup and later operation in more advanced installations. Denon lists, among other things, an IP-based web user interface, advanced HDMI diagnostics and extended control interfaces. In practice, these tools matter not only to installers, but also to users who want greater control over the entire system and its behavior over time. The new receivers support expanded HDMI connectivity, 1440p passthrough and AMD FreeSync, which will be particularly relevant in systems combining home cinema with game consoles and computers. Denon also emphasizes scalable speaker layouts, meaning the configuration can be adapted to current conditions and expanded later as the system develops.
HEOS remains a central part of the feature set, allowing each receiver to operate not only as the core of a home cinema system, but also as part of a wider whole-home audio setup. The AVR-X2900H DAB and AVC-X3900H support Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2 and music services such as TuneIn Internet Radio, Spotify and Qobuz. Users can stream music, group rooms, play different sources in different zones and control the system from a single app. From the perspective of modern home cinema, this is increasingly important, as an AV receiver is no longer used only during film sessions. More often, it becomes the main device managing sound in the living room or across the home.
Another interesting announcement is future support for wireless rear channels using Denon Home 200, 400 and 600 speakers. This feature is intended for rooms where running speaker cables to the rear surround channels is difficult, impractical or simply undesirable for aesthetic reasons. Denon notes, however, that the function will not be available at launch and will arrive through a future firmware update. This is an important distinction, as the feature may prove attractive to existing Denon Home users, but should not be treated as something available from day one. Denon AVR-X2900H DAB and AVC-X3900H are available through Denon and authorized dealers. The AVR-X2900H DAB is priced at €999/£899/$1349, while the AVC-X3900H costs €1499/£1299/$1849. Info and photos by Denon.
