Since these are translations of overseas articles, there may be some inaccuracies.

Denon's New AVR-X2900H and AVR-X3900H Receiver Hands-On

We first took a look at Denon's new mid-range AVRs for 2026. These offer audio upgrades and some cool new features. Will they be enough to convince existing customers to upgrade?

Last month, Denon unveiled the AV-S980H, its first new A/V receiver (AVR) since 2023 and the most powerful model in its entry-level "S" series lineup. But that was just the beginning.

Today, Denon is adding two more new AVR models to its upgraded "X Series," known for its high performance, wide range of features, and punchy, dynamic sound. The AVR-X2900H ($1,349) replaces the AVR-X2800H, while the AVR-X3900H ($1,849) replaces the eCoustics Editors' Choice Award-winning AVR-X3800H.

Denon's AVR-X3900H (pictured) replaces the popular AVR-X3800H, which was released in 2022.

While the new models share a strong resemblance to their predecessors stylistically, Denon representatives said they have undergone internal tuning for improved performance and added some interesting new features, such as the ability to add wireless rear speakers.

We had the opportunity to check out these new receivers at Denon's headquarters in Japan last month, and we were deeply impressed with what we heard. In a series of movie clips, the AVR-X3900H filled a large listening room with immersive Dolby Atmos sound, driving a 7.2.2 channel speaker system that included Bowers & Wilkins' flagship 800 Series speakers. The system was able to reach near theater reference level output without audible distortion.

Denon's new AVR-X3900H AVR filled the room with movie-like sound in a listening room at Denon headquarters in Kawasaki, Japan. Photo: Tony Ware.

Heos Support

Both the AVR-X2900H and AVR-X3900H feature the latest HEOS module for whole-home wireless music streaming, supporting lossless and high-resolution audio from compatible streaming services such as TIDAL, Spotify, Amazon Music, Qobuz, and Apple Music (with AirPlay 2 support). Additionally, both receivers will be able to use Denon's new Home 200, Home 400, and Home 600 speakers as wireless rear channels through a free over-the-air (OTA) software update in the future. This allows home theater enthusiasts and A/V hobbyists to achieve truly discrete immersive surround sound without having to run speaker wires to the back of the room.

Both new models feature updated internal components and a high-performance 32-bit multi-channel DAC (digital-to-analog converter) architecture, delivering enhanced imaging, clearer high-frequency detail, and more authoritative low-frequency energy to all speakers. Both models come standard with Audyssey calibration and offer the option to upgrade to DIRAC Live room correction for an additional fee.

“Denon's X Series has always been about uncompromising performance," said Lyle Smith, president of Sound United, Denon's parent company. "With these latest additions to the series, we've taken it a step further by combining expanded room correction capabilities and adaptive system setup to deliver enhanced audio quality and greater flexibility for those who take sound seriously."

A look inside the Denon AVR-X3900H A/V receiver.

We also spoke with Shinichi Yamauchi, Denon's sound master. His role at Shirakawa Audio Works in Japan is to listen to prototypes of Denon's new products throughout the development cycle. With his trained ear and engineering background, Mr. Yamauchi conducts extensive listening sessions for each new product and makes recommendations to the development and engineering teams. No new Denon product can go into production without his final approval. Both the X2900H and X3900H received his approval earlier this year.

Denon's sound master, Mr. Yamauchi, is sharing some of his favorite tracks with us in Denon's listening room at their headquarters in Kawasaki, Japan.

Denon AVR-X2900H

The Denon AVR-X2900H offers 7-channel amplification and dual subwoofer outputs. It delivers 95 watts per channel at 8 ohms (2-channel driven). This model can decode Dolby Atmos and DTS-X immersive sound formats through dedicated height and surround speaker outputs, enabling a 5.2.2 channel implementation. Audyssey MultEQ XT calibration software is included, but the X2900H is also Denon's most affordable AVR to offer an optional upgrade to DIRAC Live room correction and calibration software. DIRAC Live licenses are currently available in a limited bandwidth version for $259 and a full bandwidth version for $299.

The Denon AVR-X2900H A/V receiver on display at Denon headquarters in Kawasaki, Japan.

This receiver features six HDMI inputs supporting VRR, ALLM, AMD FreeSync, 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz, and one HDMI output with ARC/eARC audio return channel. It also includes a built-in moving magnet (MM) phono preamp for turntable input, along with multiple analog and digital inputs for legacy equipment.

In addition to a fully wired speaker setup, the AVR-X2900H is expected to support wireless rear channels using Denon Home 200, Home 400, or Home 600 speakers (this will be available through a future software update). While the 95-watt power rating is measured in 2-channel drive mode, Denon guarantees that the AVR-X2900H will deliver at least 70% of that power rating when driving five channels. This model supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and wired network connections, and HEOS is built-in to allow for whole-home music streaming from various compatible streaming apps.

Denon AVR-X3900H

The Denon AVR-X3900H features 9-channel amplification and four independently controlled subwoofer outputs for precise room bass optimization. It delivers 105 watts per channel in 2-channel drive mode, and guarantees at least 70% of that power rating when driving five channels. Right out of the box, the X3900H supports 5.4.4 or 7.4.2 channel immersive sound applications.

With its 11-channel processing, the X3900H can be upgraded to support a 7.4.4 channel surround system by adding two external 2-channel power amplifiers. If you only need a 5 or 7-channel surround system, you can use the built-in spare amplifiers to power speakers in another room. And if you need even more power, the AVR-X3900H comes equipped with 11-channel preamp outputs for connection to external power amplifiers.

The Denon AVR-X3900H at Denon headquarters in Kawasaki, Japan.

In addition to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the AVR-X3900H can decode Sony 360 Reality Audio, MPEG-H, and AURO-3D immersive surround sound formats, maximizing compatibility and flexibility. It is also IMAX Enhanced certified, allowing you to apply IMAX EQ to DTS-X soundtracks that are IMAX Enhanced.

The X3900H comes standard with Audyssey MultEQ XT32 calibration software, and can be upgraded to include Dirac Live – even Dirac Live ART (depending on the option) – through an additional license purchase (currently priced between $259 and $799).

Like the X2900H, the X3900H includes six HDMI inputs that support VRR, ALLM, AMD FreeSync, and resolutions up to 8K @ 60Hz or 4K @ 120Hz. However, the X3900H adds a third HDMI output for projectors, monitors, or TVs. It also supports HDMI ARC/eARC so users can connect their chosen display with a single cable. A built-in moving magnet phono preamp is included for turntable input, along with multiple analog and digital audio inputs for legacy equipment.

Interestingly, unlike some competing models like the Onkyo TX-RZ30, neither of these new Denon receivers offer any analog video inputs (composite, component, or S-video). So if you're still using a VCR or LaserDisc player, you'll need to connect it directly to your TV or use an analog-to-digital video converter. This isn't entirely new, as previous models also lacked analog video inputs. It's also not particularly important for most potential buyers. The current AVR-X4800H model does include analog video inputs, so it's expected that a future high-end replacement will continue this tradition.

The AVR-X3900H offers a plethora of inputs and outputs, including six HDMI ports, 11 speaker outputs (with up to nine active), four independent subwoofer outputs, and 11-channel preamplifier level output.

Like the X2900H, the AVR-X3900H is slated to receive an update later this year that will enable wireless rear surround channels by adding a pair of Home 200, Home 400, or Home 600 speakers. Also, like the X2900H, the X3900H supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and wired networking via an RJ45 network port.

Two things I was hoping to see but didn't were Dolby Atmos Music support within the HEOS streaming platform and onboard decoding of Eclipsa Audio (IAMF) immersive surround sound. Currently, Denon recommends connecting an external source device like an Apple TV 4K or Fire TV Stick to one of the receiver's HDMI ports in order to listen to Dolby Atmos Music from streaming sources such as Amazon Music Unlimited, Tidal, or Apple Music. I am currently listening to Dolby Atmos and 360RA music this way on my AVR-X3800H, and it works reliably well.

With the recent acquisition of Denon by Harman (which is now owned by Samsung), it seems natural that Denon receivers would eventually support IAMF/Eclipsa Audio immersive sound formats developed by Samsung and Google. While not yet widely adopted, Eclipsa Audio is the only immersive surround sound format supported by YouTube, so it could gain popularity over time.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it," and this adage applies perfectly to Denon's latest X series receivers. The previous models they replace were highly regarded and popular in their respective categories, and these new models offer all the features of their predecessors and more while maintaining a very similar look and feel. The AVR-X2900H brings Dirac Live room correction to Denon's most affordable price point, though an additional license purchase is required for use. Both models are also slated to receive wireless rear speaker options through future software updates.

It's a shame that the receivers don't yet support Dolby Atmos Music within HEOS or Eclipsa Audio decoding, but there's a possibility that one or both of these features could be added through future software upgrades. In the meantime, the AVR-X3900H's comprehensive immersive format support is unmatched in its price range, making it a highly recommended choice for anyone looking for a powerful and future-proof A/V receiver.

Pricing and Availability:

The two new 2026 Denon X series AVRs are available for order starting May 14th, 2026 at the following prices:

Denon AVR-X2900H — $1349 USD | $1799 CND (Available from: Audio Advice)

Denon AVR-X3900H — $1849 USD | $2499 CND (Available from: Audio Advice)

▶ Source: https://www.ecoustics.com/products/denon-avr-x2900h-x3900h/