About the Denon AVR-S980H
The AVR-S980H sits in Denon's value-focused S-Series lineup, built around a discrete Class AB amplifier with high-current power transistors for stable performance across a range of speakers. Denon rates its 7 channels at 90 watts each into 8 ohms, backed by its 70% Power Guarantee: even with five channels driving simultaneously, the receiver still delivers at least 70% of its rated output to each one, so dialogue and effects stay balanced as a system grows.
HDMI support follows the same selective pattern as Denon's X-Series models: all six inputs and both outputs pass 4K/60Hz, but only three of the six inputs (4, 5, and 6), along with the Main and Monitor 2 outputs, carry the full HDMI 2.1 spec — 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through at up to 40Gbps, with HDCP 2.3 and BT.2020 wide color gamut support. Plan your highest-bandwidth source, such as a next-gen console, for one of those three inputs. The receiver's "4K/8K Signal Format" menu needs to be set to "8K Enhanced" to actually pass 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz, and Denon recommends an 18Gbps cable for 4K/HDR or a 48Gbps Ultra High Speed cable for 8K sources.
Built-in dual-band Wi-Fi and Ethernet cover HEOS multi-room streaming, Apple AirPlay 2, and Roon, while Bluetooth 5.0 handles both receiving audio from a phone and transmitting to Bluetooth headphones. Audyssey room correction is built in for automatic speaker calibration; unlike Denon's X-Series receivers, the S980H doesn't offer a Dirac Live upgrade path.
Product Highlights
- 7.2-channel discrete Class AB amplifier, 90 watts per channel into 8 ohms
- Denon's 70% Power Guarantee keeps output balanced with 5 channels driving at once
- 3 of the 6 HDMI inputs (plus both outputs) support the full HDMI 2.1 spec: 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding with Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
- Audyssey room correction built in for automatic speaker calibration
- Built-in phono input for a turntable
- HEOS multi-room streaming, Apple AirPlay 2, and Roon Ready certification
- Bluetooth 5.0 with both Receiver and Transmitter modes
- Dual-band Wi-Fi and Ethernet network connectivity
- Powered multi-room audio output for a 2nd zone
What's in the Box
- Denon AVR-S980H AV receiver
- Remote control (RC-1263)
- 2 "AAA" batteries
- Sound calibration microphone
- 2 WiFi/Bluetooth antennas
- FM wire antenna
- AM loop antenna
- Cardboard microphone stand
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty information
- Safety instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many channels does the AVR-S980H drive at once?
A: It's a 7.2-channel receiver rated at 90 watts per channel into 8 ohms, with Denon's 70% Power Guarantee ensuring balanced output even with 5 channels driving simultaneously for a Dolby Atmos setup.
Q: Do all the HDMI inputs support 8K and 4K/120Hz?
A: No — all six HDMI inputs pass 4K/60Hz, but only three of them (inputs 4, 5, and 6), along with the Main and Monitor 2 outputs, support the full HDMI 2.1 spec for 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz. The receiver's "4K/8K Signal Format" menu also needs to be set to "8K Enhanced" first.
Q: Does the AVR-S980H include automatic room correction? Is Dirac Live available?
A: Audyssey room correction is built in and handles speaker calibration automatically. Unlike Denon's X-Series receivers, the S980H doesn't offer a Dirac Live upgrade path.
Q: Can I stream music from my phone to the AVR-S980H, or send its audio to headphones?
A: Both. Its Bluetooth 5.0 works in Receiver mode to stream from a phone or tablet, and in Transmitter mode to send the receiver's audio out to Bluetooth headphones for private listening.
Q: What's a good step-up receiver if I outgrow the AVR-S980H?
A: The AVR-X2900H moves up into Denon's enthusiast X-Series, adding Dirac Live compatibility and preamp multi-room outputs alongside the same 7-channel layout.
