The announcements of the 2014 Denon lineup have begun so it's time to start the new master thread for these models. Lot's more info coming soon!
In order to relieve this thread of the overwhelming wave of Atmos related discussion, we have created a separate thread for the X4100, X5200, and X7200 Atmos enabled models with XT32. Please refer any discussion of these models specifically, or Dolby Atmos on Denons in general, to this other thread. Click here to go to the other thread. This thread will focus on the S-Series and the non-Atmos X-Series models (X1100, X2100, X3100).
Denon S-Series Official Press Release
Likely the most eye-catching news (besides the expected upgrade to HDMI 2.0 across the board) is the first-time-ever inclusion of both Bluetooth and WiFi wireless options. The entry level S500BT lacks network features and only offers Bluetooth (thus the "BT" designation suffix) whereas the higher level models add networking with WiFi option (thus the "W" designation).
Quote:Mahwah, NJ. (May 12, 2014) — Home theater receivers are moving ahead as consumers seek to make home the perfect entertainment place. Today Denon® Electronics, a leading manufacturer of premium home and personal audio products, announces the launch of three new S-Series audio/video (A/V) receivers that are designed and engineered with an eye to the future and delver excellence now with the AVR-S500BT, AVR-S700W and the AVR-S900W. The new S-Series models carry on the Denon tradition of packing on features aimed at discerning and forward-looking consumers who demand nothing less than the finest state-of-the-art home theater performance. They come ready with Bluetooth® wireless streaming and the latest HDMI 2.0 connectivity. The S-Series models are expected to be available in June at select Denon dealers and online.
“The S-Series models deliver an incredible home theater experience now and in the future with Bluetooth and wireless connectivity for streaming audio, a feature that undeniably is a must for today’s consumers. And each is loaded with the latest HDMI connectivity that includes pass-through for 4K Ultra HD 60 Hz, 4:4:4 Pure Color and 21:9 video content, making them compatible with 4K ultra high definition sources and displays. And in response to growing consumer demand, we’ve priced the S500BT at an all-time low price point for built-in Bluetooth streaming in an AVR at $249,” said Paul Belanger, product manager for D+M.
What's new this year?
ALL models in the lineup now feature:
* Upgrade to HDMI 2.0 with 3D, 4:4:4 and 4K/60fps pass through support
* Bluetooth built in for wireless streaming
* Two subwoofer pre-outs (note that for models without SubEQ HT, or every model covered in this thread, this is just an internal y-splitter, not independent calibration)
* Power saving "ECO" mode
* Return of Quick Select buttons on the remote (as opposed to just on the front panel)
* Return of the "Channel Level" on screen menu for on the fly adjustments to all channels -- note that for the first time this setting is per input not per surround mode
* Expanded "Option" menu for on-the-fly audio/video adjustments (the "Setup" menus will now be reserved for more global adjustments)
The following changes apply to all models above the entry-level S500BT:
* 7 amp channels and Zone 2 support
* 4ohm UL certification (achieved through a 4ohm / 6ohm / 8ohm impedance setting, piggybacks on the current limiting ECO mode)
* Networking and WiFi built in, with support for DSD and hi-rez (192kHZ) FLAC and WAV files via network stream or USB
* Built-in Spotify interface replaced by "Spotify Connect" for all networked models (i.e. you can only control it from a separate device, not from the receiver directly)
* For the first time a "TV Audio On/Off" setting to defeat the annoying auto switching caused by an HDMI-CEC ARC connection
* Included sectional mic stand for the Audyssey mic in case you don't have a tripod
* Heavily revamped smartphone/tablet remote apps coming in the fall with expanded functionality
In order to relieve this thread of the overwhelming wave of Atmos related discussion, we have created a separate thread for the X4100, X5200, and X7200 Atmos enabled models with XT32. Please refer any discussion of these models specifically, or Dolby Atmos on Denons in general, to this other thread. Click here to go to the other thread. This thread will focus on the S-Series and the non-Atmos X-Series models (X1100, X2100, X3100).
Denon S-Series Official Press Release
Likely the most eye-catching news (besides the expected upgrade to HDMI 2.0 across the board) is the first-time-ever inclusion of both Bluetooth and WiFi wireless options. The entry level S500BT lacks network features and only offers Bluetooth (thus the "BT" designation suffix) whereas the higher level models add networking with WiFi option (thus the "W" designation).
Quote:Mahwah, NJ. (May 12, 2014) — Home theater receivers are moving ahead as consumers seek to make home the perfect entertainment place. Today Denon® Electronics, a leading manufacturer of premium home and personal audio products, announces the launch of three new S-Series audio/video (A/V) receivers that are designed and engineered with an eye to the future and delver excellence now with the AVR-S500BT, AVR-S700W and the AVR-S900W. The new S-Series models carry on the Denon tradition of packing on features aimed at discerning and forward-looking consumers who demand nothing less than the finest state-of-the-art home theater performance. They come ready with Bluetooth® wireless streaming and the latest HDMI 2.0 connectivity. The S-Series models are expected to be available in June at select Denon dealers and online.
“The S-Series models deliver an incredible home theater experience now and in the future with Bluetooth and wireless connectivity for streaming audio, a feature that undeniably is a must for today’s consumers. And each is loaded with the latest HDMI connectivity that includes pass-through for 4K Ultra HD 60 Hz, 4:4:4 Pure Color and 21:9 video content, making them compatible with 4K ultra high definition sources and displays. And in response to growing consumer demand, we’ve priced the S500BT at an all-time low price point for built-in Bluetooth streaming in an AVR at $249,” said Paul Belanger, product manager for D+M.
What's new this year?
ALL models in the lineup now feature:
* Upgrade to HDMI 2.0 with 3D, 4:4:4 and 4K/60fps pass through support
* Bluetooth built in for wireless streaming
* Two subwoofer pre-outs (note that for models without SubEQ HT, or every model covered in this thread, this is just an internal y-splitter, not independent calibration)
* Power saving "ECO" mode
* Return of Quick Select buttons on the remote (as opposed to just on the front panel)
* Return of the "Channel Level" on screen menu for on the fly adjustments to all channels -- note that for the first time this setting is per input not per surround mode
* Expanded "Option" menu for on-the-fly audio/video adjustments (the "Setup" menus will now be reserved for more global adjustments)
The following changes apply to all models above the entry-level S500BT:
* 7 amp channels and Zone 2 support
* 4ohm UL certification (achieved through a 4ohm / 6ohm / 8ohm impedance setting, piggybacks on the current limiting ECO mode)
* Networking and WiFi built in, with support for DSD and hi-rez (192kHZ) FLAC and WAV files via network stream or USB
* Built-in Spotify interface replaced by "Spotify Connect" for all networked models (i.e. you can only control it from a separate device, not from the receiver directly)
* For the first time a "TV Audio On/Off" setting to defeat the annoying auto switching caused by an HDMI-CEC ARC connection
* Included sectional mic stand for the Audyssey mic in case you don't have a tripod
* Heavily revamped smartphone/tablet remote apps coming in the fall with expanded functionality