Denon AVR-X2900H DAB and Denon AVC-X3900H – New Denon X-Series AV receivers for serious home cinema

Denon has added two new models to the Denon X-Series, and the direction is quite clear. These are not entry-level boxes dressed up with a long feature list, but AV components for users who want a home cinema system that can be tuned more carefully to the room, the loudspeaker layout and the way the system is actually used day to day.

The Denon AVR-X2900H DAB and Denon AVC-X3900H are aimed at listeners who may already have a capable system in place, but now want greater precision, better bass management, broader HDMI support, more flexible room correction and a stronger platform for both film and gaming. At the same time, Denon is speaking directly to Custom Integrators. Web-based control, advanced configuration options and installation-oriented tools are becoming increasingly important in this class, and both new models reflect that shift.

Denon also points to development and tuning work carried out at Shirakawa Audio Works in Japan. According to Denon, the process combines measurement-based analysis with listening tests in order to maintain a consistent sonic character across all channels. An updated internal architecture and a 32 Bit multichannel DAC structure are said to contribute to more accurate spatial placement, clearer treble and more controlled bass reproduction.

Key Facts

• New Denon X-Series models: Denon AVR-X2900H DAB and Denon AVC-X3900H
• Denon AVR-X2900H DAB: 7.2-channel AV receiver with DAB+, 7 power amplifiers and 95 watts per channel
• Denon AVC-X3900H: 9.4-channel AV amplifier with 9 power amplifiers, 11.4 processing channels and 105 watts per channel
• Video: 4K/8K, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG, Dynamic HDR, HDCP 2.3, ARC and eARC
• Audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and support for high-resolution audio formats
• Extended audio formats on the Denon AVC-X3900H: AURO-3D, IMAX Enhanced and 360 Reality Audio
• Room correction: Audyssey integrated, Dirac Live optional depending on model and licence
• Streaming and multiroom: HEOS, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz and TuneIn
• Gaming: VRR, QFT, ALLM, AMD FreeSync and 1.440p pass-through
• Availability: from 14 May 2026
• Prices: Denon AVR-X2900H DAB € 1.000,-, Denon AVC-X3900H € 1.499,-

Denon AVR-X2900H DAB – a 7.2-channel AV receiver with DAB+

The Denon AVR-X2900H DAB is conceived as a 7.2-channel AV receiver with seven power amplifiers. Denon specifies its output at 95 watts per channel into 8 ohms, measured from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with 0,08 per cent distortion and two channels driven. Alternatively, Denon quotes 125 watts into 6 ohms at 1 kHz, 0,7 per cent distortion and two channels driven.

That places the model neatly above the most basic AV receiver category, but below the large-scale multi-channel systems intended for dedicated cinema rooms. It is a sensible proposition for users who want Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, modern HDMI support and flexible streaming without necessarily moving into a very large speaker installation.

The integrated DAB+ tuner is a useful distinction. It gives the Denon AVR-X2900H DAB relevance beyond film sound, gaming and network streaming, allowing it to operate as a genuine central entertainment hub in a living room where digital radio remains part of everyday listening.

For room adaptation, Denon integrates Audyssey MultEQ XT. The system measures the room from several positions and is intended to optimise playback, particularly in the lower frequency range. Dynamic EQ is designed to preserve tonal balance at different listening levels, while Dynamic Volume helps control sudden jumps in loudness. The Denon AVR-X2900H DAB can also be upgraded with Dirac Live Room Correction, although this requires a separate licence.

Denon AVC-X3900H – for larger systems and Custom Installation

The Denon AVC-X3900H is the more ambitious of the two new models. It is configured as a 9.4-channel AV amplifier with nine power amplifiers and processing for up to 11.4 channels. That gives it considerably more freedom for larger loudspeaker layouts and more complex installations.

Denon specifies output at 105 watts per channel into 8 ohms, measured from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with 0,08 per cent distortion and two channels driven. Into 6 ohms, Denon quotes 135 watts at 1 kHz, 0,7 per cent distortion and two channels driven.

The subwoofer architecture is particularly important. The Denon AVC-X3900H provides four independent subwoofer outputs, allowing more refined bass configurations than many conventional AV receivers. In larger rooms, asymmetrical living spaces or dedicated cinema environments, this can make a meaningful difference to how evenly and cleanly low frequencies are distributed.

A directional subwoofer mode adds further flexibility. In systems using multiple subwoofers, it allows the user or installer to choose between a more even bass distribution and a more directionally defined low-frequency presentation. That will be of particular interest in systems where subwoofers are not merely expected to deliver weight, but to be properly integrated into the overall acoustic design.

Room correction also moves up a level. The Denon AVC-X3900H includes Audyssey MultEQ XT32, intended to provide higher-resolution correction for larger and more demanding rooms. SubEQ HT calibrates two subwoofers individually, Low Frequency Containment is designed to reduce the transfer of deep bass into adjacent rooms, while Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume address tonal balance and loudness behaviour.

The full Dirac Live Suite can be unlocked as an option. This includes Dirac Live Room Correction, Dirac Live Bass Control and Dirac Live Active Room Treatment. That gives the Denon AVC-X3900H a stronger appeal for users and installers who want deeper control over the acoustic behaviour of the room. As with the smaller model, these Dirac functions are optional upgrades and require separate licensing.

Immersive audio – Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and more on the AVC-X3900H

Both new Denon models support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, enabling immersive audio playback with height channels for films, games and music. For rooms where height loudspeakers are not possible, virtualisation functions are also available, allowing a more spatial presentation from existing speaker layouts.

The Denon AVC-X3900H goes further in terms of format support. In addition to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, it supports AURO-3D, IMAX Enhanced and Sony 360 Reality Audio. This makes the larger model better suited to home cinema systems where different immersive audio formats are likely to be used and where the loudspeaker configuration can take proper advantage of them.

HDMI, 4K/8K and gaming

Both models offer six HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs. They support 4K and 8K signals, 8K pass-through, 8K upscaling from 4K content and HDCP 2.3. HDR formats include Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG and Dynamic HDR. ARC and eARC simplify connection to modern televisions, allowing TV sound to be returned to the AV receiver or AV amplifier via a single HDMI connection.

Gaming is also treated as a core use case rather than an afterthought. Denon lists Variable Refresh Rate, Quick Frame Transport and Auto Low Latency Mode, alongside AMD FreeSync and 1.440p pass-through. For current-generation consoles and gaming PCs used within a full home cinema system, those features matter as much as the traditional audio specification.

HEOS, streaming and multiroom

Both units are Powered by HEOS and can therefore be integrated into Denon’s multiroom platform. Music can be played through the HEOS app from supported streaming services, rooms can be grouped, or different content can be played in separate zones.

Denon lists Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz and TuneIn, among others. Bluetooth and Apple AirPlay 2 are also supported. Via Apple AirPlay 2, users can stream from Apple iPhone, Apple iPad, Apple Mac or Apple TV directly to the new Denon models.

The Bluetooth Audio Transmitter is also practical. Bluetooth headphones can be connected directly to the AV receiver, with playback routed either to headphones alone or simultaneously to loudspeakers and headphones. This is a genuinely useful feature for late-night film viewing or households where different listening needs have to be accommodated at the same time.

Wireless rear surrounds via firmware update

Denon has also announced that the new Denon X-Series models will support Denon Home speakers as wireless rear surrounds in the future. The function is expected to arrive via firmware update and will apply to the Denon Home 200, Denon Home 400 and Denon Home 600.

For living rooms where rear surround loudspeakers cannot easily be installed with visible cabling or structural work, this could be a valuable addition. It does not replace a fully wired Custom Installation system, but it does broaden the practical options for rooms where flexibility is more important than installation purism.

Setup, control and system integration

Setup and control are another clear priority. Denon’s Setup Assistant guides users through the initial installation on the TV screen. Beyond that, both models include a web-based user interface, allowing settings and control functions to be accessed directly from a computer, smartphone or notebook without switching on the television.

For Custom Integrators, IP-based setup, extended control functions and HDMI diagnostic tools are particularly relevant. The Denon AVC-X3900H offers significantly more headroom here, thanks to its 11.4 processing channels, four independent subwoofer outputs, 11 loudspeaker terminals and 11.4 multichannel pre-outs.

Price and availability

The Denon AVR-X2900H DAB and Denon AVC-X3900H are available now through the company’s web store at denon.com and through authorised Denon specialist retailers.

The Denon AVR-X2900H DAB is offered at a recommended retail price of € 1.000,-. The Denon AVC-X3900H is available at a recommended retail price of € 1.499,-.

Dirac Live Room Correction, Dirac Live Bass Control and Dirac Live Active Room Treatment are available as optional upgrades depending on the model and require the separate purchase of a licence.

Conclusion

With the Denon AVR-X2900H DAB and Denon AVC-X3900H, Denon is expanding the Denon X-Series with two AV models that place control, flexibility and room adaptation at the centre of the proposition. The Denon AVR-X2900H DAB is the more compact and pragmatic choice for classic 7.2-channel systems, adding DAB+, HEOS, a modern HDMI platform and optional Dirac Live. The Denon AVC-X3900H is the more capable foundation for ambitious home cinemas and Custom Installation, with 11.4-channel processing, four independent subwoofer outputs, broader immersive audio support and the option of the full Dirac Live Suite.

Technical Data