Denon has renewed the heart of its AV receiver range with the first proper refresh in years. Two of the new models, the AVR-X2900H DAB and the AVC-X3900H, arrived in June 2026.
If you're weighing up a home cinema upgrade, here is what's new and which model fits which room.
The two models
AVR-X2900H DAB. The all-rounder. Seven channels of amplification at 95 watts each, which covers a 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos layout: five speakers around you, two subwoofer outputs and two height channels for overhead effects. It carries a new 32-bit digital-to-analogue converter (DAC).
AVC-X3900H. The serious one. Nine amplified channels at 105 watts each, with processing for 11.4 channels if you add external amplification later. Four independent subwoofer outputs let you smooth out bass across the room rather than piling it into one corner. It also carries a third HDMI output, which matters if you run both a projector and a TV.
New this generation
Better sound from the same discs and streams. Both models get that new 32-bit eight-channel DAC plus upgraded components throughout. This is the unglamorous work that improves what you hear.
Wireless rear speakers are coming. Denon Home 200, 400 and 600 wireless speakers will work as rear surrounds on either model, via a firmware update due later. No cable trailed across the living-room floor to the back of the sofa. One caution: this is not live at launch. If cable-free rears are the reason you're buying, wait for the update to land before you commit.
Room correction as standard, with a paid step up. Audyssey MultEQ comes included. You plug in the supplied microphone, the receiver listens to your room and adjusts the sound to suit it. Sofas, curtains and bare walls all change what you hear; this compensates. Both models also support Dirac Live, a more advanced correction system, as a paid upgrade. The AVC-X3900H goes further still with Dirac's bass control and active room treatment options. None of the Dirac options comes in the box.
Proper gaming support. Each handles 4K at 120Hz, variable refresh rate and auto low-latency mode, and this generation adds 1440p pass-through and AMD FreeSync. In plain terms: a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X or gaming PC plays smoothly through the receiver, without tearing and without added lag.
Simpler first-time setup. It now runs through a web browser, with real-time speaker-level monitoring so you can see what each channel is doing. Receivers have a reputation for baffling menus and moving it into a web browser can simplify the configuration process. There are also backlit remotes and cleaner front panels.
Streaming covered. HEOS multiroom is built into both, with lossless streaming from Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal and Qobuz, plus AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth alond with a photo stage for turntables.
Which one suits your upgrade
If you're moving on from a soundbar or TV speakers and want a 5.1 or Atmos system in a normal living room, the AVR-X2900H DAB is enough receiver, with the option of Dirac correction if you want it later. The AVC-X3900H is a more robust option for dedicated home cinema setups. It powers overhead and rear channels from one box, and it has the headroom for a system you plan to grow.
The all-rounder
AVR-X2900H DAB
AV receiver with DAB radio
£899
- ✓ Seven channels, 95 W each
- ✓ 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos layout
- ✓ Two subwoofer outputs
- ✓ 32-bit eight-channel DAC
- ✓ DAB radio built in
- ✓ Dirac Live upgrade option
The serious one
AVC-X3900H
AV amplifier
£1,299
- ▲ Nine channels, 105 W each
- ▲ 11.4-channel processing
- ▲ Four subwoofer outputs
- ▲ Third HDMI output
- ▲ 70% power, five channels driven
- ▲ Dirac bass control and room treatment options