Denon AVR-X1700H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver Review

Denon, a renowned Japanese audio manufacturer, has introduced its entry-level AVR-X1700H surround receiver, which supports 4K and 8K video sources. By connecting compatible sources and an 8K-capable smart TV or display, users can enjoy an exceptional audio-visual experience.

The AVR-X1700H can accommodate up to a 7.2-channel configuration, with each channel capable of delivering 80 watts of power, providing a comprehensive home entertainment experience. Additionally, the AVR-X1700H supports virtual height effects, immersing users in a more realistic surround sound environment.

As display technology matures, there has been a growing number of 8K-capable smart TVs available in recent years. However, the options for surround receivers that can handle 8K resolution still need to be improved. Therefore, Denon’s AVR-X1700H stands out as a sincere effort to meet this demand. Its robust build quality, advanced circuit design, and extensive features demonstrate Denon’s commitment to excellence.

Denon is a well-known brand among audio enthusiasts, with over a century of expertise in research and manufacturing. Despite the challenges posed by the global Covid-19 pandemic in the past couple of years, Denon continues to introduce impressive products.

Notably, their 110th-anniversary series features flagship products such as the DCD-A110 SACD player, PMA-A110 two-channel amplifier, and AVR-A110 surround receiver, all of which exhibit exceptional performance, showcasing the brand’s unwavering dedication to delivering high-quality audio experiences.

Design

The Denon AVR-X1700H impresses with its meticulous design, particularly in the video section. It boasts 6 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output, all with high-spec 2.1 versions. Among these, 3 HDMI ports support the transmission of the highest 8K/60Hz video signals and offer eARC functionality. The remaining 3 HDMI ports support the highest 4K/120Hz video signals, perfectly compatible with devices like Blu-ray players and gaming consoles.

To deliver an ultimate audio-visual experience, the AVR-X1700H supports the latest HDR formats, including HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision. Moreover, since gaming consoles now also support 8K resolution, the receiver offers features such as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) to provide a more comprehensive and immersive gaming experience.

At the back panel of the Denon AVR-X1700H, there are various input terminals, including HDMI, RCA, Phono, digital optical, and coaxial connections. It also supports wireless transmissions through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2. The included antennas help enhance the wireless signal reception.

The Denon AVR-X1700H features 6 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output, with three ports supporting 8K video transmission and eARC audio return channel functionality, making it highly convenient for audio-visual enthusiasts.

Regarding audio capabilities, the AVR-X1700H is rated at 80 watts of output power. It can connect up to a 7.2-channel speaker system, including the main speakers, center channel, surround speakers, and rear surround speakers.

The rear surround speaker terminals can also connect overhead speakers for a height channel setup or enable a reflective overhead speaker configuration with the main and surround speakers. This provides a versatile setup for various audio preferences. Additionally, the receiver offers a “virtual height” speaker function.

The AVR-X1700H supports various 3D surround sound formats, including Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS:X, and DTS Virtual: X. Of particular note are the “Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology” and “DTS Virtual:X” formats, which represent virtual height channel technologies. Users can experience a comprehensive and enveloping surround sound by activating the corresponding modes even in spaces without physically installed overhead speakers.

The AVR-X1700H provides multiple wireless connectivity options for music listening, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2. It accepts digital optical, digital coaxial, and USB storage devices for physical audio sources. Moreover, vinyl enthusiasts can easily indulge in the warm analog sound experience with its built-in phono input.

In terms of audio quality, the AVR-X1700H excels in handling Hi-Res high-resolution audio formats, including FLAC HD (192kHz/24bit), WAV (192kHz/24bit), ALAC (192kHz/24bit), and DSD 2.8/5.6MHz. It can fully playback these audio formats, making it an excellent choice for music enthusiasts who seek ultimate audio performance.

Additionally, as 5G networks become more prevalent and smart homes become part of everyday life, the AVR-X1700H has smart voice assistant capabilities. It can be easily controlled through voice commands using smart assistants like Google Assist and Apple Siri.

When removing the top cover of the AVR-X1700H, one can see Denon’s consistently clean wiring layout. The design is tidy and well-organized, from signal input to digital-to-analog conversion and amplification circuitry. The neat arrangement of filtering capacitors instills a sense of anticipation for the equipment’s performance.

Looking in detail, the AVR-X1700H is equipped with one Cirrus Logic CS49844 quad-core 32-bit multi-channel decoding chip, capable of supporting surround audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. For digital decoding, it pairs four Burr-Brown PCM5102A and two PCM5100A chips to support 32-bit/384kHz high-resolution audio.

One PCM1803A chip is also used for decoding digital optical and coaxial inputs, supporting up to 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution audio files. As for processing input sources, the AVR-X1700H uses the PCM9211A receiver chip, supporting up to 12 types of input sources.

The Denon AVR-X1700H receiver also supports Denon’s own HEOS streaming system for music playback throughout the home. When paired with compatible devices, users can easily operate it via smartphones or mobile devices to stream services or play high-resolution audio. Denon’s HEOS streaming system offers high completeness and low latency in operation, making it highly recommended for users interested in building a multi-room audio system.

Sound Performance

During listening tests, the Denon AVR-X1700H’s “Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology” and “DTS Virtual:X” virtual height channel effects were tested with two different speaker setups. One test utilized a 5.1 theater system with Monitor Audio’s Silver 300, Silver FX, Silver C250, and Silver W-12 6G subwoofer from the 7G series, while the other setup featured a 5.1 channel system using Pioneer’s Excellence series, with various signal sources including Blu-ray discs and digital audio via streaming platforms to ensure stable signal transmission.

While watching the movie “The Suicide Squad” with the Denon AVR-X1700H, the opening scene featuring multiple characters showcases impactful background music. As all the characters board a helicopter, the helicopter blades and the cabin vibrations create an immersive surround experience that feels like they are swirling above. The distinct and realistic overhead sound effects demonstrate the AVR-X1700H’s excellent virtual height channel performance even without physically installed overhead speakers.

In the final scene, where the building collapses, the sound of sand leaking from the ceiling and the weighty feeling of the entire structure collapsing are reproduced with impressive solidity. The heavy footsteps of the giant monster in the closing scenes also exhibit a powerful presence, clearly conveying its massive size in contrast to the other characters.

In another test with the horror movie “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” during exorcism scenes, the flying plates and kitchen utensils create three-dimensional lines, immersing the viewer in the demon’s formidable power.

Given that the Denon AVR-X1700H supports multiple input sources and the brand’s focus on audio quality in past products, the author also conducted tests with lossless and high-resolution audio files streamed through the main speakers, the Monitor Audio Silver 300 7G floor-standing speakers in stereo two-channel setup.

The music playback exhibited solid mid to low frequencies and rich detail. For example, the smooth and distinct violin strings and the deep, robust bass provided a strong foundation when listening to indoor instrumental music. Listening to large orchestral pieces presented a balanced soundstage with a well-organized representation of various instruments and details.

Conclusion

The Denon AVR-X1700H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver boasts impressive control, making it suitable for entry-level and mid-range theater systems, effortlessly driving the speakers. Whether supporting Dolby or DTS virtual height channel features, it delivers excellent overhead sound effects, providing viewers with a more immersive entertainment experience.

Additionally, with its ability to transmit 8K video signals and outstanding audio performance, and its budget-friendly price, the AVR-X1700H is a highly recommended choice for beginners looking to get started and households aiming to set up a surround theater system easily.

Customer’s Opinion

I could easily write pages of positive review for this receiver. It’s got beautiful sound. It supports up to 4 subwoofers which I’d never even thought about but ordered a couple more and… wow! I don’t think I even need to think about the chair wigglers anymore. The user interface is mostly well done, there are a few things that weren’t readily apparent and I had to resort to checking the manual for, but with as much functionality as the receiver has, I can forgive. The remote is well laid out, but some sort of backlighting would have been nice. Fortunately the volume buttons are well placed and easy to memorize. The variety of audio decoding that it has has turned out to be handy for some of my older movies; for current it’s mostly Dolby Atmos and the Denon is doing a wonderful job with that. I don’t have any complaints whatsoever; it’s turned out to be a great purchase.

This unit degraded video when connected to source. The settings used included by-passing video modification. Video was sharper and colors outstanding with source connection directly to my OLED TV. The Denon produced excellent audio with an eARC connection. Setup was easy. Overall, an excellent product. Note: I did contact Denon but no joy with this attempt to solve the problem.

I’ve never heard it’s competition such as the Yamaha or Onkyo but wow I’m I impressed. I replaced an outdated Onkyo recover with the Denon and the sound is unmatched. Really clear and crisp sound. I can hear sounds in movies that I’ve never heard before and if you have a Dolby ATMOSPHERE setup then I think this would be perfect. If you have the money, I would definitely say upgrade to the 4800h because it’s more powerful but If you are on a budget then get this and add a external amp for the front stage. So far, I’m really impressed with this receiver but I’ve never heard it’s completion for comparison.

I love this Denon AV receiver. I originally purchased the Onkyo rz50 but the hdmi board on the unit was so buggy and the unit would lose sound or picture randomly and the ps5 did not work properly with the Onkyo so I return it and went with the moe expensive Denon unit. the Denon x4800h works flawlessly with everything I have hooked in…ps5,bluray player and a media player all work as intended. The rz50 was a better value if working since Dirac live came free with it. unfortunately dirac live is an expensive upgrade option on the Denon. The Denon has a better 32 bit dac in it compared to the rz50 which only came with a 24 bit dac and the Denon is made in Japan which is a plus. the Denon x4800h is a great new Av receiver and the 2.1 hdmi board is bug free.