Denon AVR-X2600H Review
Denon’s high-end entry series av receivers have always been very popular, with functions comparable to high-end models, driving power, and surround sound effects are close to the mid-level level. The functions of the previous generation AVR-X2500H have been perfect. This time, the new generation AVR-X2600H has added two-way Bluetooth, eARC, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer, and DTS Virtual:X technology to make it more versatile.
The most important thing is that AVC-X8500H and AVC-X6500H decentralized part of the circuit design and components to 2600h. So how much does it help the sound performance? I will take a review this time.
Design
The AVR-X2600H is the same 7.2 channel design as the previous generation. Each channel provides 150W output, supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D surround sound effects. In addition, there are 8 HDMI inputs and 2 HDMI outputs, supporting HDR formats such as Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG, and 4K/60p (4:4:4) images. These are the latest audio-visual technologies.
The HDMI output adds the eARC function, which can be sent back to the TV with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound effects, excellently practical for watching Netflix.
In addition to the Bluetooth functions that have always been available, this time, the new model will add the Bluetooth transmission function. So if you don’t want to disturb your family at night, you can use Bluetooth headphones.
AVR-X2600H is also equipped with DTX Virtual:X and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer functions, creating a virtual ceiling channel effect under the speaker configuration of 7.2 or 5.2. Users who can install the ceiling speakers can enjoy some 3D surround sound effects with the new machine.
Every new generation of Denon will put a lot of effort into internal materials and design and will “quietly” transfer some of the technology of high-end machines to the entry machine. This time, AVR-X2600H has introduced many high-end AVC-X6500H and even flagship AVC-X8500H technologies.
The power amplifier circuit board is redesigned to improve the power supply, signal circuit, and component layout to reduce mutual interference. In addition, the power supply circuit is updated to be the same as AVC-X6500H.
The power amplifier module is upgraded to 2 pairs of power supplies to reduce crosstalk and distortion, improving the signal-to-noise ratio and detail resolution.
The capacitors used are updated to the identical advanced custom capacitors as AVC-X8500H. In the filter circuit of the DAC, the static operating state (Class A state) of the operational amplifier is improved.
This same kind of design as the AVC-X6500H is adopted to obtain energy-concentrated low frequency and distortion-free high frequency. The preamplifier module also has several improvements to fine-tune the sound quality.
Denon also launched the AVR-X1600H, which also has a 7.2-channel design with a smaller output (145W/Ch), but the receiver is thinner and small, which is more suitable for users with smaller home space.
The AVR-X2600H is equipped with an AKM 32-bit D/A converter and has high-resolution audio decoding capabilities for multi-lossless music files, including ALAC, FLAC, and WAV up to 24-bit/196-kHz. It is also compatible with 2.8/5.6-MHz DSD files (DSD is the audio coding format of SACD). Also, it can play music files from a storage device via the front panel USB or a network source. AVR-X2600H also supports other file types, such as MP3 and WMA.
Features
Fantastic power to meet most power needs
AXR-X2600H includes an advanced DSP chip with powerful power processing capabilities. The AVR-X2600H has four 300MHz DSP cores, which can process more than one billion operations per second. This ability can meet the latest video, sound, and processing needs.
Multi-source, multi-room
With Denon AVR-X2600H, you can enjoy 7.2-channel surround sound in one room, play other audio sources or music streaming media in another room, and watch movies in one room. In contrast, other family members listen to music in different areas without interfering with each other.
Phono input supports turntables/vinyl
For nearly 50 years, Denon has been committed to the development of turntables and phono preamps. As a result, the AVR-X2600H can be connected to a turntable to play vinyl records. Appreciate the excellent quality and sound of the music.
Dual subwoofer outputImmerse yourself in evenly distributed accurate bass. The AVR-X2600H is equipped with two subwoofer outputs to smooth out low-frequency radiation and provide better diffusion. As a result, there are no sound crests and troughs, only the powerful bass that fills the room.
Apple SIRI Support
APPLE SIRI voice controlUse AirPlay 2 to stream music signals to the AV receiver wirelessly, or combine with other AirPlay-compatible speakers to let the music rippling at home.
Use iPhone, iPad, Mac to stream audio types of equipment from your favorite music services such as Apple Music to listen to the audio perfectly synchronized to your speakers’ AirPlay 2 audio source.
AirPlay 2 also supports multi-room audio technology to simultaneously wirelessly stream content to multiple AirPlay 2 compatible devices to ensure smooth audio replay. In addition, AirPlay 2 provides control and grouping of compatible audio devices in Apple Music. Use AirPlay 2 via the app or Siri by voice.
HEOS Built-In for wireless music streaming
Use HEOS technology to stream your favorite music anywhere at home. Enjoy high-quality music from TuneIn and many other streaming services or local music sources. Control everything seamlessly through the free HEOS app.
Use HEOS speakers to play music anywhere
Denon AVR-X2600H has HEOS multi-room function and can be connected with any other HEOS Built-in products (such as HEOS speakers) to play music throughout the house. Play the same song in each room, or choose a different song for each connected room. The choice is yours.
Sound Performance
I used a 5.1.2 channel configuration for the sound test. The ceiling channel uses Polk Audio’s small speaker TL1 as the front height. This setup method is more straightforward for ordinary users to implement.
First, I watched “Spider-Man: Homecoming“. Again, the visual and audio effects are very three-dimensional. This time, the new circuit design of the new machine has improved the vocals. In addition to being transparent and natural, the restoration power is quite good. Even under the chaotic environment of gunfights, fights, and shipwrecks, the dialogue is still prominent and still detailed.
In the movie “Dunkirk“, a torpedo hit the submarine scene. When the protagonist is shuttled in the cabin, from talking, eating, and drinking to wearing a life jacket, the surrounding environment is very rich in detail. That can be done with five channels. A complete sense of envelopment, driving force, and sound density is worthy of praise.
With a 12-inch subwoofer, SVS SB-3000, the sense of low-frequency energy is also first-class. After falling into the water for a while, the texture and space of the sound of water are also outstanding.
The surrounding effect of the front high-mounted speakers is good, especially the low-frequency explosion. Furthermore, the sound of sea waves has impacted the ceiling speakers, which is very satisfactory.
Finally, I listen to the “Live Aid” concert at the end of “Bohemian Rhapsody“. Again, the audience’s sense of cheering and envelopment was also first-class.
The feeling, especially the middle and low frequencies, is more detailed and textured. When listening to the concert, the vocals are detailed and prominent, and the music is also outstanding, so there is a sense of liveness.
Conclusion
DENON X2600H is a 7.2 channel 4K Ultra HD AV receiver. This performance-optimized Denon AV receiver, 150W per channel (6 Ω), provides a truly immersive 3D audio experience. Supports Dolby Atmos®, Dolby speaker emulator, DTS: X™, and DTS Virtual:X. In addition, the application of the latest 4K video technologies such as Dolby Vision™, HDR10, and HLG can maximize the video quality of a TV or projector.