Denon brings the heat to Sonos with its first HEOS-enabled X-Series receivers

By Kris Wouk Published August 30, 2016

In 2014, Denon launched its HEOS line of wireless multiroom audio products, and while it initially had to fight off a lawsuit from Sonos, from whose products it had clearly drawn inspiration, it has established itself as a major player in that space. That makes it all the more puzzling that it had never integrated HEOS in its A/V receivers like Yamaha does with its MusicCast. Now that has all changed with the launch of the two latest receives in Denon’s X-Series line.

Announced on Tuesday, the new AVR-X6300H Ultimate Home Theater Receiver and AVR-X4300H Premium Home Theater Receiver both feature built-in HEOS integration. That alone makes both models worth taking a look at if you’re in the market for a higher-end A/V receiver, but the newly added HEOS functionality is far from the only trick these receivers have got up their collective sleeves.

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The AVR-X6300H is Denon’s new top of the line, offering a total of 11 channels at a claimed 140 watts per channel. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D surround sound are supported out of the box, with Auro 3D also supported via an optional firmware upgrade. Whereas Denon’s other X-Series receivers support 7.1.4 3D surround configurations with an addition two-channel amplifier, this model can do it out of the box.

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This model boasts a total of eight HDMI inputs including one on the front, all of which support the latest and greatest features like HDCP 2.2, HDR (High Dynamic Range), BT.2020, and 4:4:4 color subsampling. Three separate HDMI outputs allow the AVR-X6300H to function as the heart of a multi-display home theater setup.

The AVR-X4300H isn’t quite as over the top as the AVR-X6300H, but does offer many of the same features at a lower price. This model features 9 channels at a claimed 125 watts per channel, with support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro 3D, though unlike its larger sibling, a two-channel amplifier is necessary for 7.1.4 3D surround sound configurations.

Both models support a wide range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, AirPlay, and Bluetooth. Streaming audio from Spotify, Pandora, TuneIn Internet Radio, iHeart Radio, Tidal, SiriusXM, Napster, Deezer, Mood:Mix, Soundcloud and Amazon Music are all included out of the box.

In order to maximize the sound quality for your space, both receivers feature Audyssey MultEQ XT32, color-coded speaker terminals, and Setup Assistant. With the Denon 2016 AVR Remote App, available for iOS and Android, adding additional remotes to your setup is as easy as a quick download.

The AVR-X6300H sells for $2,200, while the AVR-X4300H is priced at a more modest $1,500. Both models are expected to begin shipping in October. For more information on the full line of HEOS products, see the HEOS by Denon website.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Kris Wouk is a tech writer, gadget reviewer, blogger, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. In his…

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