Best For
A starting point before we look at your room.
| Model | Best for |
|---|---|
| Denon AVR-S970H | 5.1.2 projector rooms that want Spotify Connect and Roon Tested listed |
| Denon AVR-S980H | 5.1.2 rooms that prefer Denon's newer S-Series listing with AMD FreeSync |
AV Receiver Comparison
Denon AVR-S970H vs AVR-S980H: Which Suits Your Room?
A 7.2 S-Series receiver with two HDMI outputs and broad streaming support for 5.1.2 projector rooms. Denon's newer S-Series 7.2 receiver with two HDMI outputs, useful when a TV and a projector share one system.
Quick answer
Choose the AVR-S970H for 5.1.2 projector rooms that want Spotify Connect and Roon Tested listed. Choose the AVR-S980H for 5.1.2 rooms that prefer Denon's newer S-Series listing with AMD FreeSync. Neither is better in every room; the speaker plan decides.
Key Differences
Specifications from each manufacturer's official product information. Values we could not confirm there are marked rather than estimated.
| Specification | Denon AVR-S970H | Denon AVR-S980H |
|---|---|---|
| Type | AV Receiver | AV Receiver |
| Processing channels | 7.2 | 7.2 |
| Amplified channels | 7 | 7 |
| Rated power (manufacturer) | 90W per channel | 90W per channel |
| Layout capability | 5.1.2 | 5.1.2 |
| HDMI | 6 in (3 × 8K) / 2 out (1 × eARC) | 6 in (3 × 8K) / 2 out (1 × eARC) |
| Video | 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz; Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz; Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG; VRR, ALLM, AMD FreeSync |
| Audio formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X |
| Room correction | Audyssey MultEQ | Audyssey MultEQ |
| Streaming & control | HEOS built-in, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Roon Tested, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | HEOS built-in, AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Other features | 2 subwoofer outputs; Zone 2 | 2 subwoofer outputs; Zone 2 |
Channel Capability and System Flexibility
7 amplified channels. 7 amplified channels. Both handle the same number of channels, so the decision rests on features, calibration and design rather than speaker count.
Installation Considerations
What changes on site between the two.
- Rack depth and ventilation — larger chassis and power amplifiers need more airflow, especially in summer.
- Speaker pre-wiring for the largest layout either model might run, before false-ceiling finishes.
- Subwoofer count and positions, measured at every seat.
- Calibration is done for every installation; the room correction system differs, the process does not.
Upgrade Considerations
Both handle the same number of channels, so the decision rests on features, calibration and design rather than speaker count.
Compare Both in Our Demo RoomBuying Either Through LiveInSmart
LiveInSmart Technologies is an authorised dealer for Denon, Marantz and Onkyo in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, with showrooms and demo rooms in Hyderabad (Ameerpet) and Vijayawada (Ashok Nagar). We'll recommend the model that fits your speaker plan, then supply, install, calibrate and support it. Prices aren't published — ask for the current best offer on either model.
Experience Centre · Hyderabad
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AVR-S980H better than the AVR-S970H?+
Not in every room. The AVR-S970H suits 5.1.2 projector rooms that want Spotify Connect and Roon Tested listed; the AVR-S980H suits 5.1.2 rooms that prefer Denon's newer S-Series listing with AMD FreeSync.
Can I hear the AVR-S970H and AVR-S980H before buying?+
Book a visit to our Hyderabad (Ameerpet) or Vijayawada (Ashok Nagar) showroom; tell us the models in advance so we can plan the demo.
What is the price difference?+
We don't publish prices. Message us on WhatsApp for the current best offer on both models, with installation and calibration.
Ready to upgrade your space?
Book a free, no-obligation demo at our Hyderabad or Vijayawada experience centre and hear it for yourself.
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