Denon AVC-X6700H review

Despite the protestations of those who take them, a gap year rarely results in any kind of self-improvement. That’s where the Denon AVC-X6700H differs: it took a year off and come back more interesting than it was before.

The 6000 lineage was one of those Denon decided not to upgrade in 2019, waiting until 2020 to double down on those usually annual improvements. Upon returning, it has managed to eke out yet more performance and reassess – if not exactly redefine – what is achievable with a two-grand home cinema amp.

Features

The release of these new models is rooted more in the adoption of new technologies than any attempt to dramatically improve an already class-leading audio performance. And the AVC-X6700H has certainly stocked up on those.

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The headline is the new HDMI section, with one of the AVC-X6700H’s eight inputs and two of its three outputs being HDMI 2.1-certified and therefore enabling full support for 8K at up to 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz. While the other seven HDMI inputs are ‘only’ 2.0-certified, they do still support 2.1 features such as VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), QMS (Quick Media Switching) and QFT (Quick Frame Transport). All inputs also support HDR10+ as well as HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision, and one of the outputs features eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel).

Despite this heavy focus on next-gen technologies, unfortunately, AVC-X67000H models manufactured before May 2021 contain a faulty HDMI 2.1 chip that prevents support of 4K gaming at 120Hz via the Xbox Series X. This issue affected all of Denon and Marantz’s 2020 AVRs but Denon models with serial numbers that end with 70001 onwards should be bug-free, as they boast an upgraded HDMI 2.1 chip. And should you be in possession of an older model then you can get hold of Sound United’s external HDMI adaptor.

As well as its 11 channels of power amplification (at a claimed 205W per channel) – and processing for 13, which means you can extend your speaker package with an outboard power amplifier – the AVC-X6700H affords 13 channels of DTS:X decoding, with DTS:X Pro technology coming at a later date via a firmware update. It shores up an audio arsenal that already supported most 3D formats, including Dolby Atmos, Atmos Height Virtualization, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced and Auro-3D. There is also a new Pre-Amplifier mode that clears the signal path when using outside amplification.

Build

In terms of music playback, Denon has kept Bluetooth and Apple AirPlay 2 connectivity, and multi-room is made easy within the company’s HEOS eco-system. The AVC-X6700H is also Roon Tested, and sports a USB port on its front panel that allows physical playback of hi-res music files.

It’s worth noting we tested the AVC-X6700H, rather than the AVR-X6700H that is available in the US; the difference is the addition of an FM tuner in the States, with all other features remaining the same.

But if bringing the AVC-X6700H’s feature set up to date is a safe and easy win for Denon, it seemingly has more to lose than gain by tweaking an already Award-winning sound. At some point, it might all go wrong, but that point certainly hasn’t arrived yet.

Sound

With our test sample already run-in, it is out of the box and set up within 15 minutes, using the in-box microphone and Audyssey software, which can now accommodate two separate speaker set-ups. Immediately, we are left with no doubt as to the scale and authority of this Denon amplifier.

It is certainly a more powerful presentation than its predecessor – not by a huge amount, but enough to notice when you’ve used the AVC-X6500H as much as we have – and this Denon wields that power with great verve and precision.

The balance is more bass-heavy than in previous generations too, and some might want to dial a little of that out from time to time, but any extra weight does not slow the AVC-X6700H down. It just makes this feel like a more controlled and grown-up performance, with that extra low end working to deliver full and realistic voices as much as it is able to box you around the room when allowed.

But most impressive is how Denon has been able to make this a more expressive and engaging version of a 6000-series amplifier. While the power and punch will grab your attention, it is the detail and dynamic expression that will lock it in for hours at a time. Dialogue is delivered with intensity and emotion at times when necessary and allowed to lilt lyrically at others.

As ever, this is most easily appreciated using Denon’s Pure Direct mode, but not all is lost when using those 3D audio virtualisation modes. They are integrated well, adding some height to the sound field and wrapping effects well around the listening position; if you are happy trading in a little clarity and low-level dynamics, it can be wonderfully fun with certain flicks.

The AVC-X6700H’s musical delivery also translates well to stereo music performance. Don’t expect anywhere near the level of playback available from a stereo integrated at this price, but considering everything on board the Denon, it is an interesting enough recital.

Once again, this is a step forward rather than any great leap for Denon’s 6000-series amp, so we wouldn’t expect many to be trading in their AVC-X6500H model, even with the extra year between releases. But it does cement the company’s position at the top of the class for home cinema amps at this price, as far as we’ve heard.

Verdict

With big wins for gamers, and those wanting to future-proof their set-ups for the 8K content due to arrive within the five- or ten-year lifespan of your next amp, Denon was onto a winner even if it could only keep audio quality around the level of its last effort. That it has continued to improve is a welcome bonus to anyone currently in the market for one.

SCORES

• Sound 5
• Features 5
• Build 5

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