The catch
Denon AVR-S970H
A stereo power amplifier has no front-channel pre-outs to connect to.
Side by side
Denon AVR-S970H vs AVR-X1800H: S970H holds two displays connected, X1800H allows a separate front amp
Quick verdict
A TV and projector that stay connected point to AVR-S970H. MultEQ XT or a separate amplifier driving the front pair points to AVR-X1800H. Neither is a complete upgrade over the other, and the same seven-channel and six-input limits apply to both.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
A room with two displays plus a front power amp calls for a third option
S970H has the second HDMI output but lacks front pre-outs. X1800H has front pre-outs but just one display output. If you need both connections, neither covers the whole room.
Where this comes from
The requirement is 2 HDMI outputs together with 2 front main-channel pre-outs. S970H = 2 outputs and 0 pre-outs. X1800H = 1 output and 2 front pre-outs.
The catch
Denon AVR-X1800H
One HDMI display output is all there is.
Denon AVR-S970H
- Why pick it
- A TV and projector each stay on their own HDMI output
- A two-display 5.1.2 system fits in one receiver
- The catch
- A stereo power amplifier has no front-channel pre-outs to connect to.
Denon AVR-X1800H
- Why pick it
- A stereo amplifier you own can drive the front speakers
- You would rather have Audyssey MultEQ XT than MultEQ
- The catch
- One HDMI display output is all there is.
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What this page compares
Denon AVR-S970H vs AVR-X1800H for a TV plus projector, a stereo power amp and Audyssey setup, including the trade-off their model numbers hide.
A TV and projector that stay connected point to AVR-S970H. MultEQ XT or a separate amplifier driving the front pair points to AVR-X1800H. Neither is a complete upgrade over the other, and the same seven-channel and six-input limits apply to both.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
I go back and forth between a television and projector
Both can stay connected directly to S970H. X1800H has one HDMI output.
- Denon AVR-S970H
- Better fit
- Denon AVR-X1800H
- Not suitable
I need to connect a front stereo power amp
On the US model, X1800H has front left and right pre-outs.
- Denon AVR-S970H
- Not suitable
- Denon AVR-X1800H
- Good
I need two displays and front pre-outs at once
One of these two required connections is missing on each receiver.
- Denon AVR-S970H
- Not suitable
- Denon AVR-X1800H
- Not suitable
My setup is five speakers, two heights and three gaming sources
Seven main channels and three 4K120 inputs are covered by each.
- Denon AVR-S970H
- Good
- Denon AVR-X1800H
- Good
In practice
Differences you will notice
A room with two displays plus a front power amp calls for a third option
S970H has the second HDMI output but lacks front pre-outs. X1800H has front pre-outs but just one display output. If you need both connections, neither covers the whole room.
How we worked this out
The requirement is 2 HDMI outputs together with 2 front main-channel pre-outs. S970H = 2 outputs and 0 pre-outs. X1800H = 1 output and 2 front pre-outs.
Being in the X-series does not raise this speaker count
Seven main channels are processed and amplified on both receivers. A five-speaker base with two heights fits either one equally well. A four-height plan goes two main channels past what either model offers.
How we worked this out
Each provides 7 main channels. A 5.1.2 layout takes 5 + 2 = 7 channels, and a 5.1.4 layout takes 5 + 4 = 9, which is 2 more than either receiver has.
After three fast devices, the same three ordinary inputs remain free
On either model, a gaming PC and two consoles can fill the three 4K120 inputs. Three other HDMI sockets remain for a disc player, streamer or another source. Which model you pick does not alter that source budget.
How we worked this out
6 total HDMI inputs - 3 4K120 sources = 3 HDMI inputs left over on each receiver. You still have to consider format compatibility and input settings.
Plan your receiver connectionsLay out my system
Check a documented speaker layout against HDMI sources and external-amplifier plans.
Denon AVR-S970H
Handles your setup
Runs 5.1.2 on its own built-in amplifiers. Takes 3 HDMI devices, 1 of them at 4K/120Hz.
Denon AVR-X1800H
Handles your setup
Runs 5.1.2 on its own built-in amplifiers. Takes 3 HDMI devices, 1 of them at 4K/120Hz.
A powered subwoofer does not count toward the speaker channels. This checks one main room. Check Zone 2, bi-amping and unusual speaker assignments yourself. Leave room for ventilation, and confirm HDMI settings, cables and speaker impedance before you install.
Option A
Denon, AVR-S970H
AVR-S970H
Two HDMI monitor outputs sit on this seven-amplifier receiver. It makes the most sense in a 5.1.2 or 7.1 room where a TV and a projector are both in use.
- Best for
- A seven-speaker system serving both a TV and a projector
Facts we checked
- HDMI display outputs: 2
- Main-channel pre-outs: None
- Included calibration: Audyssey MultEQ
- Source inputs: 6 HDMI, including 3 with 4K120
Option B
Denon, AVR-X1800H
AVR-X1800H
This seven-channel Denon includes Audyssey MultEQ XT and HEOS, plus three 4K120 inputs. It is a targeted pick for a room with one display and two height speakers.
- Best for
- A single-display 5.1.2 room using Audyssey MultEQ XT
Facts we checked
- HDMI display outputs: 1
- Main-channel pre-outs: Front left and right
- Included calibration: Audyssey MultEQ XT
- Source inputs: 6 HDMI, including 3 with 4K120
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Denon AVR-S970H | Denon AVR-X1800H | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI display outputs | 2 | 1 | For two connected displays, S970H is the direct match. |
| Main-channel pre-outs | None | Front left and right | A separate front-channel power amplifier can be reused with X1800H. |
| Included calibration | Audyssey MultEQ | Audyssey MultEQ XT | X1800H brings the XT calibration tier. It does not add a second display output. |
| Source inputs | 6 HDMI, including 3 with 4K120 | 6 HDMI, including 3 with 4K120 | The total source count and the high-frame-rate source count are the same on both. |
| Speaker layouts | 5.1, 7.1 or 5.1.2 | 5.1, 7.1 or 5.1.2 | A 5.1.4 system is out of reach for either. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Denon AVR-S970H
- It has the MultEQ version of Audyssey, a step below the XT tier in X1800H.
With Denon AVR-X1800H
- Being named X-series brings no extra speaker channels or HDMI inputs.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Two displays count, and every speaker runs on internal amps
Go with Denon AVR-S970H. The second HDMI output comes from S970H.
One display will do, and I need front pre-outs
Go with Denon AVR-X1800H. The stereo amplifier connection comes from X1800H.
I need two displays as well as front pre-outs
Neither model fits. This combination is not offered by either model.
Decision guide
How to decide
AVR-S970H is for keeping a TV and projector connected. AVR-X1800H is for MultEQ XT or a separate amplifier driving the front pair. Neither is a complete upgrade over the other, because the same seven-channel and six-input limits apply to both.
Each model has a feature the other lacks
A connection that S970H has is missing on X1800H, even though the latter belongs to the X series. When a projector is part of your room, losing the second display output can be more inconvenient than any calibration change. Rank the rear-panel requirements above the model hierarchy.
Decide if front pre-outs are useful right now
An existing stereo amp can connect straight to the front channels on the X1800H. That is concrete value if you own one or have picked one out. Should every speaker stay on the receiver's internal amps, those sockets may never get used.
A deal is only good if it covers the room
Decide which output arrangement works first, then check the exact current Amazon prices. A cheaper receiver turns awkward if it forces a display switch or removes a planned amplifier connection. If you need both features, widen the shortlist instead of settling for the least inconvenient compromise.
What this page can’t tell you
- The scope is US connections and speaker layouts. No measurements of amplifier output, room-correction results or sound quality were taken by us. HDMI format, firmware and display compatibility still need checking.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the AV receivers we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denon AVR-S970H |
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| Denon AVR-X1800H |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Denon AVR-S970H
A TV and projector each stay on their own HDMI output
See price & reviews on AmazonDenon AVR-X1800H
A stereo amplifier you own can drive the front speakers
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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