If there's anything specific you all would like to see in the follow up series of videos on the Denon setup, please let me know so I can be sure to include it.
Please read my comment about the lack of 40 Gbps HDMI input. I belive that SU will ship you the 3 input box in no time for your review. Haveing 3 40 Gbps HDMI inputs in the basic AVRs from Denon make this unit questionable until the new Denom AVRs arrives. Maybe the 3 connection box can make this AVR an option still since it is already now proven to be a very good AVR from other perspectives.
Theo I really enjoy your input on audioholics. It's because of you that I have changed my ultimate Bass soundcheck track to: "If You" by Skrux. It was also partly because of you that I splurged and purchased my Denon AVR 8500H. And now it's totally because of you that I drank the upgrade Kool-Aid. LOL 🤣
Best speaker layout for this avr. My assumption is it's supposed to be set up with 8 in ceiling speakers and switch between atmos and auro but I've never seen it confirmed. Why else would it be able to hook up more than it can power?
Great video!! 2 years later and this amp still knocks my socks off reminding me it was money well spent. can't wait to upgrade for the 8k benefits. please do a video on the MultiEQ app with this guy... I purchased it years ago but dont have the guts to use it yet ...
Big fan of Denon here. Picked up a used Denon AVR 4810ci ($3000 MSRP) for $50 and use it to power Energy C9 towers. Great power and fantastic sound, especially in the low end.
I've been waiting for the review for the past 3 weeks! I purchased one recently and used the Audyssey App. Its a great improvement over my Yamaha 3700 in a 7.2.4 system. It is nevertheless a lot of money, and am wondering if I should wait for the next generation of receivers from Denon or Onkyo. Thanks Theo for all your good work-have been watching your enthusiastic videos for many years.
Funny thing. I have a X4700h from 2020 & the MultEQ XT 32 is a firmware download 🤣🤣. Now my 2 year old AVR has this too. I'm 100% pre-out tho w/ A5 & A7 for a 7.2.4 Klipsch set up. Great video very thorough.
Just checked my box - UK Spec AVC 8500 HA and the ‘A’ is marked on the blue stripe on the box, made in Japan, all good and thanks for the heads up about the upgrade of HA. This is for use with the 8K JVC laser projector.
Thanks for the great overview. I purchased the 4700h & love it. I'm sure their flagship has even better processing and cleaner amplification. I considered their flagship and only decided against it because I knew I was going into separates soon and wanted to save some 💰.
Unfortunately only one HDMI 40 Gbps input. Some of the entrance level Denon AVRs now have three HDMI input 40 Gbps. Maybe this should be mention and disussed in depth in a coming review since this is a big limitation to a high performance AVR. The 3 40 Gbps input box now available needs also to be mentioned and tested. Thanks to Audioholics for great content and in the future you might add to your ”sloga” - keep listening and watching- since the picture side and the HDMI complexity with 2.1 becomes very important for your viewers.
That is a one stop shop, beast of a receiver. I really like the fact that you can buy this, power your system, and then when you want to upgrade to separates, you can switch it to processor mode. I have an external amp on my AVR-X4500H right now, and wondered, why they did not include an option to turn off the amps, when outputting to the preouts. Also, I look forward to your review of the MultEQ-X app. I really want to see what that software can do.
I have a X4500H also but am gonna upgrade to this beast today. Which additional amp are you using? I’m still looking for something extra for my Dali opticon 8 fronts.
Virtual Height is so cool with a very large projector screen. (when it works, that one Tron movie) Had this on the Yamaha flagship Avr. Having the fronts 11ft apart and center 12" off the floor, Peoples voices would be heard exactly where they were on the screen, say 5ft up and 3ft off center. I have tried several other brands but Tron has been the only movie this feature has ever worked
Me too. But I'm using it with external amplifiers. Are you using internal amplifiers? If using external amplifiers, should there be major difference in the sound quality? I just connected it and haven't used it much. Only had the 8500H for few months.
@@davidgerald285 all 15 channels won't power at the same time. How does the system decide which channels to enable and not? I also have 15 channels connected and front wide speakers don't turn on. But I haven't used the system much yet.
@@vivekjain2722 Get a A3, A5 or A7(depending on how many bedlayers you have) & power your bedlayers speakers. Then just use 8500h for top 4 atmos. Yes it sounds way diff and avr runs cooler. I have 4700h and I'm 100% pre-amp mode with a A5 & A7 for my 7.2.4
I have is baby and it is extremely nice. It is extremely powerful and sounds clean. I wonder what you could do with the 2 unamplified channels? Can’t wait until the next video about the function and performance of this beast.
@@demonreturns4336 - I also have a 4308ci Denon. lol. It happens. We journey and level up when it strikes. I sold my Anthem MRX 1140 for the Denon x6700H ( Auro3D) ...and the Anthem has terrible noise floor issues in the rear / height channels. *SO much hissing.* - not to mention the internal fan noise. You know how it is .. we are never satisfied in this hobby.. Something always comes along.
the biggest thing this one offers over the original Non-A 8500H is the abilty to play in 8k and 120hz 4k, something that is going to make twitch gamers happy to use this with their gaming PC.
I must say that is some beautiful beast ! The power supply looks bigger than the 7200WA model the model I still have. As 8K is now launched with the hardware units I m pretty skeptical if there would be any 8K native content on the physical media side. But that unit l ooks pretty future proof for a good length of time . Very good review on the product.
On a side note The pre outs might measure better than some processors but it's nothing that you can hear...so it comes down to preference on which unit you think sounds better...which is the only thing that matters ...if you are buying something based on nothing but specs because you think it is better ...and you have heard a direct comparison between the different models to tell which one you like the best..then specs are specs ...trust your ears which sound you like the best as we should all know by now.
I’m running the X8500HA right now in a 2.2 channel mode with Revel’s flagship Ultima2 Salon speakers and using Benchmark AHB2 external amplifiers in bridged mono. It sounds fabulous.
Correction for you, almost everything you said regarding the HA being an upgrade on the audio side vs the original Denon x8500h is incorrect. The original has all this including Imax Enhanced and DTS-X pro via a firmware update which was through the internet and free. These are not exclusive to the HA model. The video is really where the upgrades happened.
@@Boxkerp you might be correct. I wasn't 100 %sure on that point so I deleted that part. The comments regarding the DTS-X pro and Imax enhanced are 100 %correct though so left that in.
The reference in the video is that the 8500HA adds height virtualization to simulate three-dimensional effects without actual height speakers installed. The 8500H would up-mix the audio signal to actual speakers and the HA adds speaker virtualization. IMAX enhanced was added via firmware to the 8500H. The 8500HA adds DTS-Pro.
@@TheoNicolakis fyi as an x8500h owner dts pro is in the same update that added the Imax enhanced to the x8500h. The update was November 11th, 2020. Audioholics even wrote an article about this upgrade on November 5th, 2020. I believe you're also incorrect about the virtualize height channels, however, I'm a bit less confident in this aspect of the update.
As already mentioned in comments...please confirm what DAC chips are in the HA. There are lots of discussions about the HA now having inferior DACs compared to the H because of the AKM fire. I am certainly holding off on a purchase until it can be confirmed what DAC chips are now being used. The HA measurements may not be the same as the H!
I have the 4700h. I love it. Certain the 8500 is better, a bit too much in price for me. The multi eq app makes the sound even better. Love that I can remove midrange compensation and can limit room corection to just bass frequencies (for me below 500hz)
I just purchased this receiver and later read that the well tested AK DSP chips are not in this unit (only in the anniversary 110 units) and they are using an inferior DSP chip. The previous 8500H tested very well but this may not be the case with the 8500HA. I wonder if you could speak to this issue. I’m disappointed. This was a significant purchase.
Hmmm, own x4700h myself. All of the amps published now, should have all inputs HDMI2.1. There should be NO excuse. And as a flagship amp, I say this a really bad decision... Otherwise seems OK, but I just cannot understand why the inputs are gimped...
Thank you for this great content 👍. I am planning to get the r600+400+r100(2 pairs)+RC80i +hts 12 for my 7.1.2 setup. But bit confused about the avr, denon x3800h vs 4700. My dedicated ht room size is 5.3m*3.7m after the aquistics. I am not planing the preamps due to budget constraints. Which avr would you recommend for this setup denon 3800 or 4700?
Hi Gene and Everyone... question, What receiver should I buy? The Denon AVR-X8500HA OR Denon AVR-X6800H??? The reason I ask is because it looks like the x8500HA just got a 25% off promo on several big box websites. I planned on the x6800h, but it seems like a deal to just get the 'better' receiver with the discount. Thanks for any feedback!!!
Yeah. You can get a much better pre/pro for the money. This amp I'd for folks who want to just have every bell and whistle combined with internal amplification
@@johnlira3316 I think an Anthem 60 with external amplifiers is probably a better combination and performance than this all on one solution. Don't get me wrong, Denon has high production standard but the audessy is lesser room correction tool in my humble position. This am is around 4500. The Anthem could probably be picked up for 2500 plus 2k in external amp.
For this kind of $$$ you should consider separates. You can get a Yamaha CX-A5200 preprocessor and and say a Monoprice Monolith amp 7 or 9 channels for about the same money. You won't get 13 channels but good lord - how many is too many? Plus with the Monolith amp you get a real 200 watts per channel ALL channels driven with the 7 channel model. I have an open floor plan and no receiver that I have tried can do concert level volume for long periods in my main listening room but it is no problem from my Monolith.
These are really well made products but I am not a fan of Audyssey with dynamic equalization or having to adjust a target curve with my fongers on a phone. I have the 4400h and its sitting in my basement while I am using a cheaper, better sounding avr. I am also waiting for a back order for an avr with Dirac.
@@ts6640 hope so . over the last 2 years I have run the calibration 10 times and it seems to get significantly better every time. how bizzare. I only use the minimum seat locations also... and recently I removed the setting which tails off the treble for ”better dialouge” and found the entire sound stage suddenly full off sparkle and crispness.
How would you compare this to the Marantz Cinema 40? While the Marantz only have 125 per channel, most of us use an external amp to power front speakers. My main concern is that for the amount of money spent on an 8500HA, you only get one 8K input. Rather the Cinema 40 has 7 - 8K inputs, so it future proofed. As a long time Denon customer, I love Denon! but I feel that for the price, Denon should offer at least 3 or more 8K inputs. Any thought?
Well I will consider this avr, though the idea that the hdmi 2.1 port is only 40 gbps, is making me, say hold it… I want the full 48gbps no matter what games can do today, with the current consoles, when I buy an avr, I want it to be as future proofed, as it possibly can. Which means I will probably be waiting for another few years, for denons next flagship avr, or an upgraded at the factory of a 48 gbps port, or I should say two, for the output to the tv, needs to be 48 gbps, as well….
@@NL_the_Godfather yea, I just don’t want to spend xxxx amount of cash, to have to spend it again in about 2 years, or whatever… I want an avr that will last me… so I will continue to use my cheap onkyo, for the time being….
@@Ryand0523 i just got it yesterday and with the hdmi 2.1 it should be fine for at least 8 years. U don’t really need the 8 extra gbps anytime soon. Especially if u use 4K, all u need is 33gbps. Unless u want to run 8K 240hz but then hdmi 2.1 is also not enough for that. Cables are currently way ahead of the tv panels out there. I already have a 80gbps displayport 2.0 cable which can run 16K but nothing to use it with. I thought i could use it on my 3080Ti graphics card but that one only has displayport 1.4 and hdmi 2.1. So then hdmi is the way to go.
I have a Denon AVR x3100w and two Canton SD 580 DC main speakers. They are bi wired, think that this increases power supply. I usually set a max volume level but what if I would set Limit to off and increase the Volume to max. Could this potentially harm the speakers? Did you run your speakers at max volume? Thanks for your answers ☺️.
Help please! Does your X8500HA show An X at the TV Audio column in the inputs/Input assign section? Denon said the X at this input slot is normal. My eARC is not working correctly. My sources, Blu ray, 4K Fire stick Max, are displaying no higher than 1080P through the Denon. It should be displaying 2160 4 K and 4320 8k .I been having this problem ever since I bought this receiver. The Samsung tech said the TV is reading the TV source as a USB and not handshaking correctly. 7 months and counting and this problem isn’t fixed! If anyone else is experiencing this problem please respond. Thanks
@@Yiannis2112 The spoiler is that you don’t find it on the front panel! The only indicator is on the back. Even internally, this unit will show up as an 8500H on a network.
This allows to connect 15.2 but processes 13.2. Is it based on the content or the audio type chosen like Atmos vs Auro or DTS? I'm not able to play the front wide channels.
You can connect 15.2 channels so that you can run a concurrent Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D speaker layout. If you have the Top Front height and Voice of God speakers enabled, then you cannot run front wides. Auro 3D does not support front wides. You can check out the speaker layout options here: manuals.denon.com/AVCX8500HA/EU/EN/DRDZSYhiettsoj.php
Can you turn off the amp per channel or is it all on or all off? For instance, suppose one is running a 7 channel speaker system and have the receiver connected to a 5 channel Monolith and thereby only need a couple of channels driven.
The X8500HA tips the scales at over 51lbs. It's heavier than the X7200WA, which I owned. The X8500HA amplifier is Class AB. It uses a high current transformer. The on-board amplification is excellent.
Does the UI still suck? Hopefully a multi thousand dollar receiver has a very intuitive/ easy to use UI. Denon's UI has always sucked and very lackluster.
@@ddcrocky3831 You're welcome. I had a chance to compare my 8500 with a 6700 on my 7.1.4 setup and there was a noticeable difference in punch and clarity of sound. Therefore, it was an easy decision to keep my 8500.
@@Audioholics haha although it’s weird they didn’t make a completely new box and just put an A in there and don’t mention anything about 8k or dts X pro on the box. U pay alot of money for this so u expect a good box at least.
I see folks always say "please, cmon... get a microphone stand". Why? I love wasting money as much as anyone but why so emphatically recommend buying a stand? Its weird...
@@Audioholics the pc app cost 200 and is only attached to one avr. I find that few people in the audio community on the forums hold onto Audessy once they have tried Dirac. I also wouldn't be surprised if the new holding company does make a deal with Dirac.
@@missing1102 threw the licensing restriction is unfortunate. I doubt Masimo will change room correction on the AVRs. They have no good reason to do so.
@@Audioholics the pc app seemed to be aimed at the the enthusiast as a direct response to the popularity of Dirac. Sound United has a mini monopoly among brand loyalists but I have found many proponents of Audyssey have never really tried Dirac and once they do are convinced. I also found the bio of the ceo who led the buyout interesting. Seemed like a smart guy and maybe there was a purpose of the kinda weird blend of companies besides cash generation.
Just one thing to say, please can everyone who says things are future proof. Well there’s no such thing with electronics!!! Everything goes out of date , one way or the other.
I use the Audyssey app for my Marantz 8805, and it is really great. Would advise everyone with a compatible amp to get it. It´s cheap for what it does, but should be free concidering what you pay for the amp.
Hey buddy, Denon are liars and cheats as are every product Sound United sells. I'm offend each time their mentioned. I was robbed by Denon twice buying 7.1 receivers that couldn't supply power to my surround backs because they didn't possess the technology to do it at the time but that didn't stop them! I suppose it's up to me to put up videos boycotting their products!
Common Gene, don't you think that it's time to drop the star trek thing. You're 50 something. Please stop trying to get us to buy that mass market junk from Sound United. Empty promises and horror stories about people buying $2000+ and it being nothing more than a boat anker. Would you buy a car if you started having trouble right off the bat?
What a douchebag thing to say. First you're age shaming, then your implying that someone that is "50 something" can't enjoy Star Trek? How noninclusive of you. I've never had any major issues with Denon products and I've been reviewing their stuff for 20+ years. Pro installers I work with have shared mostly success stories with Sound United products with me as well. Customer support is an issue I've heard lacking at SU. Perhaps that will improve under new ownership.
I've bought two units that had 7.1 and neither had the ability to play rear surrounds within the last 7- 12 years. Look up some of the lesser known reviews of Denon X series that had 2.1 ins & 2.3 outs from 2019-2021. Their remedy is a blu-ray sized box to fix what they promised they were already claiming. Yamaha at least is replacing the internal boards. Onkyo has even worst issues. What happened to integrity? $$$ bottom line and a medical devices company is not likely to help but let's keep our fingers crossed.
@@christianginella5545 asked _"What happened to integrity?"_ - There was this thing called COVID 19 which screwed up a lot of things. Part issues, shipping issues, all add up to why a lot of companies had problems with HDMI. Quit complaining. its getting better slowly but surely.
@@nebtheweb8885 theres a massive difference with having problems and plain out lieing about thier product features. ARC still now doesn't support more than 5.1 and I bought into this about 6 to 7 years ago. 1.4 cable isn't even capable of delivering a decent sound. I upgraded to 2.1 an now it sounds decent but still doesnt support Atmos.
If there's anything specific you all would like to see in the follow up series of videos on the Denon setup, please let me know so I can be sure to include it.
Please read my comment about the lack of 40 Gbps HDMI input. I belive that SU will ship you the 3 input box in no time for your review. Haveing 3 40 Gbps HDMI inputs in the basic AVRs from Denon make this unit questionable until the new Denom AVRs arrives. Maybe the 3 connection box can make this AVR an option still since it is already now proven to be a very good AVR from other perspectives.
Theo I really enjoy your input on audioholics. It's because of you that I have changed my ultimate Bass soundcheck track to:
"If You" by Skrux.
It was also partly because of you that I splurged and purchased my Denon AVR 8500H.
And now it's totally because of you that I drank the upgrade Kool-Aid.
LOL 🤣
I fail to understand why this behemoth cannot process 9.2.6......That is all.
Best speaker layout for this avr. My assumption is it's supposed to be set up with 8 in ceiling speakers and switch between atmos and auro but I've never seen it confirmed. Why else would it be able to hook up more than it can power?
@@BornIn82 because its a 13.2 amplifier/receiver? You would need something extra indeed if u have 9.2.6 for the last 2 speakers.
Great video!!
2 years later and this amp still knocks my socks off reminding me it was money well spent. can't wait to upgrade for the 8k benefits.
please do a video on the MultiEQ app with this guy... I purchased it years ago but dont have the guts to use it yet ...
Big fan of Denon here.
Picked up a used Denon AVR 4810ci ($3000 MSRP) for $50 and use it to power Energy C9 towers.
Great power and fantastic sound, especially in the low end.
You stole that Denon!
I'll give you $100.00 for it
I've been waiting for the review for the past 3 weeks! I purchased one recently and used the Audyssey App. Its a great improvement over my Yamaha 3700 in a 7.2.4 system. It is nevertheless a lot of money, and am wondering if I should wait for the next generation of receivers from Denon or Onkyo. Thanks Theo for all your good work-have been watching your enthusiastic videos for many years.
Looks awesome! But I couldn’t afford this which is why I’m happy I got a X3800H. It meets and surpasses all of my expectations! 👍🏼
Oh heck yeah! That thing is a dream I would ABSOLUTELY love to own that. I would cherish that beauty. 😯😍🎶
Funny thing. I have a X4700h from 2020 & the MultEQ XT 32 is a firmware download 🤣🤣. Now my 2 year old AVR has this too. I'm 100% pre-out tho w/ A5 & A7 for a 7.2.4 Klipsch set up. Great video very thorough.
Just checked my box - UK Spec AVC 8500 HA and the ‘A’ is marked on the blue stripe on the box, made in Japan, all good and thanks for the heads up about the upgrade of HA. This is for use with the 8K JVC laser projector.
Thanks for the great overview. I purchased the 4700h & love it. I'm sure their flagship has even better processing and cleaner amplification. I considered their flagship and only decided against it because I knew I was going into separates soon and wanted to save some 💰.
What was your deciding factor for the 4700 over the 3700?
@@gabe6959 a little more power for 2 channel listening & HDMI input on the front (alot easier for when I use REW).
@@doublet147 And AURO 3D
@@pricelessbrains3282 yes & Auro 3D. I meant to mention that.
Unfortunately only one HDMI 40 Gbps input. Some of the entrance level Denon AVRs now have three HDMI input 40 Gbps. Maybe this should be mention and disussed in depth in a coming review since this is a big limitation to a high performance AVR. The 3 40 Gbps input box now available needs also to be mentioned and tested. Thanks to Audioholics for great content and in the future you might add to your ”sloga” - keep listening and watching- since the picture side and the HDMI complexity with 2.1 becomes very important for your viewers.
The price of this is insane to not have HDMI 2.1 out the but t h o le.
Thanks so much for the review. I will be purchasing this unit in the very near future.
That is a one stop shop, beast of a receiver. I really like the fact that you can buy this, power your system, and then when you want to upgrade to separates, you can switch it to processor mode. I have an external amp on my AVR-X4500H right now, and wondered, why they did not include an option to turn off the amps, when outputting to the preouts. Also, I look forward to your review of the MultEQ-X app. I really want to see what that software can do.
Turning off the amps, if you use the pre outs only, how is this a problem?
@@dfalekulo9138 I believe he's referring to the on-board amps which I believe to be in the osd menu under the assign configure
I have a X4500H also but am gonna upgrade to this beast today. Which additional amp are you using? I’m still looking for something extra for my Dali opticon 8 fronts.
@@NL_the_Godfather I have Monitor Audio Silver 300. My external Amplifier is an Anthem MCA325. It powers my fronts and my Silver C350 center.
Always down for a good receiver breakdown. Cheers
Virtual Height is so cool with a very large projector screen. (when it works, that one Tron movie) Had this on the Yamaha flagship Avr. Having the fronts 11ft apart and center 12" off the floor, Peoples voices would be heard exactly where they were on the screen, say 5ft up and 3ft off center. I have tried several other brands but Tron has been the only movie this feature has ever worked
Excellent video for me this video helps me A lot and keep it up with a great job you guys doing…. please compare the Denon 8500H too the 8500HA PLEASE
I had the x8500h for two years, then recently I upgraded to A110, so glad I did, so much better sound steering, and powerful.
Me too. But I'm using it with external amplifiers. Are you using internal amplifiers? If using external amplifiers, should there be major difference in the sound quality? I just connected it and haven't used it much. Only had the 8500H for few months.
@@vivekjain2722 using internal amps, 7.2.8 system.
@@davidgerald285 all 15 channels won't power at the same time. How does the system decide which channels to enable and not? I also have 15 channels connected and front wide speakers don't turn on. But I haven't used the system much yet.
@Vivek Jain only 13 channels will operate, in either of the three sound formats
@@vivekjain2722 Get a A3, A5 or A7(depending on how many bedlayers you have) & power your bedlayers speakers. Then just use 8500h for top 4 atmos. Yes it sounds way diff and avr runs cooler. I have 4700h and I'm 100% pre-amp mode with a A5 & A7 for my 7.2.4
I have is baby and it is extremely nice. It is extremely powerful and sounds clean. I wonder what you could do with the 2 unamplified channels? Can’t wait until the next video about the function and performance of this beast.
My old AVR has exactly same remote. It is weird. It looks like nobody uses remotes nowadays. Denon has to built in Japan, you are absolutely right.
That's one heck of a long contest since it ends on 3/31/31!
Have a x6700H now .. still want a x8500HA .. Love them.
damn! you collecting receivers like it's pokemons out there haha
@@demonreturns4336 - I also have a 4308ci Denon. lol.
It happens. We journey and level up when it strikes. I sold my Anthem MRX 1140 for the Denon x6700H ( Auro3D) ...and the Anthem has terrible noise floor issues in the rear / height channels. *SO much hissing.* - not to mention the internal fan noise.
You know how it is .. we are never satisfied in this hobby.. Something always comes along.
the biggest thing this one offers over the original Non-A 8500H is the abilty to play in 8k and 120hz 4k, something that is going to make twitch gamers happy to use this with their gaming PC.
And the addition of DTS X pro
@@NL_the_Godfather non A version also has DTS X Pro since software update. So they are completely equal regarding audio processing
Great to see Theo doing these vids. The SR8015 is a better buy.
It certainly is but if you need a 1 box solution, the 8500 reins Supreme.
@@Audioholics What sound do you think is better...sr8015 or 8500ha?
@@antonioantequeracid6005 Gene did a comparison video about a year back of the SR8015 and the 8500H
😂 ... Subjective
Anyone opened one up yet to see what Dacs they replaced the 8500h ones with 🤔 This should be upfront information.
Dear Audioholics, what is the dac inside?
I must say that is some beautiful beast ! The power supply looks bigger than the 7200WA model the model I still have. As 8K is now launched with the hardware units I m pretty skeptical if there would be any 8K native content on the physical media side. But that unit l ooks pretty future proof for a good length of time . Very good review on the product.
On a side note The pre outs might measure better than some processors but it's nothing that you can hear...so it comes down to preference on which unit you think sounds better...which is the only thing that matters ...if you are buying something based on nothing but specs because you think it is better ...and you have heard a direct comparison between the different models to tell which one you like the best..then specs are specs ...trust your ears which sound you like the best as we should all know by now.
50 pounder packs a punch that would probably leave us hungry for lunch. Just a hunch. Thanks a bunch. Gotta go, got some numbers to crunch. 🤓
I wonder why youtube didn't notify me that there was a video uploaded today? I have the bell icon on too.
Hi, what DACs does it have? I’ve read in forums that AKM DACs were replaced due to shortage. Thanks!
Pretty sad that for 4600 dollars there is only 1 8k input other than that it’s badass
Thank you for the overview.
Would be great to see a section on its 2 channel capability.
I’m running the X8500HA right now in a 2.2 channel mode with Revel’s flagship Ultima2 Salon speakers and using Benchmark AHB2 external amplifiers in bridged mono. It sounds fabulous.
Correction for you, almost everything you said regarding the HA being an upgrade on the audio side vs the original Denon x8500h is incorrect. The original has all this including Imax Enhanced and DTS-X pro via a firmware update which was through the internet and free. These are not exclusive to the HA model. The video is really where the upgrades happened.
You might be right, so I am no disagreeing with you, but i thought Denon said that the HA won't have the ability to store 2 audyssey profiles.
@@Boxkerp you might be correct. I wasn't 100 %sure on that point so I deleted that part. The comments regarding the DTS-X pro and Imax enhanced are 100 %correct though so left that in.
The reference in the video is that the 8500HA adds height virtualization to simulate three-dimensional effects without actual height speakers installed. The 8500H would up-mix the audio signal to actual speakers and the HA adds speaker virtualization. IMAX enhanced was added via firmware to the 8500H. The 8500HA adds DTS-Pro.
@@TheoNicolakis fyi as an x8500h owner dts pro is in the same update that added the Imax enhanced to the x8500h. The update was November 11th, 2020. Audioholics even wrote an article about this upgrade on November 5th, 2020. I believe you're also incorrect about the virtualize height channels, however, I'm a bit less confident in this aspect of the update.
Dts-x pro was added to the original as well with a firmware update
As already mentioned in comments...please confirm what DAC chips are in the HA. There are lots of discussions about the HA now having inferior DACs compared to the H because of the AKM fire. I am certainly holding off on a purchase until it can be confirmed what DAC chips are now being used. The HA measurements may not be the same as the H!
Good evening. Same situation with me. Could you please confirm us?
yes, inquiring minds want to know......?
I have the 4700h. I love it. Certain the 8500 is better, a bit too much in price for me. The multi eq app makes the sound even better. Love that I can remove midrange compensation and can limit room corection to just bass frequencies (for me below 500hz)
I'd rather go AV pre and amplifiers than Denon 8500
I just purchased this receiver and later read that the well tested AK DSP chips are not in this unit (only in the anniversary 110 units) and they are using an inferior DSP chip. The previous 8500H tested very well but this may not be the case with the 8500HA. I wonder if you could speak to this issue. I’m disappointed. This was a significant purchase.
i would like to know this as well!!!
Would u like to sell it
Can you please tell me What dacs are being used in the 8500ha
wonderful piece of kit, highly adorable.
Hmmm, own x4700h myself.
All of the amps published now, should have all inputs HDMI2.1. There should be NO excuse. And as a flagship amp, I say this a really bad decision...
Otherwise seems OK, but I just cannot understand why the inputs are gimped...
You Will show test bench of Power?
Deos it matter that they changed the dacs on the 8500ha as far as sound goes
Thank you for this great content 👍.
I am planning to get the r600+400+r100(2 pairs)+RC80i +hts 12 for my 7.1.2 setup. But bit confused about the avr, denon x3800h vs 4700. My dedicated ht room size is 5.3m*3.7m after the aquistics. I am not planing the preamps due to budget constraints. Which avr would you recommend for this setup denon 3800 or 4700?
Most important, Made in Japan.
Hi Gene and Everyone... question, What receiver should I buy? The Denon AVR-X8500HA OR Denon AVR-X6800H??? The reason I ask is because it looks like the x8500HA just got a 25% off promo on several big box websites. I planned on the x6800h, but it seems like a deal to just get the 'better' receiver with the discount. Thanks for any feedback!!!
Why buy a big expensive amp like that and not use its amps.
Yeah. You can get a much better pre/pro for the money. This amp I'd for folks who want to just have every bell and whistle combined with internal amplification
@@missing1102 Mike which pre pros??
@@johnlira3316 I think an Anthem 60 with external amplifiers is probably a better combination and performance than this all on one solution. Don't get me wrong, Denon has high production standard but the audessy is lesser room correction tool in my humble position. This am is around 4500. The Anthem could probably be picked up for 2500 plus 2k in external amp.
For this kind of $$$ you should consider separates. You can get a Yamaha CX-A5200 preprocessor and and say a Monoprice Monolith amp 7 or 9 channels for about the same money. You won't get 13 channels but good lord - how many is too many? Plus with the Monolith amp you get a real 200 watts per channel ALL channels driven with the 7 channel model. I have an open floor plan and no receiver that I have tried can do concert level volume for long periods in my main listening room but it is no problem from my Monolith.
I hope yamaha releases a new av preamp
But word is they have now discontinued with the rxa8a now being their flagship product
The Monolith stuff looks awesome it's really putting separates closer to reach.
These are really well made products but I am not a fan of Audyssey with dynamic equalization or having to adjust a target curve with my fongers on a phone. I have the 4400h and its sitting in my basement while I am using a cheaper, better sounding avr. I am also waiting for a back order for an avr with Dirac.
Please do the review/tutorial on MULTEQ-X! I need help with it!
I have been testing MultEQ-X with the Denon and we’ll be doing something very soon on it.
@@TheoNicolakis Much appreciated!
yes please... I need a guide also.
@@breezebreeze699 Hardeep Singh Rattan, rest assured……..Theo will save us.
He is the Audyssey messiah!
@@ts6640 hope so . over the last 2 years I have run the calibration 10 times and it seems to get significantly better every time. how bizzare. I only use the minimum seat locations also... and recently I removed the setting which tails off the treble for ”better dialouge” and found the entire sound stage suddenly full off sparkle and crispness.
How would you compare this to the Marantz Cinema 40? While the Marantz only have 125 per channel, most of us use an external amp to power front speakers. My main concern is that for the amount of money spent on an 8500HA, you only get one 8K input. Rather the Cinema 40 has 7 - 8K inputs, so it future proofed. As a long time Denon customer, I love Denon! but I feel that for the price, Denon should offer at least 3 or more 8K inputs. Any thought?
The airplay two on my X3400 is flaky at best, hopefully this one is better.
Great video! When will you be doing a video on MultEQ X?
Yes!
@@Audioholics can't wait.
many thanks in advance
How would this X8500HA compare to the older Pioneer LX83 in both 2 channel audio and surround sound?
Well I will consider this avr, though the idea that the hdmi 2.1 port is only 40 gbps, is making me, say hold it… I want the full 48gbps no matter what games can do today, with the current consoles, when I buy an avr, I want it to be as future proofed, as it possibly can. Which means I will probably be waiting for another few years, for denons next flagship avr, or an upgraded at the factory of a 48 gbps port, or I should say two, for the output to the tv, needs to be 48 gbps, as well….
What AVR runs the full 48?
@@avtechman77 I don’t any right now, but I am willing to wait
But maybe u can upgrade this model again in the future to a B version if it does come out with hdmi 2.1 48gbps or even hdmi 2.2?
@@NL_the_Godfather yea, I just don’t want to spend xxxx amount of cash, to have to spend it again in about 2 years, or whatever… I want an avr that will last me… so I will continue to use my cheap onkyo, for the time being….
@@Ryand0523 i just got it yesterday and with the hdmi 2.1 it should be fine for at least 8 years. U don’t really need the 8 extra gbps anytime soon. Especially if u use 4K, all u need is 33gbps.
Unless u want to run 8K 240hz but then hdmi 2.1 is also not enough for that.
Cables are currently way ahead of the tv panels out there.
I already have a 80gbps displayport 2.0 cable which can run 16K but nothing to use it with. I thought i could use it on my 3080Ti graphics card but that one only has displayport 1.4 and hdmi 2.1. So then hdmi is the way to go.
For a flagship, no true differential XLR inputs for 2 channel audio?
For what xlr
XLR would be nice. Easy to muddy up an RCA connection.
@@thomasschafer7268 XLR are true balanced connections and would make sure there's no noise to ever ruin the signal.
I have a Denon AVR x3100w and two Canton SD 580 DC main speakers. They are bi wired, think that this increases power supply. I usually set a max volume level but what if I would set Limit to off and increase the Volume to max. Could this potentially harm the speakers?
Did you run your speakers at max volume?
Thanks for your answers ☺️.
When Gene finds out your opening boxes like that......
So is the denon AVRA110GS better than the 8500 and if so why thank you
Crazy price for sure
Help please! Does your X8500HA show An X at the TV Audio column in the inputs/Input assign section? Denon said the X at this input slot is normal. My eARC is not working correctly. My sources, Blu ray, 4K Fire stick Max, are displaying no higher than 1080P through the Denon. It should be displaying 2160 4 K and 4320 8k .I been having this problem ever since I bought this receiver. The Samsung tech said the TV is reading the TV source as a USB and not handshaking correctly. 7 months and counting and this problem isn’t fixed! If anyone else is experiencing this problem please respond. Thanks
wow that isn't good!! I hope you get the help you need!!
I had mine upgraded to the H/A
How did it go?
What was the turnaround time?
What happened at 16.58? Why so abruptly cut the front panel overview?
Ugh seems like there was a misalignment of the transition that cut it short.
@@TheoNicolakis No worries, it's just that you were about to say where the actual HA is written on the chassis.
@@Yiannis2112 The spoiler is that you don’t find it on the front panel! The only indicator is on the back. Even internally, this unit will show up as an 8500H on a network.
@@TheoNicolakis Got it! Cheers!
looks exactly like my pioneer
This allows to connect 15.2 but processes 13.2. Is it based on the content or the audio type chosen like Atmos vs Auro or DTS? I'm not able to play the front wide channels.
You can connect 15.2 channels so that you can run a concurrent Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D speaker layout. If you have the Top Front height and Voice of God speakers enabled, then you cannot run front wides. Auro 3D does not support front wides. You can check out the speaker layout options here: manuals.denon.com/AVCX8500HA/EU/EN/DRDZSYhiettsoj.php
Can you turn off the amp per channel or is it all on or all off? For instance, suppose one is running a 7 channel speaker system and have the receiver connected to a 5 channel Monolith and thereby only need a couple of channels driven.
I will double check with Denon to get a definitive answer for you on this one from the source
Do you know if there is a new Sorround Processor on the way from Denon or from any other brands?
Typically you’ll see new models announced at CEDIA, which will typically put you in the September/October timeframe or CES in January.
At 39 lb it's almost half the weight of previous flagships. Is it because of Class D amplification?
It's 51lbs, not 39lbs. The days of the super receiver are gone. You're not getting a one box 5805 level product again.
@@Audioholics Crutchfield has this one listed at 39 lbs and the AVR-110 @ 51 lbs. Of course they could be wrong
The X8500HA tips the scales at over 51lbs. It's heavier than the X7200WA, which I owned. The X8500HA amplifier is Class AB. It uses a high current transformer. The on-board amplification is excellent.
@@wishbone20t their spec is wrong. Both models are 51lbs.
What's the difference between the HA model vs the H?
One has an H and the other has an HA. Lol. no, seriously though, The H is 4k, and the HA is 8k.
THE BOX DOES NOT STATE 8500HA. THAT MODEL IS THE 8500H.
He explained why that is at about 7:13 into the video.
É de mais d perfeito
Does the UI still suck? Hopefully a multi thousand dollar receiver has a very intuitive/ easy to use UI. Denon's UI has always sucked and very lackluster.
yes it still sucks. It sucks so bad that it can only properly overlay on top of 1080p signals. Anything higher and content is blacked out by menu.
@@pumpituphomeboy Ridiculous...
I have seen someone on UA-cam stated that you can disconnect each amp on the amp assign section when you select custom settings??
Anyone can confirm??
Yes with the X8500H and X8500HA if you put the unit into preamp mode it disconnects the amp section.
Thought you could select between pre and speaker in the custom section as apposed all or nothing
I bought the denon 6500 and the headroom is not great , deos the 8500 have good headroom
Yes
@@gurkal89 thank you
@@ddcrocky3831 You're welcome. I had a chance to compare my 8500 with a 6700 on my 7.1.4 setup and there was a noticeable difference in punch and clarity of sound. Therefore, it was an easy decision to keep my 8500.
Only one 8K HDMI input ?
Yes, correct.
@@TheoNicolakis
Thank You so much
Why does the box say 8500h and not ha
Sorry I should have listened on lol
WOW, this is a old product to be reviewing, also you guys have covered this x8500h extensively already.
The HA is brand new Upgrade. Pay closer attention.
@@Audioholics
😂😂😂😂😂😂
@@Audioholics haha although it’s weird they didn’t make a completely new box and just put an A in there and don’t mention anything about 8k or dts X pro on the box. U pay alot of money for this so u expect a good box at least.
I see folks always say "please, cmon... get a microphone stand". Why? I love wasting money as much as anyone but why so emphatically recommend buying a stand? Its weird...
Dirac is now the new standard. Let's hope D&M Holdings adopt it.
Standard by who's criteria? Audyssey now has full PC control and Anthem ARC Genesis has had that for years.
@@Audioholics the pc app cost 200 and is only attached to one avr. I find that few people in the audio community on the forums hold onto Audessy once they have tried Dirac. I also wouldn't be surprised if the new holding company does make a deal with Dirac.
@@missing1102 threw the licensing restriction is unfortunate. I doubt Masimo will change room correction on the AVRs. They have no good reason to do so.
@@Audioholics the pc app seemed to be aimed at the the enthusiast as a direct response to the popularity of Dirac. Sound United has a mini monopoly among brand loyalists but I have found many proponents of Audyssey have never really tried Dirac and once they do are convinced. I also found the bio of the ceo who led the buyout interesting. Seemed like a smart guy and maybe there was a purpose of the kinda weird blend of companies besides cash generation.
@@missing1102 DIRAC Is not without its problems. I'm not thrilled about the Masimo buyout TBH.
Just one thing to say, please can everyone who says things are future proof. Well there’s no such thing with electronics!!!
Everything goes out of date , one way or the other.
I looked at the Audyssey app. Almost £20, and everyone seems to hate it. So avoid!
I use the Audyssey app for my Marantz 8805, and it is really great. Would advise everyone with a compatible amp to get it. It´s cheap for what it does, but should be free concidering what you pay for the amp.
A now that then on has been sold to a non
Hey buddy, Denon are liars and cheats as are every product Sound United sells. I'm offend each time their mentioned. I was robbed by Denon twice buying 7.1 receivers that couldn't supply power to my surround backs because they didn't possess the technology to do it at the time but that didn't stop them! I suppose it's up to me to put up videos boycotting their products!
I should have known better than to chat with a guy who's never been with a woman!
@@christianginella5545 Mine works just fine, slick, and it is from 2011 and still working just fine.
you said my name?
Or maybe you plagiarized it, they've been around for just over 100 years 😉
i’ve been over 100 yrs aha
She sure is a bueat Clark....
Common Gene, don't you think that it's time to drop the star trek thing. You're 50 something. Please stop trying to get us to buy that mass market junk from Sound United. Empty promises and horror stories about people buying $2000+ and it being nothing more than a boat anker. Would you buy a car if you started having trouble right off the bat?
What a douchebag thing to say. First you're age shaming, then your implying that someone that is "50 something" can't enjoy Star Trek? How noninclusive of you.
I've never had any major issues with Denon products and I've been reviewing their stuff for 20+ years. Pro installers I work with have shared mostly success stories with Sound United products with me as well.
Customer support is an issue I've heard lacking at SU. Perhaps that will improve under new ownership.
I've bought two units that had 7.1 and neither had the ability to play rear surrounds within the last 7- 12 years. Look up some of the lesser known reviews of Denon X series that had 2.1 ins & 2.3 outs from 2019-2021. Their remedy is a blu-ray sized box to fix what they promised they were already claiming. Yamaha at least is replacing the internal boards. Onkyo has even worst issues. What happened to integrity? $$$ bottom line and a medical devices company is not likely to help but let's keep our fingers crossed.
@@christianginella5545 asked _"What happened to integrity?"_
-
There was this thing called COVID 19 which screwed up a lot of things. Part issues, shipping issues, all add up to why a lot of companies had problems with HDMI. Quit complaining. its getting better slowly but surely.
@@nebtheweb8885 theres a massive difference with having problems and plain out lieing about thier product features. ARC still now doesn't support more than 5.1 and I bought into this about 6 to 7 years ago. 1.4 cable isn't even capable of delivering a decent sound. I upgraded to 2.1 an now it sounds decent but still doesnt support Atmos.
Can you please tell me What dacs are being used in the 8500ha