Denon AVR-S740H

    86
    Image cannot be found

    Highlights

    • 7.2 Channels
    • 7.1 Channel Processing
    • 75 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    • Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
    • HDR10, Dolby Vision
    • 4K/60Hz Passthrough
    • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
    • Phono Input

    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    1. Overview

    Denon AVR-S740H was introduced in 2018. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 75 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz video signal.

    We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 86 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

    Amplifier
    85
    Audio Features
    85
    Video Features
    94
    Connectivity
    83
    Zones
    77
    Radio
    96
    OVERALL
    86

    For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluation section.

    2. Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Denon AVR-S740H.

    PROs

    •   Dolby Atmos
    •   DTS:X
    •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
    •   HDR10
    •   Dolby Vision
    •   New HDCP Version
    •   Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through
    •   Wi-Fi
    •   Bluetooth
    •   Works with Amazon Alexa
    •   HEOS
    •   USB Input
    •   Phono Input
    •   Composite Video Inputs
    •   Ethernet
    •   Analog Tuner
    •   Pandora
    •   Spotify
    •   Tidal

    CONs

    •   Low Power Output - 75 W
    •   No Front Wide Channel Support
    •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    •   No IMAX Enhanced
    •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
    •   No DSD via HDMI
    •   No HDR10+
    •   No eARC
    •   No 8K Passthrough
    •   1 HDMI Outputs
    •   0 8K Input
    •   Few RCA Line Inputs
    •   No RCA Pre-Outs
    •   No Digital Radio
    •   Bluetooth 3․0 + EDR

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   7.2 Channels
    •   7.1 Channel Processing
    •   6 HDMI Inputs
    •   2 Zones

    3. Denon 2018 Lineup

    In 2018 Denon released 12 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

    Denon 2018 Lineup
    ModelChannelsPowerMax. Ch. Proc.Pre OutsImmersive AudioHDRZones Price
    AVR-X8500H Image cannot be found 13.2150 W13.215.2Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X
    Auro 3D
    HDR10
    Dolby Vision
    3
    AVR-X6500H Image cannot be found 11.2140 W11.211.2Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X
    Auro 3D
    HDR10
    Dolby Vision
    3
    AVR-X4500H Image cannot be found 9.2125 W11.211.2Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X
    Auro 3D
    HDR10
    Dolby Vision
    3
    AVR-X3500H Image cannot be found 7.2105 W7.27.2Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X
    HDR10
    Dolby Vision
    2
    AVR-X2500H Image cannot be found 7.295 W7.1Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X
    HDR10
    Dolby Vision
    2
    AVR-X1500H Image cannot be found 7.280 W7.1Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X
    HDR10
    Dolby Vision
    2
    AVR-X550BT Image cannot be found 5.270 W5.1HDR10
    Dolby Vision
    1
    AVR-X250BT Image cannot be found 5.170 W5.1HDR101
    AVR-S940H Image cannot be found 7.290 W7.1Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X
    HDR10
    Dolby Vision
    2
    AVR-S740H Image cannot be found 7.275 W7.1Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X
    HDR10
    Dolby Vision
    2
    AVR-S640H Image cannot be found 5.275 W5.1HDR10
    Dolby Vision
    1
    AVR-S540BT Image cannot be found 5.270 W5.1HDR10
    Dolby Vision
    1

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Denon AVR-X8500H vs AVR-X6500H vs AVR-X4500H vs AVR-X3500H vs AVR-X2500H vs AVR-X1500H.

    4. Changes from the AVR-S730H

    Denon AVR-S740H has replaced AVR-S730H. Here we present differences between these two models.

    UPGRADES Denon AVR-S740H vs Denon AVR-S730H
    Higher DAC Specs 192 kHz/32 Bit vs 192 kHz/24 Bit
    Phono Input vs
    Wi-Fi Standard IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n vs IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
    DOWNGRADES Denon AVR-S740H vs Denon AVR-S730H
    Network Audio Formats MP3, WMA, MPEG-4 AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD vs MP3, WMA, MPEG-4 AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
    Music Playback via USB MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD vs MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
    High Resolution Audio Formats via USB Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD vs Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Denon AVR-S740H vs AVR-S730H.

    5. Amplifier

    7 channel Amplifier

    Denon AVR-S740H features 7 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 75 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

      AMPLIFIER
      Channels7.2
      Power Output75 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Front Wide Channel Support
      Discrete Amplification
      THX™ Certification
      Continuous 6 Ω Rated
      Certified 4 Ω Performance
      Mono Block Power Amplifier Construction
      Bi-amp Capability

      6. Speaker Configurations

      Denon AVR-S740H's 7 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

      • Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
      • 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
      • DTS:X Configurations: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos:
      • 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
      • Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
      • 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.

      7. Immersive Audio Formats

      Dolby Atmos

      Denon AVR-S740H supports Dolby Atmos with Surround Upmixer.

      • Surround Upmixer: If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.

      DTS:X

      Denon AVR-S740H supports DTS:X with Neural:X and Virtual:X.

      • Neural:X is an advanced upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.
      • Virtual:X bridges the gap between DTS:X codec and the reality of so many consumers' homes, allowing you to enjoy multi-dimensional sound regardless of room size, layout, or speaker configuration. If you have a limited speaker setup you will miss a full immersive potential of your entertainment system. DTS Virtual:X adds height and surround audio effect to your system without adding height speakers. It works with multiple configurations and delivers immersive sound experience out of 5.1 or even 2.1 speaker layouts.
      • DTS Dialog Control: This function adjusts the dialog levels during playback of the DTS:X stream. It allows you to separately increase the dialog levels in contrast with the background sound and hear dialog easily even under noisy circumstances.
      DECODING
      Dolby Atmos up to 5.1.2
      Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      Dolby Atmos Music
      Dolby TrueHD
      Dolby Digital Plus
      Dolby Surround Upmixer
      Dolby Pro Logic
      Dolby Digital EX
      Surround EX
      DTS:X up to 5.1.2
      DTS Neural:X
      DTS Virtual:X
      DTS Neo
      DTS-HD Master Audio
      DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
      DTS 96/24
      DTS Express
      DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
      IMAX Enhanced
      Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer

      8. HDMI

      Denon AVR-S740H features 6 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
      • BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35%.
      • HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
      • 3D Ready: Denon AVR-S740H is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

      HDR (High Dynamic Range)

      Denon AVR-S740H supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma via HDMI ports. High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.


      Gaming Features

      Denon AVR-S740H supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for lag-free and smooth gaming.



      VIDEO FEATURES
      HDR10
      HDR10+
      Dynamic HDR
      BT.2020 color space
      Dolby Vision
      HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
      HDBaseT Compatible
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
      HDCP Version2.2
      QMS (Quick Media Switching)
      ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
      VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
      QFT (Quick Frame transport)
      3-D Ready
      Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4
      Video Signal Upscaling

      9. Room Calibration

      Denon AVR-S740H comes with Audyssey MultEQ room correction system and includes the calibration microphone. It also supports Audyssey App.

      • Audyssey Room Calibration: Audyssey is an acoustic measurement technology which automatically restores the acoustic distortion caused by the acoustic behaviour of a room with only a push on a button. Audyssey equalization provides an clear, accurate, natural sound with voices and dialog that become focused and intelligible, restoring the musical balance. Musical instruments and sound effects become precisely localized and the surround soundstage is made seamless and enveloping.

      10. Multi-zone Playback

      Denon AVR-S740H offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 2 different rooms.


      Zone 2

      • Powered Zone 2: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 2 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 5 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
      ZONES
      Number of Zones2
      Powered Zones 2
      Zone 2 Outs
      RS-232C Interface
      +12V Trigger Output
      Remote (IR) Input/Output0 / 0

      11. Inputs and Outputs

      Audio

      • Phono Input: There is an MM phono input with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the a/v receiver.
      • Analog Line Inputs: There are 2 line inputs for analog audio connection.
      • Digital Inputs: 2 optical inputs and 1 coaxial input are available for digital audio connection.
      • Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel.

      Video

      • HDMI:
      • Inputs: 6 (1 front)   Outputs: 1
        8K Inputs: 0
      • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
      • Inputs: 2   Outputs: 1

      Front A/V Inputs

      • HDMI, USB
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      TERMINALS
      HDMI Inputs6 (1 front)
      HDMI Outputs1
      8K Inputs
      USB Input1 Front for USB memory
      USB DC Out Port
      Optical Inputs2
      Optical Outputs
      Coaxial Inputs1
      RCA Line Inputs2
      RCA Line Outputs
      XLR Line Inputs
      Phono Input
      Multi-Channel Input
      RCA Pre-Outs0.2
      XLR Pre-outs
      Composite Video Inputs2
      Composite Video Outputs1
      S-Video Inputs
      S-Video Outputs
      Component Video Inputs
      Component Video Outputs

      12. Replaced by AVR-S750H

      In 2019 Denon AVR-S740H was replaced by Denon AVR-S750H. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Denon AVR-S740H and its successor.

      UPGRADES Denon AVR-S750H vs Denon AVR-S740H
      Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization vs
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) vs
      Newer HDCP Version 2.3 vs 2.2
      Bluetooth Headphone Transmission vs

      For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Denon AVR-S740H vs AVR-S750H.

      13. Evaluation

      We evaluate Denon AVR-S740H and give score of 86 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 6 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new receiver is added to the database.


      OVERALL
      86

      Amplifier

      EXCELLENT
      85

      We give Denon AVR-S740H a score of 85 for Amplifier features.

      •   7.2 Channels
      •   Low Power Output - 75 W

      Audio Features

      EXCELLENT
      85

      We give Denon AVR-S740H a score of 85 for Audio Features features.

      •   7.2 Channels
      •   No Front Wide Channel Support
      •   7.1 Channel Processing
      •   Dolby Atmos
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   DTS:X
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No DSD via HDMI

      Video Features

      EXCELLENT
      94

      We give Denon AVR-S740H a score of 94 for Video Features features.

      •   HDR10
      •   No HDR10+
      •   Dolby Vision
      •   Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through
      •   No 8K Passthrough

      Connectivity

      GOOD
      83

      We give Denon AVR-S740H a score of 83 for Connectivity features.

      •   No eARC
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   Bluetooth
      •   Works with Amazon Alexa
      •   HEOS
      •   6 HDMI Inputs
      •   1 HDMI Outputs
      •   0 8K Input
      •   USB Input
      •   Few RCA Line Inputs
      •   Phono Input
      •   No RCA Pre-Outs
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   Bluetooth 3․0 + EDR

      Zones

      GOOD
      77

      We give Denon AVR-S740H a score of 77 for Zones features.

      •   2 Zones

      Radio

      EXCELLENT
      96

      We give Denon AVR-S740H a score of 96 for Radio features.

      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify
      •   Tidal

      14. Specifications

      GENERAL
      BrandDenon
      ModelAVR-S740H
      TypeA/V Receiver
      CountryUSA
      Release Year2018
      PredecessorDenon AVR-S730H
      SuccessorDenon AVR-S750H
      AMPLIFIER
      Channels7.2
      Power Output75 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Front Wide Channel Support
      Discrete Amplification
      THX™ Certification
      Continuous 6 Ω Rated
      Certified 4 Ω Performance
      Mono Block Power Amplifier Construction
      Bi-amp Capability
      AUDIO FEATURES
      DACAKM
      DAC Specs192 kHz/32 Bit
      Maximum Channel Processing7.1
      D.D.S.C. HD Digital
      Alpha Processing
      Air Studios Monitor Certification
      Dolby Atmos up to 5.1.2
      Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      Dolby Atmos Music
      Dolby TrueHD
      Dolby Digital Plus
      Dolby Surround Upmixer
      Dolby Pro Logic
      Dolby Digital EX
      Surround EX
      DTS:X up to 5.1.2
      DTS Neural:X
      DTS Virtual:X
      DTS Neo
      DTS-HD Master Audio
      DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
      DTS 96/24
      DTS Express
      DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
      IMAX Enhanced
      Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      PCM 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
      Network Audio FormatsMP3, WMA, MPEG-4 AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD
      Music Playback via USBMP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD
      High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network up to 192 kHz
      High Resolution Audio Formats via USBApple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD
      Gapless Playback
      DSD via HDMI
      DSD via USB 2-ch Input
      DSD to PCM Converter
      USB DAC
      Jitter Reduction
      DTS Dialogue Control
      Dialog Enhancement
      Dialog Level Adjustment
      Dialog normalization
      Dialogue Lift
      Compressed Music Enhancer
      High-resolution Music Enhancer
      Audyssey Dynamic EQ
      Audyssey Dynamic Volume
      Audyssey LFC
      Audyssey Sub EQ HT
      Audyssey DSX
      Direct Mode
      Pure Direct Mode
      Independent Subwoofer Outputs
      CALIBRATION
      Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. Audyssey MultEQ
      Audyssey App Support
      Optimized Bass Redirection
      Bass Sync
      VIDEO FEATURES
      HDR10
      HDR10+
      Dynamic HDR
      BT.2020 color space
      Dolby Vision
      HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
      HDBaseT Compatible
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
      HDCP Version2.2
      QMS (Quick Media Switching)
      ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
      VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
      QFT (Quick Frame transport)
      3-D Ready
      Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4
      Video Signal Upscaling
      Analog To HDMI Upconversion
      Component Video Upscaling
      Analog to Analog Video conversion
      isf Certified Calibration Control
      CONNECTIVITY
      Wi-Fi
      Bluetooth SBC
      Bluetooth Headphone Transmission
      Works with Amazon Alexa
      Chromecast Built-In
      Works with SonoS
      HEOS
      DTS Play-Fi
      MHL Input
      DLNA 1.5
      AirPlay AirPlay 2
      Apple Product Connection iPod, iPhone and iPad
      Remote App Denon 2016 AVR Remote App for iOS and Android devices and Kindle Fire
      InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
      TERMINALS
      HDMI Inputs6 (1 front)
      HDMI Outputs1
      8K Inputs
      USB Input1 Front for USB memory
      USB DC Out Port
      Optical Inputs2
      Optical Outputs
      Coaxial Inputs1
      RCA Line Inputs2
      RCA Line Outputs
      XLR Line Inputs
      Phono Input
      Multi-Channel Input
      RCA Pre-Outs0.2
      XLR Pre-outs
      Composite Video Inputs2
      Composite Video Outputs1
      S-Video Inputs
      S-Video Outputs
      Component Video Inputs
      Component Video Outputs
      Ethernet
      Ethernet Switch
      PC In
      Front A/V InputsHDMI, USB
      Speaker A/B
      Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")
      Detachable Power Cord
      ZONES
      Number of Zones2
      Powered Zones 2
      Zone 2 Outs
      RS-232C Interface
      +12V Trigger Output
      Remote (IR) Input/Output0 / 0
      MISCELLANEOUS
      On-Screen Display Hybrid Graphic User Interface
      GUI Languages3
      Control4 SDDP
      Display 1 line
      Remote ControllerRC-1227
      Pre-programmed / Learnable / LCD Display / /
      Denon Link HD
      Setup Assistant
      Quick Select plus / Quick Select /
      RADIO
      Analog Tuner FM/AM
      Digital Radio
      Internet Radio TuneIn
      Pandora
      Spotify
      Tidal
      Deezer
      Napster
      SiriusXM
      CONSTRUCTION
      Front Panelnot Metal
      Speaker Terminals7
      Large Speaker Terminals7
      Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
      Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
      High Grade Audio Components
      Gold plated RCA terminals
      POWER
      Power SupplyAC 120 V, 60 Hz
      Power Consumption400 W
      No Sound PowerECO On/Off: 29 W/39 W
      Standby Power0.1 W
      ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
      Auto Power off
      PHYSICAL
      Dimensions (W x H x D)434 mm x 151 mm x 339 mm (with antenna: 434 mm x 215 mm x 339 mm)
      17 1/8" x 6" x 13 3/8" (with antenna: 17 1/8" x 8 1/2" x 13 3/8")
      Weight8.6 kg (18 lbs 15 oz)
      SPECIFICATIONS
      Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)75 W (0.08% THD)
      Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)110 W (0.7% THD)
      Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)165 W (10% THD)
      Phono Distortion0.03% (1 kHz, 3 V)
      Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)200 mV/47 kΩ
      Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)2.5 mV
      S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)98 dB
      S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)74 dB
      Phono RIAA Deviation±1 dB (20-20 kHz)
      Frequency Response (Analog In)+1/-3 dB (10 Hz to 100 kHz, Direct mode)
      DSD Sampling Rates via USB5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz
      Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
      Video Frequency Response5 Hz to 10 MHz, 0 dB/-3 dB (Composite)
      Ethernet Standard100BASE-TX
      Wi-Fi StandardIEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
      Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
      Bluetooth Version3․0 + EDR
      Bluetooth Frequency2.4 GHz
      USB TerminalUSB2.0 5V, 1 A
      FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz
      FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)Mono: 2.8 µV (20.2 dBf)
      FM Effective Sensitivity1.2 µV (12.8 dBf)
      FM S/N RatioMono/Stereo: 70 dB/67 dB
      FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz)Mono/Stereo: 0.7%/1.0%
      AM Frequency520 kHz - 1710 kHz
      AM Effective Sensitivity18 µV
      Warranty3 Years

      * - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
      ** - 480i/576i only
      *** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
      **** - 1080p signal is not converted

      Discussion

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