1-on-1 Comparison

Side-by-Side Comparison

Denon AVR-S940H (USA version)

SCORE:
86

Highlights

  • 7.2 channels
  • 7.1 channel processing
  • 90 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
  • Dolby Atmos, DTS:X capable
  • HDR10, Dolby Vision, 4K Upscaling, 4K Passthrough
  • AirPlay 2, DLNA, HEOS
  • Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • USB and Phono inputs

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Content

Overview

Denon AVR-S940H was introduced in 2018. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 90 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 and upscales up to 4K 24/25/30p 4:4:4 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
87
VIDEO FEATURES
95
AUDIO FEATURES
85
CONNECTIVITY
84
MULTIZONE
77
MISCELLANEOUS
61
RADIO
96
OVERALL
86

Pros and Cons

In this section we present pros and cons of Denon AVR-S940H.

PROS
  Dolby Atmos
  DTS:X
  Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
  New HDCP Version
  HDR10
  Dolby Vision
  Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through
  4K or 8K Video Passthrough
  4K or 8K Signal Upscaling
  HEOS
  Works with Amazon Alexa
  Ethernet
  Wi-Fi
  Bluetooth
  Many HDMI Inputs
  USB Input
  Many Optical Inputs
  Composite Video Inputs
  Component Video Inputs
  Zones
  Analog Tuner
  Pandora
  Spotify
  Tidal
CONS
  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 eARC
  No HDR10+
  No Chromecast Built-In
  Few 8K Inputs
  No RCA Pre-Outs
  Old Bluetooth Version

Predecessor

Here we are comparing Denon AVR-S940H to its predecessor AVR-S930H and displaying the major changes.

UPGRADES Denon AVR-S940H vs Denon AVR-S930H
Higher DAC Specs 192 kHz/32 Bit vs 192 kHz/24 Bit
More Optical Inputs 2 vs 2
On-Screen Display Advanced Graphic User Interface vs Hybrid Graphic User Interface
Wi-Fi Standard IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n vs IEEE 802.11 b/g/n

DOWNGRADES Denon AVR-S940H vs Denon AVR-S930H
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
Analog To HDMI Upconversion vs Component, Composite

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Denon AVR-S940H vs Denon AVR-S930H.

Audio Section

7 channel Amplifier

Denon AVR-S940H features 7 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 90 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

    Speaker Configurations

    Denon AVR-S940H'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.

    Dolby Atmos

    Denon AVR-S940H supports Dolby Atmos. It is a cinematic audio format in which sounds exist as individual entities, called audio objects. In Dolby Atmos, any sound can exist as an independent audio object, free of channel restrictions. They can be precisely placed and moved anywhere in your room, including overhead, to flow above and around you in three-dimensional space. Through the use of audio objects, overhead sound, and all the richness, clarity, and power of Dolby sound, Dolby Atmos turns your room into an amazing place for entertainment. The format supports up to 128 simultaneous independent audio objects in a mix for rich, realistic, and breathtaking sound. It recreates the director's original concept through descriptive metadata to provide customized playback for home theater and delivers sounds above you through overhead speakers, special upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar.

    • Dolby 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-S940H supports DTS:X. A technique used in DTS:X is similar to the one used in Dolby Atmos. Instead of a fixed number of channels, DTS:X defines object locations from the listener in polar coordinates. An a/v receiver then dynamically renders sound according to the current speaker configuration. The speaker layout employed by DTS:X is the sum of Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D. It has standard 7.1 channel base layer, a 5 channel height layer above the base layer on the front and side walls, and 3 rows of speakers on the ceiling.

    • DTS Neural:X: DTS 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.
    • DTS Virtual:X: DTS 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.

    Sound Processing

    • Audyssey: Denon AVR-S940H comes with Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume.
    • Dynamic EQ: selects the best possible frequency response and surround volume levels moment-by-moment. This ensures that the bass response, tonal balance and surround impression remain constant despite changes in volume. This is the first technology that carefully combines information from incoming source levels with actual output sound levels in the room, a pre-requisite for delivering a dynamic volume solution.
    • Dynamic Volume: Your Listening experience can be greatly diminished when there are significant shifts in volume between television programs, commercials and within the program material itself. When this happens you must constantly adjust the volume to maintain your desired listening level. Audyssey Dynamic Volume monitors the volume of program material moment-by-moment and automatically adjusts it, maintaining the desired listening level for all content while optimizing the dynamic range to preserve impact.

    Room Calibration

    Denon AVR-S940H 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.

    Video Section

    HDMI

    Denon AVR-S940H features 8 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs which work parallelly and output the same signal.

    • 4K/60Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
    • 4K Upscaling: Denon AVR-S940H can upscale up to 4K 24/25/30p 4:4:4 from HDMI sources.
    • 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-S940H is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

    HDR (High Dynamic Range)

    Denon AVR-S940H supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma. 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.

    • HDR10: HDR10 uses the wide-gamut Rec. 2020 color space. It sends static metadata via video stream to the TV which calibrates its screen brightness and color according to that. HDR10 supports 10-bit color which corresponds to 1024 shades of the primary RGB colors. It is technically limited to a maximum of 10,000 nits peak brightness, however common HDR10 contents are mastered with peak brightness from 1,000 to 4,000 nits.
    • Dolby Vision: Dolby Vision is a set of technologies developed by Dolby Laboratories for high dynamic range (HDR) video. It covers content creation, distribution, and playback. Like HDR10+, it includes dynamic metadata that are used to adjust and optimize each frame of the HDR video to the consumer display's capabilities in a way specified by the content creator. Dolby Vision allows for a maximum resolution of 8K up to 12-bit color depth, maximum peak brightness of 10,000 nits and a color gamut up to Rec. 2020. It uses Dolby's proprietary dynamic metadata defined in SMPTE ST 2094-10.
    • Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG): The Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) is a transfer function developed mainly for HDR live video feed and over-the-air broadcasts. It is an HDR format that uses BT.2020 color primaries and a bitdepth of 10-bit. It is backward compatible with the transfer function of SDR and is designed to be better-suited for television broadcasting, where the metadata required for other HDR formats is not backward compatible with non-HDR displays. HLG defines a non-linear optical-electro transfer function, in which the lower half of the signal values use a gamma curve and the upper half of the signal values use a logarithmic curve.

    andh3>Gaming Features

    Denon AVR-S940H supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for lag-free and smooth gaming.

    • Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM): Auto Low Latency Mode enables the ideal latency setting to automatically be set allowing for smooth, lag-free and uninterrupted viewing and interactivity. When the receiver detects a gaming signal it will enter ALLM. The signal will also be sent to the TV causing it to automatically switch to a low-latency, low-lag mode for gaming. Some functions will not be available on the receiver and TV during ALLM.

    Multi-zone Playback

    Denon AVR-S940H 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.

    Inputs and Outputs

    Audio

    • Analog Line Inputs: There are 4 line inputs for analog audio connection.
    • Digital Inputs and Outputs: 1 optical input, 2 optical outputs 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: 8 (1 front)   Outputs: 2 (simultaneous)
      8K Inputs: 0
    • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
    • Inputs: 2   Outputs: 1
    • Component Video: Component video connection gives you the higher quality video compared to the composite video connection. So in case your old DVD player and other equipment do not have an HDMI output but have Component video output use this connection over the composite one.
    • Inputs: 2   Outputs: 1
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    Specifications

    Here we list all the available features and specifications of Denon AVR-S940H.

    BASICS
    BrandDenon
    ModelAVR-S940H
    TypeA/V Receiver
    CountryUSA
    Release Year2018
    AMPLIFIER
    Channels7.2
    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
    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
    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 Dialog 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
    Enhanced ARC
    HDCP Version2.2
    HDR10
    HDR10+
    Dynamic HDR
    Dolby Vision
    HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
    BT.2020 color space
    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 up to 4K 24/25/30p 4:4:4
    Analog To HDMI Upconversion
    Component Video Upscaling
    Analog to Analog Video conversion
    isf Certified Calibration Control
    CONNECTIVITY
    MHL Input
    DLNA 1.5
    FireConnect
    FlareConnect
    HEOS
    Chromecast Built-In
    DTS Play-Fi
    Works with Amazon Alexa
    Works with SONOS
    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
    Ethernet
    Ethernet Switch
    Wi-Fi
    Bluetooth SBC
    Bluetooth Headphone Transmission
    HDBaseT Compatible
    HDMI Inputs8 (1 front)
    HDMI Outputs2 (simultaneous)
    8K Inputs
    USB Input1 Front for USB memory
    USB DC Out Port
    RCA Line Input4
    RCA Line Output
    XLR Line Inputs
    Phono Input
    Optical Inputs2
    Optical Outputs
    Coaxial Inputs1
    Composite Video Input2
    Composite Video Output1
    S-Video Input
    S-Video Output
    Component Video Input2
    Component Video Output1
    PC In
    Multi-Channel Input
    RCA Pre-Outs0.2
    XLR Pre-outs
    Front A/V InputsHDMI, USB
    Speaker A/B
    Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")
    ZONES
    Zones2
    Powered Zones 2
    Zone 2 Outs
    RS-232C Interface
    +12V Trigger Output
    Remote (IR) Input/Output0 / 0
    MISC
    On-Screen Display Advanced Graphic User Interface
    GUI Languages3
    Control4 SDDP
    Display 1 line
    Remote ControllerRC-1228
    Pre-programmed / Learnable / LCD Display / /
    Detachable Power Cord
    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 Internet Radio
    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 Consumption460 W
    No Sound PowerECO On/Off: 35 W/75 W
    Standby Power0.1 W
    GENERAL
    ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
    Auto Power off
    Dimensions (W x H x D)434 mm x 167 mm x 341 mm (with antenna: 434 mm x 237 mm x 341 mm)
    17 1/8" x 6 5/8" x 13 1/2" (with antenna: 17 1/8" x 9 3/8" x 13 1/2")
    Weight9.4 kg (20 lbs 12 oz)
    Warranty3 Years
    SPECS
    Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 290 W (0.08% THD)
    Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2125 W (0.7% THD)
    Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA)185 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)100 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 Impedance1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y)
    0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR)
    1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
    Video Frequency Response5 Hz to 10 MHz, 0 dB/-3 dB (Composite)
    5 Hz to 60 MHz, 0 dB/-3 dB (Component)
    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

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

    Successor

    In 2019 Denon AVR-S940H was replaced by AVR-S950H. Let us now have a look at some important changes that the successor brought.


    UPGRADES Denon AVR-S950H vs Denon AVR-S940H
    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-S940H vs Denon AVR-S950H.

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