Denon AVR-S950H

Denon AVR-S950H was introduced in 2019. 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 88 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.

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

Here is a history of the series, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the receivers.

You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Denon AVR-S970H vs AVR-S960H vs AVR-S950H vs AVR-S940H vs AVR-S930H vs AVR-S920W.

In this section we present pros and cons of Denon AVR-S950H.

In 2019 Denon released 7 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Denon AVR-X3600H vs AVR-X2600H vs AVR-X1600H vs AVR-X1600H DAB vs AVR-S950H vs AVR-S750H.

Denon AVR-S950H has replaced AVR-S940H. Here we present differences between these two models.

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-S950H vs AVR-S940H.

Denon AVR-S950H'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-S950H supports Dolby Atmos with Surround Upmixer and Atmos Height Virtualization.

• 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.
• Atmos Height Virtualization is a digital signal processing solution that leverages Dolby's deep understanding of human audio perception to create the sensation of overhead sound from the listener-level speakers.

DTS:X

Denon AVR-S950H 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

Denon AVR-S950H 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-S950H 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 2.3 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.3 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
• 3D Ready: Denon AVR-S950H is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Denon AVR-S950H 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.

Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)

Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature allows the compatible TV to send audio signal to the a/v receiver through the same HDMI cable which is used to send audio and video signals to the TV. So one HDMI cable is used to transfer audio signal in both directions. New Enhanced ARC will support uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio whereas the previous ARC could support only Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, DTS HD, and PCM.

Gaming Features

Denon AVR-S950H 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 Version	2.3
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K 24/25/30p 4:4:4

Denon AVR-S950H 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.

Denon AVR-S950H 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.

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 4 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: 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

Front A/V Inputs

• HDMI, USB

In 2020 Denon AVR-S950H was replaced by Denon AVR-S960H. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Denon AVR-S950H and its successor.

UPGRADES	Denon AVR-S960H	vs	Denon AVR-S950H
HDR10+		vs
Dynamic HDR		vs
VRR		vs
QFT		vs
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4	vs	up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4	vs	up to 4K 24/25/30p 4:4:4
More 8K Inputs	1	vs
More RCA Line Inputs	5	vs	4
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac	vs	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
Newer Bluetooth Version	4․2	vs	3․0 + EDR

DOWNGRADES	Denon AVR-S960H	vs	Denon AVR-S950H
Less HDMI Inputs	6	vs	8 (1 front)
Front A/V Inputs	USB	vs	HDMI, USB

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Denon AVR-S950H vs AVR-S960H.

GENERAL
Brand	Denon
Model	AVR-S950H
Type	A/V Receiver
Country	USA
Release Year	2019
Predecessor	Denon AVR-S940H
Successor	Denon AVR-S960H

AMPLIFIER
Channels	7.2
Power Output	90 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
DAC	AKM
Maximum Channel Processing	7.1
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 Formats	MP3, WMA, MPEG-4 AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD
Music Playback via USB	MP3, 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 USB	Apple 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 Version	2.3
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up 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
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth	SBC
Bluetooth Headphone Transmission
Works with Amazon Alexa
Google Assistant
Chromecast Built-In
Apple Siri
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 Inputs	8 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	2 (simultaneous)
8K Inputs
USB Input	1 Front for USB memory
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	2
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	1
RCA Line Inputs	4
RCA Line Outputs
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	0.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs	2
Composite Video Outputs	1
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs	2
Component Video Outputs	1
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch
PC In
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI, USB
Speaker A/B
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")
Detachable Power Cord

ZONES
Number of Zones	2
Powered Zones	2
Zone 2 Outs
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output
Remote (IR) Input/Output	0 / 0

MISCELLANEOUS
On-Screen Display	Advanced Graphic User Interface
GUI Languages	3
Web Control
IP Control
Control4 SDDP
Display	1 line
Remote Controller	RC-1228
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 Panel	not Metal
Speaker Terminals	7
Large Speaker Terminals	7
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
High Grade Audio Components
Gold plated RCA terminals

POWER
Power Supply	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Power Consumption	460 W
No Sound Power	ECO On/Off: 35 W/75 W
Standby Power	0.1 W
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
Auto Power off

PHYSICAL
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")
Weight	9.5 kg (20 lbs 15 oz)

SPECIFICATIONS
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	90 W (0.08% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	125 W (0.7% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)	185 W (10% THD)
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)	145 W (1% THD)
Phono Distortion	0.03% (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 USB	5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz
Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance	1 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 Response	5 Hz to 10 MHz, 0 dB/-3 dB (Composite) 5 Hz to 60 MHz, 0 dB/-3 dB (Component)
Ethernet Standard	100BASE-TX
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency	5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth Version	3․0 + EDR
Bluetooth Frequency	2.4 GHz
USB Terminal	USB2.0 5V, 1 A
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz
FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)	Mono: 2.8 µV (20.2 dBf)
FM Effective Sensitivity	1.2 µV (12.8 dBf)
FM S/N Ratio	Mono/Stereo: 70 dB/67 dB
FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz)	Mono/Stereo: 0.7%/1.0%
AM Frequency	520 kHz - 1710 kHz
AM Effective Sensitivity	18 µV
Warranty	3 Years

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