Denon AVR-X8500HA

Denon AVR-X8500HA was introduced in 2021 and represented a flagship model of a manufacturer. It is equipped with 13 channel amplifier with 150 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 13.2 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro and Auro-3D, passes 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz and upscales up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 video signal.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 96 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.

In this section we present pros and cons of Denon AVR-X8500HA.

In 2021 Denon released 6 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Denon AVR-X8500HA vs AVR-X1700H vs AVR-X1700H DAB vs AVR-S760H vs AVR-S660H vs AVC-S660H.

Denon AVR-X8500HA has replaced AVR-X8500H. Here we present differences between these two models.

UPGRADES	Denon AVR-X8500HA	vs	Denon AVR-X8500H
HDR10+		vs
Dynamic HDR		vs
Newer HDCP Version	2.3	vs	2.2
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 100/120Hz 4:4:4	vs	up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4
Bluetooth Headphone Transmission		vs
More 8K Inputs	1	vs
Newer Bluetooth Version	4․2	vs	3․0 + EDR

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Denon AVR-X8500HA vs AVR-X8500H.

Denon AVR-X8500HA's 13 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
5.2.2, 5.2.4, 5.2.6, 7.2.2, 7.2.4, 7.2.6, 9.2.2, 9.2.4 with internal amplifier.
• DTS:X Pro Configurations: The speaker configurations for DTS:X Pro are the same as for Dolby Atmos:
5.2.2, 5.2.4, 5.2.6, 7.2.2, 7.2.4, 7.2.6, 9.2.2, 9.2.4 with internal amplifier.
• Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
5.2, 7.2, 9.2 with internal amplifier.
• Front Wide Channel support: Denon AVR-X8500HA supports front wide channels. With the presence of two front wide speakers you can enhance the front surround stage. The following speaker configurations are available for front wide channels - 9.2, 9.2.2, 9.2.4.
• 5-ch Bi-Amp: Denon AVR-X8500HA allows you to bi-amp up to 5 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.

Dolby Atmos

Denon AVR-X8500HA 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-X8500HA supports DTS:X Pro with Neural:X and Virtual:X.

• DTS:X Pro is an upgraded version of DTS:X and is no longer limited with 11 channels. With DTS:X Pro Denon AVR-X8500HA can get up to 13 channel processing.
• 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.

Auro-3D

Denon AVR-X8500HA supports Auro-3D. It is an immersive 3D audio format developed by the Belgium-based company Auro Technologies.

• Auro-Matic upmixer takes non Auro-3D sound and upmixes to the current speaker configuration.

IMAX Enhanced

Denon AVR-X8500HA is IMAX Enhanced certified. To qualify for IMAX Enhanced certification, 4K HDR televisions, projectors, sound bars, a/v receivers, loudspeakers, powered subwoofers and other premium home entertainment devices must meet carefully prescribed performance requirements established by IMAX, DTS and Hollywood's leading experts.

• What makes an IMAX Enhanced A/V receiver different from an A/V receiver with DTS:X technology? DTS:X technology is commonly found in most multi-channel A/V receivers on the market today. All IMAX Enhanced A/V receivers include DTS:X technology and deliver additional features, such as auto-sensing of IMAX Enhanced content, via IMAX Mode. IMAX Mode indicates that your A/V receiver supports fully immersive IMAX signature sound.

DECODING
Dolby Atmos	up to 7.1.6 or 9.1.4
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	Pro up to 7.1.6 or 9.1.4
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	13.1-ch (Built-In)

Denon AVR-X8500HA features 1 HDMI 2.1 input with 8K support and 7 inputs with 4K support. It has 3 outputs: 2 x 8K for MAIN and 1 x 4K for ZONE2.

• 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz Passthrough: 1 out of 8 inputs passes up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 and the rest of the inputs pass up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
• 8K Upscaling: Denon AVR-X8500HA can upscale up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 from HDMI and analog sources.
• Analog To HDMI Upconversion: The a/v receiver supports video upconversion, so you can connect your analog Component and Composite video sources and Denon AVR-X8500HA will output them via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
• 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-X8500HA is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Denon AVR-X8500HA supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dynamic HDR 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-X8500HA supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) for lag-free and smooth gaming.

VIDEO FEATURES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDMI Version	2.1
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 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4

Denon AVR-X8500HA comes with Audyssey MultEQ XT32 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-X8500HA offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 3 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 11 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
• HDMI Output: Denon AVR-X8500HA offers HDMI output for Zone 2. This means that it can send two different HDMI signals to two displays.
• Audio Pre Output: If you have a dedicated power amplifier for Zone 2 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via pre outs and control volume from the a/v receiver.
• Composite Video Output: Denon AVR-X8500HA has analog Composite Video output for Zone 2. This means that it can send a different video signal to the TV.

Zone 3

• Powered Zone 3: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 3 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 11 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
• Audio Pre Output: If you have a dedicated power amplifier for Zone 3 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via pre outs and control volume from the a/v receiver.
• Composite Video Output: Denon AVR-X8500HA has analog Composite Video output for Zone 3. This means that it can send a different video signal to the TV.

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.
• 7.1 Multichannel Input: In case you have a high quality Blu-Ray or a DVD player with multichannel analog outputs you may connect it to a 7.1 multichannel analog inputs of the a/v receiver and use high quality DACs of the player instead of the ones in the a/v receiver.
• Analog Pre-Outs: Denon AVR-X8500HA has 15.2 preamplifier outputs which allow you to connect the a/v receiver to the external power amplifier. You may want to use a high quality external amplifier for certain channels, usually for front L/R and center, and use the a/v receiver to power the rest.
• Analog Line Inputs: There are 6 line inputs for analog audio connection.
• Digital Inputs: 2 optical inputs and 2 coaxial inputs 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   Outputs: 3 (2 x 8K for MAIN, 1 x 4K for ZONE2)
8K Inputs: 1
• Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
Inputs: 4   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. Denon AVR-X8500HA supports up to 1080p resolution on Component video connectors.
Inputs: 3   Outputs: 1

Front A/V Inputs

• HDMI, USB

In 2022 Denon AVR-X8500HA was replaced by Denon AVR-A1H. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Denon AVR-X8500HA and its successor.

UPGRADES	Denon AVR-A1H	vs	Denon AVR-X8500HA
More Channels	15.4	vs	13.2
Bi-amp capability	7-ch (assignable)	vs	5-ch (assignable)
More Channel Processing	15.4	vs	13.2
Dolby Atmos Music		vs
More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System	Audyssey MultEQ XT32 and Dirac Live (upgrade)	vs	Audyssey MultEQ XT32
More 8K Inputs	7	vs	1
XLR Line Inputs	1	vs
More RCA Pre-Outs	17.4	vs	15.2
XLR Pre-outs	4 subwoofers	vs
More Speaker Terminals	17	vs	15
More Large Speaker Terminals	17	vs	15
Bigger Power Supply	1100 W	vs	900 W
Higher S/N Ratio (digital)	110 dB	vs	102 dB
Higher Dynamic Range (digital)	110 dB	vs	100 dB
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac	vs	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
Newer Bluetooth Version	5․0	vs	4․2
Longer Warranty	5 Years	vs	3 Years

DOWNGRADES	Denon AVR-A1H	vs	Denon AVR-X8500HA
Less HDMI Inputs	7	vs	8
Less RCA Line Inputs	5	vs	6
Multi-Channel Input		vs	7.1
Less Composite Video Inputs		vs	4
Less Composite Video Outputs		vs	1
Less Component Video Inputs		vs	3
Less Component Video Outputs		vs	1
Front A/V Inputs	USB	vs	HDMI, USB
Zone 2 Outs	HDMI, Pre Out	vs	HDMI, Composite, Pre Out
Zone 3 Outs	Pre Out	vs	Pre Out, Composite
Denon Link HD		vs

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Denon AVR-X8500HA vs AVR-A1H.

GENERAL
Brand	Denon
Model	AVR-X8500HA
Type	A/V Receiver
Country	USA
Release Year	2021
Predecessor	Denon AVR-X8500H
Successor	Denon AVR-A1H

AMPLIFIER
Channels	13.2
Power Output	150 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Front Wide Channel Support
Amplifier Design	Monolithic
Discrete Amplification
THX™ Certification
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Mono Block Power Amplifier Construction	L/R separated
Bi-amp Capability	5-ch (assignable)

AUDIO FEATURES
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine	Two dual SHARC+ core 32-bit DSP
DAC	AKM AK4490EQ
DAC Specs	384 kHz/32 Bit
Maximum Channel Processing	13.2
D.D.S.C. HD Digital	32 bit
Alpha Processing	AL32 Processing Multichannel
Air Studios Monitor Certification
Dolby Atmos	up to 7.1.6 or 9.1.4
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	Pro up to 7.1.6 or 9.1.4
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	13.1-ch (Built-In)
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, MPEG-4 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	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
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 XT32
Audyssey App Support
Optimized Bass Redirection
Bass Sync

VIDEO FEATURES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDMI Version	2.1
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 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	Component, Composite
Component Video Upscaling
Analog to Analog Video conversion
Component Video Maximum Resolution	1080p
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
HDMI Outputs	3 (2 x 8K for MAIN, 1 x 4K for ZONE2)
8K Inputs	1
USB Input	1 Front for USB memory
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	2
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	2
RCA Line Inputs	6
RCA Line Outputs
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input	7.1
RCA Pre-Outs	15.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs	4
Composite Video Outputs	1
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs	3
Component Video Outputs	1
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch
PC In
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI, USB
Speaker A/B	assignable
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")
Detachable Power Cord

ZONES
Number of Zones	3
Powered Zones	2 and 3
Zone 2 Outs	HDMI, Composite, Pre Out
Zone 3 Outs	Pre Out, Composite
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output	2
Remote (IR) Input/Output	1 / 1

MISCELLANEOUS
On-Screen Display	Advanced Graphic User Interface
GUI Languages	3
Web Control
IP Control
Control4 SDDP
PreAmp Mode
Display	2 lines
Remote Controller	RC-1221
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	Metal
Speaker Terminals	15
Large Speaker Terminals	15
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	900 W
No Sound Power	ECO On/Off: 70 W/125 W
Standby Power	0.1 W
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
Auto Power off

PHYSICAL
Dimensions (W x H x D)	434 mm x 195 mm x 482 mm (with antenna: 434 mm x 259 mm x 482 mm) 17-1/8" x 7-3/4" x 18-3/4" (with antenna up: 17-1/8" x 10-1/4" x 18-3/4")
Dimensions of Package (W x H x D)	22.4" x 12.9" x 21.2"
Weight	23.6 kg (52 lbs)
Weight of Package	26.9 kg

SPECIFICATIONS
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	150 W (0.05% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	190 W (0.7% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)	260 W (10% THD)
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)	210 W (1% THD)
Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front)	280 W x 2-channel
Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front)	170 W x 2-channel
THD (Digital)	0.008% (1 kHz, at 0 dB)
Analog Distortion	0.005% (20 Hz-20 kHz, Direct mode)
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
Rated Lineout Level and Impedance	1.2 V
Rated Output digital	2 V (at 0 dB playback)
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	102 dB
S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)	74 dB
S/N Ratio (digital)	102 dB
Dynamic Range (digital)	100 dB
Phono RIAA Deviation	±1 dB (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
Frequency Response (Analog In)	+1/-3 dB (10 Hz to 100 kHz, Direct mode)
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI	2.8 MHz
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 60 MHz, 0 dB/-3 dB (Component) 5 Hz to 10 MHz, 0 dB/-3 dB (Composite)
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	4․2
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