The Denon AVR-S900W is a full-featured 7.2-channel receiver able to power the 5.1-channel home theater in one room and drive another pair of speakers in another room.
The unit's body mainly has a high-quality black finish and the front panel is busier compared to the superior models. A four-foot base and two external adjustable antennas are for connecting the receiver to the Wi-Fi network and Bluetooth devices. Most of the onboard buttons serve to provide quick access to the frequently used functions (e.g. switching between modes, inputs, etc.).
There is nothing special about the unit's design and interface, but it's definitely convenient to use, so it gets a 9/10.
The AVR-S900W is one of the receivers from Denon's AVR-S series. All of them support wireless connection, but the tested model is remarkable for being one of the most feature-packed among them. For example, in comparison with the AVR-S900W, the AVR-S510BT has a poorer set of connectors and can't offer Wi-Fi capability.
The Denon AVR-S900W specs include several network features that function as stated. I'm talking about the internet radio and the possibility of streaming music from Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM, etc. As the receiver supports AirPlay, the integration with the iOS-based devices won't be a problem.
Rated at 185W per channel, the model can be connected to small satellites, bookshelf speakers, and large floorstanders. Plus, it's also compatible with speakers that have low (4 Ohm) impedance.
The device is designed to complement next-generation home theaters by supporting 4K video at 60Hz. Moreover, the 4:4:4 Pure Color pass-through helps manage high-resolution content.
The Eco mode allows cutting down the energy consumption level. You can quickly activate it by pressing the green button on the remote. However, it will also put down the volume.
The unit offers plenty of features and deserves to get a 9/10.
The Denon receiver AVR-S900W offers three sound modes that work perfectly when watching high-quality media content, enjoying gaming, and boosting your acoustic system.
The unit outputs 120W per channel, providing identically high sound quality for seven devices, connected simultaneously.
The receiver performs just as the manufacturer states. Thus, I feel confident giving it 9/10.
The sound-processing modes let you adjust the audio reproduction in accordance with the type of content (Movie/Music/Game). The receiver supports such audio file formats as WAV, DSD, FLAC, etc. Moreover, the model supports DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby Digital Plus for reproducing a high-quality surround sound.
The AVR-S900W gets a 10/10 for the sound.
The receiver has a total of 8 HDMI 2.0 ports (7 on the back, and one on the front) and 2 HDMI outputs (including the ARC-compatible one). Unfortunately, none of these ports is MHL-compatible to stream from an Android-powered smartphone. You can also connect up to two subwoofers to this receiver. It supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing you to wirelessly stream high-res audio from other devices.
I'm totally satisfied with the connectivity options the device provides. So, here the receiver gets a 10/10.
According to the Denon AVR-S900W manual, you should assemble the provided sound calibration microphone first. It's an easy task that takes just a couple of minutes. Then, you should connect the required devices, put the calibration microphone in the listening position, and run the Audyssey setup, which will perform the sound correction depending on the specific features of your room.
The setup process is semi-automatic. I rate it at 8/10.
Testing the receiver for this Denon AVR-S900W review is a nice experience: I've enjoyed the impressive sound the amplifier produces, the power it offers, and the numerous connectivity options it provides. Although it may lack customization, the receiver is an excellent choice for the price.
Bluetooth
USB-host
Network
Apple Air-play Support
AIR Studios Monitor Certification
Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR) Technology
X.v.Color
Three-zone Capability
Smartphone Remote Control
Deep Color
A-B Speaker Switch
Dual-zone Capability
MCACC Pro
Pure Direct Mode
Auto Power Off
Bi-amplifying
Audio Return Channel (ARC)
Output Impedance Per Channel
6 Ohm, 8 Ohm
Output Power Per Channel
125 W, 95 W
Total Output Power
875 W
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
100 dB
Number Of Channels
7
Total Harmonic Distortion
0,08%
Frequency Response
10 Hz-100 kHz
Surround Sound Effects
Cinema EQ, Loudness
Audio D/A Converter
24bit / 192kHz
Digital Sound Processor (DSP)
Digital Content Protection
HDCP
Sound Output Mode
Surround Sound
Surround System Class
7.1 channel
DSP Preset Qty
24
AAC
WMA
WAV
MP3
FLAC
Apple Lossless
AIFF
DSD
Amplifier Class
AB
Network Audio Player
Internet Radio
Digital Player
Dolby Atmos
DTS:X
DTS Neural:X
Dolby True HD
DTS-HD Master Audio
Dolby Surround
Dolby Digital Plus
IEEE 802.3
WI-FI
Bluetooth
IEEE 802.3u
Coaxial Digital Inputs
has not
Phones
1
Optical Digital Inputs
2
AV Inputs
has not
USB
1
Subwoofer Outputs
2
Coaxial Digital Outputs
has not
Optical Digital Outputs
has not
HDMI Outputs
2
HDMI Inputs
8
Weight
21.6 pounds
Standby Power Consumption
0,1
Operational Power Consumption
460
Colour
black
Type
fluorescent
Upscaling Via HDMI
up to 4K
3D Pass-through
Video Conversion/scaling
HDMI to HDMI scaling, analog to HDMI up conversion
HDMI Pass-through
up to 4K
Tuner Bands
AM/FM
Preset Station Qty
56
Tuner Type
digital
Sleep Timer
Built-in Clock
Brand
Denon