Ken Micallef reports from Japan: Showcased at a recent press event in Kawasaki, Japan, Denon has officially released two new X-Series AV receivers. As the company puts it, these units are designed for “listeners who want more in home theater, more power, more precision, and more control.” So, meet the next generation of Denon’s X-Series AVRs: namely, the AVR-X2900H ($1,349) and the AVR-X3900H ($1,849). This X-Series pair follows the recent introduction of the Denon S-Series AVR-S980H 7.2 receiver ($949; 7.2 channels, 90W per channel).
Both X-Series AV receivers come with updated internals and a 32-bit multichannel DAC architecture, which promises, quote, “enhanced imaging, clear frequency information, and low power with confidence on all channels.” Each X-Series receiver was developed and tuned at Denon’s Shirakawa Audio Works and guided by individual Denon Sound Masters, who also led demos for Japanese brands both Shirakawa and Kawasaki.
The AVR-X2900H (shown above), which is the entry point of the new X-Series, is said to deliver 95 watts per channel on seven channels. It supports embedded surround formats, advanced HDMI features, and modern gaming standards. Dirac Live Room Correction complements Audyssey for acoustic enhancement, while HEOS multiroom audio connects everything throughout the house – except (perhaps) the toaster.
Next, the AVR-X3900H (shown below) includes nine amplification channels, 11.4 channels of processing, 105 watts per channel, four independent subwoofer outputs, and extended configuration options for home theater devotees. Dirac Live Bass Control and Active Room Treatment (ART) are available as optional upgrades, with Audyssey room correction included as standard.
Shared across both X-Series models, IP-based Web UI setup, advanced HDMI testing, and extended controls make system setup and operation hassle-free, delivering, as Denon says, “the stability and performance expected in today’s home entertainment environments.”
On the second day of the Kawasaki listening session, the AVR-X2900H and AVR-X3900H played through a Denon AVR-X2800H 7.2 receiver, driving an impressive Bowers & Wilkins system: a pair of 801 D4 and 800 D3 floor-standing loudspeakers, D3mounts D4, D4, D4, D4, D4, D4, D4, D4, D4, D4, D4, D4 and Wilkins. a pair of DB1D subwoofers – all connected via AudioQuest cable.
Denon Sound Engineers Taichi Kamikawa and Kazuma Watanabe handled the music selection, playing excerpts of songs including Dolby Atmos selections from Hans Zimmer’s 2022. Dune: Part One (Mondo) and “Inception,” from Zimmer & Friends’ A Diamond in the Desert (Sony Classical) — not to mention Led Zeppelin’s hit “Whole Lotta Love,” from October 1969’s biggest hit. Led Zeppelin II (The Atlantic). On that last track, the B&W subs brought to life the mighty Led Zep drummer John Bonham.
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Author biography: Former musician, former artist, and former legal wastrel Ken Micallef has written reviews of many hi-fi equipment for Stereophile and Analog Planet, and his byline has also appeared inside Mojo, Electronic Musician, and The Grammys. You can also find him on YouTube (Ken Micallef Jazz Vinyl Audiophile).
Want more Denon? We have it for you! For Ken Micallef’s review of Denon’s DP-3000NE turntable, go here to our sister site. Analog PlanetPosted on September 2, 2025.
To read more about the trend of semi-automatic turntables with full Bluetooth capability, read Julie Mullins’ report on the Denon DP-500BT turntable, posted here on our sister site. Analog Planet on March 31, 2026.
