# TLDR Review: Denon AVR-S970H AV Receiver

*Published: 2025-02-18 | Updated: 2025-02-18 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/denon-avr-s970h-av-receiver*

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## Product: Denon AVR-S970H AV Receiver
**Brand:** Denon

## Pros
- Easy and fast setup with on-screen prompts.
- Excellent sound quality that significantly exceeds expectations for the price range.
- Audyssey Setup feature allows for effective customization with manual tweaks.
- Denon App provides convenient adjustments, enhancing user control over settings such as rear speakers and dialog levels.
- The receiver offers many features for its price point, making it a flexible choice.
- Key features like HEOS, eARC, CEC, phono, and zone2 operate seamlessly.
- Capability to cast Spotify directly from a phone, waking the AVR from standby mode.
- Provides ample power for the audio setup without overheating, delivering a high-end audio experience.
- Offers clear value and superior performance compared to competitors like Onkyo.
- Setup is user-friendly, fitting well in built-in cabinets and offering sleek integration.

## Cons
- Remote control is not user-friendly, making navigation difficult.
- On-screen menus are poorly organized, leading to confusion while finding settings.
- HEOS system for online streaming can be confusing and has connectivity issues with SiriusXM accounts.
- Favorite channels on HEOS do not consistently save after power-off, causing frustration.
- Requires a separate app for bass and treble adjustments, which is poorly rated and costs extra.
- HDMI output issues with default scaling to 1080p and occasional black screens during source switching.
- The manual lacks clarity, and tech support has been unhelpful in resolving some zone 2 operational issues.

## Bottom Line

The Denon AVR-S970H offers a superb sound quality and a wide range of features at a reasonable price, making it a solid investment for those seeking a high-performance AV receiver. While the setup is simple and it excels in delivering powerful sound, some users may find the user interface and menu navigation lacking in intuitiveness. If premium sound customizability and ease of use are a priority for you, especially with zone management, you may need to weigh the pros and cons carefully before purchasing. Otherwise, this receiver packs a punch in delivering an excellent audio experience for both gaming and music streaming needs.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Easy and fast setup with on-screen prompts. | Remote control is not user-friendly, making navigation difficult. |
| Excellent sound quality that significantly exceeds expectations for the price range. | On-screen menus are poorly organized, leading to confusion while finding settings. |
| Audyssey Setup feature allows for effective customization with manual tweaks. | HEOS system for online streaming can be confusing and has connectivity issues with SiriusXM accounts. |
| Denon App provides convenient adjustments, enhancing user control over settings such as rear speakers and dialog levels. | Favorite channels on HEOS do not consistently save after power-off, causing frustration. |
| The receiver offers many features for its price point, making it a flexible choice. | Requires a separate app for bass and treble adjustments, which is poorly rated and costs extra. |
| Key features like HEOS, eARC, CEC, phono, and zone2 operate seamlessly. | HDMI output issues with default scaling to 1080p and occasional black screens during source switching. |
| Capability to cast Spotify directly from a phone, waking the AVR from standby mode. | The manual lacks clarity, and tech support has been unhelpful in resolving some zone 2 operational issues. |
| Provides ample power for the audio setup without overheating, delivering a high-end audio experience. |  |
| Offers clear value and superior performance compared to competitors like Onkyo. |  |
| Setup is user-friendly, fitting well in built-in cabinets and offering sleek integration. |  |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*