Denon DRA-800H Review and Specs

In 2019 Denon announced the release of the first stereo AV receiver for high-quality home audio enthusiasts who need powerful and accurate sound with the ability to connect a TV and stream music from the Internet. See all the Denon DRA-800H specs in this Denon DRA-800H review.

Denon DRA-800H review

Features

The Denon DRA-800H dual-channel Hi-Fi receiver has developed network functions and is equipped with a high-current discrete amplifier with a capacity of 100 W per channel at 8-ohm load. Leveraging Denon’s award-winning Hi-Fi amplifiers, Denon engineers used the DRA-800H to design audiophile-class circuitry and components to ensure clean, high-quality sound.

Design and build

The amplifier section has a fully symmetrical design for the left and right channels and high-quality Denon capacitors. A powerful oxygen-free copper transformer (OFC) provides high power and ensures reliable operation of the amplifier even with complex acoustics with low impedance. The AKM AK4458's 32-bit digital-to-analog converter supports all modern audio formats, including ALAC, FLAC and WAV, with bit rates up to 24 bit / 196 kHz. It also supports Hi-Res high resolution files in 2.8 / 5.6 MHz DSD format.

Connectivity

The stereo receiver has 5 HDMI input ports supporting 4K / 60 Hz, the latest HDCP 2.3, and Dolby Vision, HLG and HDR10 video standards with extended dynamic range. The HDMI output supports the ARC audio return channel, which is convenient when connected to a TV. On board there is a full range of linear and digital inputs. There is a Pre Out for a pair of active subwoofers and a separate Pre Out for a second zone. Four pairs of screw terminals are used to connect speakers to the Denon DRA-800H, making it easy to organize a two-wire connection.

Setup

There is support for HEOS - a wireless multiroom ecosystem that provides control of all HEOS components with a single application and makes it possible to send audio from tablets and smartphones, streaming services and local storage to any HEOS device. This guarantees the reproduction of the same track simultaneously in all rooms with perfectly accurate synchronization or the translation of different tracks into different rooms.

Pros and Cons