We tested the DENON AVR X2600H AV Home Cinema Amplifier

DENON AVR X2600H AV Home Theater

Our latest test subject was a fantastic DENON amplifier. It is not an exaggeration to say that we were lucky to be able to try out this extraordinary audio device! We did try, but couldn’t really discover any flaws of the amplifier during testing.

The testing took place in the home cinema room designed with perfect acoustics of a repeat customer, Mihály Kocsis. The owner did not spare money and effort to provide the room with acoustic treatment. As a result of precise acoustic measurements, the right number and type of acoustic panels were mounted in the right places creating a practically perfect sounding. The rest of the hi-fi equipments as well as the furnishings of the room were also remarkable, although, this time we focused on the DENON X series amplifier only. Let’s see what this hi-fi device can do….

Classic Denon look

The Denon brand has a distinctive look, with two large dials and many more smaller buttons on the front panel. Unlike previous Denon models, the front panel is not made of metal, but of plastic, there is no cover that hides the connectors and controls. The set up is made easy with the multi-button remote control.

Let’s have a go!

We started our test with the 2019 movie Avengers: Endgame in Blu-Ray quality featuring Dolby Digital 5.1 sound quality. The sound of super actions of the superheroes was as nice and enjoyable as that of professional movie theatres. We observed a detailed sound image, even the smallest details came through beautifully. The special effects were clear, and the sound had a healthy spaciousness involving us totally in the story, as if we were right there fighting side by side of Thor for the righteous. The soundtrack was also rendered with flawless precision, beautifully and clean, enhancing dramatic effects.

After that we screened another successful movie full of excitement. The adventure comedy Jumanji – The Next Level also abounds in sound effects: rustling jungle trees, crinkling leaves, roaring wild animals seemed realistic and live. The exciting scenes were further enhanced by the 3D sounding. The dialogues and the music were appropriate and wholesome. It is indeed recommended to pair this excellent amplifier with decent quality speakers.

As we couldn’t find any flaws in the movies’ acoustics, we felt an urge to try the Denon amp for music. Via Spotify, we put on the owner’s teenage daughter’s favourite song Blinding Lights by The Weekend. We turned the volume up properly, but no disappointment the sound was sensational, the music waves flowed through our body. Many believe that modern technology can sound a hundred times better and more professional than the old ones, while others say nothing compares to vinyl records. But combining old records and new technology can really make great things happen. As the amplifier is also suitable for playing vinyl records thanks to its Phono input, we put on Johann Strauss Jr. The circus of the Blue Danube. It was an incredible and wonderful experience to hear the composer’s operetta rendered in such quality. We were roaming in our imagination the Danube banks to the rhythm of soft melodies…

Summary

As far as design goes, the Denon AVR X2600 H did not bring any real innovation compared to the previous products in the series. It insists on the usual style of the brand. but provides high quality at an affordable price, and many and even more features offer endless possibilities. It satisfies almost every need, and is able to turn an ordinary living room into a Dolby Digital 5.1 home cinema. We did not experience any distortion at high volumes, the high and low frequencies sounded flawless. When used in a space with suitable acoustics paired with good quality speakers, this great device will do no wrong. Easy to set up and calibrate, and to get the most out of music listening or movie watching. We were convinced by this awesome device, we recommend it with confidence if you want a real cinematic experience!

Key product features:

7.2 channels, 4K Ultra HD

Power per channel: 150 W

3D surround sound is also supported by Dolby Atmos, DTSX, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization.

It has 8 HDMI 2.0 inputs and 2 HDMI 2.0 outputs.

Converts lower resolution images to 4K resolution thanks to Pure Direct.

The built-in Audyssey MultEQ XT, Dynamic Volume, Dynamic EQ provide easy calibration, control and tone control.

Wireless services: HEOS, AirPlay, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Streaming services: SoundCloud, Napster, Tidal, Spotify, Tuneln, Deezer ,.

It also has a Phono MM input for playing vinyl records.

This is not all, but we could detail the myriad functions of the amplifier through several pages that we shall ignore for now.

G.H.