Denon AVR-X8500H 13.2CH IMAX Enhanced AV Receiver Review

Denon AVR-X8500H Introduction

Denon’s AVR-X8500H is the most technologically advanced receiver the venerable company has ever built. It is arguably the most advanced AVR available today. It’s the best AVR I’ve ever reviewed. It's the most audiophile-worthy AVR Denon has built since the legendary AVR-5308CI and AVR-5805 and it just won our 2018 AVR of the year award. How’s that for an opening salvo?

The X8500H can flex its ample amp muscles—all 13 of them—with ease. This monstrous AVR will put competitors to shame with its robust, modern feature-set.  The Denon supports every major immersive audio format (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, and the new IMAX Enhanced); it will play them to the maximum supported configurations available today—out of the box—without any outboard amplifiers needed. The X8500H will pass through all 4K/UHD specs that matter, including BT.2020 deep color, HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision HDR. And, perhaps best of all, the X8500H has an announced upgrade path to the HDMI 2.1 spec. Reference performance, incredible flexibility, rich features, high value, and future-proof(ish) in a single package? That’s Denon’s AVR-X8500H in a nutshell. But read on because there’s so much more

A statement AVR hand built in Japan

This is a statement piece. How much does Denon revere the AVR-X8500H’s status? Each unit is hand-built in small batch form in Japan at same facility where their venerable AVR-5805 was produced. That’s a big deal.

Upgraded Features and Performance

Denon’s AVR-X8500H looks very similar to company’s previous flagship that I review, the AVR-X7200WA. I’ve been using the X7200WA as my reference AVR for my Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D setup ever since. But don’t dare confuse the two. As good as the X7200WA is, the X8500H is in a league of its own. 

Cosmetic Refinement

I placed the X7200WA next to the X8500H. It was impressive how much attention to detail Denon paid. I immediately saw refinement in seemingly every area.

 

I appreciated the upgrades and enhancements made on the AVR-X8500H when I placed it next to the X7200WA.

The Denon AVR-X8500H (right) is physically larger and heaver than the previous flagship, AVR-X7200WA (left)

The front access panel has gone from plastic to solid aluminum. Physical buttons are upgraded with a premium feel. Edges here and there have a slight bevel. Even the darn screws are upgraded with a knurled finish that makes light dance off them.  How’s that for aesthetic flair?

Denon’s industrial design team scoured every millimeter of this unit. The end results? The X8500H screams premium build and design. And you can choose your finish: Black or silver.

The Denon's front panel is a heavy aluminum and all the buttons have been upgraded with a premium feel and finish.

Internal Upgrades

DSP Upgrades

Denon’s cosmetic refinements tell only part of the story. Denon says the The AVR-X8500H owns a sophisticated DSP audio processing system that incorporates 2x new quad core SHARC DSP processors instead of 4x single core DSPs in the X7200WA. The new 2x quad core processors have a combined continuous processing capability of 10 GFLOPS (10 billion floating point numerical computations per second)! These are the key components that allow the X8500H to process 13 channels.

You'll also find that the AVR-X8500H:

• Has increased DSP clock frequency from to 450MHz (previously 400MHz in the X7200WA).
• Uses DDR3 SDRAM at 450MHz (previously you had SDRAM at  133MHz in the X7200WA).

Look at the difference with the AVR-X8500H! At the top is Denon's X7200WA with 11 speaker terminals vs. the X8500H (below) with 15 speaker terminals.

Notice the cosmetic refinements and higher caliber binding posts on the speaker terminals on the AVR-X8500H.

Power upgrades

The AVR-X8500H has been designed with significant power and current upgrades compared to the AVR-X7200WA including:

• Beefier power supply adding 2.1kg over the X7200WA.
• Additional transistors and PCBs to accommodate the four additional power amplifiers (the X7200WA has 9 on-board amps vs. the 13 amps on the X8500H).
• An additional 2mm copper plate attached to both heat syncs to help heat dissipation.
• Heat sync fins expanded by +5mm.
• Two additional fans (I never heard the fans during my review period).
• Additional +.2mm thickness of main chassis metal.
• Additional +2mm thickness of chassis bottom plate.
• Additional +45mm Increase in chassis depth (482mm vs X7200WA’s 437mm).

This makes for the most robust Denon receiver to hit the market since the venerable AVR-5308CI!

Additional upgrades compared to the AVR-X6400H:

There isn't another AVR comparable to the X8500H. The X8500H is also in another league compared to the AVR-X6400H:

• 13 amplifiers and 13.2 channel processing vs. 11 amplifiers and 11.2 channel processing on the X6400H.
  
• Higher power output rating (150W vs 140W into 8ohms, 2CH driven).
• 15.2ch RCA pre-outs vs. only 11.2 on the X6400H.
• The X8500H uses a more advanced DAC: The AKM AK4490EQ with a 5dB SNR improvement.
• The X8500H can do a vertical stretch with anamorphic lenses.
• X8500H has a rear USB input in addition to the front USB. The rear port is rated to power devices such as a smart assistant or cooling fan etc.
• The X8500H has a nicer remote with "learning" capabilities to copy IR commands, macro capabilities, and also a "Remote ID" setting so you can prevent conflicts with other Denon device remotes accidentally changing it.
• The X8500H can assign amp channels independently.

Upgraded Performance

Every upgrade leads to one goal: Reference performance. In that regard, the X8500H succeeds in spades.

Audiophile performance with separate volume, input, and output ICs.

We audiophiles and cinemaphiles relentlessly pursue the purity of high performance audio. Sometimes, we don't think AVRs fall into that category and like to point to the glorious audiophile-grade AVRs of yesteryear.

After this initial review was completed, veteran Audioholics forum member, Peng, sent me some messages asking about the X8500H. I had been posting some of my initial, positive impressions about the unit in the forums—especially its audio performance. Peng was asking some very technical questions about Denon's upgrade claims in the preamp section. He asked if the X8500H did indeed get away from an integrated LSI chip and had now gone with dedicated chips (implying MSI/SSI) for volume control. If so, this would make Denon's X8500H a real flagship and statement piece that followed in the tradition of Denon's AVR-5308CI and AVR-5805.

Peng is a professional engineer. His technical questions gave me the opportunity to go back to Denon. I felt that the answers to Peng's questions were so important that we delayed publication of the review and integrated Denon's answers into the paragraphs below:

Let me say outright that the X8500H is an audiophile-grade AVR whose designers paid meticulous attention to the preamp and especially the volume control stages. The AVR-X8500H (and Marantz's AV8805 preamp) now sport separate volume, input, and output ICs instead of integrated ICs. I had the opportunity to speak with Yoshinori Yamada, Denon's Technical Category Manager for AVRs. Sound United is the parent company of both Denon, Marantz, Classé and Definitive Technology. I'd like to thank Mr. Yamada for his time and answers.

"Denon aimed to go back to the original audio-like design that prioritizes sound quality. We worked with JRC semiconductor, [who developed] the new customized ICs for 2 years."

—Yoshinori Yamada, Denon's Technical Category Manager

Mr Yamada also told me that the new design provided Denon with the flexibility/expandability to adopt it across the lineup, greatly improving THD+N characteristics. The X8500H specifically uses two volume ICs (8 channel x 2) and 7 input and output selector ICs.

The Denon X7200WA, by contrast used a single, integrated Renesas LSI chip. The X8500H's use of separate volume and selector IC's make this a worthy successor to the legendary tradition of the AVR-5308CI and AVR-5805. Peng, thanks for asking these key questions!

Upgraded Amplifiers: 13 Built-In and 15 Assignable Speaker Outputs

The X8500H is 51.6-pounds of brute force. Denon needed the larger chassis for the extra amp channels and upgrades. Some sites incorrectly list the X8500H weighs 39-pounds, reproducing an online typo when the unit first launched. Denon has since corrected this typo. This baby absolutely weighs 51.6 pounds! If you think that AVRs have wimpy amplification sections and design compromises, the X8500H will disabuse you of any such misconceptions.

Once again, I spoke with Mr. Yamada about the choice of an E-I core as opposed to a toroidal transformer and technical aspects. He told me for the best price/performance, Denon chose a new 8.2kg, 18-pound customized power transformer that the company felt would provide enough quality and performance to meet their requirements for a flagship 13-channel receiver. He also said that Denon's engineers have the "know-how and experience to suppress negative effects such as leakage flux, beat, and vibrations to optimize the performance."

The receiver incorporates custom-made DHCT (Denon High Current Transistors)—discrete monolithic amplifiers rated at 150 watts per channel (@8 ohms, 20Hz – 20 kHz, THD 0.05%, 2 channels driven) and 190 watts per channel (@6 ohms, 20Hz – 20 kHz, THD 0.7% 2 channels driven). The X8500H will also drive 4 ohm speaker loads with no problems. Let me reiterate: This AVR will drive most speakers on the market natively—including those rated at 4 ohms. And don’t gloss over this important note: Be sure to connect this AVR to a 20A circuit for maximum performance. If you connect this AVR to a 15A circuit you may get as much as a 10% reduction in power output! I tested the X8500H on a dedicated 20A circuit dedicated solely for my audio equipment.

AC Power Considerations for your Home Theater YouTube Video

We want to remind our readers that you should NOT set an AVR’s impedance switch to 4 ohms regardless of speaker impedance used.  I’ll also point you to Gene DellaSala’s video below and his measurements of the Marantz SR8012 (Gene tested this on a 15A line instead of 20A so the actual output should be another 10% higher or so in reality).  Note how that receiver handled 4-ohm speakers well. The Denon will perform even better with its larger power supply.

Marantz SR8012 Benchtest Results

The left and right channels are physically isolated from each other, eliminating the possibility of crosstalk. You’ll get pristine sound from stereo or object-oriented formats, such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X.

Equally important, there are 15 assignable speaker terminals which means you can drive a full Dolby Atmos 7.2.6 or 9.2.4 plus an Auro-3D 13.2 setup without ever once needing to touch a single configuration, plug, or speaker terminal. You don’t need any additional amplifiers to run the maximum configuration available for every immersive audio format!

Eco Mode and Amp Mode

Worried about your electric bill? The amplification section has an eco mode, which runs the Class AB amplification section like a Class H amplifier. Class H uses rail switching to reduce power and increase efficiency. A note of caution: We suggest setting eco mode to “auto” or “off.” Never force eco mode into “on” or you’ll starve your speakers of power! 

If you choose to use an external amplifier, you can even run it in pre-amp mode, which disconnects the amp section. The X8500 will shut off the signal flow to the power amp section with pre-amp mode but it will not shut off the amplifier section. The pre-amp mode mechanism remains the same as the X7200WA.  Preamp mode is a useful feature that will keep the noise and distortion down when cranking the volume up and leaving the internal unused amps in idle with no loads attached. The only time we recommend forcing eco-mode is if you're running the X8500H in pre-amp mode.This will cut down significantly on heat dissipation of 13 amplifier channels sitting in idle by lowering their bias.

You’re probably wondering how hot this guy gets. I had the X8500H on a shelf in my 19-inch rack. With open ventilation, the top of the chassis ran very warm but not “cook an egg” burning hot. Not once did the fans kick on. However, all that might change if you put this unit in a more confined space. Be sure to leave plenty of ventilation around this AVR. This is a very expensive piece of equipment and you want to make sure you will enjoy it for the long haul.

We recommend keeping Eco mode on auto so the Denon can intelligently detect when to apply power conservation.. Putting eco mode to on will rob your speakers of power.

Upgraded Immersive Audio Support

Immersive audio fans, this is the AVR you’ve been waiting for. The X8500H will support every major immersive audio format at their maximum home configurations available today: Dolby Atmos up to 7.2.6 or 9.2.4; Auro-3D up to 13.2; DTS:X—up to 11 channels; and the newly announced variant of DTS:X called IMAX Enhanced up to 11 channels. As a reminder, DTS:X can use either Dolby Atmos or Auro-3D’s speaker layouts but can only support a maximum of 11 speakers as of today.  DTS:X does not take advantage of the middle height channels.

Of course, to run all these formats concurrently, you need to use the so-called “unified” speaker layout that uses front height and rear height channels. The unified layout more closely mimics the Auro-3D speaker layout.  In my testing I found that any perceived limitations of the unified speaker layout with Dolby Atmos are gone thanks to native support for middle height channels.

Note: The AVR will automatically switch to the proper speaker outputs depending on the type of 3D audio format that’s being played. In previous AVR iterations, you would have to take up the Sub2 output for the Auro-3D Voice of God speaker or use external amps. All hassle is gone! You run one calibration, one setup, and won’t need to touch things again.

IMAX Enhanced

Denon’s X8500H comes certified as IMAX Enhanced. It will play IMAX Enhanced content. From an AVR perspective, IMAX Enhanced uses a variant of the DTS:X codec. The codec knows how to handle reference volumes that the filmmaker released originally in IMAX theaters; it’s optimized to render IMAX’s signature sound; and can reproduce the full dynamic range of IMAX theatrical sound mixes and other elements to meet IMAX’s standards. Unsurprisingly, IMAX Enhanced also promises a pristine picture. The IMAX Enhanced descriptions are comparative; they don’t offer detailed specs.

The Denon X8500H recognized IMAX enhanced content

IMAX’s discrete sound system utilizes a 12-track system. The recommended speaker layout for an IMAX Enhanced home system is eleven channels as a 7.2.4 setup—the maximum configuration that DTS:X can support today. 5.1.4 is the minimum layout for IMAX Enhanced AV receivers and processors.

If you have fewer speakers, then DTS:X’s Neural:X will render and remap the audio to your available speakers. IMAX has a speaker layout guide on their web site for content playback. The layout guidelines will be familiar to enthusiasts.

There are only two IMAX Enhanced 4K/Ultra-HD Blu-rays available on the market as of this writing. Sony recently announced that the first two IMAX Enhanced blockbuster movies will be Venom and Alpha. You’ll see my notes on IMAX enhanced further on in the review.

Editorial Note: Installing Immersive Audio Height Channels

Given my years of experience with immersive audio formats, if you’re installing a home theater today plan for seven or eight height channels to future-proof your setup. Prioritize the six height channels (front, middle, rear), then the overhead height (Voice of God) and finally the front center height when you do your installations. Remember, it’s cheaper to do all your speaker cable runs in one installation and then add the speakers as your budget and needs change over time. 

Upgraded Video support and HDMI 2.1 upgrade path

AVR-X8500H is fully compatible with the latest HDMI connectivity and HDCP 2.2 specifications on all eight HDMI inputs and its three HDMI outputs. You’ll get 4K/UHD 60Hz video, 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, High Dynamic Range (HDR) with HDR10, Dolby Vision HDR, and HLG HDR, 21:9 video, 3D and BT.2020 pass-through support. The unit is ISF-certified. An ISF calibrator can calibrate separate day and night modes in the unit.

You can only appreciate the Denon AVR-X8500H by looking at the 15 speaker terminals and plethora of inputs, outputs and custom-installer options.

The robust video section will scale older HD analog and digital video content to 4K/UHD. Denon will offer a hardware and software upgrade to the HDMI 2.1 specification. That will enable 8K pass-through among other features. There will be a service charge (price to be determined) for that upgrade.
Upgraded streaming features and power

A Hi-Res, Network Streaming Powerhouse

Denon has outdone itself on the X8500H’s streaming feature set. You have your choice of wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for serving up music from your network.

The Denon supports all of today’s dominant hi-res codecs: FLAC, ALAC, WAV (up to 24-bit/192kHz) and DSD (2.8 and 5.6MHz). I connected the Denon with Ethernet and had flawless network performance. I recommend wired connections for any installation.

I had no problem playing hi-res audio files via DLNA. Here, I played Aldele's 24-bit/96-kHz version of "Skyfall"

The X8500H is a streaming powerhouse. Take your pick from Amazon Music, Tidal, Deezer, iHeart Radio, Napster, SoundCloud, Mood Mix, Pandora, SiriusXM, or Spotify connect. Internet Radio via TuneIn is built-in. I tested Tidal and Amazon music.

If you have your own network music server, the X8500H is DLNA certified. You can use any compatible DLNA server. I used my DLNA streaming server to play FLAC, ALAC, and AAC-encoded tracks. The Denon’s interface is functional. I liked the fact that I could search my DLNA server’s library right from the Denon’s GUI.

The X8500H supports Apple’s new AirPlay 2. If you have an Apple-centric ecosystem, you’ll love AirPlay 2 support. The Denon appears as an AirPlay speaker. You can group multiple AirPlay 2 speakers/endpoints together and control volume independently or as a group. AirPlay support was flawless from my iPhone XS.

The X8500H lacks native support for Roon—I would like to make a plea that Denon add native Roon support. If you haven't experienced Roon first-hand, you're missing what is arguably the best music server available on the market today. Native Roon support is the only thing missing to an otherwise stellar hi-res offering and would put the Denon on-part with reference two-channel and multi-channel systems at the four and five figure price point. I hope that Denon can offer Roon support as a firmware update. You can, however, send music from Roon via AirPlay 2, but AirPlay 2 only supports 16-bit/44.1-kHz. I did that and it worked fine. However, for Roon fans who want to stream music at full resolution, you'll need to use a third-party Roon certified end point (like I did via the Oppo UDP-203).

Finally, Denon’s outstanding Heos multi-room streaming platform is built-in. Heos is one of the best streaming platforms available on the market today. It gives you full app-based control of the Denon’s three zones and all its inputs.

I’ll only scratch the surface here. With Heos the X8500H can serve as a true control center for your entire home. All the aforementioned streaming services and features are available through the Heos App. You can link any Heos-compatible wireless/wired speaker or sound bar. You can create separate music zones throughout your home. You can play the same or different music on every speaker and control the volume universally or independently. Heos integration is ideal when you have multiple family members who want to control their own music in different rooms.

Connections and Custom Installation Features

The X8500H will support today’s bleeding edge devices and legacy equipment. And with its custom installer-friendly feature set, this baby is ready to serve as the center for home entertainment.

Inputs and Outputs Galore

There are a total of 8 HDMI inputs (7 rear and 1 behind the front panel) and three HDMI outputs. Look at the photos of the Denon’s back panel if you want a full inventory of all the other dizzying input and output options available to you—including legacy component video. All inputs can be renamed, and custom assigned via the Denon’s excellent GUI.

Monitor 2 can be used as a mirror for Monitor 1. The parallel HDMI output is ideal for installations that have both a flat panel display and projector in the same room. Zone 2 HDMI is independently switched.

Denon's AVR-X8500H sports three HDMI outputs with full 4K/UHD and HDCP 2.2 support. Monitor 1 and Monitor 2 can be used in parallel.

Since HDMI connections are technically networks, custom installers and enthusiasts will want to take note of the user manual’s HDMI observations. For example, if you’re connecting multiple Dolby Vision TVs, the signal will only be optimal for one TV with priority given to the display connected to HDMI Monitor 1. It’s helpful to remember that HDMI will often negotiate to the lowest common configuration among connected devices.

I have one wish for Denon’s engineers: I wish the X8500H allowed me to create virtual inputs (like my Anthem AVM 60 pre-pro does). There are instances where I need slightly different settings for the same source input. For example, when I’m using my Roon media server or playing CDs via my Oppo UDP-203, I want stereo playing with the front tower speakers; however, when I’m playing 2.0 or multichannel content from the Oppo, I want speakers and subs with Audyssey engaged on all channels. The same input also cannot be shared, so in the previous scenario, if I want to use analog outputs for the UDP-203 for music with the Oppo’s HDMI video and use HDMI audio and video for Blu-ray content, I can’t do that. I know I’m being nitpicky here, but there are many use cases out there that could only enhance the Denon’s custom installation value proposition.

A list of the Denon's dizzying array of inputs and outputs

Perfect for Custom Installers and Complex Installations

Custom installers and consumers with complex home installations will salivate at the X8500H’s feature set. Pump up the music with Denon’s three independent, switchable zones. Use wired speakers or further expand the system with Heos. Using the All Zone stereo function, music played in the main zone can be fed to all zones at the same time.  Couple this with AirPlay 2 and Heos support and you have the basis for a robust, whole home music center.

An extensive RS-232, IP, and IR control set is at your fingertips. IP control integrates with all major third-party control systems like Crestron and Control4’s SDDP (Simple Device Detection Protocol) certification. There are two assignable trigger outputs that can be set on a zone-by-zone or per input basis. Have an outboard amp for Zone 2 and Zone 3? You can power them on only when needed.

Denon's setup and configuration process is supported by clear menus and outstanding graphics

I integrated the X8500H into my Simple Control IP-based setup. I got graphical feedback of the Denon’s current volume and input. Simple Control also integrates with Apple’s Siri. Even though the Denon itself doesn’t support Siri, with Simple Control, I could activate basic activities with any iOS device.

Denon offers an iOS and Android app that gives you full smart-device remote control of all major functions and zones.

The AVR is said to sport Denon’s new “HDMI diagnostics” mode to help custom integrators troubleshoot HDMI-related audio and video issues at the time of installation using only the front panel of the receiver along with Denon’s trouble-shooting guide. It’s a slick feature but I didn’t try and test this during my review period.

This AVR’s assignable amplification channels and complete set of pre-outs give you lots of flexibility. The X8500H provides multiple standard speaker configurations and setups to choose from. You can use the system’s amp assign template and manually configure how each channel should behave.  There’s also an amp assign feature where you can assign a channel to play from the internal amps or pre-outs. And, depending on the number of speakers in your main zone, you can power both a 7.2.2 or 9.2.0 setup plus a second and third zone without ever needing any additional amplification.

Denon AVR-X8500H Configuration & Conclusion

Setting up the Denon is a very straightforward and thoroughly enjoyable process. Allow me to state that Denon (and sister company Marantz) may very well have the best setup process in the home theater world. The graphics and setup menus are identical between the two. The team in charge of the user interface (UI) design deserves credit and commendation.

Denon's setup assistant takes you step by step and is perfect for the novice or expert installer.

When you power up the AVR-X8500H for the first time, it takes you step by step with animated menus. The setup covers everything: stripping speaker wire; connecting each channel; choosing the speaker layout that matches your setup; and finally running Audyssey.  Even though I’ve setup several Denon and Marantz units, I didn’t find the detailed menus tedious. Advanced users can easily skip through sections they know well.

Denon's setup assistant tells you exactly what you need before you get started.

The Denon's graphical setup and help sections are suitable for the novice or the seasoned installer

The setup shows you visually which terminal connects to each speaker.

Smart Home Integration with Amazon Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant, and Josh.ai

The X8500H supports both Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri (via AirPlay2) and josh.ai on high-end smart home automation systems. I tested Amazon Alexa.

Alexa setup was straightforward.

With the X8500H connected to the HEOS app I went to the skills menu in the Alexa mobile app and added the Denon skill to my Alexa account.  The Denon skill lets Alexa know how to execute voice commands on the AVR.  I suggest renaming the X8500H to an easy to use name. I used “Theater.” There’s a suggested list of Alexa-friendly names you can use.

Setting up Amazon Alexa with the Denon AVR-X8500H was easy and straightforward

My sentiments about smart assistants haven’t changed since my Marantz SR7012 review. I find them very useful for basic remote control commands: Power, volume, input, mute, etc. I had no problems with these commands.

Likewise, I had no trouble playing music via Amazon Alexa with one exception. Amazon Alexa defaults to Amazon music, which plays lossy files at low bitrates. I wanted to use my Tidal account instead. I loaded the Tidal skill into my account and manually changed the default music service from Amazon Music to Tidal. When I used voice commands such as “Alexa play U2 in the Theater.  I got errors that it could not play back music. I never got to solve why this wouldn’t work.

Audyssey MultEQ XT32 Set Up

Audyssey’s top-of-the-line MultEQ XT32 room correction suite is built in. With so many channels to run, a calibration can take up to 45 minutes. Mine did.

I think it’s worth repeating that you want to take time to set up your speakers properly. Any room correction should be used as a tool to address anomalies—not as compensation for poor speaker placement.  In fact, you’ll only get the best performance out of room correction solutions when you’ve spent the time placing your speakers correctly.

I highly recommend—in fact, mandate—that any user who purchases the Denon X8500H use Audyssey’s MultEQ Editor calibration app for iOS and Android instead of the receiver’s built-in calibration setup. The app will cost you $19.99 and it’s the best $19.99 you’ll spend.  Using the Audyssey MultEQ Editor app adds a bit of time to the calibration since the app and X8500H need to sync the results after each sweep.

Running Audyssey via the AVR is straightforward but the MultEQ Editor app adds key features: You can save multiple calibrations and upload any one to the AVR in seconds; change the EQ curve on a speaker-by-speaker basis; set midrange compensation; see detailed graphs of the room correction before and after graphs; and perhaps most importantly, adjust the filter frequency range.

I configured Audyssey for 15.2 channels to drive a full Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, and IMAX Enhanced setup.

This last feature is critical. In my personal experience, I’ve never found Audyssey to be 100% satisfying with music. I feel that Audyssey makes music sound a bit artificial in its default setting.  If you feel the same way, then limiting Audyssey’s frequency response to either the room’s Schroeder frequency or below about 5000Hz (like Anthem’s ARC) produces a far more natural sound. In case you’re unfamiliar, a room’s Schroeder frequency (typically between 200Hz and 250Hz in most residential rooms and falls in line with Dr. Floyd Toole’s recommendations) is named after German Physicist Dr. Manfred Schroeder, not the Peanuts piano player, like most people think. The Schroeder frequency is the crossover frequency at which your room stops resonating sound and starts reflecting/diffusing it.

One should remember that Audyssey also addresses time domain errors in addition to standard EQ. For that reason, you may or may not find some benefit to Audyssey at slightly higher frequencies.

Using the Audyssey app, I tested the X8500H with both a default Audyssey calibration and lowered to 1006Hz and 249Hz.  The X8500H with Audyssey set to either 1006Hz or 249Hz sounded better with music—more natural in the midrange—than letting Audyssey run with its default, full-range calibration.

The Audyssey mobile app gives you more control over your calibration.

There are still three items I’d like to see Denon and Audyssey work together on: First, the Audyssey MultEQ Editor App should allow you to use your smart device’s built-in microphone to perform a calibration. Anthem’s ARC does that.

Secondly, I should be able to apply independent Audyssey EQ calibrations to both Zone 2 and Zone 3.  I have multiple zones in my home and it’s amazing what EQ can do to in-ceiling or in-wall speaker setups.

Finally, I should be able to run two or three different calibration sweeps and apply them to different inputs. The reason for this last point is that some enthusiasts have both flat panel displays and pull-down screens in the same setup. It would be nice to be able to apply different EQ curves to different inputs for such situations. As a work-around, at least the Editor app allows you to load different calibrations somewhat quickly.

Here's what Audyssey calculated for crossovers for the SVS Ultra and Beale Street speaker setup as shown via the mobile app.

Associated equipment

I configured my review setup as a 7.2.6 Dolby Atmos; a 7.2.4 DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced (DTS:X only supports 11 channels); and a 13.2 Auro-3D. I’ll reiterate the important note from above: I connected the Denon AVR-X8500H to a dedicated 20A circuit. Connecting to a 15A circuit could rob this AVR by 10% (or more) of its output! See our article: AC Wall Power Considerations for your Home Theater System for more details.

I used SVS Ultra Towers for the fronts, an SVS Ultra center channel, and SVS Ultra Bookshelf speakers for the side and rear surrounds. Eight Beale Street Audio in-ceiling speakers handled the height channels including the Voice of God overhead speaker. Dual SVS SB13-Ultra subwoofers anchored the setup.

Sources included an Oppo UDP-203 4K/UltraHD Blu-ray player; Roon Media server (played via the Oppo); and an AppleTV 4K with the Dolby Atmos firmware update. JVC’s DLA-X570R projector handled the display.

Listening tests

Wow! There’s absolutely nothing wimpy in the way Denon’s X8500H presents music and movies. Right away, I felt as though the X8500H had more power and dynamics than the X7200WA. It was as though the X8500H had gobs more power in its tank (see comments earlier in this review about 20A vs. 15A circuits). The X8500H’s sound is big and bold. This is a reference piece for music and movies.

Two channel music

For two channel music listening tests, I turned Audyssey off and set the Denon either to "Direct" or "Pure Direct" mode. The latter mode turns off the main display and analog video circuitry to suppress any noise that could affect sound quality. It's worth repeating that here at Audioholics, we perform two-channel listening tests in reviews with room correction turned off.

The X8500H served up two-channel music beautifully. The Denon swooned to female vocals. The X8500H delivered Natalie Merchant’s velvety vocals on “Ladybird” and “Maggie Said” in wonderful fashion.  The Denon conjured up a deep and wide sound stage on “Texas” with Ms. Merchant’s vocals dead center in front of drums and a full-bodied guitar solidly placed right of center. The same was true of Adele, Norah Jones' breathy vocals, and the 192-kHz/24-bit ALAC version of Alexis Cole's sweet sound on Dazzling Blue. The Denon reveled in its ability to resolve fine nuances effortlessly.

The X8500H reveled in its reproduction of Norah Jone's album, ...Featuring.

I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing Imagine Dragons Origins through the Denon. The X8500H and SVS one-two punch delivered chest-pumping midbass on “Bad Liar,” "Machine," and “Boomerang” with excellent articulation. Notes started and stopped on a dime, snapping with whip-like precision. The Denon knew how to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.

Alexis Cole's Dazzling Blue offered as a 192-kHz/24-bit ALAC from Chesky Records sounded amazing.

Dolby Atmos

Dolby Atmos 4K/UltraHD Blu-rays supported my full 7.2.6 setup. I noticed the sonic slam right away with the opening of X-Men Apocalypse. When the sun’s rays hit the top of Apocalypse’s pyramid in ancient Egypt, the sun illuminates a circuit board-like grid of light that travels down the pyramid’s interior. The X8500H firmly controlled all the audio objects with a precise attack. Powered by the dual SVS SB13-Ultra, my room and chair shook when the pyramid collapsed—giving me the sensation that rocks were falling all around me.

The Denon X8500H brought out the utmost in the Dolby Atmos August 2018 demo disc. I think Dolby should provide every Dolby Atmos-enabled AVR with this disc or provide the “Nature’s Fury” and “Amaze” tracks as free downloads on iTunes.  I was awe-struck with the Denon’s take-no-prisoners performance. The 3D audio bubble was seamless.  The Denon’s own amplifiers, complemented by the SVS subwoofers, unleashed sonic depth charges with unchallenged control and sophistication.

“Amaze” takes you through various nature scenes with thunder overhead. The Denon served as a virtual maestro, commanding every sound. During this track, a bird takes flight from the left and flies 360-degrees around. I could track the bird flying at every point around my head. It was pinpoint perfect. And when the thunder strikes, it roared in my theater area with the fury of a grizzly.

The AVR-X8500H rendered the Dolby Atmos track of 4K/Ultra-HD Blu-ray of Avengers Infinity War as a 7.2.6 utilizing the side height speakers.

On the softer side, the Denon has me melting to the voice of soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian singing “Mother of Light: Armenian hymns and chants in praise of Mary.” Bayrakdarian’s voice was anchored dead center. The supporting chorus emanated from a seemingly endless and deep soundstage. At certain points in the work, what sounded like incense-carrying censors, used in Orthodox Christian liturgical worship services echoed all around me highlighting the ambiance of the space.

The Great Wall is audio and visual eye candy. During the movie’s climax, Matt Damon is in a stained-glass tower. As the mythical monsters, the Tao Tei, attack the tower, breaking through the colorful stained glass, I heard the stained-glass break all around me down to the finest chards hitting the floors. And, as Matt Damon attempts to destroy the Tao Tei’s queen with an explosive-laden arrow, the shot seamlessly passed from front to back and then deflected to explode top right.

You may be wondering if adding middle height channels makes a difference. Absolutely! The side height surrounds in the 7.2.6 setup made a difference vs. my previous 7.2.4 setup. The middle surrounds were actively engaged on several scenes, creating a more intense and detailed height experience.  For example, in X-Men Apocalypse the scene where cyclops’s eye beams burst open the bathroom stall and cut into the ceiling sending debris everywhere was the most realistic I’ve ever heard from any Atmos-enabled AVR.

Of course, I had to augment my Dolby Atmos experience by throwing in some Mission Impossible: Fallout in 4K/Ultra-HD Blu-ray  It goes without saying that this is a superb reference disc with outstanding dynamics and strong overhead effects and the Denon didn't disappoint in the least. This Denon's performance on this disc showed why this AVR is a true cinematic reference piece. It's not just the helicopter scene that the Denon commanded, but every nuanced sound with dynamics to die for. The nightclub scene pulsated to the music, transforming my theater space into this vast scene half a world away. 

Reader Beware: If you crave ultimate action and high flying adventure, once you experience the Denon AVR-X8500H with its 13 channels fully active, you'll find other products leaving you wanting. As a nod to Morpheus in the Matrix, once you take the Denon's proverbial red pill, you won't be able to go back to believing whatever you want to believe.

DTS:X

The DTS:X mix on the 4K/UltraHD Blu-ray Jurassic Park 25th Anniversary Collection is non-stop home theater aficionado demo material. For the Denon, neither the immersive audio format nor the sonic muscle required mattered much. Like a conductor effortlessly going from one composer to another, the X8500H whitened its knuckles and took firm, unyielding control of the audio landscape.

Jurassic Park 4K/Ultra-HD Blu-ray with DTS:X is a reference by any measure.  The Tyrannosaurus Rex scene with rain and sporadic claps of thunder created a surreal sensation overhead. There was no longer any ceiling above me, just the sensation of open sky.  As I noted, DTS:X can’t yet control the middle height channels. I can’t wait for an update to come, since I feel it will further enhance this disc’s presentation.  When the Tyrannosaurus Rex finally announced its presence, the Denon had no problem controlling the Tyrannosaurus’ terrifying roar.

I played the 4K/UltraHD Blu-ray of Jurassic Park with its DTS:X mix to the maximum 11-channel, 7.2.4 speaker configuration.

I also popped in various discs from the Harry Potter series with DTS:X in 4K/Ultra-HD Blu-ray. Once again, the Denon weaved a seamless tapestry of sound transporting and immersing me into the world of Harry Potter.

For kicks, I popped in the DTS:X 2016 demo disc. That disc made it easy to pull up the Last Witch Hunter airplane scene with it's deep rumbling and 360-degree ambient sounds and the simply mind-blowing DTS:X mix of Imagine Dragons "I Bet My Life."

But it was the DTS:X mix of "Cymatics" by Nigel Stanford (check it out here in 2-channel version) that stole the show. I don't know if there is any way to describe in words the jaw-dropping experience of this track in DTS:X. The Denon rendered the music in an electrifying, pulsating, three-dimensional soundscape in near-perfect fashion. And when the song unleashes a series of depth-charge-like bass glissandos beginning at the the 3:20 mark my reflexes kicked in: my eyes pressed shut, my jaw dropped open, and my mouth exclaimed "Wow!" The Denon commanded the dual SVS SB13-Ultra subs to pulsate intense, rippling bass notes in my room with precise definition and unwavering control. Oh yes, you know all too well I reveled in the opportunity to replay this experienced many times over!

IMAX Enhanced

The first two IMAX-enhanced discs came out during my review period. I purchased A Beautiful Planet in 4K/Ultra-HD Blu-ray for this review. The Denon’s display changed to IMAX DTS:X indicating it was playing an IMAX-enhanced source. The IMAX-enhanced DTS:X presentation was superb, blowing out my walls and ceiling as though I was in an open area. The disc, narrated by Jennifer Lawrence, is a documentary. It doesn’t contain any LFE channel or overtly dynamic elements.

IMAX enhanced uses a special variant of the DTS:X codec.

Most of the sounds were at the front with the immersive elements being primarily ambiance and, when the astronauts go for a spacewalk, a few overhead and side sounds tracking here and there. It was therefore difficult to gauge any significant differences between this disc and an ordinary DTS:X track. I look forward to taking either Venom or Alpha for a spin when they are released this year with IMAX Enhanced treatment.

Auro 3D

Switching to Auro-3D was seamless. Finally, no switching amps or speakers or changing configurations! I can’t tell you how happy this feature made me!  Switching to Auro-3D reiterated why the overhead Voice of God (VOG) speaker is an absolute must. It’s a game changer. As good as they are, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X couldn’t come close to the realistic, overhead sounds Auro-3D’s VOG speaker created. Helicopter, airplane and discrete flyovers were far more realistic.

I popped in the Auro-3D demo disc and played the 11.1 Rise of the Guardians demo. The Guardians' battle in the sky against Pitch Black proved the point. Santa and his sleigh passed realistically overhead with the VOG engaged actively at several points. Swooping, whirling sounds seamlessly enveloped me as the speakers in my setup completely disappeared, leaving me in a bubble of seemingly endless space.

If you think multichannel music is a gimmick, pop in the Auro-3D 8.0 mix of Toccata, BWV 565 in D minor. Listening to the organ play was like physically sitting in the cathedral performance space. The low-end dynamics were outstanding. The organ came across with fullness, energy, power, emotion, depth. Listen to this track and then dare tell me immersive audio isn’t the real deal!

Music mixed in Auro-3D was simply divine.

I turned to a scene from Turbo, mixed in Auro-3D 11.1 that the Denon upmixed to 13.2.  Turbo is wishing upon a star as an airplane passes overhead. The airplane literally passed right over me. I played the scene several times and with my eyes closed I could track the plane precisely as it flew directly above me.

The Denon AVR-X8500H upmixed Auro-3D signals to their full 13.2 channel output including the voice of god top speaker with its internal amplification.

I lived with the X8500H for several months playing countless 4K/UHD Blu-rays. From Avengers Infinity War to Gladiator at every step the Denon AVR-X8500H left me awe-struck. Its performance is worthy of a flagship product.

Conclusion: A Worthy AVR of the Year

I don’t know what to say. I can write another ten pages on this AVR and still not do it justice. But it doesn’t take lots of space to say this: I’ve fallen in love with Denon’s AVR-X8500H. Denon’s AVR-X8500H is a beast of a receiver and it puts the world on notice. Denon’s reference AVRs are back as a force to be reckoned with. In the AVR-X8500H, Denon has addressed nearly every shortcoming I found their previous flagship, the X7200WA (though I still wish I could run Audyssey on Zone 2 and Zone 3 and have native Roon support!).

While you might initially look at the $3,999 price tag and balk, this is a massive value. And, $3,999 is a lot less in 2019 dollars than Denon’s 58xx AVRs were 10 years ago. Think about what you’re getting: An AVR with an audiophile design featuring independent ICs for volume, input, and output; 13 real, beefy, assignable, on-board amplifiers and 15 speaker terminals; concurrent support for every major immersive audio format: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, and IMAX Enhanced; one of the most technologically-advanced AVRs on the market with support for hi-res audio and every major streaming service that matters; three independent zones; 8 HDMI inputs and 3 HDMI outputs; full 4K/UHD feature support; an upgrade path to the full HDMI 2.1 spec; voice assistant integration; robust IP, IR, and RS-232 support; and the list goes on! The cost of 13 outboard amps alone easily makes Denon’s X8500H a truly remarkable Hi-Fi bargain. And to boot, the sound of these amps is so good, its the first AVR I’ve tested that I’d put up against separates.

And speaking of separates, if you feel the on-board amplification isn't enough for you, take advantage of the Denon's superb preamp section and simply mate your favorite multichannel amp or monoblocks to any of the Denon's pre-outs and drive any speaker you want.

If you’re serious about music, movies, and immersive audio, you urgently need to take this AVR for a spin. From performance to power, It’s worth every penny.

How good is the Denon AVR-X8500H? We gave it our AVR of the year award. But that's not all.  I’m going to pay Denon the ultimate compliment: The AVR-X8500H has now become my reference AVR. Highly and enthusiastically recommended.

The Score Card

The scoring below is based on each piece of equipment doing the duty it is designed for. The numbers are weighed heavily with respect to the individual cost of each unit, thus giving a rating roughly equal to:

Performance × Price Factor/Value = Rating

Audioholics.com note: The ratings indicated below are based on subjective listening and objective testing of the product in question. The rating scale is based on performance/value ratio. If you notice better performing products in future reviews that have lower numbers in certain areas, be aware that the value factor is most likely the culprit. Other Audioholics reviewers may rate products solely based on performance, and each reviewer has his/her own system for ratings.

Audioholics Rating Scale

• — Excellent
• — Very Good
• — Good
• — Fair
• — Poor

Metric	Rating
Multi-channel Audio Performance
Two-channel Audio Performance
Network Features
Video Processing
Build Quality
Fit and Finish
Ergonomics & Usability
Ease of Setup
Features
Remote Control
Performance
Value