Denon AVR-X1700H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver - 80W/Channel, Advanced 8K HDMI Video w/eARC, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Built-in HEOS, Amazon Alexa Voice Control

Denon has always made high quality equipment. This unit is no different. Arrived on time and in perfect condition. I matched it to a new Samsung 65" OLED TV in my 7.1 home theater. Very EZ set up. Which brings an absolute must know to the buyer: you MUST buy high speed, high quality HDMI cords or your unit may not match and function correctly with any unit you connect via HDMI. The technology of this Denon is such it is mandatory to use the highest quality, high speed cords you can afford then enjoy!

I'm impressed with how easy Denon made the setup procedure for this receiver. I've set up a few receivers in the past and this was by far the most straightforward. Even the layout of the plugs on the back are done in such a way to make connections easy even if you're using bare wire (although banana plugs are still the way to go). The icing on the cake is that the plugs are color coded, with a set of labels provided so you can label your speaker wires top match.My only quibble on the setup process is that the screen font used for the setup wizard is terrible -- looks like something from the 1980s.The feature set is very rich, and it can take some time to become familiar with. The full manual is available from the Denon site. It's a comprehensive 300+ page guide. But, learning the basics is quick, so diving into the manual is something to do only if you want to tweak and improve things.The auto speaker calibration is OK -- it will produce a decent sound that most people would be happy with. Doing it manually is more time consuming, but in my case provided a much better end result since I have an unusual room layout. My system consists of a Polk ES-35 center; Polk ES-15 fronts; Polk ES-10 surrounds; SVS PB-1000 sub.Over the years I've had various Denon and Onkyo receivers and have always preferred the sound quality of the Denon's. This is no exception -- five stars.

Love the features and Denon sound! I’ve had the unit for 3 months. It took about 30 hours of fun before I had it al down. With computer-like selection, these page to page internal maps gradually unleashed a killer sound and variety, with some disappointments (see later in review), but for the money this is a great sounding unit! I have a large bedroom-sized room for music and movies. Incredible upgrade from my previous setup.But BEWARE before you buy this model, that it’s a 7.2 output, including a second zone . The receiver can give you Dolby Atmos, Height and surround backs etc., and a second stereo zone, but you share ONE pair of speaker terminals on the x1700 for all of these extra features. (There are 2 subwoofer outs, but only for the main zone, so it’s really 7.2.) Another nice feature is an excellent phono pre-amp.One quirk. You can’t have a zone 2 set and Dolby Atmos at the same time without going to the back of the receiver and changing the wires. An internal speaker patch would be a great cure for this, but then you could just spend another $500 and get the x3000 9.2 series units with more headroom, too, although this is a punchy little monster through my Linn speakers and a KLH and JBL subs and JBL Studio Monitor 4311 sides. I have one sub behind the listening position so I can reach back and adjust 80-500hz at will.The price went up 10% a few months after I bought it, so beware if you’re on the fence.

The Denon arrived in 2 days as promised. This was the 2nd unit I'd purchased because the 1st had been a refurb from 'Electronics Expo' and was DOA when it arrived. I decided to go with a new one this time. Denon is really about the top of the line at this price level. I've tried Sony and Sonos units and Denon is by far the best in terms of compatibility with various TV's and Bluetooth devices. They have a great self-equalizing software program as well. You do need to be aware that Denon is very hard nosed about warranty repairs--if you didn't get it from an authorized dealer, you are s.o.l. if it needs service. I don't know why they take that tack, but be aware. That said, I've had a Denon of one model or another for at least 12 years, some I got used from yard sales, or wherever. All of them worked well. Denon pretty much invented digital audio for the home and it shows in their products. You should also understand that these units are pretty much self contained. You won't be able to use it with powered speakers because the only outputs (other than sub outs) are for the speakers. It won't allow any sort of 'pre-out' or 'pre-in' for external amps or equalizers. This is true for all surround systems due to DRM requirements about copyright.Also handy is their remotes seem to be interchangeable over the years so you can always get a used one from an old Denon (I've lost a few in the past...). At 80 watts/channel, you won't be lacking for volume. Add a powered subwoofer (or two, there is a left/right sub out) and it will blow the windows out with sound!

Great amp, no problem setting it up. Bluetooth Connectivy was OK but I'm not dependent on it much. It works great for my surround sound system.