Customer Ratings & Reviews

Pros Easy to follow on screen setup menu. The colorful on screen images really make it easy to set the receiver up for the first time, as well as make changes on the fly, which is also very easy to do. Audyssey and the included microphone worked well right out of the box and helped me to calibrate my speaker levels, distances, etc. without having to spend a whole lot of time. I have other receivers and it can be frustrating trying to find that sweet spot. This was the easiest and best speaker calibration I’ve done so far. The receiver sounds really, really good. I have the standard 5.1 surround sound speaker layout. It's in my living room right off the kitchen. And movies still sound great even when people are moving about in the kitchen. It's also very intuitive when I switch audio sources. It makes the effort to switch to the optimal sound layout based on the source that I select. It has somehow learned when to automatically switch from Dolby Digital to DD Plus to Atmos. This is what I like the most about the S970H. Easy wi-fi firmware update. I've only had one update so far and it was straight to the point. Cons HDMI Control with my Firestick. One thing that is kind of annoying is the fact that no matter how many times I set up my Denon to automatically switch to the Firestick when I hit the Firestick remote's home button, it works for a little while then after a couple of days it mysteriously stops. So if I watch a Blu Ray, I then have to press the Firestick’s corresponding input button on my Denon remote to switch to the Firestick. To be fair, maybe this is a Firestick issue. All in all, this is still the best AV receiver I’ve ever had. If not for the HDMI Control issue I would’ve rated this receiver 5 stars.

Does a very nice job and is easy to connect. Paying slightly more to get the 90 watts/channel is worth it. Got this as a replacement for a failed 10 year old Marantz. Nice to be able to walk in the door and play whatever was playing from your phone in your car- instantly on the Denon. Sweet!

This was recommended to me by a professional installer of home AV systems. Mainly because of its general quality, and higher watts per channel for larger speakers. I never go above 65% volume with my Klipsch 7.2.2 system, as it is very loud in the sound controlled room. The user interface is pretty basic, and the software seems old, but the reciever does walk you through set-up automatically so you should be fine. I can't say it was "easy" to set up, it was simple enough for me, but I don't imagine that someone who isn't somewhat well versed in AV gear would make it through without some instruction manual time.

The Denon AVR S970H has been a very powerful upgrade from our previous Denon receiver that was 20 years old. Though the previous had more Watts to push the convenience of the ARC connectivity has helped us utilize a great deal less remotes, practically down to just one, and now having the ability to use our TV's full audio potential getting surround sound on all streaming platforms making watching movies a much better experience! The receiver was worth every penny, and actually substantially less than my previous unit and is able to do more and deliver quality alongside ease of use and being future proof! Glad to have gotten the unit at a great price during the holidays, and grateful for the assistance from Best Buy in getting the item ordered.

This receiver does everything I need. Dolby Vision, 2 independently powered zones, iPhone controls, & great sound. This was a floor model that had a stack of Best Buy inventory stickers on it and was missing the volume knob. It had the remote, wireless antennas, and I couldn’t pass up the $262 price. In addition, my old Yamaha receiver with 4K pass through turned the image green. Got it wired up and performed a factory default. This was nerve racking because I didn’t want to brick the device. After what I thought took too long for a factory default it prompted me to begin setup with a beautiful GUI. Got it setup and so far everything has worked fine. I can play stereo music in zone 2 (backyard) while leaving zone 1 (great room) alone. This feature is something I have been missing out on for years! 5 out of 5.

Great sound. Easy to set up. Excellent customer service from Denon to help with the final setup. Simple, easy functioning remote. Excellent value for the money.

I cannot recommend this receiver enough! I tried many other modern A/V receivers before I got my hands on the Denon AVR-S970H, and not a single one of those other receivers were capable of pushing my towers how they're designed to be. The performance the Denon AVE-S970H is capable of is unmatched at it's price point. Aside from it's amazing power capabilities, this AVR is very intuitive! The eARC HDMI 2.1 feature enables me to use my gaming consoles without limitation and control everything through the AVR via my TV remote. No more fumbling around with 2-3 remotes! I couldn't be happier with this AVR!

I originally purchased another brand and was not pleased. It wasn’t bad but it was an entry level product. I switched to the Denon and boy what a difference! Easy of use and sound quality is fantastic! It works flawlessly with my Sony Bravia tv (the other one had CONSTANT handshake issues). I absolutely love having WiFi built in and the AirPlay works perfectly. HEOS is another feature that I have really enjoyed, and didn’t even know it existed until I bought this. I use it to power my Klipsch speaker system and it’s is a FABULOUS combo! I could not be more pleased! 10/10 recommend!!

This is my first AV Receiver since Radio Shacks 1978 model. The Denon receiver is exceptional, fulfilling all requirements. I have paired it with Polk speakers, and it delivers a rich, room-filling audio experience. Its Roon Ready capability further enhances the listening pleasure.

I just purchased a 200 CD Disk Stereo and needed a receiver that was compatible for it. Works very well and clear. I’m so glad we have Best Buy in our town with such great variety!!!

I went from an old school Pioneer VSX-1021. I always heard good things about Denon. The sound quality is on par with a mainstream AVR receiver. There is only so much quality you will get out of a class AB solid-state unit. However, I would not recommend this unit for a PC-based theater system or PC based gaming system. The sound frequently drops out. For some reason, it loses the DTS or Dolby signals. I've tried multiple high-quality HDMI cables to no avail. Then, after a little more research, I found that Denon even states the unit is not recommended to be used with a PC-based system. So, this was a very disappointing factor in my decision to purchase a Denon. For that reason, I removed 2 stars from what could have been a five-star unit for me. One other criticism I can make is the interface and menus. In the age of AI, information, and high tech, these units still lack proper setup, menus, OSD, and mobile app configurations, which almost every other high-tech sound bar and streaming device has these days.

I remember getting a Denon car stereo back in the early 80’s. I loved it…I wanted to get a Denon receiver before I hit the dirt. I finally decided to get one! I am not going to get technical, I’ll leave that to others. I can’t believe the clarity, power, and the many different ways you can tailor the sound. I got my system on sale but I think the price has increased. I would have bought it whether there was a price increase or not. I’ve been playing percussion and drums for over 56 years. This Denon receiver allows me to play along, keeps me young. YOU CANNOT GO WRONG WITH THIS RECEIVER! Especially in this price range. Soooo glad I have it.

Denon receiver for exceeded my expectations. The Bluetooth capabilities is awesome. The sound is great . easy to figure out and use.

I’m very happy with this purchase. Easy to set up and sounds great. It’s like having a movie theater in my house. Just wish it would turn on when tv is turned on.

Sounds great. Big up grade for us. Much difference in sound. We bought a new tv. Realized we needed to up grade. And we are so happy with our choice. So happy with the Best Buy Company.

I have been buying Denon products for years but this receiver is, without doubt, the best I have ever had. It’s easy to set up and the Denon AVR Remote app makes changing sound modes and outputs so easy. The app is very user friendly and has options for everything you can think of. Very happy with this purchase.

Improvement from last six year old AVR. Better upscaling, better surround sound and stronger bass. I think this is the best receiver you can get for the price.

This receiver is awesome. The surround sound for movies is really great. And our backyard speakers are cool.

Love it. So many more options with sound than the Sony.

The sound quality of Denon is always excellent, with a warm and inviting sound. Has plenty power for beginner and intermediate audio enthusiasts, but lacks the preouts to add an amplifier. For the price of this unit, I would like to have the ability to add more power if needed.