I bought the receiver in Feb 2022 and now I have to ship it for repairs in June 2022. The problem is the eARC function does not work correctly. If you see the picture below the X should not be there and I cannot program it to control my eARC. The TV does not recognize the receiver audio function. So if you are watch an app from your TV and want to switch to watching an app on a firestick or other device the TV will not recognize that command and the TV will only show source as if it is waiting for a command. I have to turn both the TV and the receiver off and on again before it works. The other problem is when watching the TV apps I cannot get audio to play through my surround sound receiver to the surround speakers. I can play surround sound audio from my firestick that is connected in Back of the receiver but not with the apps of my TV. This is very disappointing for a very high priced item. Now it will be at least a month without my receiver because I have to send it to a repair shop and cherry on top I have paid for shipping which is very expensive. I wish Onkyo had a 13.1 unit because I never had any problems with that brand and I bought several of their receivers.

This AVR is a monster and I mean that in the most positive way. Yes it is large and weighs a bit but it is packed full features, great sound, and easy to set up. This replaced an older Denon that was and is working fine but this AVR fully supports our new 75” Samsung Neo QLED and eliminates the need to run a separate amp to power our ATMOS front and rear speakers. The sound seems better but it had been awhile since I ran the speaker setup. Hard to tell about picture as we’d only had the Samsung up and running for a week which by itself was a significant upgrade from our old screen.

Denon brand, you can just feel the quality build physically, the sound outputs aide. Capable of Dolby Atmos 9.2.4 or Auro3D 7.2.6 configurations. The HDMI upgrade bug affecting the previous 8500 also fixed. It is heavy, almost 51 pounds, 60 pounds boxed. And put in a well ventilated space. Just don't pair this with cheap speakers, and invest in a dedicated 20A circuit for full power. Read on avsforums that will all 13 channels enabled it supplies about 70% of 2 channel max output. For a solid review, read this: https://www.audioholics.com/av-receiver-reviews/denon-avr-x8500h-dolby-atmos-network-receiver-review There is also a hour long deep dive discussion about the details of this receiver by Gene from Audioholics if you want to learn more. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSk4ylfDRs8

Top of the line in the current Denon family, with a recent upgrade to support 8k60/4k120. Able to drive 13 amplified channels for up to 7.1.6 or 9.1.4 theater experiences and/or provide audio and video to up to three zones. Huge feature set to allow you to calibrate to your room and dial in the sound. Only drawback is still some issues connecting through HDMI with 4k120 content/gaming.

Excellent receiver, solidly built as any flagship should be. Relatively easy to set up and calibrate using the Audyssey system. Most importantly-- wonderful sound. Expensive, but worth it--