Denon AVR-S720W Receiver Review [Pros & Cons 2025]
Denon AVR-S720W Receiver Review: Immerse Yourself In Rich SoundIf you think you don't need an AV receiver for your home theatre then think again. What is the po...
Denon AVR-S720W Receiver Review: Immerse Yourself In Rich Sound
If you think you don't need an AV receiver for your home theatre then think again. What is the point in having a great home theatre set-up that doesn't sound as great as it looks? In fact, many home owners don't realize what they have been missing until they buy a good AV receiver and hear the magic.
You might argue that AV receivers are expensive and that the cheap ones simply just get you frustrated instead of letting you experience good sound. But you don't have to worry about any of the above when you choose the Denon AVR-S720W as it not only gives you a great sound experience but is also affordable.
From exceptional surround sound quality with Dolby Atmos and DTS: X to superior 4K video support, it's hard to fit this one with the other mid-range receivers. It definitely packs in more features for its price point. We review this AV receiver below so that you can decide if this is the right one for your requirements. Read on for more details.
Denon AVR-S720W Specs
- 2 channels with 75 W channels each for rich surround sound
- Immersive 3D sound with Dolby Atmos, DTS: X and Audyssey MultiEQ
- Support 4K videos for high-definition viewing
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi ready for streaming music and videos
- Free downloadable app for iOS, Android and Kindle Fire devices
Why Is The Denon AVR-S720W The Best Budget AV Receiver?
If you have been postponing to upgrade your home theatre with the latest AV receiver, then now is the time. If high price tags of these AV receivers is what is holding you back, then you should consider the Denon AVR-S720W which is a cost effective AV receiver which is packed with features to make you jump with joy.
We have teased each of the features of the AVR-S720W to help you give a good idea of its capabilities. We have also included a pros and cons section to give you an even better insight into its performance.
Multi-Channel Surround
You can get true cinema-like sounds when your home theatre is paired with quality surround sound. That's exactly what you get when you buy the AVR-S720W. This AV receiver supports 7 channels with 75W per channel when you connect it to 8-ohm speakers. The 720 also supports 4-ohm speakers in which case each channel can go up to 165W.
Enjoy all your favorite Hollywood titles with 5.1/5.2 surround speakers. Simply add a pair of overhead speakers or Dolby Atmos elevation speakers and take your home movie watching experience to a great new level.
Dual Subwoofer
Enjoy the power of two with the two subwoofer outputs on the AVR-S720W. So instead of one large subwoofer you can connect two smaller subs and place them in different locations. This reduces issues such as peaking and muffling and gives you a more defined bass sound.
Design
The Denon AVR-S720W may not score well when it comes to the looks department but it does make up for it with its easy to use interface. The most used input selection buttons and the sound mode buttons are on the front for quick and easy access. What's even better is that even the input ports such as the USB, HDMI, and the headphone jack are placed on the front for convenience.
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Processor
A powerful quad-core 32-bit DSP processor is at the core of this AV receiver. It has the ability to handle over 1 billion computations per second. Therefore, it can handle a number of tasks such as Dolby Atmos decoding, DTS: X decoding, Audyssey calibration and surround sound effortlessly.
Connecting Ports
Having enough input and output ports on your AV receiver lets you control your entire home theatre with ease. The AVR-S720W lets you do exactly that as it comes with two analog audio inputs, 3 digital inputs (2 optical and 1 coaxial) and a whopping 6 HDMI ports. Watch high-definition 4K videos has never been this easy!
Wireless Connectivity
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Wired connections sure have their advantages but wireless connectivity gives you complete freedom of movement and a hassle-free experience. This receiver is both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled for you to stream all your favorite music with just a touch of the screen. The 720 can be used to stream music using Pandora, Spotify Connect, Sirius XM and from a host of Internet radio channels. You can also use the AirPlay feature to stream your playlist directly from your phone.
Smart TV Compatibility
In addition to the many connecting options detailed above, the 720 can also be connected to your Smart TV. The best part is that you can then use your Smart TVs remote to control your AV receiver. You can adjust the volume level or choose the desired source or even select the desired surround sound mode. This AV receiver is as versatile as it can get.
Denon App
The AV receiver can be controlled with the remote which can be purchased if necessary. Unlike other AV receiver remotes in the segment, this one comes with large buttons making it easy to navigate through options.
But if using a remote sounds too outdated to you, then you can also control your AV receiver with your smartphone. The Denon 720 app is available for both iOS and Android phones. This app has pretty much everything that you need to control your AV receiver from the comfort of your couch.
Audyssey's Bronze Speaker Calibration
This AV receiver not just gives you brilliant sound but is also brilliant enough to adjust the sound produced according to its environment. It comes with Audyssey's Bronze package that uses a microphone on a cardboard stand to do the job. Simply connect the microphone to the receiver after which it will send test sounds for the microphone to pick up. In the end, all the settings for your speakers are automatically configured and you only have to sit back to enjoy it.
This calibration system includes MultiEQ, Dynamic volume and dynamic EQ. The Dynamic volume saves you from sudden volume peaks especially seen with commercials. The Dynamic EQ adds to the overall sound quality by ensuring an even and natural sound at any volume level.
Dual-Zone
Why should your AV receiver be restricted to only your home theatre system? The people at Denon answered this question by incorporating the Dual-Zone feature on the 720. This lets you use your AV receiver outside your home theatre set-up. So while you enjoy the 5.2 channel surround sound in one room you can use the receiver to listen to stereo sound in another room.
Each zone can be customized and controlled using the free app on your smartphone. There are separate settings for each of these zones thereby cutting down the need to have two separate audio systems.
Eco Mode
Don't worry about your powerful AV receiver using up a lot of energy as the 720 comes with an auto-Eco mode. It automatically adjusts the maximum power required based on volume settings to reduce power usage. You can even see the power usage and reduction on the screens Eco meter.
Compatible Formats
The 720 is compatible with a host of high-definition audio file formats such as AIFF, ALAC, WAV, FLAC and DSD. It is also compatible with most other audio file formats including the most commonly used mp3 format. Play all your favorite movies and music and never worry about annoying Unsupported file format error message on your screen.
Easy Set-Up
Setting up your AV receiver is a breeze thanks to Denon's quick start guide. With step-by-step instructions on the screen, you can quickly do everything from connecting your speakers to even calibrating them according to the rooms acoustics.
The speaker terminals come color coded and the receiver comes with corresponding color labels for your speaker wires for a confusion-free connection. In addition to speakers, you can also use the guide to connect the AV receiver to your gaming console, DVD or Blu-ray players.
Pros
- Dual Zone feature lets you use it as two audio systems
- 6 HDMI connection including one on the front for high-definition videos
- Automatic calibration system reduces manual effort for settings
- Easy to control with the iOS and Android apps on your smartphones
- Easy to set-up
Cons
- The interface is not as advanced as one would want it to be.
- The volume button on the remote is too sensitive and so if you are not careful you can end up startling everyone in the room.
Conclusion
If a superior sound quality and a hassle-free AV receiver is what you are looking for, then the Denon AVR-S720W will be a great choice for you. It is comparable to some top models despite its pocket-friendly price point and has very good customer reviews.
Upgrade from your old receiver that needs you to get up every so often to change settings or has only stereo sound option. From multi-channel surround sound to automatic calibration for settings to Bluetooth connectivity to Wi-Fi connectivity and much more, you will be overwhelmed with the features on the S720W. It comes with enough input and output options to connect everything from your home theatre system to gaming consoles and DVD/Blu-ray players. Go get one and get ready to be amazed!
Resources
- https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/home-theater4.htm
- https://www.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/home-theater/what-does-an-av-receiver-do/
- https://usa.denon.com/us/product/hometheater/receivers/avrs720w
- https://www.avsforum.com/forum/90-receivers-amps-processors/2439018-official-denon-2016-avr-s720w-avr-s920w-owners-thread.html
- https://www.whathifi.com/forum/home-cinema/audyssey-calibrating
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EditorialTeam at The Great Device is a passionate group of tech enthusiasts, writers, and industry experts dedicated to bringing you the latest news, in-depth reviews, and insightful guides on all things tech. Our mission is to help you make informed decisions by providing clear, trustworthy, and up-to-date information. From gadgets and devices to software and innovations, EditorialTeam ensures you stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of technology.