Reviews
Movie Night Upgrade: A Review of the Denon AVR-X1700H
Quick Take
The Denon AVR-X1700H walks the line between “set it and forget it” and “grow with me.” Owners highlight clear dialogue, reliable HDMI behavior for 4K at 120 frames, and a setup flow that does not intimidate first-timers. It is powerful enough for medium rooms, flexible enough for a 5.2.2 Atmos layout, and friendly for daily music through HEOS or AirPlay 2. Some users wish the interface looked more modern and note that bass still depends on sub placement even after calibration. But once it is dialed in, this receiver fades into the background and simply makes movies, shows, and games more fun.
Pros:
Cons:
Introduction
A good receiver should do two things well: disappear when you are watching and make upgrades easy when you get the itch. The Denon AVR-X1700H aims right at that target. It is a seven-channel model that supports either a classic 7.2 speaker layout or a 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos setup. It also brings three HDMI 2.1 inputs to the table, so current consoles and high-frame-rate streamers work as intended. Owners describe the setup as straightforward and the sound as confident, especially after running Audyssey. That combination makes the X1700H a practical choice for a living room theater that still wants gaming chops and simple music streaming.
Key Features (and why they matter)
- Seven amplified channels rated at 80 watts per channel
You can run 7.2 or step into Dolby Atmos with 5.2.2. The full-bandwidth rating of 80 watts per channel means the X1700H has enough clean power for common bookshelf or tower speakers in a medium room. Movies have impact without the strain you hear from smaller all-in-one solutions.
- Six HDMI inputs and one HDMI output
Keep a pair of consoles, a disc player, and a streaming box connected at the same time, then feed a TV or projector on the outputs. You do not need to reshuffle cables when you switch from a game to a movie.
- Three HDMI 2.1 inputs with 8K60 and 4K120 pass-through
High-frame-rate gaming stays smooth, and you preserve all the features of modern sources. Owners who connect a PlayStation or Xbox to the right inputs report reliable 4K120 with Variable Refresh Rate, which keeps motion clean and reduces tearing.
- eARC on the main HDMI output
Built-in TV apps can ship high-quality audio back to the receiver through a single cable. That keeps the setup tidy while still delivering Atmos or high-bitrate soundtracks from the TV’s streaming apps. It also means one remote can handle most evenings.
- Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG, and 8K upscaling
The X1700H passes today’s key HDR formats, so you are not stuck toggling settings to make a show look right. Older 1080p or 4K sources can be upscaled cleanly to match an 8K display, which helps when you upgrade the screen before the sources catch up.
- VRR, ALLM, and QFT for gaming
Variable Refresh Rate and Quick Frame Transport reduce stutter and latency, while Auto Low Latency Mode nudges your TV into game mode automatically. You move from a movie to a match without digging for picture settings.
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, plus virtual height modes
If you can add height speakers, you get true overhead effects. If you cannot, the virtualization modes offer a taste of height without extra hardware. Either way, the sound field grows beyond the front wall, which is where the home-theater magic begins.
- Audyssey MultEQ XT with Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume
Audyssey measures your room and smooths out peaks and dips across seats. Dynamic EQ keeps dialogue and effects balanced as you turn the volume down at night, while Dynamic Volume tamps down sudden loudness swings. The result is easier listening at any hour.
- Dual subwoofer outputs
Two subs placed in different spots can cancel room modes that cause boomy bass or dead zones. Even if you start with one sub, the second output is there when you are ready for a smoother, more even low end.
- HEOS, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth
Stream music from your phone or group rooms with other HEOS gear. AirPlay 2 makes it simple for iPhone and iPad users to send audio, and Bluetooth covers quick-share moments when guests want to play a song.
- Phono input for moving-magnet cartridges
Plug a turntable in directly without buying a separate phono preamp. Vinyl becomes as easy as switching inputs, which is how it should be.
- Setup assistant and Quick Select presets
On-screen prompts walk you through wiring and calibration. Save your favorite combinations of input and sound mode to Quick Select buttons so you can jump from “Game 4K120” to “Movie Atmos” in one press.
RELATED: Denon AVR S970H Review
Sound Quality and Setup
Most buyers converge on a few consistent themes. First, dialogue clarity improves noticeably compared with older receivers or TV speakers, which makes everything from news to action films easier to follow. The X1700H keeps surround pans tidy, so footsteps slide across the room rather than blur. Many users also say that once Audyssey runs and a few manual checks follow, the system locks into a balanced sound that stays composed as the volume comes up.
As for music, the midrange carries good body and the top end has enough energy to make acoustic instruments pop. The receiver is not trying to be a separate audiophile amp, yet it delivers a lively, engaging presentation with common speakers. Many owners mention that two-channel listening benefits from turning off excess processing and letting Audyssey handle the room. The result is a clean stereo image with bass that is tight for the size of their space.
Setup feedback is broadly positive. Denon’s assistant guides you step by step, and the included mic makes Audyssey easy to run. People who take a few extra minutes to label inputs and confirm speaker sizes tend to get the best results on the first try. There are honest caveats. A handful of buyers report that to get 4K at 120 frames consistently, devices must be plugged into the HDMI 2.1 inputs and paired with certified cables, and some TVs require enabling the right eARC and enhanced-format options. Those tweaks are common in mixed-brand systems and usually one-time tasks. Bass also remains the variable that separates a good setup from a great one. Sub placement and crossover choices matter, even with room correction. Happily, the X1700H gives you the tools to get there.
Who Is It For?
Choose the Denon AVR-X1700H if you want a receiver that feels friendly on day one, yet has enough modern features to hold up for years. It suits living rooms and medium theaters where you want a 5.2.2 Atmos or 7.2 layout, reliable 4K120 gaming, and easy music streaming. It is also a good fit if you are moving up from a soundbar or an older five-channel unit and want a clean jump in clarity and immersion. If you expect to expand into nine or more amplified channels, crave more advanced room correction, or want Dirac Live, you will want to look higher in the lineup. For most people, though, this is the sweet spot.
Tips for Better Results
Place your front speakers so the tweeters sit near ear height, and start with a mild toe-in toward the main seat. Run Audyssey with the mic at ear height in the recommended positions, and do not rush the process. If you use a sub, set your fronts to Small and start with an 80 Hz crossover, then adjust by ear. Connect high-frame-rate sources to the HDMI 2.1 inputs and turn on the TV’s enhanced format and eARC options. Save Quick Select presets for your common routines, such as a gaming profile with lower latency and a movie preset with your preferred processing. If bass is lumpy, try moving the sub along the front wall in small steps and re-run Audyssey; two subwoofers often smooth things further.
Alternatives to Consider
If your room is smaller or your needs simpler, Denon’s AVR-S760H offers a similar experience with lower power and a slightly different chassis. If you prefer to stay in the X-series but want a bit more flexibility, the AVR-X2700H from the previous generation is worth a look on the used market, though it offers fewer HDMI 2.1 lanes. Outside Denon, the Onkyo TX-NR6100 and Yamaha RX-V6A are well-liked competitors with their own takes on room correction and app ecosystems. Your final choice will likely come down to whether you favor Audyssey and HEOS or prefer the alternatives offered by Onkyo and Yamaha.
Final Thoughts
The Denon AVR-X1700H is the kind of receiver that earns trust quickly. It makes dialogue clearer, tightens the surround bubble, and plays nicely with modern sources, all while keeping setup simple. You will still need a little patience for menus and some attention to subwoofer placement, but the payoffs are obvious from the first movie night. If you are shopping for an approachable 7.2 receiver that is genuinely ready for today’s video standards and tomorrow’s upgrades, the X1700H deserves a spot at the top of your shortlist.
FAQ
Will this make dialogue easier to hear?
Yes. After a quick Audyssey calibration, voices sit forward and stay clear, even at lower volumes.
Is setup beginner-friendly?
It is. The on-screen assistant walks you through wiring, mic placement, and calibration in plain language.
Can I run Dolby Atmos?
Yes. It supports a 5.2.2 Atmos layout (front heights or up-firing modules) or a traditional 7.2 surround setup.
Does it handle 4K/120 for gaming?
Yes. Plug your console into the HDMI 2.1 inputs to get smooth 4K/120 with game-friendly features like VRR and ALLM.
How many HDMI ports are there, and which should I use?
There are six HDMI inputs and one output. Use the three HDMI inputs labeled for 8K/4K120 for next-gen consoles and high-frame-rate streamers.
Will it work with my TV’s built-in apps?
Yes. With eARC on the main HDMI out, your TV can send high-quality audio back to the receiver over one cable.
How big a room can it handle?
It’s a strong match for small to medium rooms with typical bookshelf or tower speakers. For very large spaces, consider larger amps or more sensitive speakers.
Do I need special speakers?
No. Any 8-ohm speakers of reasonable sensitivity will do. If you want Atmos, add two height or up-firing speakers.
What about bass—will I need a subwoofer?
For movies, a subwoofer is recommended. The receiver has dual sub outputs to help smooth bass across multiple seats.
Is streaming music easy?
Yes. HEOS and AirPlay 2 let you stream from popular apps and group rooms. Bluetooth is also available for quick play from a phone.
Can I plug in a turntable?
Yes. There’s a built-in phono input for moving-magnet cartridges, so you don’t need a separate preamp.
Does it support voice control?
It works with popular voice assistants through HEOS and AirPlay 2. You can do basics like volume and input changes hands-free.
What if I still find the menus confusing?
Save time by using the Quick Select buttons. Each stores your favorite input, sound mode, and volume so you can switch with one press.
Any common “gotchas” to know before buying?
Plan a few minutes to enable eARC/enhanced-format HDMI on your TV, use certified high-speed HDMI cables, and place the sub carefully—those steps solve most setup hiccups.
Can I grow with this receiver?
Yes. You can start with 5.1, add height speakers for 5.2.2, add a second sub later, and fine-tune with the optional Audyssey app as your system evolves.
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