Denon AVR-8500HA
James from GOOSE CREEK, SC on 2/14/2025
I've owned a number of receivers and integrated amps and tuners over the years. My favorite brand has been Denon and I've had some lower and mid priced models before I bought my Denon AVR-X8500HA. Technology changes often and I decided to upgrade my Denon AVR-4300 which I'd been using daily for a number of years. I decided to go with the Denon AVR-8500HA receiver and I'm so glad I did. I've always enjoyed music ( I listen to music almost everyday ) and I wanted a receiver that would sound great with either music or movies and I like the Denon AVR-8500HA unit I chose a lot. From all of my experience with different receivers over the years I've never had a top line or near top line model like the Denon AVR-8500HA and I'm so glad that I spent the extra money and bought this unit. I couldn't be happier with it and everything just sounds wonderful with it. I know there are many different choices buyers can choose based on their brand preferences etc, but since I've been a fan of Denon products over the years I'm very happy with my Denon AVR-8500HA choice. It has more than enough power and all of the features I could ever want. I'd highly recommend this model if you are looking for a higher end receiver because I'm very happy with mine and I enjoy using it daily!
Pros: I'm very satisfied with how this unit works and the sound quality is excellent.
Cons: I don't have any complaints to list.
1 of 1 found this helpful
AVR X8500 h simple accurate and stupendous.
Thomas from Kissimmee, FL on 11/3/2024
I must be honest I've been hooked on Denon ever since I purchased my first AVR unit the 3808c.. Now moving forward my new Avr 8500h is incredibly superior. Many may not appreciate that the appearance from the old unit hasn't changed much at all compared to the new however, the build quality is still fantastic and the features are great. I have the 8500 driving a pair of JBL HDI 3800's and I can truly see these speakers shine with this amp behind them..
Pros: Plenty of power and features. Provides everything an enthusiast could or would want at a great price thanks to Crutchfield..
Cons: Perhaps to some, the same design as past models.
0 of 0 found this helpful
Solid Built Performing Receiver!
Kenneth from Schertz, TX on 10/25/2024
I had this monstrous receiver for over a week now and I have to say that it performs very well. Setup was very easy. The GUI makes it simple to get around the settings within the receiver, very similar to Marantz. So far so good!!
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0 of 0 found this helpful
Denon AVR-X8500HA
Jerod from Fairbanks, AK on 10/13/2024
I've always been a Denon fan and bought the X8500 to upgrade my theater to 7.2.6 Atmos. Easy plug and play to get up and running. The size is much larger than the previous unit. Luckily I do not have a door on my AV cabinet.
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0 of 1 found this helpful
Denon wins direct Comparison
Henry from Durham, NC on 10/9/2024
I purchased the Denon AVR-X8500HA because I wanted 13 channels, component video inputs and 7.1 channel analog inputs. I have two component units: a Wii and a Sony 300 disc DVD/CD player. I also have a Sony ES multichannel SACD player and a small collection of multi-channel CDs. Last week I checked on the availability and price (again) and hit purchase when I saw the price drop. Several months back I purchased the Sony STR-AZ7000ES for my vacation home. My analysis is that the Sony is great, you will love it. Sony's Easy Setup as exactly that EASY. The Sony is , much easier to use, except my wife hates the volume control button. The Denon is a step above and the available inputs make this a no brainer with the current price drop. If you have some older high end components that you are still using then buy the Denon, you will be amazed at the sound detail.
Pros: Inputs that let you integrate all your components
Cons: I always find Denon menus cryptic at best. For example: Where is the 7.1 channel input and how do you assign it?
1 of 2 found this helpful
Denon AVR-X8500HA
Mark from Rowlett, TX on 1/16/2024
Upgrading from prior Denon AVR still going strong after many years that I moved to another room. Expecting same superior quality, craftsmanship, performance and reliabilty from this unit as the other. So far, not disappointed, and love the added features of this bad boy along with the superior sound performance I have always experienced with Denon. Far less cables and hdmi compatibility with newer LG tv are quite nice and this unit will perform well into the future, making it a great value for the price.
Pros: Quality Features Construction Performance Versatility Reliability
Cons: Price
2 of 2 found this helpful
Denon AVR-X8500HA
Richard from Westmont, IL on 3/5/2023
3 of 4 found this helpful
Impressive home theatre receiver
Jeffrey from Vermilion, OH on 2/19/2023
Finally a receiver that has power for all Dolby atmos channels !!!!
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7 of 7 found this helpful
Denon AVR-X8500HA
Kenneth from San Mateo, CA on 12/28/2022
Great flexibility for multiple systems, good performance
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4 of 5 found this helpful
Denon 8500ha
Crutchfield customer from Iowa on 12/20/2022
So I received this awesome home theater receiver two months ago and wanted to wait to do the review so I could thoroughly test it. Set up was exceptionally easy, features are everywhere and still learning and power, oh my. Really changes home theatre from well that was good to totally awesome. When I saw UPS driver bringing the receiver to my home on a cart I knew it was heavy but when I went to carry it in and set it up I quickly realized just how massive this thing is. Have had three Onkyo home theatre receivers over past 20 years, great devices but this Denon just blows them all away. Due to cost this was a difficult decision but expecting years of service I am completely pleased with my purchase.
Pros: Great service from Crutchfield, receiver is solid and terrific in action
Cons: no owners manual included, must download and its long. Only 3 year warranty, for the cost should be at least 5 years.
18 of 18 found this helpful
Denon AVR-X8500HA
Dennis Craig from Mason City, IA on 6/22/2022
Great receiver you'll know it means business when you lift it!!!
Pros: Powerful amp
Cons: Cost
13 of 16 found this helpful
Top of the line home theater receiver
Patrick from Pinson, AL on 6/9/2022
Had my receiver for years itI finally went out an I had to buy another one so I started to do my research an after months I decided to go with the best an so far I haven't been disappointed with my decision yet, goes great with my 85" 8k TV
Pros: So many features
Cons: Very big, make sure you have room
15 of 17 found this helpful
Typical Denon - hard to find faults here.
Michael from Washougal, WA on 2/18/2022
Great audio and features galore. Has enough overhead reserve power to fill up the house with great audio while basically loafing along (hardly working). It has fans underneath the output drivers and heatsinks, but I've never had them come on yet. I guess you'd have to really crank it up to painful listening levels, and have the other Zones driven to full output. It has the reserve to make the bass much better out of my vintage Klipsch Chorus speakers, without breaking a sweat. Much better response than my Denon AVR-4802R which this replaces. I'll never use half the features but I wanted the best power supply and output devices that wouldn't have to struggle. This sure fits that bill.
Pros: Too many to list. More features than I'll ever use.
Cons: For the performance in this price range, I can't think of any. How about this - no included hard copy paper manual. Not even a manual on CD / DVD. Online only, afaik. That's kind of a bummer IMO for something in this price range. But I get the saving paper part. The online manual is huge - over 300 pages I believe. Plus the addendum for say remote control codes goes on and on - it's pretty huge, too.
29 of 30 found this helpful
Great and very large.
Crutchfield customer from Midlothian, VA on 10/18/2021
A beast of a receiver with plenty of power and features. One thing to pay attention to is the sheer size. It is much deeper than other receivers and may not fit in your planned location. I replaced an older Denon and this one just barely fit on the shelf. We're talking by millimeters. Setup is easy to follow, but plan to spend 20 minutes or more if you run through the Audyssey speaker setup and analysis. Your mileage may vary with Audyssey tuning, but for my room it always lowers the front levels and raises the surround levels too much. As with other receivers I've setup in the past, I prefer to balance the speaker levels by ear and with an SPL meter.
Pros: Features and sound quality.
Cons: Physical size.
28 of 28 found this helpful
Denon AVR-X8500HA
Crutchfield customer from Edmond, OK on 10/13/2021
1 of 11 found this helpful
Does it all now and for the future too
Robert from CROFTON, MD on 9/26/2021
I've had several Denon and Marantz receivers over the years, and never had an issue. So I decided to step up to one better. This is a very solid unit, heavy and a little bigger than most other Denon receivers. This model fixes the HDMI issues from the previous model. With the 8K ports you have some future proofing in the unit. Has a gaming mode for less lag when needed. Using in a 7.3.4 speaker setup and it powers everything with ease with the ability to add more speakers as needed. The Denon setup walks you through an initial setup leaving you at a good starting point. It's easy to manual adjust anything in the unit through the GUI. You can also use the Audyssey app to setup the system. The HEOS app connected with no issues and access to most music streaming services and your local network is available. The Denon app controls the unit functions with no issues. Has worked great for music or movies. Using with 4K blu-ray, 4K computer (gaming), 1080p OTA, and 4K streaming sticks, and it all looks and sounds great. I hooked it up through Ethernet and it communicates and updates with ease. So far has not run very hot.
Pros: Can do 8K Lots Inputs and outputs for everything Denon setup makes it easy to start Can do any sound and pass through all current video encoding
Cons: only a 3yr warranty for the cost
24 of 24 found this helpful
Denon AVR-X8500HA
Crutchfield customer from Cranston, RI on 8/19/2021
I am a fan of Denon for years I've had a a 4802. I have a 5803,5505,7200wa. A 3520 cd player and a couple of DVD players all still working never been in the repair shop. Crutchfield was a great help and friendly service
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Cons: None
9 of 14 found this helpful
Beast Receiver
Crutchfield customer from Howell, MI on 7/20/2021
This receiver is a BEAST and the sound is excellent for listening to music or watching movies. I would give it 6 stars if it would let me instead of 5.
Pros: Everything about it.
Cons: Nothing.
11 of 12 found this helpful
Denon AVR-X8500HA
Crutchfield customer from Wasilla, AK on 7/16/2021
5 STARS, this AVR is a beast and runs my ATMOS surround system perfectly. 4K dolby vision has worked as it should with current HDMI standards , but can run up to 8K as well. Replaced my DENON 7200WA (The former flagship model) with this model and the unit is overall larger and heavier and side by side you can see and feel the upgraded quality in the chassis.
Pros: Powerful, fit and finish is perfect.
Cons: Expensive, almost twice the amount of the former flag ship model. Only 3 year warranty, at this price piont should come with a 5 year like the A110.
32 of 35 found this helpful
