2018 Denon X8500H 13.2CH

[AVSjd]

Denon has released the brand new "flagship" X8500H 13CH model (15CH connections) which is capable of Atmos 7.2.6 or 9.2.4.   The Denon Flagship AVR-X8500H powers the next generation of home theater with the world’s first 13.2 channel receiver that supports the latest immersive audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D (to added in a future firmware update to allow for Auro 3D 13.2). Built-in HEOS technology supports Amazon Alexa and takes music listening to the next level with wireless whole-home audio and voice control.
 
This model replaces the current "flagship" X7200WA and is HDMI 2.0b from the factory but will be upgradeable to HDMI 2.1 via a future HDMI board replacement (most likely early 2019) by sending the unit in to the factory repair center United Radio, Syracuse, NY.  Cost has yet to be determined but most likely will be around $200.   The lifecycle on the "flagship" models is generally 2-3 years so this won't likely be replaced until the fall of 2020.

AVS should be receiving an order next week, Thur, Feb 1 so we're taking pre-orders at this time.  Call to be placed on the pre-order list.

https://usa.denon.com/us/product/hometheater/receivers/avrx8500h

[AVSjd]

Features include:

- Bluetooth Version 3.0, Class 1 - increased from 33' up to 98ft/30m
- Audyssey MultEQ Editor iOS/Android phone app ($20) - (first introduced for use with the 2016 models) using the Audyssey mic included with the AVR, provides the ability to customize target curves, save them on the phone/tablet and send back to the AVR as needed generally only taking about 90 seconds vs. the roughly 5 minutes to load from a USB thumb drive
- The HEOS module will allow streaming the (currently) 12 music services using the HEOS iOS/Android app to the AVR as well as allow streaming 2CH sources (PCM 2.0 from HDMI/optical/digital coax/analog) connected to the AVR to one or up to 32 HEOS wireless speakers placed around the home, up to 16 of which can be grouped together for whole house audio with up to 8 independent sources.  Additionally 2 speakers of the same model (eg. HEOS 3 + HEOS 3) can be grouped together for stereo L/R.
- Auto Update - (default - OFF), allows for firmware updates while the unit is in Standby
- SAVE & LOAD (to USB; no longer have access to the AVR via Web Control)
- Restart - (pressing/holding the power on button in lieu of having to pull power cable)
- DTS Virtual:X - simulates height/surround from DTS and PCM audio when no Height/Top/Dolby speakers are configured, ie. 5.1 or less setup (able to use w/Audyssey, unlike on X3400H and lower models)
- 4K Signal Format (Standard (default)/Enhanced; Note: Enhanced setting must be used when passing 4K/60Hz video)
- HDMI Diagnostics (installer troubleshooting)
- Dolby Vision + HLG
- eARC - via future firmware update (able to receive HD audio (Dolby TrueHD/DTS HD-MA) from eARC capable TV)
- DTS Headphone:X
- Dual USB - front USB for audio files only while rear USB is to provide 5v/1.5a power only
- Atmos: 7.2.6 or 9.2.4
- DTS:X: 7.2.4 or 9.2.2 (ie. 11CH max)
- Auro 3D: 13.2 (to be added via a free future firmware update (May?))
- Dialog Enhancer: Also available on the X6400H, this feature focuses on improving the human voice frequencies 1kHz - 3kHz (Low/Medium/High)(unlike the lower level models which feature a <Dialog Level> setting which simply adjusts the volume of the center speaker)
- Remote ID:  Able to change the Remote ID code (both for the remote and the AVR) when using another nearby Denon AVR (ie. so the X8500H remote doesn't try to operate the other Denon as well)
- Aux 3 - 7:  To add these additional source names simply press/hold the DOWN arrow and BACK buttons on the front panel while powering on the AVR
- Macro A-D:  Buttons located at the bottom of the remote each of which can store up to 18 programmable steps (eg. in lieu of using a Harmony remote);  there are 5 pre-stored macro functions: (1) Watch movies, (2) Listen to music, (3) Watch TV, (4) Turn on all devices, and (5) Turn off all devices
- Web Control - firmware update expected in 2019 to reinstate this feature

Tips and suggestions:
1.  If the AVR is connected to a 4k TV then use only "Premium" certified 4k/18gbps HDMI cables (eg. Monoprice).  https://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/premiumcable/Premium_HDMI_Cable_Certification_Program.aspx

2.  If the source will not pass 4k/60Hz HDR10:  Set the "4k Signal Format" (p. 206 Owner's manual) setting to "Enhanced" from factory default of "Standard."

3.  If TV will not accept HDR signal from the AVR:  Enable the "enhanced" or "UHD" video mode for the TV input from the AVR (see below). 

Samsung:  Settings | Picture | Expert Settings/Picture Options | HDMI UHD Color
LG:  Settings | All Settings | General | HDMI Ultra HD Deep Color
Vizio:  Open SmartCast app | Settings | Inputs | HDMI Color Subsampling | Enable HDR
Sony Bravia: Home | Settings | External Inputs (under TV subsection) | HDMI signal format | Enhanced
Panasonic: Menu | Setup | HDMI HDR Setting: On
Philips: Menu | Setup | TV Settings | Installation | Preferences | HDMI mode : Normal

4.  Dolby Atmos requires a minimum of a 5.1.2 setup while DTS:X can use a 3.1.2 setup.

5.  Regardless of where the height speakers are physically located, using a Front Height (FH) and Rear Height (RH) configuration will allow the height speakers to be used with all three 3D audio codecs: Atmos, DTS:X, Auro 3D. 

6.  Although up to 15 speakers can be connected (for convenience), a maximum of 13 speakers can operate at one time (regardless of whether using external amps or not).


Remote Control Preset Codes:  p. 271 Owner's manual - http://manuals.denon.com/AVRX8500H/preset/AVRX8500HPresetCodes.pdf

Front Wide configuration
1.  Dolby Surround will not simulate audio to FW speakers, rather only Atmos (13 speaker max) and DTS:X/DTS Neural:X (11 speaker max)
2.  It is not possible to have 6 height speakers configured.

[AVSjd]

Reserved

[AVSjd]

Reserved

[AVSjd]

After being absent since 2016, Front Wide speakers are brought back again with the release of this new model (as well as on the Marantz AV8805 pre/pro to be released mid/late February).

[AVSCraig]

After being absent since 2016, Front Wide speakers are brought back again with the release of this new model (as well as on the Marantz AV8805 pre/pro.

That is great news in my opinion !

[AVSjd]

We're expecting our first X8500H order today (taken by pre-orders) and another order expected later this week with some units still available for purchase.   

[bmoney]

are front wides encoded in the bed level for atmos?

this would be my only use of the 8500...othere than being able to get rid of all outboard amplification

as going to 6 overheads doesnt make sense in my small room...but would like to close the gap in speakers between the mains and the surround

[AVSjd]

are front wides encoded in the bed level for atmos?

this would be my only use of the 8500...othere than being able to get rid of all outboard amplification

as going to 6 overheads doesnt make sense in my small room...but would like to close the gap in speakers between the mains and the surround

If the "mixer" encodes them, yes.

[AVSjd]

The Auro 3D firmware is not installed on the early production units being released now but rather will be released via a free firmware update the last  week of May.

[ted99]

jd--I posted this in the deals wanted section, but you may not have seen it.  Appreciate your info on the availability of the free Auro demo disc, but at $30 or so for shipping by DHL, vat, etc. it's past a value proposition for me.  Perhaps AVS could do a "bulk" acquisition of these (or get the rights to reproduce) for inclusion with purchasers of an Auro-capable receiver.  You could probably ship 10 of these discs for the same price as one and I'd be happy to pay $10 for one.

[AVSjd]

jd--I posted this in the deals wanted section, but you may not have seen it.  Appreciate your info on the availability of the free Auro demo disc, but at $30 or so for shipping by DHL, vat, etc. it's past a value proposition for me.  Perhaps AVS could do a "bulk" acquisition of these (or get the rights to reproduce) for inclusion with purchasers of an Auro-capable receiver.  You could probably ship 10 of these discs for the same price as one and I'd be happy to pay $10 for one.

No, sorry, I don't review that thread, although great idea!  I'll discuss it with the owner.

[AVSjd]

jd--I posted this in the deals wanted section, but you may not have seen it.  Appreciate your info on the availability of the free Auro demo disc, but at $30 or so for shipping by DHL, vat, etc. it's past a value proposition for me.  Perhaps AVS could do a "bulk" acquisition of these (or get the rights to reproduce) for inclusion with purchasers of an Auro-capable receiver.  You could probably ship 10 of these discs for the same price as one and I'd be happy to pay $10 for one.

AVScience is currently in negotiation with Auro Technologies to purchase a bulk order of Auro 3D Demo Discs Vol 2. Once received (which may be awhile as they are currently out of stock), we will provide a disc free of charge to all customers who have already purchased or plan on purchasing a 2017 Auro 3D capable Denon/Marantz model (to include the X8500H/AV8805). 

[ted99]

Now THAT is customer service and well deserving of customer loyalty.

[AVSjd]

Denon has a special going now thru June ... purchase a X8500H and receive a HEOS 5 wireless speaker (MSRP $399) for only $199.  This speaker would be appropriate for a medium sized room and we have plenty of X8500H units in stock.