It’s strongly recommended to compare different receivers if you want to choose the best one: Denon AVR-S960H vs Denon AVR-X1500H.
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the AVR-S960H has such a ratio W/Ohm - 90/8, 125/6, while the AVR-X1500H has a power of 80/8, 120/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Denon AVR-X1500H. Both Denon AVR-S960H and Denon AVR-X1500H can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. Both devices can work with such Apple Music services: AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Denon AVR-S960H works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Qobuz, TuneIn Radio, but the Denon AVR-X1500H works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud.
The HDR10 function is present in each of the rivals. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the AVR-S960H and the AVR-X1500H. Video scaling is only possible with the AVR-S960H. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the AVR-S960H has 6/2, and the AVR-X1500H has 6/1. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the AVR-S960H. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The AVR-S960H has support for the standard HDCP 2.3, compared to the AVR-X1500H, which supports the standard HDCP 2.2. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. Voice control is performed using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI in both models. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Denon AVR-S960H and the Denon AVR-X1500H can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available both models. A DTS:X surround technology is supported by devices from our comparison.