Having had an opportunity to test Denon AVR-X8500HSP vs Denon AVR-A1H, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.
The number of channels for receivers is different - 13.2 versus 15.4, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, the receivers have the same performance - 150/8, 190/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the AVR-X8500HSP it is 0.05%, but for the AVR-A1H it is 0,05%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the AVR-X8500HSP received the model AK4490 384 KHz/32-bit, but the AVR-A1H is equipped with 192 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Denon AVR-X8500HSP and Denon AVR-A1H can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
These units have the same Wi-Fi modules. 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-X8500HSP works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud, but the Denon AVR-A1H works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, SoundCloud, Amazon Music, Amazon Music HD, MOOD:Mix. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the AVR-X8500HSP and the AVR-A1H. Each of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the AVR-X8500HSP has 8/3, and the AVR-A1H has 7/3. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is supported by the AVR-X8500HSP and the AVR-A1H. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The AVR-X8500HSP has support for the standard HDCP 2.2, compared to the AVR-A1H, which supports the standard HDCP 2.3. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Ability to create 3 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-X8500HSP and the Denon AVR-A1H 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.