It makes sense comparing Denon AVR-X8500HSP vs Denon AVR-S950H because they both are able to give some premium features.
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Denon AVR-X8500HSP has 13.2 versus 7.2 for Denon AVR-S950H. Regarding power, then AVR-X8500HSP has such a W/Ohm ratio - 150/8, 190/6 when AVR-S950H has a power of 90/8, 125/6. The THD is 0.05% for the AVR-X8500HSP but 0.08% for the AVR-S950H.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, AK4490 384 KHz/32-bit for AVR-X8500HSP and AKM 192 KHz/32-bit for the AVR-S950H. Only the AVR-X8500HSP supports Bi-amping feature. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Apple Music service is implemented on considered devices: AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The AVR-X8500HSP can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud, and the AVR-S950H can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud, Mood Mix. Compared AV receivers retain the quality of 4K/60Hz signal when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode is implemented in each of the devices. Both rivals can scale the resolution of the incoming HDMI signal. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.
The Denon AVR-X8500HSP has 8/3 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 8/2 HDMI connectors of the Denon AVR-S950H. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. HDMI eARC is available in each model. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. The AVR-X8500HSP supports the protection of digital content of the standard HDCP 2.2, versus HDCP 2.3 in the AVR-S950H. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
The AVR-X8500HSP supports 3 Multi-room zones, versus 2 for the AVR-S950H. Supported voice control technologies are identical - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. It is also worth noting that the ECO mode is presented in each of the receivers. Both AVR-X8500HSP and AVR-S950H can be configured using the Setup assistant.
Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The surround sound technology DTS:X is supported by devices under review.