Denon AVRX4400H vs Denon AVR-S950H review

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It makes sense comparing Denon AVRX4400H vs Denon AVR-S950H because they both are able to give some premium features.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Denon AVRX4400H has 9.2 versus 7.2 for Denon AVR-S950H. Regarding power, then AVRX4400H has such a W/Ohm ratio - 125/8, 165/6 when AVR-S950H has a power of 90/8, 125/6. The THD is 0.05% for the AVRX4400H but 0.08% for the AVR-S950H.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 192 KHz/24-bit for AVRX4400H and AKM 192 KHz/32-bit for the AVR-S950H. Only the AVRX4400H supports Bi-amping feature. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

Both models have the ability to connect to the Internet via WI-FI. 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 AVRX4400H can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora,iHeart Radio, Sirius XM, Sound Cloud, Napster, 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.

Extensive connections

The Denon AVRX4400H 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 AVRX4400H 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.

Additional features

The AVRX4400H 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 AVRX4400H and AVR-S950H can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The surround sound technology DTS:X is supported by devices under review.