Features:

  • ENJOY A PREMIUM CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE AT HOME – The 11.2 channel receiver (140W/channel), Denon AVR-X6500H features the LATEST IN HOME VIDEO EXPERIENCE with IMAX Enhanced, 3D videos, & BLOCKBUSTING SURROUND SOUND from Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D
  • GET THE BEST PICTURE QUALITY ON YOUR 4K HD TV with HDR10, HLG, BT.2020, 4:4:4 pure color sub-sampling, eARC and more. Use our award-winning on-screen setup assistant to connect your TV, specify EQ settings & optimize the speaker system to your needs
  • Stream unlimited music through Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn and more, via Wi-Fi, AirPlay or Bluetooth with HEOS WIRELESS SPEAKERS & HEOS MULTI-ROOM DIGITAL STREAMING and enjoy Hi-Fi surround sound, plus FULL VOICE CONTROL COMPATIBILITY WITH AMAZON ALEXA
  • INTEGRATES WITH HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEMS like Control4 SDPP, Josh.ai, Creston and other major third-party control devices. Quick, reliable troubleshooting through IP Control Remote Monitoring is now possible. YOUR HOME WILL BE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS!
  • With its 100-YEAR LEGACY & JAPANESE PRECISION TECHNOLOGY, Denon brings purity of sound and joy to your lives. Enjoy immersive audio, exceptional clarity, and a multitude of features with 5.2.4 or 7.2.4 setup for a perfect home entertainment system
You should expect phenomenal sound and build quality for this price - and you get it

In short - yes, I love it. It's not perfect in every way, but it's exceptional overall. The sound quality is outstanding (once set up correctly, of course), and the receiver itself just feels so well made. (The remote isn't as solid feeling as I'd like in a receiver that costs this much, but at least it's a universal remote!) This is by far the most that I've ever spent on a receiver, and I have to say - it was worth every penny. Every one. For background, I'm not someone who mentally rationalizes my purchases by liking something because I bought it. I tend to find reasons to regret spending so much (yeah, I should get counseling). I started doing that with the 6500 because it didn't sound awesome to me...at first. Once I turned off "Dynamic EQ", I was much happier as I thought it was inflating the bass too much. BACKGROUND I usually buy receivers in the ~$1000 range because they tend to hit the sweet spot for me in regards to features and quality, and I typically use them for a number of years. This past summer, I wanted to upgrade to Atmos after nine years with my Pioneer Elite receiver and spent $1000 on an Onkyo TX-RZ730. Honestly, it sounded pretty darn good, but I wasn't happy with the remote, it's inability to process audio for rear height speakers without shutting off power to the rear surround speakers (even when using the pre-amp outputs for the height speakers), and just the overall feel of the unit (the buttons felt cheap). So, I returned it and later got a $1000 Yamaha RX-A1080. Now, it was even more limited in running Atmos because it's a 7.2 receiver, but I'm happier overall with it because the remote is rock solid, the main unit exudes quality, and it just sounded better to me. After my experience with the A1080, I was sorely tempted by the RX-A3080 that costs almost as much as this 6500, but I longed for a full 7.2.4 experience. I thought long and hard about getting the AVR-X4400 because I could set it up to run a 7.2.2 system and then run the rear heights off of the pre-amp outputs like I wanted, and I was really interested in it when the price dropped to $900 once the 4500 came out. But, the individual amp boards in the 6400 really interested me, and when that priced dropped to $1500 upon release of the 6500, I almost jumped. I then saw a "Used - Like New" 6500 for $1700 from an authorized dealer (IQ HOME ENTERTAINMENT, whom I'd already researched) and couldn't hold back any longer. I'm glad that I didn't. I think that it's made at least as well as the Yamaha, which is a big compliment because they are both beautiful receivers, and it has so much more capability that I'll use. I got a great deal on mine, but honestly, I'd be happy had I paid the full $2200 for it. It's that good. MAIN RATINGS: (*) BUILD QUALITY: Receiver = 5 Stars, Remote = 4 Stars. The receiver is just awesome. It's solid feeling, and the back panel is a gorgeous site to audio geeks like me. Gold plated connectors, an array of analog and digital inputs and outputs, pre-amp outputs for every channel, quality binding posts for every channel, and (while it might not mean much, it makes me enormously happy) the "Made in Japan" label. The remote is actually just fine, but compared to the Yamaha remote, it feels cheap...mostly because the Yamaha remote nothing short of amazing. That said, the Yamaha remote wasn't even universal, so this Denon remote is actually a lot more functional. (*) EASE OF SETUP: 5 Stars (especially when connected to a TV or other monitor). For years, Denon has used a very nice and easy to follow graphical guide to setting up the receiver. If you're paying this much for a receiver, odds are that it isn't your first, so you probably know how to connect up your sources and speakers. I've been rigging up audio gear for almost 40 years, so they're all pretty easy to me, but Denon makes it easy for pretty much everyone. The Audyssey setup is also very simple, and the visual menu steps you through every step. I love that Denon includes a mic stand that you can assembly out of cardboard (they have that on less expensive models, too), in case you don't have a tripod to use. (*) SOUND QUALITY: 5 Stars. Okay, _this_ aspect is probably why you'd even consider buying this, and it has not disappointed me at all. I don't tend to listen at ear-bleeding levels, but this receiver is so clean at high levels, it's a beautiful thing. I love that it has this much power built into the receiver itself. I've run $2000 worth of external amps in a 7.2 system that had more power per channel than this, and yep, they sure sounded clean - but they weighed a lot and took up a lot of room. I don't need them with this receiver...not at all. Denon has always impressed me with their dynamic power and ability to accurately convey things like cymbal crashes, and the 6500 continues that tradition. It's not just the power, though, but the processing that helps it sound so good. It might be the Audyssey XT32, or something else, but things just sound so...sorry to overuse the word...clean. It's clear, crisp, and doesn't hurt my ears at higher levels because I don't detect distortion. (*) FUNCTIONALITY: Yeah, this one totally depends on what _you_ want it to do, but for me - 5 Stars. I wanted to run a 7.2.4 system, and this one can do it. I wanted a receiver that was truly an X.2.Y receiver, not an X.1.Y receiver with two subwoofer jacks that put out the same signal. It tests them separately during the Audyssey setup, and it even has two different indicator lights on the front panel for the two subs if you have them. Brings me a tear of joy. :) Seriously, though, it's those "little" extras that make this stand out so much for me. Plus, while companies used to include learning remotes on far less expensive receivers, remotes have really gotten cheap lately. So it's nice to at least get a well operating universal remote. SUGGESTION: Play around with the sound settings. I'm guessing that you would anyway, but definitely do that before passing judgement on the sound quality. Like I mentioned above, I really thought it sounded off at first because I stuck with the default recommendation of leaving Dynamic EQ on. At least for my tastes, that adds way too much bass at my normal listening levels, so I like it much better with that setting off. There's also Dynamic Volume (which I'm pretty sure is the same as dynamic range compression), and a few others. Also, Audyssey (like every other calibration system that I've used) set the crossover points differently than I expected, so I played around with keeping them as set or changing them to 80 Hz, which is what I usually do based on the THX recommendations as well as my speaker capabilities. I'm sure that I'll continue to play around with the settings in the days/weeks to come...hey, I paid this much, I'm going to play :D...but I'm really happy with how it sounds after spending just a few minutes trying out different things. QUIRKS: Just one so far that I've noticed, which is that this will not maintain a connection to my Wi-Fi network. I haven't noticed if it's every time that I turned it off or what, but whenever I check to use the internet, it's not connected. I finally just ran a hard line to it, and that's worked great. I'm disappointed that it drops the Wi-Fi, though, but maybe a firmware update will help. Btw, I have the two antennas connected, and it's about a foot away from my access point, so the signal should be plenty strong. Not really a quirk, but for lack of a better place to say this - it does run kind of hot. Not "I burned my hand" hot, but toastier than I recall my Pioneer and Yamaha (or the Onkyo) being. Leaving space around a receiver is always a good idea to help keep it cool, but I really don't think that you'd want to put this inside of a cabinet with a door unless you've got fans. FINAL THOUGHTS: If you want a full 7.2.4 setup and don't want to run external amps, then I think that this is a phenomenal choice. If you want a 7.2.2 (or 7.1.2) system, then you can save a good chunk of cash by going with a lower Denon model like the 3500/4500 (or last year's models if they're still in stock) or something from another brand. While the Onkyo 730 wasn't for me, it did sound pretty great for the price and can do 7.1.2. If you have the money, I don't think that you'd be disappointed in getting this even for a 7.2.2 or 5.2.2 system. SHOUT OUT: I mentioned that I got mine "USED - LIKE NEW" from IQ HOME ENTERTAINMENT. I have to give them props and recommend them. I'd looked into buying from them before because they are an authorized Denon dealer, and they are rated well here on Amazon. They had it listed as an open box item, and I contacted them with some questions. They were very quick and nice in responding, so I bought it, and they shipped it out that same day (a Friday) and it got to me across the country quickly (on Tuesday). I don't know if they sent me the wrong one or what, but if that box had ever been opened, somebody did an amazing job of making it look like it hadn't. The box was pristine, the contents were perfect - it was just a great experience.

Exceptional and hopefully long lasting!

Compared to Denon 3808ci, it’s running a bit warmer to the touch with 7.2.4 setup in open space.

Finally the sound I want

I finally got the sound I was looking for. I have a 7.1.4 speaker setup. I’ve been watching my old movies from my Apple TV, and the sound is amazing.

Excellent receiver!

Very easy to set up. I had an equivalent Yamaha receiver before and I can tell you hands down this unit sounds way better.

Great Bang For The $$$$

Moving from Onkyo to denon was a hard choice for me, because i loved my onkyo very much. But what has made me love this avr is the fact that it makes 4k and dolby atmos sound oooooh sooooo good. this avr is cable of handling a multitude of sources without any problems....and for me that is a plus plus...the weight and the feel of the avr is solid.

Handles everything, with power and purity

I already had an audiophile system with electrostatic speakers, massive power amp, 1.2 KW subwoofer, HD projector, and other such things. ...But for my other room, ...my living room, I wanted to replace my 35-year-old JVC receiver. The JVC still worked by the way. I ended up wanting all the HDMI inputs, microphoned setup for EQ, power and as much audio purity as I could get in a process-capable receiver. as I could get without spending enough money for a new car. I researched for months and ended up with this Denon. It does everything, and truthfully, I will still be learning how to use it for quite some time, even though its features are straight-forward. Problem is there are so many. Cutting to it, my living room now has way better surround sound on movies than my audiophile system. So much so, that it even makes our TV seem better. My wife likes being able to talk to Alexa and tell it/her to turn on specific music from Amazon, etc. on our Living Room system. This unit shut down a couple of times, and I spent quite a lot of time troubleshooting. Turns out, that it sensed that my electrostatics were arcing/shorting at certain power levels and it shut down for protection. I am going to get those speakers fixed and mis-diagnosed the problem about 5 times before I realized that the Denon was saving my ass! Back in the days when I did stereo and TV repairs, as short like I have in my electrostatics would have destroyed some amps and receivers. This unit is awesome. The sound is audiophile level, and the power is marvelous. The unit runs a warm, but I have purchased the slim fan to sit on top of it, but I am quite certain that it is not needed, especially since it is cold here in Chicago in the Winter, and I have plenty of surrounding space for this unit to breath and stay cool. Maybe in the Summer the fans will be needed. Not sure. Total thumbs up to this awesome work of engineering!

Great sound. Nice user-interface.

This AVR does what it’s supposed to do without a lot of fuss. The sound is clean, powerful, and spatially well-defined. The user-interface for setting up all the features of this beast is a big improvement over the 2008 vintage Denon that this one replaced. Now if I just had a few more speakers...

Denon Defines Impressive

About a month ago I decided to pull the trigger and upgrade from my Onkyo TX-RZ800 to the X6500H. I really didn't know what to expect in terms of noticeable sonic upgrade but...impressive. (BTW the Onkyo is a fine unit at that price point) It takes some time and tweaking to get it in the sweet spot but it is more than worth the effort . The sound is immersive but delicate...across all platforms. TV streaming, Internet radio, DirecTV and BluRay. Running a 7.1.2 setup...hard to evaluate Atmos as I don't have many source options. Bottom line: If you have the resources I would give this a unabashed two thumbs up!

Excellent piece of equipment.

I've never owned a high end receiver before. I've had a few entry-level Yamaha receivers which were fine for basic set ups. But I have invested some serious money in speakers over the last year, getting two SVS PB-2000 subs and two Dolby Atmos up firing speakers to compliment my existing 5.1 configuration. With the atmos speakers deployed, I now run a 5.2.2 set up with a 65 inch 4K, HDR Samsung TV. I thought to myself, I really want a high end receiver to take full advantage of my set up and produce truly audiophile level sound. Enter the Denon X6500H. I did weeks of research and came across the 2017 Denon X6400H model - which had rave reviews. The 2018 model - the X6500H - was said to have that same great performance, but with a bit more refinement. Based on the extensive power of the X6500H (175 watts/two channels at 6 ohms), its high end DAC, ability to run 11 channels, and the reputable Audyssey XT32 calibration system, the receiver seemed like a great buy. I briefly considered the Yamaha Aventage 3080, but the Denon X6400/6500H seemed to have better reviews, particularly in terms of audio refinement and subtlety. When the X6500H arrived the first thing I noticed was its solid weight and build - the unit is undeniably well made. As mentioned above, Audyssey XT32 also does a great job assisting the user with speaker connection and calibration - the entire experience is VERY user friendly. Moreover, this AVR has almost every option imaginable, from manual EQ settings, to manual crossover settings, to dual sub woofer set up and calibration etc. Not only that, but the X6500H decodes Doly Atmos, DTS X, and with a future firmware update, will decode the new "IMAX enhanced" standard. And of course, all HDMI ports on this receiver are 4K, HDR, BT2020, HDCP 2.2 compatible. One would expect nothing less. Most importantly, the X6500H's sound reproduction is excellent. I would classify it as audiophile grade. Compared to other receivers I've owned, the X6500H is that rare combination of power and precision. Dialogue is clearly reproduced - even during the most chaotic and bass heavy of scenes; no detail, large or small, is lost. Channel separation is also much better than other receivers I've owned in the past. Sound effects smoothly transition from one speaker to the next, making you feel enveloped and properly immersed. I really have nothing bad to say about the X6500H's sound quality other than the fact Audyssey calibration tends to neuter my dual subs. This can be circumvented by manually adjusting the volume gain knob on your sub, or using the receiver's software to change sub woofer DB output/trim. Word of caution on this receiver though, it runs VERY hot. I have my receiver in an entertainment stand - and while it's not closed in by any type of door, it still gets piping hot (100+ degrees, easily). Given this unit costs a hefty $2200, buying a relatively cheap ($100) AC Infinity AIRCOM T10 fan to protect your investment is a no brainer. My T10 sits on top of my X6500H and blows hot air out of its frontward facing exhaust vents. The T10 has a thermostat and can be programmed to automatically operate depending on your receiver's temperature. I want my Denon to last me several years, and this T10 fan will ensure its internal circuitry remains cool and efficient. All in all, the sound quality on this receiver is top notch. I've yet to hear anything better. That said, I've never heard an Arcam or Anthem receiver either. But, those receivers tend to cost even more than this Denon. So in terms of functionality, sound quality, and value, the X6500H checks all the boxes.

My 'Next-Gen' Receiver - Denon nails it with the AVR-x6500H

I've been into hi-fi & stereo equipment most of my life, and for as long as I can remember I've had a receiver of one brand or another. This is my first Denon though, and it is the best receiver I've heard to date. For home theater enthusiasts, it's a dream come true. The Audyssey calibration process is spot on, and brought out quality from my speakers I never knew (or forgot) existed. It blows away the previous receiver it replaced, a Yamaha Aventage 2010. My music sounds better than ever, and I can listen to it for hours. If you have been thinking of a new receiver, and if you're like me you have several in mind, this is the receiver you want if you're looking to upgrade, change, or add another. It's been a little over two months that I've been enjoying this receiver. The 140w per channel adequately feeds my speakers and the sound is delicious. I love to watch movies and I love to listen to music. So far this receiver does both exceptionally well. Something that I really like is that it remembers various settings for each device you're using. If you're like me, you have different tastes in sound from the various sources you will use this receiver for. So instead of a 'blanket' or 'global' change that affects everything, I can adjust the way the sounds work for a gaming system, the dvd player, a cd player and streaming music. It remembers the settings for each device, which I don't think I need to explain how convenient that is. Another great aspect of this receiver is it has an amazing adjustable graphic equalizer for those who want to maximize their speakers potential. The audyssey calibration is great, and for many will sound adequate for their listening needs, but for those with the need/desire you can use this graphic equalizer to get the fullest potential out of your speakers. My Yamaha has this feature, but it isn't as easy to use, and it doesn't give you the option to 'pair' lock the adjustments. It required you to adjust one speaker, and do the same to the other 'matching' speaker. The Denon gives you this choice to individually change, or change both at the same time. Another great feature of this receiver, as quoted from the manual - "The unit has two subwoofer output capability and can adjust the level and delay for each subwoofer individually. Audyssey Sub EQ HT™ makes the integration seamless by first compensating for any level and delay differences between the two subwoofers and then applying Audyssey MultEQ® XT32 to both subwoofers together for improved deep bass response and detail." I currently have just tested and can confirm this receiver does this beautifully. For the better part of 15 years I've had a SVS pci 20-39 subwoofer, which still works beautifully. But it specializes in the low end (20 Hz) and I've always wanted to add a second sub with a little higher range to specialize in the 30 Hz frequency range. I recently picked up a new Klipsch R-110SW with the idea in mind that if it didn't make a difference, or worse made the bass levels null I would move the Klipsch into my secondary listening room. Now, I've read the in's & out's of doing this, and I'm also aware of those that say yes you can do this but it's going to take some work. Well folks, I'm here to say it works, and the Denon integrated both beautifully with very little work on my behalf. Using a digital spl meter & software not only can I hear it (and feel it), but the numbers confirm it. Man I love this receiver (and my new sub). Some quirks I've discovered that I don't like however; When first turned on with the TV the input will change on you automatically to TV audio with no video or sound. I don't know if this is a problem with the TV ARC, the receiver itself, or if it is even a unique problem unto my own equipment. This seems to happen more times than not, and when it does happen it only happens once.If I turn the TV on without the receiver the TV will send a signal to the receiver to turn on. I cannot find an option to 'kill' this from happening. A minor inconvenience, but an annoyance none-the-less. Another quirk is, and this is rare, but the receiver will shut off on it's own shortly after being turned on. It happens so rarely I haven't figured out a pattern to it. Though it hasn't happened since the last update. Last but no least, this receiver gets hot. I highly recommend an AIRCOM to keep it cool. More to come...but for now I'm still leaving this at 5 stars. This has been the exact experience with a new receiver I was hoping for, which I can't say the same for any of my previous receivers. All but this one have left me wanting more, which is really saying a lot. The only thing left is time to tell the tale of longevity.

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