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Denon has added a new entry-level receiver to its X Series. The AVR-X1700H will go on sale in November priced £599, and hopes to be the next-gen AVR bargain buyers have been looking for.

Like its X Series stablemates, including the step-up AVR-X2700H launched last year, Denon's receiver features HDMI connectivity able to passthrough 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz video, with support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) gaming features.

However, this functionality is now found on three of the AVR-X1700H's six HDMI inputs (and its single HDMI output). Previously, on the X2700H, X3700H, X4700H and X6700H receivers, Denon's HDMI stage only supported a single 8K and 4K/120-capable input.

The company recently debuted an HDMI switching box to overcome this connection 'shortfall', but buyers of the X1700H will have no need for it.

The rest of the spec sheet of Denon's new amp shares many of the tricks of the wider X Series. HEOS multiroom streaming is built in, and the amp offers Bluetooth (with headphone transmission) and Apple AirPlay 2 hookups in addition to Wi-Fi/Ethernet. Hi-res music playback, via WAV, FLAC, ALAC and DSD (2.8MHz/5.6MHz) formats, is supported.

Joining Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding are Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization and DTS Virtual:X processing modes designed to create a 3D sound experience from conventional 7.1, 5.1 or 2.1 speaker setups. Native Atmos/DTS:X playback is limited to 5.1.2.

Automated Room EQ is provided by Audyssey's MultEQ XT platform, with the option of getting a more in-depth calibration through the optional MultEQ Editor app.

The X1700H works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri for voice control tricks, while those of a more old-school persuasion can just use the supplied handset, which provides one-button access to four Quick Select preset modes.

Key differences between the AVR-X1700H and the AVR-X2700H are the lack of a second HDMI output on the more affordable model, and a reduced power output – the X1700H is rated at 7 x 85W (8ohm, 20Hz-20kHz), while the X2700H promises a punchier 7 x 95W.

Denon's AVR-X1700H will be available in a black finish, and sold through Denon's own website and selected authorised retailers. A version with a DAB tuner (the AVR-X1700H DAB) will also go on sale priced £649.