Denon has expanded its X-Series line with the introduction of the AVR-X1600H ($1,199 RRP) and the AVR-X2600H ($1,699 RRP).

The AVR-X1600H and AVR-X2600H are 7.2 channel AV receivers, with a stated power rating of 145W and 150W per channel respectively.

Both AVRs are capable of taking advantage of the latest 3D sound formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Both also include Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization technology, which adds virtualised height and surround effects from traditional stereo and surround content in 2.1 and 5.1 speaker configurations.

Each model also features eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), which can deliver uncompressed and object-based audio from the receiver to a display via an HDMI cable.

The X1600H and X2600H's HDMI inputs are HDCP 2.3 compliant, providing support for both 4K and 8K in addition to Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG.

The X1600H and X2600H host a range of smart features, including support for Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify, Deezer, Tidal and more, with the ability to connect wirelessly or via Bluetooth. Voice control is supported via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple's Siri.

As part of Denon's 'H' series of AV Receivers, the X1600H and X2600H can stream music wirelessly across compatible HEOS components. Of particular interest to the gaming fraternity is the new Auto Low Latency Mode supported by Xbox One and select TVs.

While there's little difference in stated power ratings, the AVR-X1600H offers six inputs and one HDMI output, compared to the AVR-X2600H which has eight HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs. Both models are equipped with Audyssey MultEQ XT and Dynamic Volume Room Correction software.

The AVR-X1600H forgoes 4K upscaling and Pure Direct Mode, which is available on the more expensive AVR-X2600H.

Sitting one model below Denon's 13.2 AVC-X8500H, which we reviewed in August 2018, is Denon's new AVC-X6500H ($5,199 RRP).

Derived from their award-winning X8500H, the X6500H offers 11 channels of amplification with a stated power rating of 140 watts per channel.

The AVR-X6500H expands on the features offered by the X1600H and X2600H, with support for Auro-3D and analogue to HDMI conversion, allowing content to be upscaled to 1080p or 4K Ultra HD (60/50Hz).

Also, the AVC-X6500H includes Audyssey's premium MultEQ XT32 room correction software, with LFC, Sub EQ, Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ. A future update will add IMAX Enhanced audio processing to its list of features.

The AVC-X6500H has eight HDMI inputs and three HDMI inputs with 4K/60Hz full-rate pass-through, HDR, Dolby Vision, HLG, ARC and eARC.

We were fortunate enough to get the AVC-X6500H in for review in July.

Marantz has also released two new Slim AV Receivers, in the form of the NR-1510 ($1,099 RRP) and NR-1710 ($1,399 RRP).

The NR-1510 is a 5.2 channel AVR, whereas the NR-1710 is a 7.2 channel AV receiver. Both have high-current discrete power amplifiers, with a stated power rating of 50 watts per channel (8-ohm, 20Hz- 20kHz, 0.08 THD with two channels driven).

The NR-1510 doesn't offer support for the newer immersive surround formats, whereas the NR-1710 supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Virtual: X and Dolby Atmos Heigh Virtualization. The NR-1710 also adds 4K video upscaling, powered Zone 2 and Zone2 Preamp outputs to its list of features.

Each has HDCP 2.3 compliance, allowing support for 4K Ultra HD 60Hz video, 4:4:4 Pure Colour sub-sampling, BT. 2020 pass through, HDR, Dolby Vision, HLG, ARC and eARC. The NR-1710 has eight HDMI inputs, while the NR-1510 has six.

Both models are equipped with Audyssey's MultEQ Room calibration software, with the NR-1710 also being compatible with Audyssey's MultEQ Editor App. Both the NR-1510 and NR-1710 support Alexa, Google Home, Apple Siri, HEOS and major streaming services via WI-FI or Bluetooth.

Gamers are also supported with Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) supported by Xbox One and select TVs.

All models are now available from authorised Denon and Marantz dealers.