Denon DRA-800H amplifier

Like usual with brands having over 50 years, Denon keeps its signature design and “look”.

DENON DRA-800H: FRONT PANEL

The Denon DRA-800H amplifier thus keeps this brushed aluminium front panel and the ergonomics of the brand’s Home Cinema devices.

Two big potentiometers are located on either sides of the display window: the traditional rotary source selector on the left and the volume on the right. The tone and balance correction can be found under the display window.

There is also a Stereo headphone jack in 6.35 mm jack format and a USB-A plug.

The manufacture is of high-quality and the finish is well-groomed.

DENON DRA-800H: BACK PANEL

At the back, the Denon DRA-800H offers full connectors: two analogue inputs and an MM phono input. There are three digital inputs: 2 optical and 1 coaxial.

For the video sources, Denon added 5 HDMI 4K inputs and an HDMI Arc output. There are also two audio outputs: a Subwoofer and a Pre-out (Zone 2).

This amplifier has 2 stereo driver outputs, via gold plated terminals compatible with banana connectors.

DENON DRA-800H: CHARACTERISTICS

The DRA-800H is compatible with the HEOS multi-room streaming platform. It offers an access to Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Amazon Music and TuneIn Internet Radio, as well as the uPnP network streaming. It has five HDMI inputs and an HDMI ARC plug allowing the receiver to connect to a 4K TV set and AV sources.

It also has an FM and DAB+ radio module.

Besides physical connectors, it offers AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth connections, as well as the handling of voice commands with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri. They are able to vary the play selections as well as the volume settings, the track jump and the input switch.

The announced power of the amplifier  (2 x 100 W) seems important but it is really present with speakers having an impedance of 8 Ohms.

DENON DRA-800H: TESTING AND LISTENING

The Denon DRA-800H can be paired with almost all Hi-Fi speakers with 2/3 input channels or mid-range speakers. The Denon DRA-800H will perfectly pair with neutral or slightly smooth speakers.

The phono output offers good results with a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon turntable  or a Rega Planar 2. It also offers excellent results with digital sources, and you are spoilt for choices with this DRA-800H!

The restitution is defined and transparent. The set stays clear and distinctive. It offers an up front and powerful bass. Its balance enables it to be very versatile.

The Denon DRA-800H streaming amplifier is like a Swiss army knife. It does almost everything, and it does it well. Considering its performance, manufacture quality, connection compatibilities and the proposed price, the Denon DRA-800H is a great deal!

Would recommend +++