This is the part where most of the home theater guys will start vomiting. Trust me, 15 years ago, I would’ve joined you. However, I decided not to be cynical about it – got off my ass and heard it for myself.
If you don’t believe power cables could make a sonic difference or are unable to hear one, then you could skip this section.
The stock power cable is incredibly transparent, spacious, and quiet. Although most generic cables I’ve heard have some level of unbearable grain or harshness, I didn’t hear any of that from the one Denon provides with this receiver. It effortlessly pinpoints effects in the soundstage with relentless holography. It does trade a tiny bit of tonal warmth for it but the precision is quite impressive.
For those who have actually dabbled in tuning with different power cords, you’d know they could make a positive or negative difference. I’ve reviewed an excessive amount of cables and I as I wrote and compared my notes to old impressions with the AVR-X8500H, I was somewhat surprised at the level of consistency. From my experience, cables have a predictable sound across systems – for the most part.
Aside from power cords, I’ve tried a few interconnects as well. Please check out my numerous comparisons here. I’ll be focusing only on power cords here as it’s more of a “blanket tweak.”
The tonality of the AVR-X8500H is more on the neutral and analytic side of the spectrum. If you want to add more color and body, an aftermarket power cord may help. Here we go.
I reviewed this cable a while back and it remains one of my favorite values in the audiophile market. Interestingly enough, it translates what I hear from my stereo system into this insane 9.2.4 Dolby Atmos surround setup.
If you’re looking for more of a warmblooded and denser sound over the stock, this cable will layer in some richness. It also adds slightly more body and grunt at the expense of some transparency.
There’s a bit of an organically colored bloom to voices and special effects – which isn’t a bad thing. Gradations of special effects aren’t as apparent or pinpoint in the room – but are made more fuller. However, if you’re prioritizing clarity and resolution, just stick with the stock power cord.
This is another high-performance power cord with “magnetic conduction technology.” For more information about the tech, check out the full loom coverage here.
These cables are very musical yet provide enough body and shape for home theater applications. It does a great job complementing the AVR-X8500H with a denser and fuller tone. It exhibits an addictive smoothness, dynamic, and tangibility to the sound.
I use many of their higher-end cables for my stereo rig. Definitely worth checking them out.
The Furutech DPS-4 actually refers to the bulk wire which is priced at $449.99/m – one of the pricer options for sure. This particular pair is fitted with the FI-50 NCF(R) IEC and AC power connectors.
When I first heard a full loom of these DIY Furutech cables at a stereo listening session, I thought “Man, these would work really well in a home theater.” This cable is incredibly dense, dynamic, and has a an abundance of musicality.
The DPS-4 coats the sound with an accurate amount of body and character. This includes voices, explosions, atmospheric cues, and both tonal and holographic textures.
Whereas the Vovox may smooth over the details, you hear a satisfying amount of it with the DPS-4. One thing it also does much better is contouring the shapes of sounds. Everything has a gravity and a density to them – which really takes the level of immersion to scary levels.
I found this cable to be the perfect match for the Denon AVR-X8500H. It almost sounds like they were meant to be paired together. Although it’s a bit unwieldy, I was so drawn by the level of engagement and impact this cable provided – I rearranged my rack to make it work.
Check out my review here.
Depending on your connectors, you could DIY one for under $1,000. Please contact Scot Markwell of Elite A/V Distribution at scot.markwell@eliteavdist.com or 323-466-9694 ext. 22.
You could also get one from ZenWave Audio. They offer a risk-free, in-home trial.
Highly, highly recommended for the AVR-X8500H.
This is one of the most impressive power cords in the audiophile world – but it isn’t cheap. In fact, it’s more expensive than the Denon AVR-X8500H receiver itself.
The Au24 SX also doesn’t have the golden-hued tone of the Vovox or Furutech, but prides itself on more of an analog, neutral-ish sound with textural resolution and articulation. This results in retrieving the smallest of nuances yet still supplementing it with weight and contrast.
Its greatest strength is tonal perspective. The grooves and gradations of the sound are accurately conveyed. From the crisp crack of a cannon or grunt from the rev of a sports car – these effects are made more tangible.
It’s a substantial upgrade to the stock cable. You’re able to get the pinpoint precision and spaciousness of the stock cable and the fullness and dynamic punch of the Vovox and Furutech. I don’t believe anyone will spend this much on a power cord for their AV receiver – but I could be wrong.
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I've been enjoying your site for some time now. I really enjoyed your video coverage of what I think was rmaf. Can I ask you to make some comparison of the sound quality to two channel electronics? I see that the AVR-X8500H is 4,000$. Without out holding you to any complicated analysis can you approximate what price range you'd be in to have a comparable sound quality from any known two channel set up?
thanks for your time..
Ben.
Hey Ben,
If you're talking about getting something close to the AVR-X8500H for stereo, the NuForce STA200 is great choice and is only $500. As you've probably guessed, amplifiers all have their own character. It depends on what you're trying to do for your system. If you're looking to warm things up, the Benchmark AHB2 is fantastic. If you prefer more balance with a touch more shine, perhaps the Chord TToby. If you're looking for something silky and smooth, the First Watts are nice. I personally wouldn't buy an amplifier until I was able to audition it for a few days at least. Many of these dealers allow in-home auditions so that's the route I would go.
Best,
Jay
Hi Jay,
Great article. I am looking to install a system similar to yours but don't have enough time or talent to want to do it myself. Can you recommend a professional/dealers in Los Angeles that can do the installation of such a system and set-up. I will be working with an empty room since this will be in a house to be ready by summer.
Thanks !
This is not really a fair comparison.
The 7200 costs around 50-60% of what an 8500 currently costs. So, I hope indeed the 8500 is better than the 7200, but for me personally if the sonic differences are so subtle, I wouldn't upgrade to the 8500 as a sound upgrade.
Sonic differences aren't subtle. The 8500 is cleaner and more resolving while the 7200 is warmer and cozier. If you don't need 13 channels, it comes down to preference.
Thank you for an incredibly detailed and painstaking review.
I own a Denon AVC-A1HDA which has stopped working; and the local Denon service centre is finding it difficult to repair. It is a superb-sounding amplifier and I dont need more than 7 channels, so should I replace it with the 8500H? How do they compare sonically? Also, have you heard the new Rotel multi-channel amp/receiver?
8500H = quieter and more detailed. More spatial clarity and transparency. TBH, the 7200 sounds great out of the box - warmer, denser, but less resolving. Unless you prioritize resolution - the 7200 may actually work fine for you.
Hey Jay! great review! I was curious how the preamp performed? I'm coming from a Marantz 7703 and want to add some front wides, my plan, use the 8500H onboard amp to run the front and the pre outs to my outlaw amps to complete the 11.2.
Thank you, Todd! At one point, I ran the front height preamps to an old Audio Source amp and rears to a wireless Rockfish box. Works flawlessly with no issues. I didn't do any hardcore A/B, but it sounded cleaner and more resolving than the 7200 as a preamp. I LOVE the flexibility of the 85000H. Which Outlaw amps do you have?
I have 2 Outlaw 5000, I was seriously thinking of the Marantz 8805, however the Denon would allow me to expand to 13.2 without buying additional amps :-) I figure with the 2 HSU VTF-15H MK2 s things should integrate well.
Very nice amps! Great choice on the HSUs. I think having 13 channels of processing with amplification in a relatively small package - is simply unbeatable. Not just for smaller spaces, but for the potential headaches that come with having too many amps. If you have a much larger space - then the Marantz AV8805 probably makes a lot more sense.
I'm pretty hardcore, but practical, about my home theater. As long as the gear doesn't take away from the experience. I'm good with that. Changing out the power cord adds that bit of warmth to the clarity on the AVR-X8500H - and I'm loving it.
Unfortunately, the audiophile world is very different. lol.
Thanks for the great feedback! I'm gonna be one of those guys who's going to question the power cable difference but now i'm curious, what cable would you recommend and is there anything reasonable priced? lol FYI my room is roughly
18X13 with a 12' ceiling that slopes a bit, the 8500H will be here on Monday :-)
That's a decent sized room for sure. I totally get it. I used to be so cynical about cables - but heard them for myself.
Hm, I think the Vovox Textura is pretty good. It masks some of the detail but does provide warmth. I'm actually using a DIY'ed Furutech DPS-4. You could use cheaper connectors and I think it complements the sound well. I'm working on a DIY project with the Neotech NEP-3200 wire. https://www.vhaudio.com/wire.html#neotechpower
Yeah, that should be fine. Even when I'm driving 13 speakers, I don't think I draw more than 6 amps from the entire system (with TV, oppo, etc). Obviously, it depends if you're satisfied with the output. P=IV means ~2,200-2,400 watts of power.
I do have one more question regarding power, I have the 2 5 channel Outlaws on a dedicated 20amp outlet, ( 9 channels used with everything crossed over at 80Hz) could I add the Denon to the same outlet without an issue? I would only be using 2 channels to power the front wides. Thanks again for your help!
Thanks for all the input and help Jay! who knows you may turn me into a cable snob soon enough!
Hey Jay! I am so unsure of what settings to use for both video and to get the best sound quality as possible when Playing some movies.. Do you have a guide or know one that I could use? Just got it, and have a Dali Rubicon 5.1 at the moment
Great sounding (and looking) speakers. I preferred to have a warmer sound so I use the Furutech DPS-1 on the AVR-X8500H. If you prefer a transparent and detailed sound - it's great out of box with just the basic mic setup.
Is the rotel 1585 be a good match with the Devon?
When using a power amp are you able to shut off the 5 internal amp LCR Surround and use the Denon internal amp for the rest of the speaker?