Is Your Denon Receiver Volume Too Low? (Let’s Fix it Fast)

If the Denon receiver volume is too low, don’t worry, we know what’s causing it and how to fix it.

If you’ve recently installed your Denon receiver, only to discover its volume output is annoyingly quiet, the problem is often related to the speaker installation or a settings misconfiguration.

Fortunately, we’ve prepared an abundance of steps to try:

Now, advance with our professional guide to understand each of the solutions in detail!

How to Fix the Denon Receiver Volume Too Low Error?

Note: Have you the volume of the audio you’ve played through your TV or computer?

1. Configure the AVR’s “Master Volume”

Although increasing the master volume may sound too simple, it is a great way to determine if the modulation of the connected AVR and the speakers is appropriate.

In some cases, a loose or bad connection could reduce the speaker voltage, resulting in an exceptionally quiet output.

• To adjust the AVR’s “Master Volume” feature, find the “Volume” knob or the “Volume +/Volume -” action buttons on the front panel of the speaker.

For testing purposes, crank up the volume to at least 70–80% and try to determine if the output is consistent and uninterrupted.

So, if the output sounds dampened or muffled, almost certainly there is a connection-related issue with the hardware.

Important: Adjust the Source Device’s Audio!

What many users may not know, is that the device your AVR is connected with, also has an impact on the volume output’s strength.

If you’ve connected the AVR to a TV, use the TV’s remote control to regulate the volume and determine if there will be an output difference. 

Tip: Feel free to test the receiver’s volume range from 0% all the way to 95% to determine if the voltage modulation is appropriate. 

2. Adjust the AVR’s “Volume Limit Range”

If your receiver is brand-new or just sustained a factory reset, the device could be uncalibrated and have a default volume limit.

To keep internal components and surround sound speakers safe, Denon has integrated a volume limit range for new AVRs, that are adjusted via decibels.

For example, an uncalibrated receiver may have a default volume range of -79.5 dB all the way to +18 dB, where -79.5 dB is a full mute. 

• So, if you’ve reached the +18 dB mark of the AVR’s volume range, it is possible that the output will seem quiet or insufficient for you.

2.1 How to Adjust Volume Limit On Older AVRs?

You can adjust the volume limit of an older Denon AVR by navigating to “Setup” → “Speakers” → “Level” or “Volume.”

There, you can manually assign the lower and upper end of the volume limit, allowing you to use the AVR at a higher volume.

2.2 How to Adjust Volume Limit On Newer AVRs?

Newer Denon AVRs have partially different settings, but to adjust the volume limit, you would have to go to “System Setup” → “Audio” → “Volume” → “Scale” or “Volume Display.”

You can access the “Setup” menu by respectively pressing the “Setup” button on the remote control.

Tip: Experiment with the upper volume range and determine if there would be a difference!

3. Reset the Denon AVR’s Power Supply

A power reset could be the exact solution your AVR needs for the Denon receiver volume low error.

It usually takes less than 30 seconds for the AVR to discharge from the residue power supply and reload all internal capacitors.

Unlike a system reset, this type of power cycle will not erase any of your AVR’s system settings and audio/speaker configurations.

Proceed with the following steps to master the power cycle process:

1. Press the “Power” button on the AVR to shut down the receiver.
2. Unplug the power adapter from the rear once the AVR shuts down.
3. Now, hold the “Power” button on the front for about 10–15 seconds.
4. Reconnect the power cable on both ends and turn on the AVR unit.
5. After that, check if the modulation and volume issues are still there.

Tip: If the AVR shuts down or experiences power issues, connect the unit to a different outlet! 

4. Re-run the AVR’s Surround Sound Setup

A fault with the physical cable installation of the AVR could muffle the volume output and prevent one or more of the speakers from working to their full potential.

The speakers of all Denon receiver models use a standard “Left” and “Right” AUX input, meaning there must be two cables to each of the speakers.

Let’s learn how to identify the speaker connections and manage them effortlessly!

4.1 How to Identify Denon Receiver Speakers?

Apart from the TV connection (HDMI ARC or Optical) and the power supply, there could also be up to 5 speaker wire sets plugged into the back of the Denon receiver.

So, search for the 3.5mm AUX connections, typically colored in black and red, to identify the speaker cables. 

4.2 How to Manage Denon AVR Speaker Cables?

Once you’ve identified which of the cables on the back of your AVR belong to the speakers, proceed with disconnecting them one by one.

Now, it’s recommended to lead the cables out of the AVR’s setup and try to match each cable pair with the speaker they belong to.

Next, identify the Left 1 / 2, Right 1 / 2, and center speakers of the receiver and proceed to connect the wires with the respective input on the AVR. 

Note: If you mismatch the speaker’s positioning with the AVR’s audio channels, there will be a problem with the surround sound setup. 

5. Check the Receiver’s Firmware Version

If the Denon receiver volume is too low error is still there, then the culprit could be an outdated version of the OS.

Fortunately, there’s a quick way to check the OS of the Denon receiver that involves accessing the settings, as long as the AVR has established an internet connection.

Follow these steps to check the OS of the Denon receiver:

1. Power on the Denon receiver and press “Setup” on the remote.
2. Navigate to the “General” tab and then select the “Firmware” tile.
3. Now, select “Check for Updates” right under “General/Firmware.”

Based on your AVR’s current OS, the message in the “Firmware” tab can be as follows:

• “No update required. Latest Version Installed” – The AVR’s OS is up-to-date.
• “Update Firmware (Firmware Version)” – Follow the steps to update the AVR.

Keep in mind that an active internet connection is required for both checking the AVR’s firmware and updating it.

Double-check the “Network” tab of the receiver to verify that there’s a secure connection to your household’s Wi-Fi. 

6. Restore the AVR to Default Settings

A factory restoration might be the most effective solution for volume output issues with the Denon receiver.

The reset will erase all of your receiver settings and restore them to factory default values, eliminating any problems with the volume output and speaker’s configuration.

Follow these steps to factory reset the Denon AVR:

1. Power off the Denon AVR and wait until it shuts down.
2. Hold the “TUNER PRESET-” and “TUNER PRESET+.”
3. After 5–6 seconds, press the “Power” button on top.
4. Release after the “INITIALIZED” message shows up.

Important: Stop pressing any buttons on the AVR or remote control after the reset begins!