Quick answer
- Ensure your HDMI cable supports ARC functionality.
- Check that ARC is enabled on both the Denon receiver and your TV.
- Make sure the correct HDMI input is selected on the receiver.
- Restart all devices, including the TV and receiver.
Symptoms
You may experience issues with audio not passing through your Denon AVR X2300W when using the ARC (Audio Return Channel) feature. Common symptoms include:
- No sound coming from the speakers when using apps on your TV.
- Sound only from the TV’s built-in speakers instead of the receiver.
- Intermittent audio dropouts or static noise.
Quick checks
Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, perform these quick checks:
- Verify that your HDMI cable is high-speed and supports ARC. A Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (paid link) is recommended.
- Confirm that the HDMI cable is connected to the correct HDMI ARC port on both the TV and the receiver.
- Make sure your TV’s audio settings are configured to output sound via ARC.
- Check for any firmware updates for both the Denon receiver and your TV.
Step-by-step fix
- Power Cycle Devices: Turn off your TV and Denon receiver. Unplug them from the power source for about 30 seconds, then plug them back in and power them on.
- Enable ARC on TV: Go to your TV’s settings menu. Look for the audio or HDMI settings and ensure that ARC is enabled.
- Enable ARC on Receiver: Access the Denon receiver’s setup menu. Navigate to the HDMI settings and ensure that ARC is turned on.
- Select Correct Input: Use the remote to select the correct HDMI input on your Denon receiver that corresponds to the port connected to your TV.
- Test Audio: Play something on your TV (like a streaming app) and check if the audio is now coming through the Denon receiver.
- Check TV Audio Settings: Make sure the TV’s audio output is set to the receiver and not the TV speakers.
If it still doesn't work
If you've followed all the steps and ARC is still not functioning, consider the following:
- Ensure that your TV and receiver are compatible with each other’s ARC specifications.
- Try using a different HDMI cable to rule out a faulty cable.
- Consult the user manuals for both devices for any specific settings or troubleshooting steps.
Thinking About Upgrading Your AV Receiver?
If your receiver is causing recurring HDMI, eARC, or audio issues, it may be worth evaluating whether a newer model solves the problem at the hardware level. Our best AV receivers under $500 guide covers current picks with HDMI 2.1, eARC, and Dolby Atmos — including the Denon AVR-S770H and Yamaha RX-V4A which handle modern 4K/120Hz passthrough reliably.
FAQ
Q: What is ARC?
A: ARC stands for Audio Return Channel, allowing audio to travel back from the TV to the receiver through the same HDMI cable used for video.
Q: Can I use any HDMI cable for ARC?
A: Not all HDMI cables support ARC. It's best to use a high-speed HDMI cable that is specifically designed for this purpose.
Q: Why does my TV not recognize the Denon receiver?
A: This could be due to incorrect settings, a faulty HDMI cable, or compatibility issues. Double-check all connections and settings.
Q: Will a firmware update help?
A: Yes, updating the firmware on both your TV and receiver can resolve compatibility issues and improve functionality.
Q: What if I still can't get sound?
A: If sound is still not working, try connecting a different device to the receiver to see if the issue lies with the TV or the receiver.