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Denon POA-A1HDCI 10 Channel Power Amplifier Review

by Gene DellaSala last modified August 01, 2008

Summary

  • Product Name: POA-A1HDCI 10-Channel Power Amplifier
  • Manufacturer: Denon Electronics
  • Performance Rating: StarStarStarStarStar
  • Value Rating: StarStarStar
  • Review Date: May 22, 2008 17:47
  • MSRP: $ 7,500
Specifications
  • Power Output: 150 wpc x 10; 8-ohms @ 0.05% THD + N / 300wpc x 10, 4-ohms @ 0.08% THD + N
  • Monoblock amplifier construction with shortened audio signal paths and direct mechanism grounding scheme
  • 4 large E-core power transformers and 200,000uF total power supply capacitance
  • 3 Analog VU power meters assignable per channel
  • Amp Configuration options: fully configurable channel assignments
  • Amplifier Operational Modes: bridgeable, bi-wireable and bi-ampable
  • Speaker Terminals: high grade 5 way binding post banana plug
  • Completely Configurable Amplifiers
  • THX Ultra2 Certified
  • UL Rated down to 4-ohms
  • Link Control for matching AVP-A1HDCI pre/pro
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 11.1” x 17.1” x 20.9”
  • Weight: 132 lbs

Pros

  • Endless array of configuration options
  • Phenomenal build & sound quality
  • Has no problems driving low impedance speakers to reference levels

Cons

  • Uber expensive
  • Bulky and heavy

Introduction

The POA-A1HDCI revitalizes Denon’s high end stigma that it earned over the years and puts the name back on the map for high end cost no object audio. This amplifier delivers respectable high and most importantly clean dynamic power and provides enough channels to handle even the largest scale home theater installations with a few to spare for specialized needs and installations. Coupled with the matching AVP-A1HDCI processor, you’ve got a state of the art A/V separates solution that can run toe to toe with any of its peers in this price class.

 

 

Recent Forum Posts:

Post Reply
chjo100 posts on February 22, 2009 22:39
Hi Gene,

I realize this thread is fairly old but I was looking at some older amp reviews and came across this one and the review of the Integra Research RDA-7.1. It seems that the Denon is clearly better, as it should be due to it's cost, but I was wondering if the quality of the two amps is fairly close.

Thanks!
gene posts on June 20, 2008 13:54
Friends;

I am hanging onto the Denon Separates to do followups on updates to the products. I have made the Pre/Pro thread a sticky on our forums to support and tech questions you may have. I will also email your questions to Denon tech if I or others on here cannot answer them.

Please use this thread for related AVP and POA questions:

> Denon Separates Support Thread [forums.audioholics.com] <
Seth V posts on June 05, 2008 17:57
AVTguy;418476
The D&M Holdings venue at CES 2008 proved exactly what AcuDef. is saying. The POA-A1HDCI is really a remarkable piece of equipment. While the McIntosh demo room was absolutely fantastic and wonderful and every McIntosh, the demo room with the Denon AVP/POA/BR-Transport was an incredible 123 punch.

The POA is truly a high end audiophile grade piece of equipment. Plus its just cool for Denon to have the largest Amp. (physically speaking) out there.

BTW, the demo was so impressive my partner and I ordered the AVP/POA/BR-Transport 123 punch for our demo room. It's fantastic.


123 punch indeed! Killer setup for your demo room! Very cool!
eljr posts on June 01, 2008 07:50
Great review/thread
thanks
eljr
AVTguy posts on May 30, 2008 19:23
AcuDefTechGuy;418233
But what you get with the Denon POA-A1HDCI is true ultra-high-end build & sound quality comparable to the likes of Mark Levinson, Krell, McIntosh, and the high-dollar Marantz - IMO.

I just can't compare Emotiva, Outlaw, or Axiom to this same ultra-high-end crowd. I think they all sound very similar in most cases, but the build quality and the ability to drive even 1 ohm speakers is what separates them.


The D&M Holdings venue at CES 2008 proved exactly what AcuDef. is saying. The POA-A1HDCI is really a remarkable piece of equipment. While the McIntosh demo room was absolutely fantastic and wonderful and every McIntosh, the demo room with the Denon AVP/POA/BR-Transport was an incredible 123 punch.

The POA is truly a high end audiophile grade piece of equipment. Plus its just cool for Denon to have the largest Amp. (physically speaking) out there.

BTW, the demo was so impressive my partner and I ordered the AVP/POA/BR-Transport 123 punch for our demo room. It's fantastic.
Post Reply
 
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