Denon AVP-A1HDCI 12CH Home Theater Processor Review

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Summary

  • Product Name: AVP-A1HDCI 12CH Home Theater Processor
  • Manufacturer: Denon Electronics
  • Performance Rating: StarStarStarStarhalf-star
  • Value Rating: StarStarStar
  • Review Date: June 17, 2008 00:50
  • MSRP: $ 7,500
Specifications
  • THX Ultra2 certification
  • THX Surround EX, Dolby® True HD, DTS-HD™ Master Audio, Dolby® Digital Plus, DTS-HD™ High Resolution Audio, Dolby® Digital EX, DTS-ES™, Pro Logic® IIx, and DTS Neo:6 decoding, and Dolby Headphone processing
  • Silicon Optix Realta HQV video processing and scaling
  • Audyssey MultEQ XT with eight-point auto setup and Dynamic EQ (microphone included, Pro Installer Ready)
  • Built-in Wi-Fi for music and JPEG streaming from a PC network
  • PC setup and control capability via Ethernet/web browser
  • XM Satellite Radio Ready with decoding for XM's HD Surround channels (requires XM subscription and optional XM Mini-Tuner package)
  • built-in HD Radio tuner with multi-casting reception
  • Compressed Audio Restorer for better sound with compressed music sources
  • four-room/four-source capability
  • Digital audio output for 4th room via optical digital out
  • Discrete 2nd room theater output (optical digital)
  • Conversion of optical or coaxial digital signals to analog audio output for 2nd and 3rd rooms (PCM signals only)
  • Advanced AL24 Processing for all channels
  • Dolby Headphone mode for surround sound with standard stereo headphones
  • HDCD decoding
  • Burr-Brown PCM-1796 digital-to-analog converters in double differential mode (4 per audio channel) on all output channels
  • Dynamic Discrete Surround Circuit - HD construction
  • Dedicated twin toroidal power transformers for audio section
  • Learning/multibrand touchscreen electro-luminescent remote
  • Enhanced remote for 2nd or 3rd listening room (requires remote control extender system, not included)
  • 1080p-compatible HDMI 1.3a digital video switching and audio support with Deep Color and xvYCC capability (6 in, 2 out)
  • Analog-to-HDMI video upconversion and HDMI to HDMI scaling (up to 1080p output via HDMI)
  • Component video switching and conversion: 6 in (including 1 BNC), 2 out (including 1 BNC) for main and 2nd room
  • Digital audio inputs: 5 optical (including 1 front-panel), 4 coaxial, 2 BNC
  • Digital audio outputs: 4 optical
  • 8 audio/video inputs, including:
  • 1 front-panel input with composite and S-video
  • 7 rear-panel inputs with composite and S-video
  • 3 audio-only inputs (2 RCA including phono, and 1 XLR)
  • 7.1-channel analog audio preamp input
  • 9.3-channel fully balanced analog audio output (RCA and XLR)
  • Two USB inputs (one front, one rear)
  • Two RS-232C ports (for control via PC or automated system)
  • 4 high current (250mA / 12V) triggers assignable to zone, input source, surround mode, HDMI monitor, etc
  • Denon Link jack (3rd edition)
  • Ethernet port for music streaming from a PC network, Internet Radio capability (broadband connection required), and control via a PC
  • Detachable power cord
  • 17-1/8"W x 8-1/2"H x 19-1/4"D
  • Weight: 59.5 lbs.
  • Warranty: 2 years


Pros

  • Unprecedented benchmark level of performance and refinement
  • Virtually unlimited configurability options
  • Lacks nothing in features to minimize obsolescence

Cons

  • Audyssey and other processes can limit max volume
  • Complex setup
  • Expensive

Introduction

The Denon AVP-A1HDCI represents bleeding edge technology that only a select few manufacturers can compete with regardless of price. From its sophisticated top notch A/V processing, construction and component usage, you’re getting Mercedes level performance and refinement at Acura prices. Your high end audio snob friends may snicker at this system, especially since they likely spent 2-3 times more for hollow boxes, but I suggest humbling yourself by saying nothing. You don’t want everyone driving the same car you’re driving, do you?

 

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AcuDefTechGuy posts on May 19, 2013 09:36
Hannibal_CPS;968989
Hello gene,

I have a Asrock Vision X 312 and was wondering if I can use the USB outlet and connect directly with a USB cable QED Performance Graphite USB Type A to Type B USB Cable 2m in the Denon AVP-A1HDCI DAC to listen to files in FLAC \ SACD and will have a quality sound?

I've used a USB thumb-drive w/ my AVP-A1 in the past and it worked fine. But I think my files were WAV and WMA Lossless.

So I would guess your case could also work. I don't know about USB-FLAC/SACD, though.

Now I am just streaming Apple Lossless Audio Files (ALAC) from my iPad to my AVP-A1.
Hannibal_CPS posts on May 18, 2013 16:46
gene;923571
If you're not running the POA in bridged mode, you only need 1 unit to power all 9 of you speakers since it's a 10CH amp. If you do want to run both units with each channel in bridged mode than simply assign each bridged channel to a channel from the AVP and make the connections accordingly.



Hello gene,

I have a Asrock Vision X 312 and was wondering if I can use the USB outlet and connect directly with a USB cable QED Performance Graphite USB Type A to Type B USB Cable 2m in the Denon AVP-A1HDCI DAC to listen to files in FLAC \ SACD and will have a quality sound?
Hannibal_CPS posts on May 14, 2013 19:28
Hello,

I have a Asrock Vision X 312 and was wondering if I can use the USB outlet and connect directly with a USB cable QED Performance Graphite USB Type A to Type B USB Cable 2m in the Denon AVP-A1HDCI DAC to listen to files in FLAC \ SACD and will have a quality sound?
gene posts on November 16, 2012 09:52
giuseppe001;923494
Hello Gene
many thanks for the answer.
I don't have 20 speakers, lol
I have a 9.1 system and when i say 20 channel is because the totale channels of the 2 POA's are 20.
But i have not understand how to set the AVP, connect the AVP to the 2 POA's and connect the speakers (9) to the 2 POA's.
COuld you pls help me ?
Tks
Giuseppe


If you're not running the POA in bridged mode, you only need 1 unit to power all 9 of you speakers since it's a 10CH amp. If you do want to run both units with each channel in bridged mode than simply assign each bridged channel to a channel from the AVP and make the connections accordingly.
giuseppe001 posts on November 16, 2012 02:09
Hello Gene
many thanks for the answer.
I don't have 20 speakers, lol
I have a 9.1 system and when i say 20 channel is because the totale channels of the 2 POA's are 20.
But i have not understand how to set the AVP, connect the AVP to the 2 POA's and connect the speakers (9) to the 2 POA's.
COuld you pls help me ?
Tks
Giuseppe
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