Denon AVP-A1HDCI 12CH Home Theater Processor Review
Summary
- Product Name: AVP-A1HDCI 12CH Home Theater Processor
- Manufacturer: Denon Electronics
- Performance Rating:
- Value Rating:
- Review Date: June 14, 2008
- MSRP: $7,500
- Specifications
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- 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?
