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 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?
Recent Forum Posts:
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gene posts on February 06, 2012 12:32
Guys;
one of the top level tech guys from Denon confirmed the SACD bass issue I found 2 years ago with their latest firmware. They managed to get Denon Japan to confirm it too. Hopefully this means they will fix the issue with a firmware release since they broke it sometime in 2010 when they updated the firmware back then. Fingers crossed and I will keep you posted!
one of the top level tech guys from Denon confirmed the SACD bass issue I found 2 years ago with their latest firmware. They managed to get Denon Japan to confirm it too. Hopefully this means they will fix the issue with a firmware release since they broke it sometime in 2010 when they updated the firmware back then. Fingers crossed and I will keep you posted!
flagbonz posts on October 30, 2010 00:31
I do not doubt you are correct, you can do anything it is just a matter of time and money. I guess that I would investigate to see the cost, does it effect the warranty or is it something that Denon is doing as a future upgrade, along with the possibility of a 1.4 hardware upgrade. At this time since I talked to Denon last week, they have no plans to do anything with the AVP until at least sometime after March of 2011, at the earliest.
thanks. i just hate buying electronics, especially high cost electronics, just to find out that the new model is coming out in a few weeks.......still not sure if i will get the current avp.....
thanks. i just hate buying electronics, especially high cost electronics, just to find out that the new model is coming out in a few weeks.......still not sure if i will get the current avp.....
deputy dog posts on October 29, 2010 15:51
I do not doubt you are correct, you can do anything it is just a matter of time and money. I guess that I would investigate to see the cost, does it effect the warranty or is it something that Denon is doing as a future upgrade, along with the possibility of a 1.4 hardware upgrade. At this time since I talked to Denon last week, they have no plans to do anything with the AVP until at least sometime after March of 2011, at the earliest.
AcuDefTechGuy posts on October 29, 2010 08:06
flagbonz;762619
Dude - just get that double hernia fixed! Then order 2 POAs.
I don't have the double hernia.
I have NEVER hurt my back.
I know my limitations.
flagbonz posts on October 29, 2010 00:38
AcuDefTechGuy;762395
No way. That might scratch the pretty surfaces of the components. No way.
If I cannot lift my amps with my bare hands without any problems and place them nice and easy without risk of scratching the components, then I will not buy the amps.
Like Dirty Harry says, "A man's gotta know his limitations!"
Dude - just get that double hernia fixed! Then order 2 POAs.
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