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
Denon AVP-A1HDCI Introduction
Maybe you should wait another 3-4 years until Denon
comes out with a replacement to the AVP-A1HDCI
A/V processor / preamp. While you’re at it, you
might as well wait on purchasing a new car.
By then, the car industry would be releasing an affordable sports sedan
that gets 100mpg running on plant algae with a 0-60 time in under 5 seconds and
Denon would have added yet another must have feature not currently found on
this model. After all, this bad boy won’t
network with your “smart” refrigerator or stove top despite it has an Ethernet port
and is WiFi capable, nor will it run on solar power as going “green” hasn’t hit
the A/V marketplace yet as it’s barely reached out to the car industry. You can wait, and wait or be content with the
fact that the AVP-A1HDCI will
decode and process every current A/V format unadulterated and leave room for
future ones via external inputs and/or firmware upgrade options to ensure what
you buy today won’t double as an expensive door stop tomorrow or the days that
follow shortly thereafter. As for the fuel
efficient sports car….don’t hold your breath….
Denon took
a hiatus from making dedicated pre/pros for longer than I can remember.
Instead, their focus was on bringing to market some of the most feature packed performance receivers in efforts to become one
of the dominant players in the receiver market.
Their efforts have paid off and they proved they could dominate market
share at all price levels and even push the envelope with their introduction of
the $6k AVR-5805 multi functional
“super receiver” which to date, in my opinion, is still one of the best
performing A/V receivers ever built! The
AVR-5805 had a good run for 4+
years but has since than been replaced by a scaled back
successor – the AVR-5308CI. While the AVR-5308CI
has virtually all of the same features found on this processor, it lacks the balanced circuitry design, class A audio
drivers and a host of other component upgrades (some of which I found
measurable differences during my preamp testing of the two units). Considering the AVR-5308CI
sells for about $2k less than this preamp and has nine respectable built-in
power amplifiers, I’d say it makes it quite a bargain.
Denon has
aimed its sights higher with the introduction of their AVP-A1HDCI
(A/V pre/pro) and POA-A1HDCI (10 channel power amp) separates solution which
goes up against the likes of Krell, Lexicon, Classe, etc. These are not value
products, but instead statement pieces to show off Denon’s engineering prowess
and legitimize their brand into the high end market segment. The question remains however, will this
separates solution deliver the goods and carry enough prestige to justify the
$14k price tag? Read on to find out….
Gene manages this organization, establishes relations with manufacturers and keeps Audioholics a well oiled machine. His goal is to educate about home theater and develop more standards in the industry to eliminate consumer confusion clouded by industry snake oil.