Denon AVR-X2400H and AVR-X1400H 4k Ultra HD AV Receivers Preview

Lately we’ve been seeing a trend in A/V receivers pushing newly updated video features such as Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log Gamma.  Not to be outdone by the competition, home entertainment company Denon released their new IN-Command X-series receivers, the AVR-X2400H and AVR-X1400H.

Building on the success of its IN-Command X Series AV Receiver range, both new models combine compatibility with the latest home cinema sound and vision formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, 4K Ultra HD with HDR (High Dynamic Range) Dolby Vision, and HLG (hybrid Log Gamma) along with Audyssey MultEQ setup and optimization. They are also compatible with the newly introduced Audyssey MultEQ Editor app.

For whole home audio, the new AVR’s also bring HEOS multi-room wireless music streaming. The HEOS system allows the receivers to interact with the HEOS line of products to create whole-house entertainment systems, all under app control.

Denon AVR-X2400H

The AVR-X2400H offers all the features of its predecessor the AVR-X2300H, but with greater ability for both home theater and music use. We previewed Denon's higher priced X series, the  AVR-X6300H and AVR-X4300H at CEDIA 2016. The AVR-X2400H includes the Audyssey MultEQ XT calibration and set-up system, complete with Denon’s new Audyssey MultEQ Editor app which allows you to fine-tune the receiver’s settings. And it can be used with the HEOS system, thanks to HEOS integration.

The AVR-X2400H is a 7.2-channel design, and is rated at 95 watts per channel at 8 ohms, 20 Hz~20 kHz, 0.08% THD from each of its seven channels. It also has built-in decoding for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for an immersive 3D sound experience. Note, this is NOT an all channels rated power figure, but at least Denon isn't rating at 1kHz, 10% THD and 6 ohms like some manufacturers have been recently doing with their latest Atmos receivers.

Eight HDMI inputs, including one conveniently positioned on the front panel, feed a video section supporting Full 4K Ultra HD, HDCP 2.2, HDR (High Dynamic Range), BT.2020, Wide Color Gamut and 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, allowing the connection of all the latest devices such as game consoles, Blu-ray players or streaming set-top-boxes. It comes ready for Dolby Vision and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma; via future firmware update), and has an advanced video processor to upscale existing lower resolution video to true 4K. Two HDMI outputs mean users can even connect a TV and a projector in parallel.

With its wireless Bluetooth, it plays music direct from portable devices, and has full network connectivity via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Dual antenna and dual-band support. Once connected, the AVR-X2400H has a multitude of playback options, including Apple AirPlay, network attached storage devices (NAS),TuneIn Internet Radio and a wide range of streaming services including Pandora, Spotify, Amazon Prime Music, iHeart Radio, Sirius XM, Sound Cloud, Tidal, Napster or Deezer . High-resolution audio files including FLAC, ALAC or DSD (even up to 5.6MHz) are also supported.

The AVR-X2400H is simple to set up and use with Denon’s exclusive Setup Assistant. It features clear on-screen graphics and text that quickly and easily guide users through the setup process, optimizing critical system settings for the best possible sound quality. Four Quick Select function buttons let the user choose their favorite input sources, and remember preferred audio settings for each source to deliver precisely tailored sound.

Denon AVR-X1400H

Launched alongside the AVR-X2400H, the AVR-X1400H is designed to bring much of the same technology and flexibility down to an even more affordable price. It still has full Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatibility and 4K video capability, not to mention Bluetooth network music and HEOS wireless multiroom.

With 80W per channel at 8 ohms, 20 Hz~20 kHz, 0.08% THD, the AVR-X1400H still has a decent amount of power to deliver a fully immersive Dolby Atmos/DTS:X effect in a medium sized room.  It come with six HDMI inputs – including one on the front panel for convenient temporary hook-ups for plenty of connectivity options for modern playback devices.

The AVR-X1400H also features Audyssey MultEQ XT automatic calibration and compatibility with the new Denon Audyssey MultEQ Editor app, while set-up and operation are simplified by the exclusive on-screen Setup Assistant, and the provision of four Quick Select buttons to give instant selection of favorite sources and your preferred settings for them.

The AVR-X2400H ($799) and AVR-X1400H ($599) are available now at authorized Denon retailers. If you own one of these new AVR's please share your experiences in the related forum thread below.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.