Denon AVP-A1HD Product Review

Also see for AVP-A1HD: Product Compatibility Chart Owner's manual Owner's manual Owner's manual Brochure & specs

Contents

Denon AVP-A1HD Product Review Manual pdf 3 page image

3www.audioholics.coMDenon boasts the AVP-A1HDCI is theworld’s first fully balanced processor frominput to output (see chart below). This canbe seen by the large array of balanced outputs(9 for the mains and center/surrounds, and3 for independent subwoofer outputs). Youcan configure for two different pairs ofsurround speakers for optimized positioningfor music vs movies or run two pairs of sideor back channels for larger theater installs toincrease coverage. Denon doesn’t just stopwith balanced outputs, they also sport twobalanced inputs via the CD input and followthe balanced topology from input to outputof the entire product. The advantagesof fully balanced circuit designs includesignificant reduction in distortion and noise/ RFI/EMI pickup. The only disadvantageis cost and complexity in circuit designas you need double the components andoccupy more internal real estate. Denonutilizes a direct mechanical groundingscheme with independent transformers andpower supplies for each block as can beseen in the above right pic. The preampdrivers are all high current pure class A forthe best fidelity and signal drive possible.Like with past flagship Denon productssuch as the AVR-5805CI, the AVP-A1HDCIuses the very best Burr Brown PCM-1796dual differential DAC’s (four per channel),coupled with Denon’s own proprietaryDDSC-HD digital audio technology andAdvanced AL24 processing for the highestlinearity and lowest noise floor possible.Video ProcessingOn the video side, Denon uses SiliconOptix Realta HQV processing and scalingwith built in multi-cadence detection foraccurate i/p conversion when standardinterlaced video is viewed on progressivescan displays. The Realta sxT2 HQV 10-bitprocessor converts standard interlacedsignals into progressive scan signals in orderto eliminate the stair-casing effect thatconventional up-converters can introduceto diagonal edges. In addition, this unit'sFull 10-bit video processor can pass a1080p/24fps signal through its HDMI input/output and supports Deep Color up to36-bit and xvYCC broader color spacing viaHDMI while also supporting full conversionof all analog signal types including compositevideo, S-Video, and component video toHDMI up to 1080p. If you were to put all ofthe video features and processing the AVP-A1HDCI has on board into a stand alonebox, it would easily sell for $2500 or more.Consider it a bargain that Denon lumps thistechnology with independent configurabilityper input into this processor.Audyssey MultEQ XT& Dynamic EQ (DEQ)The AVP-A1HDCI sports AudysseyMultEQ XT with eight-point auto setup anda new feature called Dynamic EQ. Unlikeconventional loudness controls, DynamicEQ is NOT based on the Fletcher & Munsoncurves. Instead it works in tandem withAudyssey equalization using proprietarymethods for real-time calculations ofdifferences between reference level andplayback level curves to ensure proper tonalbalance correction regardless of listeninglevel. There are plans to upgrade AVP-A1HDCI with Audyssey Dynamic Volumeand Pro Installer which would enable theinstaller to use Audyssey’s own calibrationkit, boost measurement points from 8 to32, and allow curve editing per channel. Iwill be reporting on my experiences withthese upgrades later in the year when theybecome available assuming I still have thepre/pro at my disposal.Network Streaming, Wifi,XM Radio, iPod & moreThe Denon AVP-A1HDCI is packed withnetworking features typically found onmedia PC’s and unheard of in A/V receiversand processors only a couple of years ago.Not only does the AVP-A1HDCI sportan Ethernet port for a direct internetconnection to handle firmware updates andaudio streaming, but it can also connectwireless via a WiFi (802.11b/g) connectionfor even further flexibility. The AVP-A1HDCIdefaults to the Ethernet connection onceyou plug the cable in and I found it a breezeto connect to my network whether wiredor wirelessly.As with most of the latest generationof upper echelon A/V receivers, the AVP-A1HDCI integrates XM Radio and iPodconnectivity, but it also boasts the ability todo internet radio, Rhapsody and HD radio.Internet RadioNet Radio is a free (for the time being)internet radio program that allows you tostream stations off the internet to yourreceiver/processor.