Denon introduced Tuesday its first stereo HEOS network AV receiver with wireless music streaming and 4K HDMI capabilities.
The Denon model DRA-800H ($499.99 suggested retail price), has been engineered for high-fidelity 2-channel sound, offering a re-designed L/R symmetric stereo power amplifier, which is said to deliver enhanced sound from a variety of sources, including wireless music, CD and phono input.
At the same time, the receiver is billed as offering “a full-featured HDMI section with 4K Ultra HD support.” It will even support Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) gaming pass-through
In addition, the inputs will pass-through video in up to 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution along with HDR10 and HLG high dynamic range (HDR) profiles. It also supports ARC (audio return channel) at up to 4K/60 Hz frame rates as well as a number of features useful to the custom installer trade, like smart remote capability.
According to a statement announcing the product, Michael Greco, Denon-parent Sound United’s senior director, global brand management, said the Denon DRA-800H was “designed for the two-channel music enthusiast that wants the power, precision and detail found in Denon amplifiers without having to compromise on AV features such as 4K HDMI.”
To deliver true Hi-Fi sound, the DRA-800H is outfitted with high-caliber components including custom resistors and “audio grade capacitors.” The receiver is also constructed using an Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) winding power transformer for better tonal quality.
The DRA-800H outputs 100 watts per channel (8ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, THD: 0.08%, 2ch driven) and features double differential DAC circuitry, audio grade components and short signal path PCB layouts.
The pre-power amplifier was designed to reduce signal noise to purify higher audio quality output. Low impedance driver capability helps the DRA-800H assure greater stability with a wide range of floor-standing and bookshelf loudspeakers for balanced, quality sound, the company said.
Other components include AKM 32-bit D/A converters, for high-resolution audio decoding with multiple lossless file types, including ALAC, FLAC and WAV at up to 24-bit/196 kHz.
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The receiver will also decode 2.8/5.6-MHz DSD files (DSD is the audio coding format of SACD), in addition to more widely popular MP3 and WMA files.
A front-panel USB input makes it convenient to add-on memory devices to input digital files, or the receiver can stream from connected network sources.
Users can enjoy movies in high quality stereo through the Denon DRA-800H. The receiver includes five HDMI inputs and one output, all supporting up to 4K Ultra HD/60 Hz with HDCP 2.3 content protection video, 4:4:4 chroma sub sampling, High Dynamic Range (HDR10), Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG), 3D, and BT.2020 pass-through support.
An HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) port also enables seamless transmission of audio directly from a smart TV to the receiver through the connected HDMI cable.
For voice control interoperability, the Denon DRA-800H works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Josh.ai and Apple Siri voice control AI platforms. So, for example, users and tap Amazon Alexa to perform a variety of commands, including switching inputs for different media players. Similarly, Google Assistant and Apple’s Siri can be used to adjust the volume, skip to the next track, and more.
The Denon DRA-800H is also builds in support for the companies HEOS wireless multi-room music streaming platform that ties in with multiple HEOS components and smart speakers to stream music through a HEOS mobile device app that taps a variety of free and premium streaming services, including Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, TuneIn, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud, SiriusXM, Tidal and others.
The Custom Installer (CI) community will find the DRA-800H can be easily integrated using IP control capability for major third-party control devices and Control4 Simple Device Detection Protocol (SDDP) certification for integration with Control4 home automation equipment. The receiver also features an IR (infrared) remote control jack on the rear panel for remote control.
The system also supports remote monitoring and management through major service platforms including Domotz Pro, ihiji Invision and OvrC.
By Greg Tarr
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