Denon introduced two X-series and four S-series audio video receiver models Thursday. The range brings popular features including, Amazon Alexa Voice Control skills, and Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X surround sound.
Other enhancements include multi video-format support and multi-room wireless music distribution via the company’s popular HEOS platform.
Further, the new receivers are optimized for use in custom home theater installations, including ihiji invision remote system management technology and Domotz Pro remote monitoring and management technology.
The models include: the AVR-X2500H ($799 suggested retail) and AVR-X1500H ($599), which will be available in May; and the Denon S-Series models, available now, include: the AVR-S940H ($579), AVR-S740H ($479), AVR-S640H ($379) and AVR-S540BT ($279).
New X-Series models include the AVR-X2500H and AVR-X1500H 7.2 channel receivers that are Alexa-enabled and have HEOS multi-room audio distribution built-in.
Amazon’s Alexa Smart Home Skill for Entertainment Devices allows users to leverage voice commands to control a variety of functions, including power on/off, volume, mute/unmute, music play/pause, external input switching and playback of supported streaming services. Both models have built-in phono inputs for owners of large vinyl record libraries.
The AVR-X2500H (pictured at top) and AVR-X1500H both include Dolby Atmos and DTS:X capability for object-based audio surround sound with multi-speaker setups, and DTS Virtual:X, which creates virtual height effects in 5.1, 7.1 or even 2.1 speaker arrangements for DTS encoded or PCM content.
The receivers also provide 4K Ultra HD 60Hz video, 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, Dolby Vision, High Dynamic Range (HDR), HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma), up to BT.2020 pass-through support and HDCP 2.2 content protection on all HDMI inputs (six on the X1500H and eight n the X2500H).
Both X-series models also feature “ihiji Invision” and Domotz Pro remote system management technology bringing external and IP control capabilities for easy customization and compatibility with third-party solutions. Technologies like Simple Device Detection Protocol (SDDP) certification for seamless integration with Control4 home automation equipment helps ensure painless setup.
Other features include: 185 watts per channel (X2500H); 175 watts per channel (X1500H) at 6 ohms, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven; 95 watts per channel (X2500H); 80 watts per channel (X1500H) at 8 ohms, 20 Hz -20 kHz, THD:0.08%, 2 channel driven; 8 HDMI inputs and 2 dual outputs (X2500H), 6 HDMI inputs and 1 output (X1500H); 4K/30Hz upscaling (X2500H only); Denon guided setup assistant and graphical user interface; built-in HEOS wireless multi-room audio technology supporting music services like Spotify, Pandora, Tidal and more via Bluetooth, AirPlay or the free HEOS app; 32-bit/192kHz AKM DAC (AKM4458VN) for all channels; high-res support, including: ALAC, FLAC, WAV (up to 24-bit/196- kHz) as well as DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz tracks; powered Zone 2 capability, as well as Zone 2 preouts; Audyssey MultEQ XT room optimization technology and included mic, stand/Dynamic EQ & Volume; optional “Audyssey MultEQ editor” app on iOS and Android for further customizatio in addition to a Denon AVR remote app.
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The S series models, including the AVR-S940H, AVR-S740H, AVR-S640H and AVR-S540BT, support multi-room functionality, voice control with Amazon Alexa, immersive audio formats and support for the latest video technologies.
Easily streaming music throughout the home is possible running popular music services like Spotify, Pandora, Tidal and others using built-in HEOS technology and Amazon Alexa voice compatibility.
Consumers can use their voice for a broad variety of functions, including adjusting volume, muting/unmuting, play/pause, input switching, and of course, playing their favorite music.
The new AVRs deliver support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X and discrete, high-current power amplifiers on all channels. The receivers’ array of HDMI inputs support 4K Ultra HD/60 Hz with full-rate pass-through.
Supported HDR formats include: Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG over most HDMI inputs along with HDCP 2.2 content protection.
Discrete high-current power amplifiers drive all channels on the S-Series AVRs. All four AVRs offer operational stability with a wide range of speakers for balanced, quality sound.
For simplified, accurate set-up and calibration, the S-Series also Other features include: Audyssey MultEQ room optimization technology with included mic and stand (excluding the AVR-S540BT). The addition of Audyssey Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ enables installers and users to have control in audio set up for optimal fidelity.
Audyssey Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ manage unwarranted audio inflections, allowing users to listen at lower levels and still enjoy clear dialogue, music and sound effects.
Key features across the range include: AVR- S540BT: 5.2-channels at 140 watts per channel (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven), 70 watts per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz -20 kHz, THD:0.08%, 2 channel driven); 5 HDMI inputs/1 output supporting 4K Ultra HD 60Hz video, HDR, Dolby Vision, Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) pass-through on 3 designated HDMI inputs.
Also included are: HDCP 2.2 support on 3 HDMI inputs for copy-protected content; ARC and HDMI-CEC support; standby HDMI pass-through; Bluetooth for wireless music streaming from your smart devices; auto setup and room EQ feature with microphone; support for MP3, WMA and MPEG-4/AAC tracks; compatibilty with HEOS Link for multi-room music streaming; dedicated “Denon 500 Series Remote” app on iOS and Android; and full control of the receiver via Bluetooth.
The AVR-S640H features: 5.2-channels at 150 watts per channel (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven), 75 watts per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz -20 kHz, THD:0.08%, 2 channel driven); 5 HDMI inputs/1 out with features such as 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling and BT2020; class-leading advanced graphical user interface and the Denon AVR Remote app; 4K Ultra HD 60Hz video, HDR, Dolby Vision compatibility and Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG); streaming support for Spotify, Pandora, TuneIn, Deezer, and many others via Bluetooth, AirPlay or the HEOS app; phono input; 32-bit/192kHz AKM DAC (AKM4458VN) for all channels; High-Res music support including: ALAC, FLAC, WAV (up to 24-bit/196- kHz) as well as DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz tracks; Audyssey MultEQ technology with Dynamic EQ & Dynamic Volume
The models AVR-S740H and S940H feature: S740H – 7.2-channel AVR at 165 watts per channel (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven), 75 watts per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz -20 kHz, THD:0.08%, 2 channel driven); S940H – 7.2-channel AVR at 185 watts per channel (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven), 90 watts per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz -20 kHz, THD:0.08%, 2 channel driven); Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X; 8 HDMI inputs and 2 dual outputs (S940H), 6 HDMI inputs and 1 output (S740H); 4K/30Hz upscaling (S940H only); optional “Audyssey MultEQ Editor” app compatibility; Powered Zone 2.
By Greg Tarr
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