Denon AVR-A10H 13.4-Channel Receiver announced!

[SynthesisCinema]

We finally get the refreshed version of X8500HA!

The AVR-A10H features 13 amplified channels and four independent subwoofer outputs, supporting speaker configurations such as 7.4.6 or 9.4.4. It is compatible with various audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro-3D.

This model incorporates a new array of ESS Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs), featuring nine 2-channel ESS DACs, and supports high-resolution audio playback up to 24-bit/192kHz. The receiver provides 150 watts per channel with two channels driven and includes an oxygen-free copper (OFC) wound transformer for improved performance.

Manufactured at Denon's Shirakawa Audio Works in Japan, the AVR-A10H undergoes rigorous testing and hand-tuning by Denon’s Sound Master, Shinichi Yamauchi.
For connectivity, the AVR-A10H is equipped with seven HDMI inputs that support HDMI 2.1, 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HDCP 2.3. It also includes three HDMI outputs: one dedicated to 4K/120Hz and two capable of 8K/60Hz, with one supporting HDMI ARC/eARC. Additional inputs include two optical and two coaxial digital inputs, six analog line inputs, and three legacy video inputs (two composite and one component). A dedicated moving magnet (MM) phono input is also provided for turntable connections.

The AVR-A10H can also function as a 15-channel preamplifier, offering flexibility for custom audio setups with its 15 channel pre-outs. For room calibration, the receiver includes Audyssey MultEQ XT32 and is compatible with Dirac Live Room Correction and Bass Control, which are available with an additional license.

The Denon AVR-A10H will be available starting October 1, 2024, through authorized Denon retailers and on Denon's website, with a retail price of $4,699 and comes with a three year warranty.

AVR-A10H - 13.4 Ch 150W 8K AV Receiver with HEOS Built-in | Denon - US

Denon

www.denon.com

 

[kyuu]

Well the insides certainly look pretty, at least. You'd think they'd do something a little more interesting with the outside, particularly at this price range. Why are all the traditional AVR makers so conservative with their designs? At the very least you'd think they'd ditch the 2-line FLD display and put a nice big LCD on it. LCDs are dirt cheap these days.

Edit: Most importantly, who's going to send one of these beasts to Amir to break his back for testing?

 

[Bghead8che]

Well the insides certainly look pretty, at least. You'd think they'd do something a little more interesting with the outside, particularly at this price range. Why are all the traditional AVR makers so conservative with their designs? At the very least you'd think they'd ditch the 2-line FLD display and put a nice big LCD on it. LCDs are dirt cheap these days.

Edit: Most importantly, who's going to send one of these beasts to Amir to break his back for testing?

We still don't have the A1H review, so I think chances are slim someone sends in the A10H. I'd love to see either.

 

[Bghead8che]

I was just about to buy the A1H but seeing this announcement I might just wait a bit. They do mention a few upgrades that "improve distortion and noise", whatever that means. The question is it an upgrade over the A1H announced over 1.5 years ago?

 

[Zwepp]

If you compare these flagship models to their precursors like the A1SR/A11SR and A1XV/A11XV, I can't help to think that the A1H and this new A10H are way less impressive when it comes to how they're built. No toriodal main transformer, no extra independent transformers (or so it seems) for the preamp, digital and analog sections. The A11XV had 4 tranformers, the A1XV had 6 tranformerd with 12 independent power supplies!! And while the A1XV 'only' had to power 10 channels, it did so with 4 pieces of 33,000uF capacitors. I feels like today you pay a whole lot more for a whole lot less in the hardware department. Could be just me though..

 

[kyuu]

If you compare these flagship models to their precursors like the A1SR/A11SR and A1XV/A11XV, I can't help to think that the A1H and this new A10H are way less impressive when it comes to how they're built. No toriodal main transformer, no extra independent transformers (or so it seems) for the preamp, digital and analog sections. The A11XV had 4 tranformers, the A1XV had 6 tranformerd with 12 independent power supplies!! And while the A1XV 'only' had to power 10 channels, it did so with 4 pieces of 33,000uF capacitors. I feels like today you pay a whole lot more for a whole lot less in the hardware department. Could be just me though..

The question is, does any of that make much difference? Were those better in terms of actual performance? I doubt it. Not to mention those things were even bigger and heavier than this, which is already quite a beast.

 

[linger63]

Wish they did a pre/pro version of this.

 

[Zwepp]

The question is, does any of that make much difference? Were those better in terms of actual performance? I doubt it. Not to mention those things were even bigger and heavier than this, which is already quite a beast.

Will it make an audible difference? Probably not. However, when you pay a certain amount of money for something, you expect something in return for it as well. The older generations were over engineered in a spectacular fashion and it gave you that little extra in terms of pride of ownership.

 

[Zwepp]

Well the insides certainly look pretty, at least. You'd think they'd do something a little more interesting with the outside, particularly at this price range. Why are all the traditional AVR makers so conservative with their designs? At the very least you'd think they'd ditch the 2-line FLD display and put a nice big LCD on it. LCDs are dirt cheap these days.

Edit: Most importantly, who's going to send one of these beasts to Amir to break his back for testing?

I fully agree. Rotel, for example, has been doing this since there were still dinosaurs walking around. Great machines these Denon AVRs and I'll buy a new one again soon, but it's time for a design overhaul!

 

[Svend P]

Wish they did a pre/pro version of this.

Why? It will just be more expensive and not be more transparent than this.

 

[kyuu]

Yeah, for whatever reason taking out the amplifiers from an AVR to make an AVP makes it more expensive. Likely mostly because pre/pros simply don't sell in the same volumes.

 

[peng]

Yeah, for whatever reason taking out the amplifiers from an AVR to make an AVP makes it more expensive. Likely mostly because pre/pros simply don't sell in the same volumes.

Agreed, the other reason is, they know they can increase profit margin significantly, because most potential AVP shoppers are willing to pay a lot more and they believe AVP will sound better even though they likely don't.

 

[linger63]

Why? It will just be more expensive and not be more transparent than this.

Because I have a fully active ATC system.........that's why!!!!!..
BTW.......without amps it should be cheaper.....a few other brands Pre/Pro's are cheaper than their AVR's

 

[Subway2400]

If you compare these flagship models to their precursors like the A1SR/A11SR and A1XV/A11XV, I can't help to think that the A1H and this new A10H are way less impressive when it comes to how they're built. No toriodal main transformer, no extra independent transformers (or so it seems) for the preamp, digital and analog sections. The A11XV had 4 tranformers, the A1XV had 6 tranformerd with 12 independent power supplies!! And while the A1XV 'only' had to power 10 channels, it did so with 4 pieces of 33,000uF capacitors. I feels like today you pay a whole lot more for a whole lot less in the hardware department. Could be just me though..

Not to mention the way smaller heatsinks on todays AVR.

And the "premium" remotes, like the one included with the A1SR (RC-8000):

 

[DrStranger]

Is it just me or does Marantz and Denon keep confusing consumers more and more, and no, I dont want to hear "matantz have a wam sound", is a Cinema 30, do you all agree? And, why release a HDMI 2.1 when its broken? 2.1a is the fixed, with working QMS.

 

[Bghead8che]

Is it just me or does Marantz and Denon keep confusing consumers more and more, and no, I dont want to hear "matantz have a wam sound", is a Cinema 30, do you all agree? And, why release a HDMI 2.1 when its broken? 2.1a is the fixed, with working QMS.

Do any available receivers or pre pros even have HDMI 2.1a? HDMI 2.1b is actually the latest now.

 

[DrStranger]

Do any available receivers or pre pros even have HDMI 2.1a? HDMI 2.1b is actually the latest now.

Yes, StormAudios AVR ISR Fusion 20, it had 2.1a.

 

[peng]

If you compare these flagship models to their precursors like the A1SR/A11SR and A1XV/A11XV, I can't help to think that the A1H and this new A10H are way less impressive when it comes to how they're built. No toriodal main transformer, no extra independent transformers (or so it seems) for the preamp, digital and analog sections.

I am not sure if they are less impressive as it depends. For one thing, toroidal main transformers are often not necessary, or just not suitable. As Gene alluded to, the A1H, A110 etc., don't use toroidal like they did on the less expensive Cinema 30, likely because of the shape that wouldn't have fit as well as an EI core would. All else being equal, toroidal power transformer tend to have lower leakage flux, but those so called custom made EI core that Denon and Marantz use must have been designed to mitigate the slightly more leakage flux as evidenced in so many units being measured by ASR and Audioholics, so at the end of day, if the results are good, that's what's important.

The A11XV had 4 tranformers, the A1XV had 6 tranformerd with 12 independent power supplies!! And while the A1XV 'only' had to power 10 channels, it did so with 4 pieces of 33,000uF capacitors. I feels like today you pay a whole lot more for a whole lot less in the hardware department. Could be just me though..

That monster (a real one!) was listed at $6,000 21 years ago. Inflation adjusted, it would have been over $10,000 for sure. I found that it has service manual available so I am going to try and study it, I already know (just from specs) that it has 10 pieces (for differential implementation) of the TI's flagship PCM1792 DAC, that has SINAD spec of about 108 dB, and DNR about 132 dB (Mono), that's still excellent by today's standard, and amazing, I noticed it has the NJM5532 opamps that are commonly found in so called hi end separates. It would have been a great AVR to have at the time, but between it and today's AVRs, I would just take the much C30 for the much lighter weight and smaller footprint. The newer AVRs use multiple windings instead of multiple power transformers, but again, they do deliver good results, based on multiple bench tests.

The only AVRs that seem comparable to the A1XV/AVR-5805 that I am aware of (might have missed 1 or 2) are probably Yamaha's RX-Z9 (same DAC used), or the Z11, no other ones would come close.

 

[SynthesisCinema]

I am not sure if they are less impressive as it depends. For one thing, toroidal main transformers are often not necessary, or just not suitable. As Gene alluded to, the A1H, A110 etc., don't use toroidal like they did on the less expensive Cinema 30, likely because of the shape that wouldn't have fit as well as an EI core would. All else being equal, toroidal power transformer tend to have lower leakage flux, but those so called custom made EI core that Denon and Marantz use must have been designed to mitigate the slightly more leakage flux as evidenced in so many units being measured by ASR and Audioholics, so at the end of day, if the results are good, that's what's important.

That monster (a real one!) was listed at $6,000 21 years ago. Inflation adjusted, it would have been over $10,000 for sure. I found that it has service manual available so I am going to try and study it, I already know (just from specs) that it has 10 pieces (for differential implementation) of the TI's flagship PCM1792 DAC, that has SINAD spec of about 108 dB, and DNR about 132 dB (Mono), that's still excellent by today's standard, and amazing, I noticed it has the NJM5532 opamps that are commonly found in so called hi end separates. It would have been a great AVR to have at the time, but between it and today's AVRs, I would just take the much C30 for the much lighter weight and smaller footprint. The newer AVRs use multiple windings instead of multiple power transformers, but again, they do deliver good results, based on multiple bench tests.

The only AVRs that seem comparable to the A1XV/AVR-5805 that I am aware of (might have missed 1 or 2) are probably Yamaha's RX-Z9 (same DAC used), or the Z11, no other ones would come close.

What you think would this change be seen in Amir`s measurements somehow or more of marketing?

" Includes an oxygen-free copper (OFC) wound transformer for improved performance. " -A10H

 

[peng]

What you think would this change be seen in Amir`s measurements somehow or more of marketing?

" Includes an oxygen-free copper (OFC) wound transformer for improved performance. " -A10H

I think it will measure about the same as the A1H and C30, may he a dB or 2 better than the C30. Can't say for sure obviously, hopefully someone can convince Denon to send one to Amir.