Denon AVR-A10H 13.4-Channel Receiver announced!

[burkm]

Wish they did a pre/pro version of this.

If they would, It probably would cost at least the same as the corresponding base model because of low numbers built and sold...
Thus it would be "better" to buy the base model directly...

 

[anioq]

Finally it weights the same as the RZ70! Hopefully the fan doesn't spin at normal listening volumes.

Will it offer selectable digital filters?

When will it go on sale at 50% off?

...and when are they going to give us XLR pre-outs?

oxygen-free copper is pretty important, the mogami cables got them and they have never oxidated for me versus other cables.

 

[burkm]

I think, that copper cables etc. are today almost always "oxygen free" (OFC), because this is the standard the industry produces its copper anyways...

 

[kyuu]

Yeah you'd have to try pretty hard to procure copper cable that is less than four-nines. Not that the oxygen embedded in the metal is what causes oxidation anyway.

 

[Haskil]

And there's always Heos which doesn't move and is a terrible UpNP-DLNA application to use - you can't even fast forward while reading a file - and incapable of broadcasting multichannel sound... We'll have to for Denon-Marantz to do something...

 

[steveoat87]

In their advertisements, Denon talks about a new HEOS module. However, it is still only 2 channel. For a unit this expensive, is it too much to ask for HEOS to be multichannel?

 

[masterhw]

In their advertisements, Denon talks about a new HEOS module. However, it is still only 2 channel. For a unit this expensive, is it too much to ask for HEOS to be multichannel?

typical forum hearsay but I saw it claimed there would be a major Heos update coming H2 2025 alongside the new AVR lineup. It would include multichannel.

 

[Haskil]

typical forum hearsay but I saw it claimed there would be a major Heos update coming H2 2025 alongside the new AVR lineup. It would include multichannel.

Would include or will include?
Will it allow you to move forward quickly in the read file or will it continue to only allow reading, pose or stop?

 

[Descartes]

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

The AVR-A10H 13.4 Ch 150W 8K AV Receiver with HEOS Built-in from Denon provides high quality audio for your hi-fi needs. Explore more AV Receivers at Denon - US.

www.denon.com

What a beast! It will be interesting to see how it compares to the Marantz Cinema 30?

 

[MSRP-Buyer]

I'm in Japan and the A1H and the Cinema 30 are roughly the same price around 4500 USD. I was ready to pull the trigger on the Cinema 30 when the announcement came out about the A10H. I may still get the Cinema 30 as it comes with the Marantz 5 year warranty. I have a home theater of 7.4.4.

 

[peng]

I'm in Japan and the A1H and the Cinema 30 are roughly the same price around 4500 USD. I was ready to pull the trigger on the Cinema 30 when the announcement came out about the A10H. I may still get the Cinema 30 as it comes with the Marantz 5 year warranty. I have a home theater of 7.4.4.

Thank you for sharing, I always like to know prices outside of the Americas as that helps in making choices. In this case, the A1H vs Cinema 30 in the US is $6,499 vs $4,500, even the Denon A10H is $199 more than the C30's, as listed on their websites.

The A10H is more directly comparable with the Cinema 30, so it looks like in Japan, the A1H is a much better deal, for whatever reasons but that's based on list prices only. Marantz does have longer warranty, and to most people, much better looking. Denon wins on the DAC ICs (ESS reference class) and stronger power supplies but all those things won't likely make a difference as the DAC ICs are not really the bottleneck overall, and the differences in the VA rating of the power supplies probably would make less than 1 dB of difference.

 

[dansan69]

Looks like a nice piece of kit.
If I had my way, the higher end receivers would sport 9 channels of internal amplification and 3 routeable XLR outs for the front LCRs - that way customers could start out with a 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 setup and eventually move to 7.1.4 using a high quality 3 channel external power amplifier for the LCRs (that would only render one internal amp unused, but internal amps would be left driving the less utilized auxiliary channels). For more complex setups there could be extra rca outs, but I bet 7.1.4 would cover the majority of the market, and maybe 11.x.y setups are better off with a Trinnov class processor anyway.
An xlr out for the sub channel(s) would be nice too though.
And while we are at it …. The HDMI HW should be on an exchangeable board, that can be changed by the customer using a screwdriver in less than 10 min.

 

[Fancypants]

Curious as to the forums thoughts on the A10H compared to the A1H Amir just reviewed. Feels like the A10H is the better value overall for most folks who don’t require 15 channels.

 

[masterhw]

Curious as to the forums thoughts on the A10H compared to the A1H Amir just reviewed. Feels like the A10H is the better value overall for most folks who don’t require 15 channels.

it’s been described in first-party sources as essentially identical, less two channels. I certainly agree it’s the more appropriate choice if 13 channels suffices.

 

[Guilherme66]

I just bought the DENON A10H. I can't wait to hear this beast.

 

[Guilherme66]

I bought my Denon A10H and it should arrive next week.
I'm going to return the Integra DRX 8.4 which didn't work well in my system.
Basic question. Will I have to change the impedance of the A10H to 4 ohms? My front trio Dynanudio Contour is 4 ohms. With the Integra DRX 8.4 it wasn't necessary to change the impedance.

 

[peng]

I bought my Denon A10H and it should arrive next week.
I'm going to return the Integra DRX 8.4 which didn't work well in my system.
Basic question. Will I have to change the impedance of the A10H to 4 ohms? My front trio Dynanudio Contour is 4 ohms. With the Integra DRX 8.4 it wasn't necessary to change the impedance.

It depdends on:

- Which Contour model?
- Distance.
- How loud, that is, maximum peak spl you need at you mlp?

Any midrange AVR can drive 4 ohm rated speakers successfully without sacrificing dyanamics limited by a lowered rail voltage, but again, it depends on your use conditions.

The A10H's current capability is comparable to that of the integra, based on specs.

 

[Guilherme66]

Frontal Dynaudio Contour 20 4ohms
Central- EVOKE 25 4 ohms
Surround e Atmos Kef CI160QS 8 ohms
Sub JLAudio D110

I listen from a distance of 4 meters. It depends on the time and moment, but I like to listen to music at a high volume and movies at a moderate volume.

In 8.4, RZ 70 and LX 805, it was mentioned in several reviews not to change the impedance to 4 ohms.


Manual Denon A10H,

Before connecting speakers​

NOTE
Disconnect this unit’s power plug from the power outlet before connecting the speakers. Also, turn off the subwoofer.
Connect so that the speaker cable core wires do not protrude from the speaker terminal. The protection circuit may be activated if the core wires touch the rear panel or if the + and - sides touch each other. (Protection circuitlink)
Never touch the speaker terminals while the power cord is connected. Doing so could result in electric shock. When the “Setup Assistant” (page 9 in the separate “Quick Start Guide”) is running, follow the instructions in the “Setup Assistant” screen for making connections. (Power is not supplied to the speaker terminals while the “Setup Assistant” is running.)
Use speakers with an impedance of 4 – 16 Ω/ohms.
When connecting speakers with different impedances, set the impedance based on the speaker with the lowest impedance.

NOTE
Carry out the following settings when using a speaker with an impedance of 4 – 6 Ω/ohms.

Press and hold the main unit’s STATUS and ZONE3 SOURCE at the same time for at least 3 seconds.
“

4K/8K Format <Enhanced>” appears on the display.
Press Cursor Down on the main unit twice.
“

Sp. Impedance <8ohms>” appears on the display.
Use Cursor Left or Cursor Right on the main unit to select the impedance.

8ohms (Default):	Select when the impedance for all of the connected speakers is 8 Ω/ohms or over.
6ohms:	Select when the impedance for any of the connected speakers is 6 Ω/ohms.
4ohms:	Select when the impedance for any of the connected speakers is 4 Ω/ohms.

Press the main unit’s ENTER to complete the setting.

 

[peng]

Frontal Dynaudio Contour 20 4ohms
Central- EVOKE 25 4 ohms
Surround e Atmos Kef CI160QS 8 ohms
Sub JLAudio D110

I listen from a distance of 4 meters. It depends on the time and moment, but I like to listen to music at a high volume and movies at a moderate volume.

In 8.4, RZ 70 and LX 805, it was mentioned in several reviews not to change the impedance to 4 ohms.

I think they said that because if you change the impedance to 4 ohms the AVR will limit the maximum output voltage to a much lower values, that means the current will be limited to a much lower value too. That's fine if you don't listen loud enough and don't sit far enough. For example, for you distance of 4 meter, you can still get 90-95 dB maximum for peaks or 70-75 dB average (just ball park estimate) based on the sensitivity measured by the stereophile but you could be getting close to the limits of the AVR even in the default 8 ohms setting so in the 4 ohms setting, you will almost for sure be reaching the limit and performance might suffer, audibly..

Dynaudio Contour 20 loudspeaker Measurements

Sidebar 3: Measurements

www.stereophile.com

If I had those speakers and for my SPL requirements I would definitely leave it in the default setting but I will not suggest you do that because if something happens, that likely would be for other reasons, you might think it is because you did not follow Denon's instructions in the manual. As Gene said ".....I can show you the facts....."

Gene had written on this topic more than once, below is one that has been posted on ASR a few times before:

Setting the A/V Receiver Impedance Selector Switch

This article explores the purpose and function of the impedance switch found on some A/V receivers. Tradeoffs of following manufacturers recommended settings are also discussed. YouTube video inside.

www.audioholics.com

Yamaha RX-A6A 9.2CH 8K AV Receiver Bench Test Results!

We bench tested the Yamaha RX-A6A 9.2CH 8K 150watt/ch Atmos/DTS:X Receiver to gauge power output and uncover performance issues we discovered. We discuss the proper settings for best power delivery.

www.audioholics.com

 

[Guilherme66]

Thank you very much for your attention. My only concern is regarding the receiver's warranty. If there is a problem, they may claim that I did not change it to 4 ohms. I don't know if it is possible for them to have this information.
I also think you are right about these numbers, so much so that I did not change the impedance on the Integra and had no problems.
I do not want to limit the Denon's power.

I miss my old Pioneer Elite SC-67 that had these speakers and didn't have this impedance selector. I was happy for twelve years with this beast.