Denon AVR-A1H High-end AVR Review

[Irwinroad]

Here is a link to the video that bigguyca posted about the Shirakawa Production Facility

https://www.avsforum.com/posts/63273910/

Phil Jones's Masimo Video

 

[kawauso]

I came from 7.2.4 setup with a Pioneer SC-LX901 and in-ceiling speakers mounted close to the side walls and I did the upgrade to 7.4.6 with the A1H and 6 in-ceiling speakers exactly according the Dolby specs and much closer to the middle of the room. The surround bubble immediately sounded way more convincing. Everything fell into place.

Most probably 4 Atmos speakers with the right placement would sound excellent too with the A1H but I'm never going back again. All upmixers in the A1H use 6 Atmos speakers so I won't complain. In hindsight I could have planned to include the Auro-3D VOG but my cove ceiling with acoustic panels don't allow for it anymore. Happy camper here

A setup that strictly follows Dolby's specifications is truly impressive! I also use a 7.2.6 layout following Dolby’s guidelines, and both Dolby Atmos and the Dolby Surround Upmixer sound fantastic.

However, Auro-3D without front heights doesn’t quite work for me, so I haven't been using it. I don’t have any preferred content in native Auro-3D, but I do enjoy using the Auro-3D upmixer for music playback in another room that follows the Auro-3D layout. Because of this, I’m planning to add front heights in the future. The top middles seem to work well as a substitute for VOG, so I expect good results.

 

[NISSE]

Choosing the AVR-X6800H or AVR-X3800H with an external power amplifier based on the required number of channels is a smart choice. It delivers better performance than using the AVR-A1H alone, and even compared to the AVR-A1H with an external power amplifier, I think the difference is almost negligible.

In terms of features, the AVR-A1H and AVR-A10H allow custom assignments of internal amplifiers to any channel, whereas models below the AVR-X6800H don't seem to have this customization option.

Not many people may need this, but I find it very useful. I have separate speaker setups for Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D with 12 speakers each, and I can switch between them seamlessly using preset 1 and 2 without rewiring the speakers

Hi,
------------------
I have just baught a Denon AVR-X4300H second hand. A good bargain for around $300. My set up is 5.1.2 with external amps on front and center (two refurbished NAD C272). And I must say, the sound is just fantastic compared to what I expected. Specially in 2ch stereo (Pure Direct) the Denon (and the one C272) is playing exelent. The only thing I miss with the 4300 is to be able to cut the internal amps on those channels where I use external ones. I guess this is something that maby could`ve been done with a software update, or maby not.
I have installed Atmos speakers from Dali (ALTECO C-1) on top of the front speakers and I`m very happy with that, but the biggest suprise with the 4300 is the video upscaling. I have an expensive (at that time, 2006) Denon DVD player (DVD-3930), and the 4300 converts my old DVDs to 4K (50) like a dream. Contrasts and black levels are fantastic and very litle disturbance in the picture. My TV is a S95C from Samsung, a high-end TV that reveals everything that`s not right.
I have thougt to buy an external DAC to take care of my stereo, but at the moment I`m happy with Denons. Also I use Roons ROCK setup and connect the Roon server directly to the 4300 with HDMI. That means I have a SACD configuration should I need that. And Dire Straits/Brothers in Arms in 5.1 sounds pretty good.
Thx

 

[EWL5]

You’d have to ask @EWL5 . I was just defending some of the unrelated points he brought up regarding my post.

But I mean really, the metal faceplate upgrade alone should be enough lol…

The reason the 3800 and the 4800 exists is because of segmentation. Even the most fundamental of marketing classes will teach you that if you're able to eek out incremental money from a customer by merely changing something slightly differently on a widget for more profit, why wouldn't you?

There's no need for anyone to defend a purchase because everyone's room and financial situation is different. It appears most folks in this thread are Denon/Marantz owners so let's just take a moment to appreciate what we have while they still exist!

 

[chunfengshili]

嗯，是的，Dante 以太网预输出是未来趋势。购买这块 xxx 并使用分离式前置放大器模式的想法不仅价格荒谬，而且目的也荒谬。

Audioholics 的 Gene 承诺将评测一款低成本处理器。15 年前，Onkyo、Integra 和 Yamaha 制造了中保真处理器。此外还有 Classe SSP-800 环绕声处理器等最好的产品。行业现状简直荒谬，他们销售价格昂贵的 AVR。在过去十年中，低成本和高质量多通道放大器产品激增，而处理器产品却在减少。Emotiva 推出了一款新的处理器平台。我欢迎这里的所有狂热者购买 8 x toppings 或 SIML 2 x 通道 DAC，并使用 Dante 预输出坐在椅子上调整音量控制。

View attachment 427134

Um yeah Dante ethernet pre-out is the future. The notion to buy this hunk of xxx and use pre-amp mode with separates is preposterous not just price but purpose.

Gene from Audioholics promises to review a lower cost processor. 15 years ago we had Onkyo, Integra and Yamaha making mid-fi processors. In addition to the best of the best like Classe SSP-800 Surround Sound Processor. Just ridiculous the state of the industry selling back breaking AVR(s). And in the last decade the lower cost and higher quality multichannel amplifier offerings has just exploded while the processor offering has dwindled. And Emotiva has a new platform of processors being introduced. I welcome all the maniacs on here to buy 8 x toppings or SIML 2 x channel DACs and adjust the volume controls while sitting in your chair using Dante pre-out.

View attachment 427134

Hi, I’m thrilled to see my machine featured on ASR. I’m curious, what would these two units cost in your local market?" In China, if you’re looking for a cost-effective Dante decoder, you can get an 8x PCM1794 16-channel decoder for just $440.

 

[dsd4life]

Hi, I’m thrilled to see my machine featured on ASR. I’m curious, what would these two units cost in your local market?" In China, if you’re looking for a cost-effective Dante decoder, you can get an 8x PCM1794 16-channel decoder for just $440.

Where please share your build details including multichannel DAC volume control.

 

[chunfengshili]

Where please share your build details including multichannel DAC volume control.

Simply connect the signal from the DSP's I2S ribbon cable to the Dante card. For volume control, I used the decoder shown in the image above (which comes with its own remote control for volume adjustment).

 

[smile nya]

Simply connect the signal from the DSP's I2S ribbon cable to the Dante card. For volume control, I used the decoder shown in the image above (which comes with its own remote control for volume adjustment).View attachment 432051View attachment 432052

Are you combining the Dante system with the Denon 3800h?

Do you use the Dante amp function, or does it also act as a Dante DSP, and do you utilize the Denon receiver's own functions (HDMI multi-channel, Dirac, etc.)?

This is so amazing.

 

[Biblob]

Again, thanks to @Brambo67 , I now feel comfortable opting for the AVR-X4800H (don't need it but good to have a backup unit) if it ever goes on big sale.

What are the differences between the 3800H and the 4800h? I can't find it so quickly. Is it in terms of amps or codecs, or both?

 

[chunfengshili]

Are you combining the Dante system with the Denon 3800h?

Do you use the Dante amp function, or does it also act as a Dante DSP, and do you utilize the Denon receiver's own functions (HDMI multi-channel, Dirac, etc.)?

This is so amazing.

Denon and Marantz products starting from the 3800 and above can all be modified to support Dante. By the way, 99% of modern AVRs can be retrofitted for Dante support, such as the Arcam AVR5.

Regarding your second question (which I might have misunderstood due to translation limitations): The decoder I’m using is the base model with only decoding capabilities and no DSP functionality. The seller has promised that a DSP-equipped version will be released in 3 to 4 months.

Yes, I’ve utilized Denon’s HDMI and Dirac features, but the Dante output on the Denon cannot control the overall volume level.
Volume adjustments must be made through devices connected after the Dante output

 

[smile nya]

Denon and Marantz products starting from the 3800 and above can all be modified to support Dante. By the way, 99% of modern AVRs can be retrofitted for Dante support, such as the Arcam AVR5.

Regarding your second question (which I might have misunderstood due to translation limitations): The decoder I’m using is the base model with only decoding capabilities and no DSP functionality. The seller has promised that a DSP-equipped version will be released in 3 to 4 months.

Yes, I’ve utilized Denon’s HDMI and Dirac features, but the Dante output on the Denon cannot control the overall volume level.
Volume adjustments must be made through devices connected after the Dante output

I'm using a translator, so it might be a little awkward, but I'd like to know more clearly.
1. I understand that after sending the source of the Dante decoder to the Denon receiver, the Denon receiver uses this to process DSP such as Dirac.
After that, it outputs the speaker to the Denon receiver's amplifier. Is that right?

2. The Denon receiver can only act as a DSP and amplifier in the Dante link,
and it can't act as a Dante decoder, right?

3. Then, I understand that the HDMI input source of the Denon receiver can't be sent to another Dante amplifier. Considering the role of the Dante receiver, what are the uses of the HDMIs of the Denon receiver?

4. Can the Dante circuit device installed in the receiver be easily installed?
I'm also curious about the price.


I'd like to know the receiver role in Dante. This is also a question I'm asking because I didn't understand Dante.
I apologize for the awkwardness of my English

 

[EWL5]

What are the differences between the 3800H and the 4800h? I can't find it so quickly. Is it in terms of amps or codecs, or both?

Here you go:

Denon AVR-X3800H vs Denon AVR-X4800H: Comprehensive Comparison

Compare the Denon AVR-X3800H and Denon AVR-X4800H. Discover the differences in features, specs, performance, and find out which A/V receiver is the best for you.

www.zkelectronics.com

 

[chunfengshili]

I'm using a translator, so it might be a little awkward, but I'd like to know more clearly.
1. I understand that after sending the source of the Dante decoder to the Denon receiver, the Denon receiver uses this to process DSP such as Dirac.
After that, it outputs the speaker to the Denon receiver's amplifier. Is that right?

2. The Denon receiver can only act as a DSP and amplifier in the Dante link,
and it can't act as a Dante decoder, right?

3. Then, I understand that the HDMI input source of the Denon receiver can't be sent to another Dante amplifier. Considering the role of the Dante receiver, what are the uses of the HDMIs of the Denon receiver?

4. Can the Dante circuit device installed in the receiver be easily installed?
I'm also curious about the price.


I'd like to know the receiver role in Dante. This is also a question I'm asking because I didn't understand Dante.
I apologize for the awkwardness of my English

To clarify the signal path:
HDMI input → Denon's DSP (for EQ/processing) → Dante interface output → Dante decoder → amplifier → speakers.

Additional notes:

For beginners, this process is challenging as it requires electronics/circuit knowledge.

Costs vary by region and are hard to compare directly. In China, the modifications typically cost around ¥2000 RMB (~$280 USD).

 

[smile nya]

To clarify the signal path:
HDMI input → Denon's DSP (for EQ/processing) → Dante interface output → Dante decoder → amplifier → speakers.

Additional notes:

For beginners, this process is challenging as it requires electronics/circuit knowledge.

Costs vary by region and are hard to compare directly. In China, the modifications typically cost around ¥2000 RMB (~$280 USD).

Thank you for your kind explanation. I saw the Dante signal path and the question was solved! Is there a manual for engineers from other countries who have no experience in Dante's modifications to understand which terminal to connect to?

 

[chunfengshili]

Thank you for your kind explanation. I saw the Dante signal path and the question was solved! Is there a manual for engineers from other countries who have no experience in Dante's modifications to understand which terminal to connect to?

No, and due to limitations in translation tools, I can't provide detailed specifics

 

[smile nya]

No, and due to limitations in translation tools, I can't provide detailed specifics

Ok. Could you please give me a link to the page where I can buy your product?

 

[chunfengshili]

Ok. Could you please give me a link to the page where I can buy your product?

This is a hobby build, not my main work. With cross-border shipping, the total cost could exceed purchasing a JBL SDR35 directly

 

[mtbdudex]

I looked at the A1H tech specs and it’s not clear to me it HDMI 2.1 bandwidth capability.

Tested a small 6 foot HDMI cable, 8k pass = 40Gbps

Tested both my soon to install into conduit long cables (both over 30 foot), 8k pass same 40Gbps

So conclusion is the A1H maxes at 40Gbps then? Was that tested here also, max HDMI bandwidth?
Ref this table.

 

[ban25]

I looked at the A1H tech specs and it’s not clear to me it HDMI 2.1 bandwidth capability.

Tested a small 6 foot HDMI cable, 8k pass = 40Gbps
View attachment 432749

Tested both my soon to install into conduit long cables (both over 30 foot), 8k pass same 40Gbps
View attachment 432751

So conclusion is the A1H maxes at 40Gbps then? Was that tested here also, max HDMI bandwidth?
Ref this table.

View attachment 432769

Yes. 40Gbps on all inputs. There are no commercially available 48 Gbps AVRs on the market as of yet.

 

[Head_Unit]

Are you just never going to get SINAD better than ~105 when you've got that massive power brick and all those video processing circuits and all the other fun stuff in a top-end AVR sitting next to the DAC chips?

Well the one Harman? JBL? processor @amirm tested did measure well but that was it. In the Topping B200 thread someone was bemoaning the external power supply, wanted it in the chassis. But I hypothesize that having it completely outside helps them hit those high numbers.

As for this Denon, my summary would be:
- Nice Preamp!
- Lousy Amp!
Is that about right?