Would have been nice to see at least 7 channel testing, since Denon has become ridiculous with their claims. I had the AVC-A1XVA (in USA AVR 5805 I believe) it was a huge beast that weighs 99 lbs despite using a toroidal transformer (and they are more effective hence weighing up to 50% less than an equivalent EI transformer. It was rated at 10x170 watts and of course still with only 2 channels, but with the massive transformer plus little over 132.000 microfarad capacitor, it was much more likely to deliver the rated power than these "beasts" from Denon today. I remember reading a German test/review (only one I could find with actual test) of the Avr-X8500ha and denon claims 13x150 watt on this only approx 50 lbs receiver (despite using EI transformer) with only about 66.000 microfarad capacitors, but with testing, as soon as going 5 channels or more, the watts fell dramatically. I as far as I remember it was even a 1% THD @1 kHz testing, so far from the claimed 0.05% THD @ 20-20.000 hz test. Technology has improved, but when still using class A/B design cutting weight in half while using less effective/heavier transformer and claiming more power is ridiculous. It's the small chips that has become better in for instance video board, and they weigh next to nothing plus the don't really get smaller, because they just use more up to date versions, that have same size and weight, but has more compute power. Just like a 10 year old Intel i7 cpu still about same size and weight as now, but the new one can make more and faster calculations.
I think you're right, but for real world music listening and movie watching, there is usually no need to have such ACD equal output rating as 2, 3 up to 5 channel output ratings that Denon and Marantz claimed guaranteed at least 70% anyway, because even if a 7.1.6 configuration may have to deal with moments where the contents may drive all 13 channels to peak simultaneously, it would be for brief/short durations that might last a second or two, and the likes of A10H, A1H, or even the midrange X4000H series Denon can handle those moments without issues. Those have higher output needs they could do well with external power amps and that's why AVR manufacturers provide multichannel pre outs. One can argue that Manufacturers have done the right thing not to force everyone to spend extras on the 70 to 90 lb "beast" AVRs. It is not only money, but in many cases, also space, and weight.
Toroidal transformers are lighter that EIs but only on all else being equal basis, with advance in technology, it is quite possible that Denon's latest custom designed EI transformer may not add much weight vs Toroids, and if they were to fit a equivalent Toroid in the A1H or A10H, they apparently would have issues with the size, geometry of the case, so they had to make compromise, that's my understanding from a few videos. Again, we really don't know if using EI in those most models resulted in weight gain, though I guess may be possible a little, 1-2 lbs, just may be.
I understand ownership pride for those who own the big and heavy "beasts", I had my fair share before but have been downsizing and become very fond of the smaller and lighter gear now.
I used to like my beast amps a lot, but since switching to the tiny class D stuff, I seem to enjoy music listening more. That little one in the picture is rated 350 W/500 W 8/4 ohms, and I don't miss the giant 250/400 W 8/4 ohm class AB amp at all. Hopefully D+M would switch their heavy AVRs such as the A1H, A10H, and Cinema 30 to class D and SMPS soon so we can save room, electricity costs, the environment and our backs Lol..
