Denon AVR-A1H High-end AVR Review

[JPA]

I gave it a "fine," as most seemed to do. I think most home theatre folks will believe this unit is very good, if not great. As an audio enthusiast, for 6K I personally demand better specs and DAC performance.

And a better remote. For that amount of money Denon should provide the same nice metal remote the comes with the Marantz AV 10.

 

[sask15]

I think the remote is metal and back lit. So should be comparable to AV10.

 

[GXAlan]

Remote? Most of us with trinnovs use IP control systems. Can’t remember the last time I used the remote.

Yeah, of course. I own one too, but it is fun to bring up in internet comparisons

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[pogo]

How is it possible to get 15.4 with amplification for less than the price of this Denon?

Already going in this direction: Link

 

[JPA]

I think the remote is metal and back lit. So should be comparable to AV10.

Maybe I'm wrong. Crutchfield has a picture of the remote. The button colors are different, but the remote size and button layout look identical, so maybe it is the same.

 

[restorer-john]

This is an excellent addition.

View attachment 426882

Absolutely it is a very welcome addition. The zoomed detail is great- gotta love what the AP can do.

 

[amirm]

I think the remote is metal and back lit. So should be comparable to AV10.

I packed the unit already but pretty sure the remote was plastic and the same as the rest of the line.

 

[Gorgonzola]

Lots of reasons, including the following:
- 19 channels
- video capability, 8k hdmi don't come cheap.
- Multiple DSP functions, playability of multiple sound formats.
- Multiple Inputs, outputs, network capablity.
- 15 channels of power amps.d
- Large power supply for the power amps.

All those things cost, so something have to give, such as not using ICs including opamps, volume controls, dsp that have better specs. They do tend to use reasobably SOTA class DAC ICs on the flagship models, imo because that might make a lot of potential buyers think if the DAC ICs used are SOTA types, then the overall performance might just be SOTA too, unfortunately that's usually not the case.

Regardless, $2000 dac and amps, even without most of the above features, are not going to perform better. If you know of such a combination, I am sure I won't be the only one who want to look into it.

I suppose you're right, but I'd be willing to give up half-a-dozen channels of power to have a better amps and better DACs.

Also, I'm not convinced that $2000 amps and DACs wouldn't sound better. Is that $4k total for stereo? I have a $3K combo I listen to every evening.

 

[rvsixer]

I think one of the key features is four subwoofer out and lots of channel processing.

Unless I am missing something, I kind of have to go with @bachatero on this one. Several of the lower end Denon's starting at $1699 USD msrp have four independent sub outs (though not balanced nor assignable to any other channel, but with the sub DAC out performance on the A1H that's no loss imo).

I currently run a Denon x4800h with four independently tuned subs, and it's great (so good I was able to forget about my standalone music setup, but part of that its all in a new and fully treated room, and my ears can no longer hear more better SOTA ).

 

[sask15]

Audioholics preview says “For those choosing to eschew the HEOS app, the AVR-A1H can be controlled by a new back-lit remote control with an aluminum top and a substantial-feeling 7.3-oz weight”


Someone on AVS forum was talking about it and said this.

“Thanks. I totally missed the side button for backlighting. Thank you.
I was using my Oppo UDP-203 remote last night and that backlight turns on with movement.
Front of remote is metal. I think most (minus battery door) is metal, but not sure. Feels like metal.“

 

[Chrispy]

Good grief whether a remote is metal or plastic, seriously? Do the interior components last longer if the case is metal? Or is it simply an aesthetic thing where fondling metal instead of plastic is some sort of boon? Or visual? You gaze fondly upon a remote? Seems kinda wacky to me....

 

[soerenssen]

Audioholics preview says “For those choosing to eschew the HEOS app, the AVR-A1H can be controlled by a new back-lit remote control with an aluminum top and a substantial-feeling 7.3-oz weight”


Someone on AVS forum was talking about it and said this.

“Thanks. I totally missed the side button for backlighting. Thank you.
I was using my Oppo UDP-203 remote last night and that backlight turns on with movement.
Front of remote is metal. I think most (minus battery door) is metal, but not sure. Feels like metal.“

I can confirm this. My x4800h previously had a plastic remote, not backlit. My A1h came with a heavier remote with aluminium front panel and backlighting (round button on the right side).

 

[Deleted member 77012]

I wonder how it could still make sense to produce a variant with FM tuner onboard. See difference between AVR-A1H and AVC-A1H backsides:

 

[Chrispy]

sorry for my bad English .

What i meant was if one requires more than 5.1channels the logical step would be a processor and separate amplification . but the market has not worked out that way .
Almost any AVR regardless of channel count is less expensive than almost any processor .

Which is kind of strange an AVR is something you put in rack in your living room ? 15 channel HT system is something custom built or skilled DIY in dedicated room , then a separate closet with a rack of components is not unheard off , not an AVR ?

Your english is better than many native speakers What benefit do separates have particularly? Sure, for those wishing the most capable amps, that may be the way to go but for much use the avr works fine. The pre-pros just don't have the economies of scale as avrs do. I could convert my living room system easily enough to at least 9.4.4 (is currently 7.4 but has been 9.4) if I employed Atmos in the ceiling (but don't want the installation pain). Putting the gear in a closet would be nice, but no available closet for such.

 

[sask15]

Good grief whether a remote is metal or plastic, seriously? Do the interior components last longer if the case is metal? Or is it simply an aesthetic thing where fondling metal instead of plastic is some sort of boon? Or visual? You gaze fondly upon a remote? Seems kinda wacky to me....

Could come down to durability and what you might expect when you buy a flagship receiver.

 

[GXAlan]

I wonder how it could still make sense to produce a variant with FM tuner onboard. See difference between AVR-A1H and AVC-A1H backsides:

View attachment 427095

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I don’t know how reliable this data is since it seems to be an AI summary that sometimes mixes US and UK data. The UK is on digital RDS not FM, so hard to know.

Obviously what is popular in the car may not be popular at home.

One moment, please...

 

[Wiredforsound]

I think one of the key features is four subwoofer out and lots of channel processing.

Denon AVR-X3800H​

4 subwoofer channels.
Discrete sub selection

11.4-channel capability
Requiring seperate amplification

 

[Sokel]

Buckeye NC502MP 8-Channel ($2250) Reviewed at 98db SINAD, or potentially LCR on the 106db measuring Purifi 3-channel ($1,495.00).

I didn't check but I hope your SINAD comparison is with identical input levels.
Or else you have to go to THD+N vs level to extract the level and compare.

To all: whoever thinks that separates combined together are automatically doing their best,specially so much gear in a chain like this one has clearly not measure stuff.
Chain a source,a pre,a DSP,an active x-over and a power amp together,measure them end to end and results may be surprising.

And I don't count stuff like a good gain structure,usable levels,all the video stuff in there,onboard PSU,etc,etc.

(I don't even own a AVR but truth must be told)

 

[Dj7675]

Great to see this unit get such a great battery of tests. Not sure how many hours something like this takes for @amirm but it is great to see the results. For those needing/wanting…
-More that 13 channels of processing
-15 channels of amplification that is actually quite good relative to other multichannel amps
-4 independent sub outs
-Choice of EQ with Audyssey or Dirac/DLBC (paid upgrade)
As much as things this expensive can be considered a good value, I think this is a very good value relative to its competitors
My only grips would be:
-No manual PEQ
-No Loudness features outside of Audyssey DEQ (which still boosts surround levels which I do not care for) and no loudness for Dirac (at least that is my understanding)
-No native Roon support unless it has been added)
-No Dirac ART as of yet
But if/when Dirac ART is added it is truly a state of the ART home theater solution that is very stable and loaded with useful features. While certainly heavy I think it more than makes up for it in a simply one box solution.
As for pricing you can get full manufacturers warranty unit for $4899 at safe and sound (open box offers they always seem to run. At that price it is quite attractive.

 

[Chrispy]

Could come down to durability and what you might expect when you buy a flagship receiver.

The inner workings of the remote are what have failed in my experience, not whether the case is metal or not. Then again with IP access, your computer or an app on a phone works well, too. Remotes are probably among the weaker aspects of modern consumer electronics....originals aren't often available the life of the avr in my experience.