While traditional two-channel stereo sales keep right on churning, Home Cinema equipment figures are not exactly creating any new records.
Clearly though, there must be some kind of continuing demand
that makes it worthwhile for the likes of Denon and Yamaha to keep on releasing
new models.
Denon latest batch comprises two upper class but nicely
priced Network AV receivers, an affordable full 4K Ultra HD Receiver and two
full 4K/HDSCP 2.2 supported Receivers.
Network AV Receivers
Denon calls the $1,799 AVR-X3200W and $2,799 AVR-X4200W home
theatre centres because both do a lot more than a traditional ASV receiver.
The pair has the latest HDMI connections and both have
built-in Dolby Atmos and DTS: X processing.
The latter can be utilized via a free firmware update coming later in
the year.
Other prime features aboard these models are several new 3D
sound formats and the ability to send the same or a different audio signal to a
second zone of a house in another room.
The video section on either receiver is built to accommodate
the latest HDCPO 2.2 spec required for 4K Ultra HD copy-protected content. The
7.2 channel AVR-X3200W is rated at 180 watts per channel and has built-in Bluetooth
streaming. The 9.2 channels AVR-X45200W is rated at 200 watts for each of seven
channels, has a nine-channel processing capability, 11 speaker terminals and
13.2 channel pre-out connections.
Affordable Bluetooth Enabled Ultra 4K Receivers
With a price tag of $599 the new AVR-X520BT 5.2 channel
receiver has full HDCP 2.2 features, 3D compatibility on all HDMI inputs and
can pair with up to 8 Bluetooth devices wirelessly. Power rating is said to be
130 watts per channel.
Network Dolby Atmos, DTS: X Receivers
Denon’s 7.2 channel home entertainment centres are called
the AVR-X2200W and the AVR-X1200W. Prices are $1,499 and $1,199 respectively.
This kind of money buys Dolby Atmos decoding and DTS: X
readiness via a firmware update available later in the year. Both support full
4K Ultra HD formats.
The AVR-X1200 W is rated at 145 watts per channel and the
AVR-X220W delivers 150 watts per channel.
For more info: www.denon.com.au
