Mahwah, N.J. – Denon unveiled its next generation of
IN-Command A/V receivers (AVRs), all featuring networking capabilities and, for
the first time, 4K by 2K passthrough and up-scaling.
Like their three predecessors, the three new seven-channel
models feature networking, Apple AirPlay, Internet radio and
custom-installation features. To these features, the new models add a new
streamlined front-panel design, larger character displays, and redesigned GUI
interfaces with improved graphics.
The new models are the $649-suggested AVR-2113CI, $899
AVR-2313CI, and $1,199 AVR-3313CI. The $649 model ships in May, and other two
ship in June. They replace three models launched last year at suggested retails
of $599, $799 and $999. A fourth higher-priced model is due later in the year.
The IN-Command introductions follow last month’s unveiling
of Denon’s
, which brought networking and Apple AirPlay down to a starting
suggested retail of $399 from the previous line’s $529.
In the new IN-Command
models, carryover features include DLNA 1.5 networking to stream music and
photos from a networked PC, AirPlay, Windows 7 certification, 24-bit/192-kHz
DACs, Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Audyssey Dynamic EQ, Audyssey MultEQ XT room
correction, and iPod/iPhone-certified USB input, which captures music from
Apple mobile devices in digital PCM form. Also like before, the three models
can be controlled from a Denon iOS and Android app, but some new app features
are accessible only through these models, including seamless scrolling of
Internet radio and networked-PC content.
In one change, the series offers a different lineup of
Internet content sources. This year’s models feature Internet radio, Pandora, SiriusXM
Internet Radio, and Flickr, whereas the previous models offered Internet radio,
Pandora, the now-defunct Napster, Rhapsody and Flickr.
The units also add GUI overlay on a 4K display.
The trio starts with the $649 7.1-channel AVR-2113CI, which
passes through and up-scales HD video to 4K by 2K resolution, Dolby TrueHD and
dts-HD Master Audio decoding, Dolby Pro Logic IIz post-processing to deliver
front-height channels, FLAC HD music playback, proprietary compressed-audio
restorer, two-source/two-zone audio operation, powered zone-two audio, six HDMI
1.4a inputs (one on the front panel), one HDMI 1.4a output with audio return
channel, standby HDMI passthrough, and ability to integrate with the
home-control systems of Control4, AMX, Crestron, RTI, URC and Savant.
At $899, the AVR-2313CI adds 7.2-channel capability, higher
power output, Audyssey DSX post-processing technology to deliver front-height
or image-widening left-right speakers, two simultaneous HDMI outputs and compatibility
with Audyssey Pro installer package for correcting room acoustics.
The $1,199 AVR-3313CI adds metal front panel, flip-down
door, higher output, HD Radio, three-source/three-zone capability, second-zone
video, seven HDMI inputs, and three HDMI outputs. The three HDMI outputs
consist of two parallel outputs and one discrete output to connect up to three HD
displays. The outputs send two different HDMI feeds to two displays at the same
time directly from the receiver, eliminating the need for an external HDMI switcher,
the company said.
The AVR-3313CI also adds proprietary Denon Link HD
connection for improved sound quality from a new compatible Denon Blu-ray
player, Dynamic Discrete Surround Circuit to improve music reproduction,
7.2-channel preamp outputs and seven HDMI 1.4a inputs (one on the front panel).
The recently released AVRs in the brand’s core series are
the $249-suggested 5.1-channel AVR-1513 with HDMI 1.4a inputs and output, the
$399 5.1-channel AVR-1613 with networking and AirPlay, the $449 5.1-channel
AVR-1713 with networking and AirPlay, and the $5,79 7.1-channel AVR-1913, which
adds two-zone capability. In the previous core lineup, networking and AirPlay
started at a suggested $529 at launch.
