MAHWAH, N.J. – Denon is adding HDMI 2.0 connections, built-in Wi-Fi and built-in Bluetooth for the first time to In-Command networked A/V receivers.
The three new models for 2014 are priced at a suggested $499, $699 and $999. They will join three new previously unveiled 2014 S-series AVRs that were the company’s first AVRs to be announced with HDMI 2.0 and built-in Bluetooth. Two of those models were also the company’s first AVRs to be announced with built-in Wi-Fi. The three S-series models are priced at a suggested $249, $449 and $599.
The $499 In-Command AVR-X1100W and $699 AVR- 2100W are expected to be available in June, followed in July by the $999 AVR-X3100W at select Denon dealers and online.
Like their predecessors and the new S-Series models, the new In-Command AVRs feature built-in AirPlay, DLNA networking and Internet radio.
The new models’ HDMI 2.0 connections passthrough 60Hz 4K Ultra HD video with 4:4:4 Pure Color and support the 21:9 aspect ratio and dynamic auto lip synchronization.
In other key upgrades, the top two models are Denon’s first with ISF video certification, enabling dealers to calibrate their picture controls for both day and night viewing, the company said.
In addition, the $499 model goes to seven channels from five and adds multizone audio, dual subwoofer outputs, AIFF and DSD playback via USB and networked audio sources, and Spotify Connect.
Compared with its predecessor, the $699 model offers eight HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs compared with six HDMI inputs and single HDMI output. Unlike its predecessor, it also features ISF certification, 4K 60Hz up-scaling, AIFF and DSD playback from USB and network sources, a two-in/one-out component switch, and Spotify Connect.
The $999 model, compared with its predecessor, adds ISF certification, 7.2-channel preouts, 4K 60Hz up-scaling, two HDMI preouts, AIFF and DSD playback from USB and network sources, and Spotify Connect.
All three also add 4-ohm speaker-drive certification.
The $499 model is rated at 7×80 watts into 8 ohms from 20Hz to 20kHz with 0.08 percent THD. It also offers access to thousands of Internet radio stations and features Spotify Connect. It also features USB port to connect USB storage devices and Apple mobile devices. The AVR can be controlled from a Denon Remote App for iOS and Android devices.
The AVR also features Gapless DSD, AIFF, ALAC and Flac playback as well as advanced ECO mode, Audyssey MultEQ XT room-acoustics correction, and Audyssey Dynamic EQ. The AVR’s Blu-ray and game HDMI 2.0 inputs support 4K Ultra HD 60 Hz and 4:4:4 Pure Color video pass-through.
The $699 AVR-X2100W is rated at 7×95 watts.
The $999 AVR-X3100W, rated at 7×105 watts, steps up to add DTS Neo:X and Dolby Pro Logic IIz multichannel post processing and Audyssey Dynamic Surround Expansion. It comes with two-zone/two-source capability, Crestron Connected certification, second-zone HDMI out, and digital coax and optical audio to zone two.
Eco mode in all three models reduces overall power consumption.