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Denon has added to its IN-Command X Series AV Receiver range with two new fifth-generation models, the AVR-X2400H and AVR-X1400H. Meanwhile, sister brand Marantz has launched two new slimline network AV receivers, the NR1608 and NR1508. All four products combine popular home theater features with multiroom music playback through HEOS, and will be made available this month.
The new AVR-X2400H from Denon offers all the features of its predecessor, the AVR-X2300H, but with greater ability for both home theater and music use. It includes the Audyssey MultEQ XT calibration and setup system, complete with Denon’s new Audyssey MultEQ Editor app to allow the user to fine-tune its settings.
The AVR-X2400H is a 7.2-channel design, with fully discrete amplifier technology that delivers 95 watts per channel at 8 ohms, 20Hz–20kHz, and 0.08 percent THD from each of its seven channels. It has built-in decoding for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, creating immersive three-dimension cinema experiences.
Eight HDMI inputs, including one conveniently positioned on the front panel, feed a video section supporting Full 4K Ultra HD, HDCP 2.2, HDR, BT.2020, Wide Color Gamut, and 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, allowing the connection of all the latest devices such as game consoles, Blu-ray players, or streaming set-top-boxes. It comes ready for Dolby Vision and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma; via future firmware update), and has an advanced video processor to upscale existing lower resolution video to true 4K. Two HDMI outputs mean users can even connect a TV and a projector in parallel.
Being a Denon product, the AVR-X2400H is built to play music to a high standard. With its wireless Bluetooth, it plays music direct from portable devices, and has full network connectivity via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Dual antenna and dual-band support guarantee a strong network signal even in crowded Wi-Fi environments, and once connected, the AVR-X2400H opens up unlimited music sources and playback options, including Apple AirPlay, network attached storage devices (NAS), TuneIn Internet Radio, and a wide range of streaming services including Pandora, Spotify, and Tidal.
Through the HEOS app, available for iOS, Android and Fire devices, users can stream their favorite music to any—or all—rooms in the home by connecting via Bluetooth or an existing Wi-Fi network. This gives users multiroom audio control at their fingertips, commanding music in every room from any HEOS device.
Launched alongside the AVR-X2400H, the AVR-X1400H is designed to bring much of the same technology and flexibility down to an even more affordable price. It still has full Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatibility and 4K video capability, not to mention Bluetooth network music and HEOS wireless multiroom.
With 80W per channel at 8 ohms, 20Hz–20kHz, 0.08 percent THD, the AVR-X1400H still has more than enough power to deliver the full immersive Dolby Atmos/DTS:X effect, while six HDMI inputs—including one on the front panel for temporary hook-ups—give plenty of connectivity options for modern playback devices.
For Marantz, the NR1608 and NR1508 aim to bring the company’s compact device concept up to date with features including compatibility with the newest 4K ultra high definition video content, including Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log Gamma, plus Marantz sound quality for both movies and music. Designed to sit at the heart of a complete home entertainment system, both models also have a wide range of facilities to enable music to be shared and enjoyed, including network streaming, Bluetooth and Airplay for playback from portable devices, and the HEOS wireless multi-room system.
In a unit standing 4.1 inches tall, the NR1608 is compatible with the full range of variations on 4K Ultra High Definition video, from 4K-60Hz video to HDR, as well as Dolby Vision compatibility and Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG; via future firmware update). It also has decoders for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D surround sound, and seven channels of amplification. Eight HDMI inputs enable a full array of high-definition sources to be connected with 4K video and hi-res surround sound, with the ability to drive 5.1.2-channel speaker systems with its 7x50W (8 ohms, 20Hz–20 kHz, 0.08 percent THD).
Like the new AVRs from Denon, Audyssey MultEQ simplifies setup and calibration, and the NR1608 also streams music from local network storage or the internet, using either wired or Wi-Fi to connect to a home network as well as TuneIn Internet Radio and services including Pandora, Spotify, and other popular streaming services. It can also stream music from a computer or NAS drive at up to 192kHz/24bit and DSD5.6MHz.
Completing the NR1608 is a simple on-screen Setup Assistant to get started, color-coded speaker terminals so users don’t get channels crossed up, and an Intelligent ECO mode designed to minimize power consumption without getting in the way of entertainment.
The NR1508 is a simpler receiver, designed for those who don’t want all the features of the NR1608, but still need a high-performance home entertainment hub. A 5.2-channel design, with five discrete 50W channels (8 ohms, 20Hz–20kHz, 0.08 percent THD), it is compatible with all the same 4K video formats on its six HDMI inputs, and has decoding for Dolby True HD and DTS-HD for conventional surround setups. The same Audyssey MultEQ setup and functionality is featured, and the NR1508 can also be controlled using the Marantz 2016 AVR app.
As on the NR1608, an onscreen Setup Guide and color-coded speaker terminals make installation simple, and Intelligent ECO Mode allows energy to be saved without compromising performance.
