Denon AVP-A1HD - Page 16

16
WWW.AUDIOHOLICS.COM
Denon Electronics
100CorporateDrive•Mahwah,N.J.07430-2041
www.usa.denon.com
The scoring below is based on each speaker doing the duty it is designed for. The numbers
are weighed heavily with respect to the individual cost of each unit, thus giving a rating equal to:
Performance x Price Factor/Value = Rating
Audioholics.com Note: The ratings indicated below are based on subjective listening and objective
testing of the product in question. The rating scale is based on performance/value ratio. If you notice better
performing products in future reviews that have lower numbers in certain areas, be aware that the value
factor is most likely the culprit. Other Audioholics reviewers may rate speakers solely based on performance,
and each reviewer has their own system for ratings.
Audioholics Ratings Scale:
Outstanding (reserved for features or areas that exceed market norms)
Above Average
Average
Below average
Very poor
Subjective Score Card
METRIC RATING
Build Quality
1
/2
 Ergonomics/UserInterface
1
/2
Features
1
/2
Television Performance
1
/2
Video Performance
1
/2
Overall
1
/2
Value
1
/2
Frequency Response Linearity (20-20k +/- 0.25dB)
SNR
Multi-channel Audio
2 CH Audio
Video Processing
Build Quality
Fit and Finish
 Ergonomics&Usability
Features
Remote Control
Overall
1
/2
Value
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION RATING
SUBJECTIVE EVALUATION RATING
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS RATING
are also digitally linked together for easier
assignability of channels and amplifier mode
configurations. Make sure you’ve got plenty
of rack space for these units as they are
enormous and do run quite warm requiring
adequate ventilation to keep them cool.
Take the time to set this baby up correctly
and it will reward you with great sonics and
plenty of music streaming options to ensure
you never run out of things to listen to.
Conclusion
The Denon AVP-A1HDCI represents
bleeding edge technology that only a select
few manufacturers can compete with
regardless of price. This processor truly is
a master of all domains. It’s not cheap to
own this combo set from Denon, but such
is the case with statement pieces and first
implementers of new technologies. It’s a bit
difficult to quantify its value as compared to
their very own AVR-5308CI A/V receiver,
it seems to be overpriced since the latter
does mostly everything this processor does
albeit maybe not as elegantly. But when
you compare it to other more expensive
“high end” processors, many of which don’t
offer video processing and upscaling, room
correction, or TrueHD / DTS HD decoding,
it seems to be quite a bargain.
If you’re looking for the very best
home theater separates solution, I highly
recommend considering the Denon AVP-
A1HDCI pre/pro and POA-A1HDCI ten
channel power amp. While their model
#’s aren’t impressive sounding, and the
associated name doesn’t quite have the
prestige of a Levinson or Krell, you can
rest assured the Denon products have
it where it counts in performance and
features and are pound for pound a better
value than virtually all of the super high end
products on the market. From its Realta
video processing engine, to its sophisticated
Audyssey room correction, top notch
construction and component usage, you’re
getting Mercedes level performance and
refinement at Acura prices. Your high end
audio snob friends may snicker at this
system, especially since they likely spent 2-3
times more for hollow boxes, but I suggest
humbling yourself by saying nothing. You
don’t want everyone driving the same car
you’re driving, do you?
ByGeneDellaSala
Email - info@audioholics.com
Non-exclusive reprint rights have been provided to Denon
Electronics to reprint and freely distribute this review. Any
other uses or instances of this review by other parties or
by Denon Electronics are prohibited without prior approvals
from Audioholics. The original review can be viewed online at
www.audioholics.com