Denon AVP-A1HD - Page 7

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a biggie as long as you are mindful of it. In
order to achieve subwoofer output in “pure
direct” mode, you must configure the bass
management to “LFE + Main” regardless
of speaker size chosen. I was glad to
see this as an option since the AVR-5805
didn’t provision for subwoofer out in “pure
direct” mode like their previous generation
receivers did. Thus now you can have the
best of both worlds of unadulterated signals
to your main channels with simultaneous
subwoofer output. The AVP-A1HDCI
even allows for a +5, +10, +15dB boost
for the subwoofer via the external multi
channel inputs which is extremely useful to
compensate for subwoofer level differences
inherent in DVD-A/SACD players when
using the analog outputs. As you can
see, Denon offers every conceivable bass
management option except for altering
filter slopes but in my book it’s still the most
comprehensive I’ve reviewed to date.
It’s important to note that the AVP-
A1HDCI preamplifier has what Denon
refers to as “personal memorization
function” which automatically memorizes
the surround modes and input modes
selected for the different input sources.
So if you normally run PLIIx Music mode
for your CD player and Cinema mode for
your DVD player, it will default to those
modes upon toggling the respective input.
Basically when the input source is switched,
the modes set for that source last time it
was used are automatically recalled. The
surround parameters, tone control settings,
and playback level balance for the different
output channels are memorized for each
surround mode. As a bonus, you can even
do on the fly channel trim adjustments via
the remote control. This is one of the many
reasons why Denon AVR’s rank among my
favorite in the industry.
Step 4: Input Configuration
Audio setup
Once you’ve got your speakers calibrated,
its time to get your sources working
correctly. While the inputs are defaulted to
their prescribed names on the back panel,
it’s a good idea to check them, especially if
you wish to reassign an HDMI connector
to a different source name. If you’re using
“D.Link”, make sure you set “I.Mode” on
that specific input to “digital” instead of
“auto”, else it will default to the audio
outputted by HDMI from that source. This
wasaproblemformewithmyDVD-5910CI
as it only outputs 2.0 audio via HDMI since
my unit lacks the recent firmware update
to fix this.
This is also the area where you can
customize source level for analog and digital
sources. Incidentally there is a feature called
“Input Att.” With 0 and -6dB options but it
oddly does absolutely nothing to attenuate
analog or digital input signals.
Video Setup
Setting up video is a bit tricky since you
have to access multiple menu locations but
I suggest you first start at the source and
configure each input based upon the desired
resolution, aspect ratio and whether or not
you want upscaling to be performed. The
AVP-A1HDCI allows upscaling to 1080p for
all analog and digital video sources via an “A
to H’ which means analog to HDMI or “A
to H and H to H” which allows analog or
HDMI signals to be upscaled to HDMI.
Now go to “Manual Setup > HDMI
Setup” (see left pic below) and configure
thecolorspace“YCbCrorRGB”,andRGB
range “normal or enhanced”. The operators
manual is pretty much useless at giving
recommendations here but most installs
should be set for “YCbCr” and “normal”.
For more information about HDMI
setup, read our article: HDMI Enhanced
BlackLevels, xvYCC andRGB http://www.
audioholics.com/tweaks/calibrate-your-
system/hdmi-black-levels-xvycc-rgb/
Finally go to “Parameter > Picture
Adjustment” (see above right pic) to tweak
your contrast, brightness, hue and chroma
levels. This is also where you can take
advantage of the Realta DNR and Enhancer
options. What is truly amazing is you have
independent calibration settings for EVERY
input! This is the first processor I’ve
reviewed that allows for this and the first
time I actually found these features useful
for tweaking the calibration of my display to
properly match each video source. To add
icing to the cake, the AVP-A1HDCI provides
two HDMI outputs which according to
the manual will operate simultaneously
and independently scale to the proper
resolution of your displays.
When you’ve completed the setup of
this processor, I highly recommend you
store the settings in one of the three
“Quick Select” memory banks incase you
accidentally lose your configuration or one
of your kids or friends that know less than
they think mess it up.