New Denon 9.3 channel multi-zone A/V receiver

[McBain]

Press release:

DENON EXPANDS ITS ADVANCED LINE OF A/V RECEIVERS WITH 9.3 CHANNEL AVR-4810CI HOME THEATER NETWORKING MODEL

-- New Home Theater Receiver Geared Toward Custom Installation, Offers High-Quality Distribution of Audio and Video Throughout the Home --

Mahwah, NJ, September 16, 2009 – Denon Electronics, one of the world’s premier manufacturers of high-quality home entertainment components, today introduced the AVR-4810CI Audio/Video Receiver (SRP: $2,999), a next-generation 9.3 channel multi-zone A/V receiver that offers high-quality distribution of audio and video throughout the home*. With nine built-in amplifiers that can be configured to a host of system designs, the AVR-4810CI offers unprecedented flexibility and support for high-definition audio and video performance from all digital sources.

Along with many of today’s most advanced surround sound and distribution capabilities, the AVR-4810CI includes 6 HDMI inputs/2 outputs, all certified for HDMI 1.3a. It includes support for Dolby Pro Logic IIz, featuring Front Height Effects Channels, as well as Dolby TrueHD/ DTSHD Master audio support for decoding the multi-channel recordings featured on Blu-ray and HD DVD discs. It also features a built-in HDCD decoder, as well as a wide variety of performance and convenience features, including Vertical Stretch (2.35:1 CinemaScope) Mode, and a Video Control Adjustments Memory by input feature. Analog Video Conversion with Scaling to 1080p/24 uses advanced Anchor Bay Technologies (ABT) video processing and scaling.

Among the AVR-4810CI’s leading-edge features and capabilities is the inclusion of Audyssey DSX with front height and/or expanded width channels. This advancement allows for a dramatic enhancement of the listener’s 5.1- or 7.1-channel surround experience, adding a vertical component to the horizontal soundfield and/or widening the image field to recreate a more realistic movie theater-like experience. The enhanced spatial audio effect provides added presence and depth while maintaining the integrity of the source mix and ensuring audio is always appropriate to the source material.

Advanced Whole-Home Networking
The AVR-4810CI also includes a host of 21st century networking capabilities, joining other leading-edge products in Denon’s line to feature both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity (Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g certified) for control and digital media steaming. In order to provide users with even more flexibility and convenience, second zone video output is available via component with onscreen display for meta-data from iPod®/XM/HD Radio/Streaming Audio, providing a second zone within a home to experience high-definition video signals, audio and meta-data from connected devices. Two discrete AM/FM tuners, one featuring HD Radio, as well as Sirius and XM readiness provide for multi-zone distribution. The AVR-4810CI also features Rhapsody and Napster streaming audio via Internet without the necessity of a connected PC. It provides audio and video processing capabilities for three independent home entertainment zones, plus connectivity and control of Apple® iPods that can be streamed to any of these zones. The height of “future-readiness,” the AVR-4810CI even features a special “Party Mode” multi-zone network streaming management system for use with the ASD-51N/W Network Server/Dock. Notably, thanks to its preout connections for another set of channels for Audyssey DSX, the AVR-4810CI is in actuality a 4-zone AVR with 11.3-channel capabilities.

Custom Installation-Friendly Features
In addition to built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet, the AVR-4810CI includes a host of features geared toward custom integrators, including easy system setup and maintenance from a remote location. This allows custom integrators to diagnose and even fix a customer’s problem from their office and not waste time traveling to a customer’s home. Once the unit is installed, the integrator can simply log on via secure website hosted by Denon and correct or restore settings that may have accidentally changed. Additionally, it allows users to stream and listen to music stored on a Windows PC, Mac and media server products or NAS devices supporting the DLNA standard.

For total ease and accuracy of set-up, the unit features Audyssey MultEQ XT Auto Setup and Calibration, along with the ability to use the advanced Audyssey Pro installer package, which measures ideal sonic performance in up to 32 different positions. This allows installers to define the ultimate sound quality for virtually any size or shape room.

Like all Denon receivers, the AVR-4810CI includes Audyssey Dynamic Volume, a volume leveling technology that frees listeners from the disruptive changes in volume levels when broadcast material changes between television shows and commercials or even while watching a movie. Coupled with Audyssey Dynamic Volume is Audyssey Dynamic EQ, a loudness correction technology that enhances the overall entertainment experience even further. Audyssey Dynamic EQ solves the problem of deteriorating sound quality of movies and music as volume is decreased. By selecting the correct frequency response and surround volume levels moment-by-moment, Dynamic EQ lets users enjoy the full palette of original rich sound at any volume.

*A home network is required for distribution of content throughout the home.

About Denon Electronics
Denon is a world leader in the manufacture of the highest quality home theater, audio and software products. Denon is recognized internationally for innovative and groundbreaking products and has a long history of technical innovations, including the development and groundbreaking commercialization of PCM digital audio. Denon Electronics is owned by D&M Holdings Inc.

[Fors*]

How much power does this have, I don't believe it was mentioned?

[McBain]

http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/5118.asp

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by McBain

http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/5118.asp

So it's 140 watts, OK, thanks McBain. It seemed a little odd to leave this out considering all of the info they did include.

[dobyblue]

Wonder if they've added 24-bit streaming yet, or if it's still limited to 16-bit like the 4308CI.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Wonder if they've added 24-bit streaming yet, or if it's still limited to 16-bit like the 4308CI.

The spec sheet stated the following:

Processor(s) – Bit Depth and Type 21367 x 3 32-bit Floating Point

Analog-to-Digital Conversion - Bit Depth/Sampling Rate 24-bit/96-kHz Burr-Brown PCM-1804

Not sure which would be important to your question however...

[sokrman14]

This things seems like a beast, can't wait to hear/see it in action

[Fors*]

I think you are right, the dimensions are 17 3/32" X 7 43/64" X 16 11/16" and weighs 42 lbs 2 oz.

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

The spec sheet stated the following:

Processor(s) – Bit Depth and Type 21367 x 3 32-bit Floating Point

Analog-to-Digital Conversion - Bit Depth/Sampling Rate 24-bit/96-kHz Burr-Brown PCM-1804

Not sure which would be important to your question however...

Neither of those - you need the owner's manual to tell.
EDIT - just realized they have the owners manual up and unfortunately it's still limited to 16-bit for streaming.

http://usa.denon.com/AVR-4810CI-OM-E_007.pdf

Page 80:

[naturephoto1]

How many people are going to have the space for 9 speakers plus 1 or more subs? I think that 7 should be fine.

Rich

[dobyblue]

I definitely would think the multi-zone capabilities would be used more than using the entire 9.3 set-up in a single room.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Neither of those - you need the owner's manual to tell.
EDIT - just realized they have the owners manual up and unfortunately it's still limited to 16-bit for streaming.

http://usa.denon.com/AVR-4810CI-OM-E_007.pdf

Page 80:

Gotcha doby, thanks.

[StimpsonJCat]

I almost went 7.1, but decided it wasn't needed in my living room setup. But, if I had a dedicated room w/ projector a 9.1 would be awesome. I think the height effects channels would really add something to the experience. But any such a setup is way down the road for me...

[DiverSpear]

I like what I read about that receiver. It would be nice to and more zones in my house. I wonder how zones are powered and how many are just pre-outs.

[Yautja]

WOW, This thing is going to be a beast

[Dase]

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

How many people are going to have the space for 9 speakers plus 1 or more subs? I think that 7 should be fine.

Rich

How many people have space for 2 Epik Conquests and enormous custom built speakers ?

I would want to try it out in a 7.1 configuration with the additional front wides. I also found interesting that the .3 in the 9.3 is because each sub channel you elect to use is EQ'd separately, which really is an awesome feature. Each sub can be EQ'd separately in each sub's different position to make sure you are getting the most from the multiple subs.

If one has the space for the equipment, I would sure like to hear what a full 9.3 setup would sound like.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by -dase-

How many people have space for 2 Epik Conquests :P:P:P haha

I would want to try it out in a 7.1 configuration with the additional front wides. I also found interesting that the .3 in the 9.3 is because each sub channel you elect to use is EQ'd separately, which really is an awesome feature. Each sub can be EQ'd separately in each sub's different position to make sure you are getting the most from the multiple subs.

If one has the space for the equipment, I would sure like to hear what a full 9.3 setup would sound like.

That does sound cool -dase-, but since 3 subs is not optimal, I think they should have jumped from 2 to 4 sub channels. Of course, if you are running 2 subs and a buttkicker, it would work out great!

[Dase]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

That does sound cool -dase-, but since 3 subs is not optimal, I think they should have jumped from 2 to 4 sub channels. Of course, if you are running 2 subs and a buttkicker, it would work out great!

I agree with the 4 channels, or 2 plus a buttkicker , that would be awesome.

I just think it's great that the tech is pushed in such a manner to begin with. I mean, 5.1 was the standard for quite some time, and now 9.3 is being discussed, there are front height and wides, there are 12 channel rigs, people are running walls of subs etc. Very cool stuff indeed.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by -dase-

I agree with the 4 channels, or 2 plus a buttkicker , that would be awesome.

I just think it's great that the tech is pushed in such a manner to begin with. I mean, 5.1 was the standard for quite some time, and now 9.3 is being discussed, there are front height and wides, there are 12 channel rigs, people are running walls of subs etc. Very cool stuff indeed.

Good point. And with more interest developing in HT and add'l competition, I hope they continue to push the envelope in the future!

[THE_FORCE]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

Good point. And with more interest developing in HT and add'l competition, I hope they continue to push the envelope in the future!

Like NHK's 22.2 surround that was demo'd at the NAB show recently ? That is something I would definately be willing to embrace if a dedicated room arose !

The Denon is a step in the right direction to making the experience more immersive than ever before. It'll probably be the best sub £3k AVR on the market, not just for it's extensive feature list, but due to it's reputedly superb audio performance.