Denon revealed key directions for its 2017 IN Command X series of custom-oriented AVRs, launching the first two models in the series and planning to bring Dolby Vision, Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) HDR, and proprietary Heos wireless-multiroom technology to all models.
Dolby Vision and HLG debuted in April in Denon’s three-SKU entry-level S series of AVRs at a suggested $279, $479 and $579, with Heos entering the series for the first time at $479. Previously, Heos had been available in only two X series AVRs starting at $1,499. A $999 Heos-branded AVR also arrived in April with the wireless technology.
The year’s first two X series models, due this month, are the $649 AVR-X1400H and $849 AVR-X2400H, which are the series’ opening-price models.
Both 7.2-channel models ship with Dolby Vision and Heos. An HLG firmware update will be available at an unannounced time. AVRs from the 2016 model year will also get Dolby Vision and HLG firmware upgrades at an unspecified time.
Both models also feature Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-based immersive surround decoding that supports 5.1.2 speaker configurations. Their suggested retails are $50 higher than their predecessors’ prices.The remaining X series AVRs, which will also feature Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, will be introduced closer to the September CEDIA show.
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Both models feature Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, TuneIn Internet Radio, Pandora, Spotify, Amazon Prime Music, iHeart Radio, Sirius XM, Sound Cloud, Tidal, and Napster or Deezer. Both also play high-resolution audio files, including 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz DSD.
The pair also features Audyssey MultEQ XT room correction, Audyssey Dynamic EQ to retain balanced sound at low listening levels, and Audyssey Dynamic Volume, which levels out jumps in volume when commercials come on TV. Both models also upscale HDMI sources to 4K, and for custom integrators, both feature IP control, with the $849 model adding IR remote in/out and RS232C port.
The $849 model also features 7×95-watt amplification (rated at 8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz with 0.08 percent THD), eight HDMI inputs (including one in front) with HDCP 2.2 copy protection, and two HDMI outputs to feed a TV and projector in parallel. The $649 model features 7×80-watt amplifier, six HDMI inputs with HDCP 2.2, and one HDMI output.
