Denon

AVC-A1H 15.4 Channel AV Amplifier

AUD $11,999 RRP

Denon's AVC-X8500H marked a turning point when it launched in 2018. Before then, manufacturers were obsessed with cramming more features into their receivers at ever-keener price points.

This could have been due to the economy at the time; after all, price cuts are good. Still, there's no such thing as a free lunch, and in that case, it came at the cost of less power. As for the high-end market, it was all but non-existent, with super receivers, such as Denon's AVR-5805 (2005) and AVC-A1HDA(2009), slipping a little further into obsolescence with every passing year.

When the AVC-X8500 arrived, it was a breath of fresh air. As good as it was, though, it could never quite match the super receivers of the mid-2000s in terms of sheer horsepower. So, we were a little excited by Denon's A1 line's revival with the release of the AVC-A1H you see here.

Like the AVC-X8500 and, for that matter, a growing number of Denon receivers, the AVC-XA1H is designed and manufactured at Denon & Marantz Shirakawa Audio Works. It's equipped with an unprecedented 15 internal amplifiers, rated at 150W (2 channels driven 20Hz-20kHz, 0.05% THD) per channel. On the surface, it doesn't seem like much more than the AVC-X6800H that we recently reviewed, but there's more to this story.

Like the AVC-X8500H and the AVC-X6800H, the AVC-A1H has a monolithic amplifier board. However, it comes with the largest power transformer of any Denon product ever produced. Its EI Core transformer weighs 11.5kg, nearly 3.5kg heavier than that of the AVC-X8500H and more than double the weight of the AVC-X6800Hs transformer. It is also equipped with the largest capacitors in Denon history, with dual 33,000µF power supply capacitors compared to the dual 15,000µF capacitors of the AVC-X6800H.

Meanwhile, Denon's High-Current Transistor, or DHCT, incorporates temperature compensation for faster adjustments to the bias voltage. Coupled with 'cement-type' emitter resistors and high-quality output inductors, it enables the AVC-A1H to "drive any speaker under best conditions, even with dynamic changes in audio", no less.

The preamplifier section has also been designed from the ground up with a quad-layered circuit board claimed to reduce noise. It's equipped with premium 32-bit DACs with a dedicated power supply, which the manufacturer claims reduces ground noise and increases clarity.

Processing is performed by a Sharc Griffin Lite XP (2 core, 1GHz) with a calculation power of 2,000 MIPS. This enables the AVC-A1H to decode the latest formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Imax Enhanced, Auro 3D, 360 Reality Audio, and MPEG-H Audio. It is also compatible with high-resolution and lossy formats such as MP3, WMA, WAV, MPEG—4/AAC, FLAC, DSD, and ALAC. There's also enough processing power for four independent subwoofer outputs.

As for video, the AVC-A1H supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). HEOS is built in for wireless music streaming, and additional HEOS-compatible speakers can be added for wireless multi-room audio. Wired speakers can be added in up to three zones, playing independent sources in each zone. Smarts come in the form of support for Alexa, Apple HomePod and Google Voice Assistant. The AVC-A1H is also Bluetooth-compatible and offers both wireless and wired network connectivity.

The AVC-A1H is equipped with Audyssey's Premium MULTEQ XT32 Room Correction Software, with Dirac Live Room Correction Software and Bass Control available for an additional fee. While Dirac can be found in other receivers free of charge, it's usually in its basic form, with features such as Bass Control incurring an extra fee. Denon explains that adding Dirac Live would have increased the cost of the AVC-A1H, and given that it already includes Audyssey, they opted to give consumers the choice.

UP CLOSE

In terms of appearance, the AVC-A1H is largely identical to the AVC-X6800H and AVC-X8500H or any of Denon's other receivers over the past few years. Sticking with a more conventional AVR design keeps clutter to a minimum. Save for two large dials and a power button, all its controls are hidden behind an aluminium pull-down door.

As I've come to expect from Denon's Japanese-built receivers, the AVC-A1H exudes quality with an unmistakable attention to detail. Take a look at it from the top down, and you'll see its enormous power supply, resplendent with the Denon logo. Move to the back of the receiver, and you'll find some of the sturdiest speaker terminals in the business, gold-plated and finished in black-clear resin with the Denon logo.

Inputs and outputs comprise seven assignable HDMI inputs (8K/HDCP 2.3) and three HDMI outputs (ARC/eARC). A pair of balanced XLR inputs are also provided, as well as four balanced and unbalanced subwoofer outputs. If you want to connect an external amplifier, the AVC-A1H has 17.4 unbalanced pre-outs. Should you not need all 15 channels of amplification, the front/stereo channels can be bi-amped in 13.1 configurations, and all channels can be bi-amped in 7.1.

It's equipped with eight analogue inputs, two coaxial and TOSLINK inputs, a network input (the AVC-AH can also be connected wirelessly via its Bluetooth/Wi-Fiantennae), an RS-232C input, USB input, signal ground, IR in/out, and two 12V triggers. The 'door' on the front of the AVC-A1H also hosts a headphone input and the Audyssey microphone input.

The review unit was beautifully packaged. Everything was thoughtfully laid out, the elegantly wrapped receiver sealed by a Denon sticker. In addition to the receiver, the box included a remote, Audyssey microphone, cardboard microphone stand, power cord, rabbit ears, and quick-start guide. The remote is a stylish little affair that's easy on the eye and in the hand, and can be backlit with the press of a button.

GETTING GOING

The AVC-A1H measures a daunting 434x196x498mm and weighs 32kg, so you'll need a rack or heavy-duty stand to accommodate it. And, unless you fancy a trip to the physio, get someone to help you with the box. Thanks to thoughtfully laid-out onscreen instructions and diagrams, it's a breeze to set up, however. Just plug the receiver into your TV or projector, power it up and follow the onscreen instructions. It will show you how to connect your speakers and source devices, get you connected to the internet and even complete a basic Audyssey calibration. It's a master class in GUI design that's incredibly easy to follow.

Speaking of calibration, there is a wealth of options available. Audyssey, in its basic form, is free, or you can spring a few dollars for the improved functionality of the app. Should you wish to dive down the Audyssey rabbit hole, Audyssey Pro can also be purchased at an additional fee. On the other hand, if you want to try your hand at Dirac, both Dirac Live and Dirac Live Bass Control can be purchased at an additional cost. I've been using Dirac for a few years now, and it's simply a must with a receiver of this calibre. However, it's worth noting that you'll need a laptop and a microphone, such as the MiniDSP UMIK-1.

For this review, the AVC-A1H was connected to VAF Signature i91 front and centre speakers; six VAF i90s were used as rear surround and ceiling-mounted front and middle Atmos speakers, with two Ascendo SV 12 subwoofers to create a 5.2.4 Atmos layout. The third subwoofer output from the AVC-A1H was connected to a Crowson D-501 Tactile Motion Amplifier, which, in turn, was connected to dual Shadow-8 Dual Motion Actuators. The AVC-A1H was calibrated with Dirac Live Bass Control. Video sources comprised a Magnetar UDP900 and Apple TV, connected directly to a Lumagen Radiance Pro 5348, with a Sony VPL-XW5000ES projecting images onto a Severtson 100" Cinegray 16.9 screen.

SOUND AND VISION

The AVC-A1H is a nuanced-sounding AV receiver that can capture the smallest details with alacrity. Deathly silent one moment, it can produce massive dynamic swings in a heartbeat with enough power to bring you to the edge of your seat. It sets up a massive soundstage, enveloping the viewer in sound, while excellent channel steering and Dirac provide pin-point placement of objects within the sound field.

I started my evaluation with Star Wars: The Acolyte on Disney+, where the AVC-A1H put in a detailed and delicate performance. Dialogue was rendered with superb clarity, and changes in pitches or the smallest gasps were all captured by the big Denon. It's not just the dialogue where the AVC-A1H excels, though. Its transparency extends to all my speakers, creating a wonderfully detailed performance. For instance, the sound of the engines could be clearly heard from the ship's interior, revealing a level of sonic detail that lesser receivers will be hard-pressed to capture. It gave the subtlest sounds a sense of place and being within the sound field, thus heightening the overall realism.

Keen to put the AVC-A1H's amplifiers to the test, I moved to the 4K Ultra-HD of Godzilla vs. Kong. With the bombastic soundtrack, the AVC-A1H created a massive sound field that filled every inch of the room. While the AVC-X6800 I reviewed earlier created a big soundstage, it couldn't match the scale of the AVC-A1H – which is more akin to my own separates. The Atmos soundtrack contains deep foundational bass, and the combination of the AVC-A1H's amps, Dirac Live Bass Control and dual 16" subs ignited my cinema room. Kong's heartbeat pulsated cleanly through the room, and his guttural tones hit me squarely in the chest.

The DTS-X soundtrack of Atomic Blonde's 4K Ultra-HD can be as brutal as the film. Quieter, dialogue-driven moments, punctuated with explosive dynamic bursts, are the order of the day, and the big Denon was only too happy to oblige. During the film's quieter moments, the AVC-A1H is deathly silent, enabling the subtleties of dialogue and background sounds to be plucked out with ease. Then, as the soundtrack kicks up a gear and Lorraine springs into action, the AVC-A1H's amplifiers came to life with kick-you-in-the-teeth dynamics. It's a powerful and cinematic performance, the combination of speed and power of the AVC-A1Hs' amplifiers rivalling some fine Class AB separates I've heard.

Turning my motion actuators in the latter half of Atomic Blonde filled out the last few octaves that my subwoofers couldn't reach. With the actuators connected, the AVC-A1H did exactly what it needed to do, which was to send a bass signal free of room correctors to the motion actuators. As there's no need to correct room modes, all you need is a level adjustment – which the Denon provides – along with crossover. However, it would also be nice to have the option to delay the signal sent to tactile transducers, as it can be tricky to align them with subwoofers.

Regardless of what you think of Zach Synder's Justice League, the 4K Ultra-HD Atmos soundtrack is a belter. From the get-go, the AVC-A1H's strong channel steering was evident, with sounds moving around the listening room with ease and enveloping me in a bubble of sound. For instance, as Bruce Wayne surprises Barry Allan at home, the unit did a wonderful job of capturing the sound of dripping water from the ceiling of the cavernous warehouse. It created a cathedral-like sense of height. Then, as Barry powers on the computers and lights, the hum of the transformers provided a pleasing weight and warmth, while the sound of computer screens and fluorescent lights coming on moved around my listening room with ease. Meanwhile, as Superman and Lois Lane soar into the heavens, they seemingly disappeared through my cinema's ceiling.

THE VERDICT

A wonderfully nuanced performer, Denon's mighty new AVC-A1H offers clarity and detail not found in lesser receivers. Its excellent channel steering and massive soundstage envelop the viewer in sound. This supremely powerful AV receiver is also capable of lightning-fast, explosive dynamics. However, to unlock the best it has to offer, I'd strongly recommend you look at Dirac Live Bass Control, or Audyssey Pro if you fancy yourself a deft hand at such things.

With fifteen channels of powerful amplification, the AVC-A1H dominates its price point. While both the AVC-X8500 and the AVC-X6800 are cheaper, the AVC-A1H runs rings around both – particularly the latter – in terms of soundstaging, clarity, and sheer horsepower. Of course, you can look outside the Denon camp, but be prepared to pay a whole lot more. Even then, I can't think of any receiver that comes close regarding channel count unless you triple your budget to the likes of StormAudio. It is excellent value for money, then.

As it stands, this powerful machine is more than worthy of the A1 moniker. Its fifteen channels are capable of confidently driving up to 9.4.6 configurations. Those with fewer channels will naturally be tempted to look to AVC-X6800H. While it's an excellent choice, I'd strongly encourage you to listen to the AVC-A1H if you can afford it. You'll find its lightning-like dynamics will win you over. As such, it comes highly recommended.

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