Holy Grail of processors

[zepherman]

Originally Posted by piratehunter

I've got the THX Select Pioneer ELITE 52TX, but it has no HDMI since it's a few years old.

Definitely gotta get them HDMI 1.3 ins If you are happy with Pioneer and the way it sounds for you, I'd stick with their receivers. Like the old saying goes, "if it ain't broke don't fix it".


Seth

[Pirate]

Yeah, the Pioneer has been wonderful. They're not yet making 1.3 models, but I may get one of those 1.2 passthrough ones until they start selling their new AVRs.

[zepherman]

Originally Posted by Ruined

I dunno, I don't think I'd pay $7k for a Denon. In that price range might as well go with a Lexicon.

Also, its worth noting that Onkyo's flagship receiver coming out for $1899 this fall has most of the features of this Denon, and apparently has completely separate circuitry for amp/preamp.

I omitted Lexicon from my choices for 2 reasons. 1.)I have carefully listened to their pre/processors (even the MC12B), and I did not like the way it sounded with Martin Logan's. The sound was a tad too bright for my taste. 2.) Even the MC12B doesn't offer all the goodies that the Denon AVP-HDA1 does. And the company doesn't even make mention of a new pre/pro that will offer HDMI 1.3a switching, Dolby TrueHD. Dolby Digital Plus, DTS HD/MA.

My first choice in pre/pro's was Classe' with their SSP-600 Delta series model. But even that one is behind the curve when compared to the Denon. But the Classe' has to be the sexiest pre/pro I've seen. Too bad it doesn't do HDMI 1.3a and decoding for all the new codecs. If it did I would be getting it. And since they just released the SSP-600 a little over a year ago, I don't see them coming out with a new model to replace this one until at least next year sometime.

Even ultra high end companies like Theta and Meridian don't offer decoding for the new codecs. Heck they don't even offer HDMI switching, let alone 1.3a. And for their selling prices of $14k-$18k they should!

Re Onkyo, I am very familiar with their flagship receiver lines. I used Onkyo exclusively for a number of years when I had Paradigm speakers. Onkyo is a match made in heaven for Paradigm's. But for electrostatic speakers like Martin Logan, it's a very bad combination. The sound is way too bright. I even tried a pre/pro from Onkyo's high end division (Integra Research RDC-7), and that didn't go with my Logan's either. So while I hold Onkyo products in high esteem, for the current system I have now it just won't do.

So for everything that the Denon will do, it's going to be hard to beat.


Seth

[zepherman]

Some more pix to drool over. And it will be available in black here in the US!

[zepherman]

Remote control

[zepherman]

Both units in black.

[zepherman]

Well it looks like even though Denon's Blu-ray player is going to be delayed until Spring '08, their advanced AV controller will be available by years end. And pricing has officially been announced at $7,000. So it looks like I won't have to wait till next year after all.

Here's the whole scoop on this AV controller from CEDIA in Denver:

Denon AVP-A1HDCI AV Processor


Scheduled for delivery this Fall, the AVP-A1HDC1 is engineered from the ground up to provide the ultimate in audio and video performance, as well as to meet the demands of Denon’s valued custom integration customers, including the growing need for advanced multi-zone networking capabilities. The introduction of this processor and matching 10 CH amplifier (Denon POA-A1HDCI) marks the debut of a new family of high-performance custom-focused components.

Jeff Talmadge, Director, Product Development and Systems Integration noted, “We’ve had many requests from our enthusiast customers to get back into this market, which we have not focused on in over 10 years. After talking to many of our customers, we determined that these two products we’re introducing are what people want most from Denon. We’ve combined the advanced functionality of our ultimate-quality components with advanced multi-zone and networking capabilities. Our goal is to bring dedicated home entertainment aficionados the upscale solutions they need to enjoy ultimate-quality audio and video performance, and to give custom integrators new ways to meet the demands of their discriminating clientele.”

AVP-A1HDCI – Powerful Audio/Video Controller Processor with Silicon Optix Realta Chipset
Following its success in Denon’s renowned DVD players, Denon has added the advanced Silicon Optix Realta chipset to its new AVP-A1HDCI, enabling enhanced video performance with upconversion and scaling to 1080p from all analog and digital sources, including the ability to use Realta Noise Reduction circuitry for 1080p input signals. This powerful chipset is just one of many advanced features that make the reference-quality AVP-A1HDCI one of the world’s most advanced audio/video controllers.

The AVP-A1HDCI features six HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs and also includes built-in Ethernet and Wi-Fi 802.11b/g connectivity. Both network protocols allow custom integrators the ability to diagnose, correct, update and remotely perform maintenance on the units without the need to travel to their customer’s home. The SimplayHD certified AVP-A1HDCI also features DLNA and Windows Vista certification, and allows users to stream multimedia content from network attached devices including computers and the popular iTunes software as well as media servers and network attached storage devices.

Other CI dedicated-features include RS-232 and assignable high current DC trigger outputs, Audyssey MultEQ XT Auto Setup and Calibration, and the ability to use the Audyssey Pro installer package, which measures ideal sonic performance in up to 32 different positions, allowing installers to define the ultimate sound quality for virtually any size or shape room.

The AVP-A1HDCI is a multiple source/multiple zone controller processor, capable of up to four zones and providing digital output to Zone 2. Users enjoy discrete command, source select, volume, power and more in each zone. In addition, three discrete and independent tuners; AM/FM, XM satellite radio ready (subscription required) and HD Radio provide for multi-zone distribution with high quality playback and support of multicasting from HD Radio.

The AVP-A1HDCI features the company’s newly designed Graphical User Interface (GUI) that makes accessing all the advanced features simpler and more intuitive than ever.

Enhanced Music Performance from Multiple Sources
For those users who enjoy streaming music via Ethernet / Wi-Fi or listening to their MP3 player via an iPod dock or USB flash drive/HDD, the AVP-A1HDCI features a compressed audio restorer that enhances music files that may be lacking in quality.

MSRP: $7,000, shipping Fall 2007

[zepherman]

The pre/pro is scheduled for release the third week of February. I just had my dealer pre-order one for me. So if all goes as planned I should be enjoying full blown TrueHD and DTS-HD MA in a little over a month. Just wanted to share the good new with you guys!


Seth

[zepherman]

new photos of the pre/pro and 10 channel amp.

[PunkMunkey]

Those pics are boner inducing...

[Iguana Man]

I don't know why, but this was my first thought after seeing the backside of that processor and amp:

ITS ALIVE!!!!!

[plissken99]

Well, you combine that puppy with some tube amps that have balanced audio inputs, you wouldn't need a new sound system for what... 30-40 years?

[zepherman]

Originally Posted by plissken99

Well, you combine that puppy with some tube amps that have balanced audio inputs, you wouldn't need a new sound system for what... 30-40 years?

Yeah with everything that Denon packed into this pre/pro, It's about as future proof as they come. I don't see me needing (or wanting) to upgrade to something different for at least 8+ years. And I would love to get Denon's matching 10 channel amplifier, but since I already have 10 channel amplification there is really no need to.

Now what would really be sweet is to have Denon's new Blu-ray transport connected to this thing. Oh my, if I had that as well, I would never leave the house


Seth

[zepherman]

Originally Posted by Iguana Man

I don't know why, but this was my first thought after seeing the backside of that processor and amp:

ITS ALIVE!!!!!

Yes Dr. Frankenstein's pre/pro LIVES!!!

[zepherman]

Originally Posted by PunkMunkey

Those pics are boner inducing...

[EM3]

Originally Posted by plissken99

Well, you combine that puppy with some tube amps that have balanced audio inputs, you wouldn't need a new sound system for what... 30-40 years?

It would take me that long to get it paid off.

[zepherman]

I have the official spec sheets for both of these units. Pretty impressive stuff.

http://avforum.no/forum/attachments/...eet-121907.pdf

http://avforum.no/forum/attachments/...0121907-1-.pdf

[Iguana Man]

Originally Posted by zepherman

I have the official spec sheets for both of these units. Pretty impressive stuff.

http://www.mediafire.com/?2txm2jmsuyz

I'll say this....wait....what the hell was that link for again cause I clicked on the wrong, no make that the right thing!

EDITED: There was a spicy ad when I first clicked the link. Fangor or something. Anyway, that is what I was referring to with my comment.

[Sehnzeleid]

Denon recently posted the AVR-5308CI, the receiver version of the AVP-A1HDCI.

http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3755.asp#

[zepherman]

Originally Posted by Iguana Man

I'll say this....wait....what the hell was that link for again cause I clicked on the wrong, no make that the right thing!

EDITED: There was a spicy ad when I first clicked the link. Fangor or something. Anyway, that is what I was referring to with my comment.

Yeah It's interesting some of the ads these sites have on them.

I was originally wanting to do a direct attachment on this site, but the file sizes for these pdf documents were just too large. So I had to use an alternative method.

Glad to know that the ads were appealing.

[zepherman]

Originally Posted by Sehnzeleid

Denon recently posted the AVR-5308CI, the receiver version of the AVP-A1HDCI.

http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3755.asp#

Yeah I noticed that as well. And since the owners manual for the AVP-A1HDCI is not yet available to view on Denon's website, I downloaded the manual for the 5308CI instead. The whole GUI on both the receiver and pre/pro is identical, as is most of the settings.

So until I can actually get a hold of a manual for the pre/pro, at least I have something I can read through to start learning how to do what.

You know it's amazing how many current owners of pre/pro's from the likes of Krell, Classe', Theta, Meridian, etc. are either buying a Denon AVP-A1HDCI or are strongly considering one.

I think that even Classe' thought that Denon may steal some of the thunder from their upcoming SSP-800 as it was originally going to sell for $11k- $12k, and has now been "officially" lowered to a much friendlier $8k MSRP. But the Classe' SSP-800 still won't offer half of what the Denon will. The Classe' will have no network/Wi-Fi capability, no decoding for TrueHD and DTS HD MA, no Audyssey MultEQ XT/Pro, no HQV Realta, and the list goes on.

So in my opinion, the Denon is going to be the high end pre/pro to beat for under $20k. The only pre/pro that will do "almost" everything the Denon will is the Krell Evolution 707, and that puppy is going to run around $20k!



Seth

[zepherman]

Here's a video clip from Cinenow.TV that shows a pre-production AVP-A1HDCI/POA-A1HDCI from the What HiFi Sound & Vision show held last year. Even though the pair shown at the show were pre-production units, it's still cool to check out.

http://us.cinenow.com/videos/1120-de...sion-show-2007

[zepherman]

Well I just got an official confirmation from my dealer that the AVP-A1HD is definitely on track for a 3rd week in February release. Yippee!!!!

[Iguana Man]

Originally Posted by zepherman

Well I just got an official confirmation from my dealer that the AVP-A1HD is definitely on track for a 3rd week in February release. Yippee!!!!

Zeph, I am collectively giving you a "YOU SUCK" from all members here at the File.

(you lucky sumbitch! )