Denon has been on a roll lately, introducing not only its new HEOS HS2 lineup last month, but also two new models in its S Series line of A/V receivers in the AVR-S920W and AVR-S720W. The company doesn’t seem to be resting on its laurels either, as today the firm unveiled the first two new models this year in its X Series line of receivers.
The AVR-X1300W and AVR-2300W mark the first of the fourth generation of this series. Both are 7.2-channel models, and are described by Denon as “future-ready,” meaning they support the latest standards like 4K Ultra HD, HDR (High Dynamic Range), and 4:4:4 chroma sub-sampling. Dolby Atmos support (up to 5.1.2) is built into both models, and a firmware update scheduled for later this year will add support for DTS:X.
Dolby Surround upmixing allows legacy surround sound material to be experienced in 3D surround, and the same firmware bringing DTS:X will add DTS Neural:X support, providing the same for older DTS material. High resolution audio in FLAC, AIFF and DSD (up to 5.6MHz) formats is supported, as is dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, and internet radio. Streaming via Pandora and Spotify Connect is also supported.
Each of the AVR-X1300W’s six HDMI inputs supports HDMI 2.0a and HDCP 2.2, allowing for 4K 60Hz video, 4:4:4 sub-sampling, HDR, 21:9 video, 3D, and BT.2020 pass-through on every input. Denon says the receiver features seven discrete channels at a claimed 80 watts per channel. To avoid driving up your energy bill, the receiver features an ECO mode that the company says uses less power without negatively affecting overall performance.
The AVR-X2300W ups the number of HDMI inputs to eight and adds a second HDMI output, with all the same features as the AVR-X1300W, plus a few extra features. The power is boosted to a claimed 95 watts per channel, and each HDMI input can upscale DVDs and other sources to 1080p or even 4K resolution. Denon says this model is certified by the Imaging Science Foundation, and features the full complement of ISFccc advanced video calibration controls.
As with the two receivers announced last month, both of these new X Series models integrate with Denon’s 2016 AVR Remote App, available for iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire devices, making extra remotes easy to come by. The receivers also ship with Audyssey MultEQ XT automatic room calibration, making matching the receiver to your speakers and room as easy as letting the process run its course, and then making desired slight adjustments to tailor the sound to your liking afterward.
The AVR-X1300W retails for $600, while the AVR-X2300W goes for $800. Denon says that both models will be available this month. See the company’s website for more information.
