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“Boundless Entertainment” was the theme of the 2008 Denon line-show press conference held in Laguna Beach, Calif. on Tuesday.
Joe Stinziano, Senior VP President for Sales and Marketing kicked things off with a Denon Review and moved forward with the resounding message, “to establish Denon as the number one A/V receiver brand in the US.”
Indeed, a key driver for the company is to “reinforce the A/V receiver as the core of the networked home,” and with that in mind the company introduced ten new, advanced audio/video receivers to prove that mission. The ten are designed to give consumers simple, powerful and more affordable solutions for enjoying the very best performance from today’s advanced home entertainment formats, as well as provide additional multi-zone A/V capabilities to enhance a user’s lifestyle.
Denon’s new offerings include the multi-zone Models AVR-2809CI (SRP: $1,199), AVR-2309CI (SRP: $849), AVR-1909 (SRP: $649), AVR-1709 (SRP: $449) and AVR-1609 (SRP: $349), as well as five new high-performance, high-value receivers in its Retail Home Theater Series line, the AVR-989 (SRP: $1,199), AVR-889 (SRP: $749), AVR-789 (SRP: $599), AVR-689 (SRP: $399), and AVR-589 (SRP: $299). The initials “CI” (for Custom Integration) in the two models noted above emphasize the inclusion of special features and capabilities geared specifically toward professional custom integrators.
Also introduced was Denon’s new Blu-ray player the DVD-1800BD. Denon is following through on its commitment to provide customers high-performance video and audio with the introduction of a third member to its Blu-ray Disc line. The Model DVD-1800BD (SRP: $749) features HDMI 1.3a with Deep Color and Bonus View support (BD Profile 1.1), Full bitstream output of Dolby and DTS-HD audio formats, 1080p scaling from SD DVDs, and 2-channel analog audio output. There were hints that more BD players would be added to the line before the year is out.
Jeff Talmadge, Director, Product Development and Systems Integration explained that, “All of the receivers have HDMI 1.3a capability for Deep Color and 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. Audyssey Dynamic Volume constantly monitors the volume of program material moment-by-moment, maintaining the desired listening level for all content while optimizing the dynamic range to preserve the impact.
The new receivers also include Audyssey Dynamic EQ, which lets users enjoy the full palette of original rich sound at all volume levels, and Audyssey MultEQ. Audyssey MultEQ is the in-room acoustic measurement and correction system that fine-tunes the listening space via the supplied microphone, with up to six measurement points to ensure even tonal balance throughout the listening room. Once the ideal sound pressure level measurements have been established by MultEQ, Dynamic EQ then determines the proper loudness compensation, while Dynamic Volume prevents unwanted overall disruptive volume changes. A demo of these technologies in Denon receivers by Chris Kyriakakis, Chief Technology Officer, Audyssey proved that the combination provides impressive listening conditions at any volume level.
A mission of this new line of receivers is to provide professional custom integrators ideal solutions for creating the types of high-performance multi-zone systems their clients demand, with a host of advanced connectivity technologies for total flexibility in system-building. All new models, for instance, feature multiple HDMI inputs.
Models AVR-2809CI, AVR-2309CI, AVR-1909, AVR-989, AVR-889 and AVR-789 offer upconversion and scaling to 1080p from all analog sources, as well as support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding. In addition, all CI models include “Secret CI Modes,” a feature set for certified Denon Integrators that allows them to access special functionality not available to end users. Other custom-installation friendly features included in all Denon “CI” models include RS-232 and assignable high current DC trigger outputs.
Stinziano noted that “Denon’s new line of redesigned A/V receivers were created to give our customers real-life solutions for simply getting more enjoyment out of home entertainment, and at more affordable prices than ever before. In addition to reflecting our commitment to whole-home, multi-zone entertainment, our ten new receivers make it easier for people to enjoy all types of home entertainment content, from packaged media to streaming content, virtually wherever and whenever they want. Most importantly, Denon engineers created each of these products after carefully considering the every day situations that people encounter in their pursuit of the ultimate home entertainment experience. The result is a line of receivers that set new standards for convenience, flexibility and expandability.”
Also making their debut were Denon’s new Noise-Canceling Headphones. Denon’s catchphrase “escape to quality sound” was in evidence with the introduction of its high-end luxury Model AHNC732 On-Ear Noise Canceling Headphones (SRP: $299).
And the Reference Grade CX Series: The three new CX Series products, including the Model DRA-CX3 Stereo Receiver (SRP: $1,200), DCD CX3 SACD/CD Player (SRP: $1,200), and SC-CX303 2-Channel Loudspeaker System (SRP: $1,200) are all currently available. Created with audio specifications, style and details inspired by the company’s legendary S-Series of Hi-Fi components, Denon’s elegant new reference audio components are designed for the audiophile purist who harkens back with nostalgia to the heyday of two-channel stereo.
What do you think of Denon’s offerings? Talk about it in the E-Gear forums.
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