Denon AVR-A1H Review (15.4 CH 8K AV Receiver)

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Denon AVR-A1H

Product Name: Denon AVR-A1H

Product Description: 15.4 CH 8K AV Receiver

  • Design - 9.5/10
    9.5/10
  • Audio Quality - 9.4/10
    9.4/10
  • Inputs / Ports - 9.5/10
    9.5/10
  • OS, Apps and Features - 9.6/10
    9.6/10
  • Price / Quality - 9/10
    9/10
9.4/10

Summary

Reviewed at $6,499.00

Pros

  • Jaw dropping cinematic quality
  • Huge list of supporting features
  • Carefully designed hardware
  • Excellent all-in-one solution

Cons

  • At this price some may consider separates
  • It can get pretty hot
  • No front HDMI port
  • No motion sensing backlit remote

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Introduction

Denon obviously needs no introduction. It is probably the most recognized brand in the dedicated home theater AV receivers market. But what some people may not know is that in 2023 they released their latest 15 channels behemoth which surely raised more than a few eyebrows. And now the time has come, in our Denon AVR-A1H review, to test their new top tier flagship and see what it is capable of.

Denon AVR-A1H Review (15.4 CH 8K AV Receiver) | Home Media Entertainment

Their new AV receiver is surely one of a kind. As there are not many units in the 15 channels category. Even Denon’s previous monster of an AV receiver, the Denon AVR-X8500H, could only support up to 13 channels. So with this new release Denon is not replacing any of their previous flagships. But rather widen their product portfolio in a previously untapped category.

But before we dive deeper let’s take a quick look over the specs. The Denon AVR-A1H is a 15.4 channels AV receiver with 150 watts per channel. It practically supports all commercially available audio formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced, Auro-3D, 360 Reality Audio and MPEG-H Audio. And obviously comes with the usual virtual and up-mixing tech. Like Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization and DTS Virtual:X.

As for extras, these are too many to include everything in a single paragraph. But you get everything Denon offers in their other premium units with some of the most notable ones being Audyssey MultEQ XT32, Dirac Live, High Resolution Audio, online and offline capabilities, multi-zones, custom integration and obviously full HDMI 2.1 support.

The Denon AVR-A1H is surely one of a kind AV receiver. But does its capabilities justify its extremely high $6,500 price tag? Let’s start our analysis to find out.

Design

Looks and Dimensions

Design wise, the A1H is not very different from all other commercially available Denon AV receivers. Obviously this one dwarfs all others in size and weight. But in general its design lines follow the usual Denon principles.

We measured this unit 17.1″ x 19.6″ x 10.2″ (434 x 498 x 259 mm) and with a weight of 70.6 lbs (32.0 kg). As usual, you can slightly minimize its height to 7.7″ (195 mm) if you turn the antennas horizontally without any loss of wireless quality.

With such a big footprint make sure you have enough breathing space on all sides. This AV receiver tends to get pretty hot. So you should consider adding an extra cooling solution.

Front Layout

In real Denon fashion the outer shell is featuring straight lines and sharp corners. This is your typical black box receiver after all that sounds much better than it looks.

Keeping with the unit’s more premium status the AVR-A1H is using a metal front panel. At the front face we get the usual large central display, which by the way uses a 2-line FLD. At each side of this display you get two big knobs, on for volume and one for input selection. Under the left knob we get a single power button while everything else is hidden behind a flip-down door. The buttons hidden under it are exactly the same as in the AVR-X4800H.

The buttons we do get are for zone 2 and Zone 3 control, navigation buttons as well as quick selection buttons. We also get a USB port, the calibration microphone port and the usual headphones jack.

What we find totally disappointing is that there is no front HDMI port. For such a top tier flagship costing so much money adding a front HDMI should be the standard. This is our only complaint with this design.

Denon AVR-A1H Review (15.4 CH 8K AV Receiver) | Home Media Entertainment

Internal Hardware

The A1H’s looks may not be anything exciting to talk about. But Denon put a lot of effort when creating this monster in order to perform as they intended to. And by looking at what components and technologies Denon added in this one it becomes very obvious of its status.

The Denon AVR-A1H is manufactured in Japan, in the Shirakawa Audio Works facility, in contrast to many of their other cheaper models that are made in Vietnam and China. This shows how serious Denon is about this specific model.

But let’s see some of its key components and technologies.

First part is the chassis construction. Denon uses a 3-layer chassis, a center mounted power transformer and 4-cast iron feet to create a solid foundation for all other components.

The power transformer, weighting more than 11 Kgs, is the biggest Denon ever used in an AV receiver to this day. A 15X monolithic amplifier board is used for better separation of the 15 available channels. While a 4mm copper plate is attached for better heat dissipation.

Other notable features include high current transistors, the use of a quad-layered analog PCB and huge 33,000 μF capacitors.

The AVR-A1H uses a powerful Sharc Griffin Lite XP (2-core, 1Ghz) DSP with D.D.S.C.-HD32 technology. There is also AL32 processing which is Denon’s unique digital filtering.

As for its DACs the A1H comes equipped with 10 ESS Sabre ES9018K2M chips. The AV receiver uses a dedicated power supply for the DACs and obviously comes with a low jitter crystal oscillator.

Denon AVR-A1H Review (15.4 CH 8K AV Receiver) | Home Media Entertainment

Remote

As for the remote, the one we found with the AVR-A1H is codenamed RC-1250. The remote is very similar to other Denon remotes with small differences in its key layout.

The remote comes with all the input buttons at the top along with the HEOS and Bluetooth functions. Navigation buttons are in the middle along with channel and volume controls. While playback, quick selection and sound mode buttons are as usual at the bottom.

The remote in general is a big one. While the buttons have a relatively small size and we would like them a little bigger to be easier to the touch. At least the long distance between them minimizes the risk of a wrong command.

The most notable differences of this remote compared to the others is that this one features an aluminum top that makes it a bit more premium looking. And lastly this comes with a back-lit function. Unfortunately this is button controlled and not motion based as in some smart TVs. But it’s better than nothing.

Audio Specifications

The receiver obviously supports all audio formats available in the market today. This includes Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced, Auro-3D, MPEG-H audio and 360 Reality Audio.

Denon is including MPEG-H and 360 Reality Audio in all their new releases. So it could not be missing from this unit. MPEG-H is used extensively lately for broadcasting. It is already being used with ATSC 3.0 in South Korea and over DVB in certain European countries. While it is used in several streaming services for powering their 360 Reality Audio music.

Denon AVR-A1H Review (15.4 CH 8K AV Receiver) | Home Media Entertainment

Virtual Sound & Up-mixers

When it comes to up-mixing tech we find the usual Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X. What these up-mixing tech are doing is to up-convert stereo and legacy mixes in order to make use of all the speakers you have in your setup.

As for virtual tech the Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization and DTS Virtual:X are capable of creating sounds that originate from virtual created speakers around your room where there are no physical speakers present.

These virtual technologies obviously are not as good and accurate as having real physical speakers and are very much room dependent. Also the sound many times can be heard very over-processed, something we were never very fond of.

Internal Amplification

The unit comes with 15 channels of built-in amplification and each channel can output 150 watts of power (8 ohm, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.05% 2ch drive). Keep in mind that this is only for 2 channels driven. This means that when all 15 channels are active this number goes down considerably.

Another notable change is its ability to drive four subwoofers independently instead of two that was until recently possible. Multi-subwoofer setups are very common among home theater fans and it seems that Sound United took notice of this. As such the inclusion of four outputs allows for immense control over the kind of setup you want to create. Many new 2023 Denon AV receivers supported 4 independent subwoofers so we were expecting the A1H to be the same.

Denon AVR-A1H Review (15.4 CH 8K AV Receiver) | Home Media Entertainment

Movies Testing

For our real world testing we opted to try the recently released Transformers: Rise of the Beasts and Saving Private Ryan. Both of them in their 4K UHD versions that come with amazing Dolby Atmos mixes.

Front Soundstage

When delving into the front soundstage capabilities of the Denon AVR-A1H during movie playback, the first noticeable aspect is its impeccable clarity. The receiver seamlessly distributes audio across the front channels, creating a precise and well-defined sonic landscape.

Whether it’s the subtle dialogues in a character-driven scene or the thundering roars in an action-packed sequence, the front soundstage exhibits a remarkable balance. This clarity is accentuated by the receiver’s ability to handle dynamic peaks with finesse, maintaining a detailed presentation even in the midst of intense audio moments.

The immersive tuning of the AVR-A1H is evident. Especially in scenes where sound moves dynamically from left to right or vice versa. This directional accuracy, coupled with the powerful output, ensures that you experience a captivating front soundstage that enhances the overall movie-watching experience.

Transitional sounds, such as footsteps approaching from a distance or distant whispers, are reproduced with impressive realism. The receiver’s responsiveness to these subtle cues contributes to the creation of a three-dimensional audio image, pulling the audience deeper into the cinematic narrative.

Surround Performance

Moving to surround performance, the Denon AVR-A1H continues to shine. The rear channels deliver a convincingly enveloping experience, particularly notable in scenes with intricate surround soundscapes. The definition of rainfall, distant thunder, or nuanced background music is rendered with precision. Adding an extra layer of realism to the overall audio presentation.

In dynamic sequences, such as a chaotic battle or a thrilling chase, the surround channels effectively convey the spatial aspects of the audio. This spatial accuracy is crucial in creating an authentic atmosphere, making the audience feel immersed in the on-screen action. The receiver’s ability to handle complex surround scenarios without losing clarity is a testament to its prowess.

Transitions between front and surround channels are seamless, avoiding any jarring shifts in the audio environment. This cohesive integration ensures that sound effects and dialogues smoothly travel across the different channels, contributing to a well-balanced surround performance.

Denon AVR-A1H Review (15.4 CH 8K AV Receiver) | Home Media Entertainment

Bass

The bass performance of the AVR-A1H adds a substantial layer to the movie-watching experience. In explosive scenes or deep rumbling moments, the receiver’s handling of low frequencies is both impactful and controlled. The integration of up to four individually controlled subwoofers allows for a customizable bass experience, catering to the acoustic dynamics of the viewing space.

In action-packed movies with intense bass sequences, the Denon receiver delivers a visceral experience. The four subwoofer outputs provide not only power but also the flexibility to address acoustic challenges in the room. This becomes particularly evident in scenes where multiple sources of low-frequency sounds need precise control.

The sub management system, along with the extensive controls for individual subs, may seem like overkill for some home setups. But in a dedicated home theater environment, it becomes a valuable tool. The result is a bass performance that is not only powerful. But also finely tuned, enhancing the overall impact of low-frequency effects.

Music Testing

In terms of music the receiver naturally comes with an extensive list of supported files and codecs. The usual low quality ones are there like MP3, WMA and AAC. But we also get High Resolution Audio support in the likes of FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless and DSD.

For this test we used our trusted Zidoo Z9X media player in order to stream some music files to the receiver.

Transitioning from cinematic experiences to musical nuances, the Denon AVR-A1H proves to be a versatile powerhouse. Demonstrating its prowess in handling various genres and intricate details.

Denon AVR-A1H Review (15.4 CH 8K AV Receiver) | Home Media Entertainment

Powerful Front

From the perspective of a music enthusiast, the front soundstage once again takes center stage. Classical symphonies, delivered through the AVR-A1H, showcase a dynamic range that captures the nuances of each instrument. The clarity observed in movie dialogues extends to musical notes, making the listening experience immersive and engaging.

Rich Surround

The surround channels, although often more emphasized in movies, play a significant role in enriching music playback. Live concert recordings, in particular, benefit from the receiver’s ability to reproduce the ambience of the venue. The audience cheers, reverberations, and subtle echoes contribute to a lifelike rendition, creating a sense of being present at the live performance.

Different Genres

When delving into specific music genres, the Denon flagship maintains its fidelity. Whether it’s the intricate guitar riffs in a rock anthem, the pulsating beats of electronic dance music, or the rich vocals in a jazz composition, the receiver handles each element with precision. The ability to distinguish between instruments ensures a well-balanced and enjoyable musical experience.

Transitioning between genres, the AVR-A1H’s responsiveness to different audio signatures is noteworthy. The receiver adapts seamlessly to the varying demands of classical orchestrations, rock anthems, and electronic beats. This adaptability is crucial for users who seek a single, high-end device for both their home theater and music listening needs.

Denon AVR-A1H Review (15.4 CH 8K AV Receiver) | Home Media Entertainment

Bass Prowess

In terms of bass performance during music playback, the Denon flagship continues to impress. The controlled yet powerful low frequencies add a layer of depth to music, enhancing the impact of bass-driven tracks. The ability to fine-tune the bass response through the sub management system allows users to tailor the audio output according to their musical preferences.

As with movie testing, the AVR-A1H proves to be a compelling choice for users who prioritize both home theater and hi-fi audio experiences. The seamless transition between movie and music modes, coupled with the receiver’s ability to deliver a nuanced and powerful sonic performance, solidifies its position as a high-end, all-in-one audio solution.

Performance Conclusion

In conclusion, the Denon AVR-A1H emerges as a standout performer, excelling in both cinematic and musical domains. Its front soundstage clarity, surround performance, and bass capabilities contribute to an immersive home entertainment experience that caters to the preferences of discerning audio enthusiasts.

In a landscape where home theater and hi-fi audio often involve separate setups, the Denon AVR-A1H challenges conventions by offering a monolithic approach. For enthusiasts seeking a singular, powerhouse device that seamlessly transitions between movie nights and musical interludes, the AVR-A1H stands tall as a compelling choice in the realm of high-performance AV receivers.

Denon AVR-A1H Review (15.4 CH 8K AV Receiver) | Home Media Entertainment
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Connectivity

Ports Analysis and Layout

Next we will take a look at all the connections available in the unit.

We already mentioned above about its frontal ports. These include the Headphones jack, the setup microphone port and the USB port.

At the back of the unit we find the 17 speaker terminals placed in a straight line which helps a lot with cable management. The terminals are of very high quality with smoke-clear resin exteriors and gold plated innards.

At the top we find 7 HDMI inputs and 3 HDMI outputs. All of them are HDMI 2.1 due to the use of a new updated HDMI board in the A1H.

As for the rest of the connections we get 2 optical and 2 coaxial digital inputs, 1 Ethernet port and a 2nd USB for power distribution. Below these we find zone-2 and zone-3 pre-outs, 1 remote control input and 1 output, 2 12V triggers, an RS-232C and 4 RCA subwoofer pre-outs.

Below these pre-outs we find 4 more balanced XLR assignable pre-outs, 17 channels pre-outs, 5 analog stereo inputs, one more dedicated to phono, stereo balanced XLR and the usual FM/AM antenna inputs.

Denon AVR-A1H Review (15.4 CH 8K AV Receiver) | Home Media Entertainment

HDMI Specifications

The Denon AVR-A1H comes with full HDMI 2.1 support. This means all its ports are HDMI 2.1 certified that support all the old and new exciting technologies available today.

These include 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video passthrough, 40Gbps bandwidth, 4:4:4 Pure Color sub sampling, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG), Dynamic HDR, 3D, BT.2020 pass-through, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Quick Frame Transport (QFT).

It is without saying that the new AVR-A1H comes with a new, bug-free HDMI 2.1 chip. All the 2020 AV receivers that featured HDMI 2.1 ports came with a bugged Panasonic chip that wouldn’t allow it to pass certain signals. Like 4K/120Hz RGB signals from the Xbox series X for example, as it would result in a black screen.

The A1H on the other hand is using an updated HDMI 2.1 chip which allows up to 40Gbps of bandwidth in all of its HDMI ports. And this includes all the signals with a 4K@120Hz configuration including Xbox Series X.

In order to confirm that everything works fine we connected both our PS5 and Xbox Series X to one of the HDMI 2.1 ports of the Denon AV receiver. In both cases we were able to get a trouble free 4K@120Hz signal.

Wireless Capabilities

As for the unit’s wireless capabilities we get built-in WiFi (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac) which can connect both in 2.4GHz and 5 GHz networks. We also get Bluetooth support and it seems that Denon decided to upgrade its module as it is now v5.0 instead of the v4.2 most Denon AV receivers had until now. Unfortunately this still supports only the basic SBC codec.

Denon AVR-A1H Review (15.4 CH 8K AV Receiver) | Home Media Entertainment

OS, Apps and Features

Let’s move on and see all the extra features we find in this AV receiver. Obviously with such a high profile release you expect to get the full feature set. And the A1H indeed includes everything Denon has to offer.

Audio Calibration System

First of all we will talk about the audio calibration system. Denon is once again using the Audyssey system. And as with all manufacturers they scale it accordingly to meet the price and performance standards of each of their models.

But as we have seen in some of their other top performing models, this is not alone anymore. Denon included Dirac Live, so you have the ability to choose which one you want.

With two profiles available you can even have one set up with Audyssey and one with Dirac. Hopefully Denon will add more profile slots with an update in order to give their units more flexibility.

Denon AVR-A1H Review (15.4 CH 8K AV Receiver) | Home Media Entertainment

Audyssey MultEQ XT32

Naturally the AVR-A1H comes with the Audyssey MultEQ XT32 version which is their best and most feature complete suite. In comparison this one features the highest resolution filters which can result in higher accuracy during calibration.

The Audyssey MultEQ XT32 also comes with Dynamic Volume, Dynamic EQ, Audyssey LFC and Audyssey sub EQ HT. This version of Audyssey has the ability to analyze up to 8 different listening positions with the help of the included microphone. And creates precise digital filters in order to offer the best audio result for your particular space.

But except from the core system we also get Dynamic EQ which is a feature that is responsible for keeping the clarity and dynamic levels of audio even when you like to watch at low volume, like for night viewings for example. Dynamic Volume on the other hand is capable of balancing sudden changes and spikes in volume that could appear when there are sudden changes from TV broadcasting to commercials.

There is also Audyssey LFC that uses advanced psychoacoustic algorithms to deliver more full-range balance, including deep bass, without disturbing neighbors or people in other rooms of your home. And lastly Audyssey Sub EQ HT that provides individual DSP tailoring of each subwoofer in a multi subwoofer setup for deeper bass with improved definition.

Audyssey calibration

Going through the Audyssey calibration can be done either through the built-in wizard or if you want to dive deeper into calibrating your system then you can download the Audyssey MultEQ Editor app that is available for Android or iOS and do a more thorough setup with the help of your mobile device.

Only keep in mind that this app has a one time fee which is a shame to be honest when you already pay such a high price for the receiver. As for the built-in system, this is more than enough for most casual users as it offers almost everything you need to make very good and precise adjustments to your system.

Denon AVR-A1H Review (15.4 CH 8K AV Receiver) | Home Media Entertainment

DIRAC Live

And then you have Dirac Live which Denon started adding lately in their new releases. When doing initial setup you can choose if you want to use the Audyssey calibration system or Dirac Live. Dirac Live automatically calibrates the sound in your room using your smartphone and the included wired mic. Or you can go the wireless way with the Dirac Live PC or MacOS application, and a 3rd party USB mic if what you have may be better than the one provided in the box.

What Dirac Live does is to correct both the timing and amplitude aspects of sound coloration using a mixed-phase correction filter throughout the listening area, not just a particular zone. Correction is performed automatically using the proprietary app for smartphone or tablet. And it can improve staging, localization, clarity, voice intelligibility, and bass response.

The system is really powerful and you literally have everything you need in order to use it. The app can be wonky from time to time. But in general we found it very stable and the results you get, in our opinion, are far better than what the Audyssey system can do. At least without the Audyssey MultEQ Editor app.

There are various presets where you can save your configuration and also after the initial measurements you can go to each channel separately and adjust the curve any way you like so this can be particularly handy for those that seek to do micro-adjustments to the system’s own balancing.

Keep in mind that Dirac Live is now available with the additional Bass Control option. This allows for more thorough calibration of your subwoofer/subwoofers and Dirac offers a single or multiple subwoofer licenses.

Denon AVR-A1H Review (15.4 CH 8K AV Receiver) | Home Media Entertainment

Denon AVR Remote App

Denon provides another app for this AV receiver and this one comes completely free. The Denon AVR Remote app lets you control the unit with your mobile device through a nice visual interface. If you don’t like the remote it comes with, this is a nice, and most important, free alternative. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices so we suggest you give it a try to see if you like it.

User Experience

And since we mentioned the visual interface we have to talk about the updated GUI. Denon changed the UI in 2022. But the AVR-A1H includes a few further updates that Denon made in March 2023 and we will talk in detail.

For some years now we were complaining about how old style and outdated the UI of the Denon AV receivers looked. It was as though it belonged in the early 2000s with its simple menus and 480p resolution.

The new menus are not all that different in terms of structure and layout. You still get the same list of features in a similar way to the old UI. But they bumped the resolution up to 1080p and made it look graphically more pleasing to the eye. Now it feels like it is something newer. And although it may not be as fancy like what smart TVs have, it is far better than what we were getting till now.

What is further updated is the new Manual speakers setup which combines the previous Amp Assign, Configuration and Connection screens all in one. This way you don’t have to change screens to make any necessary changes. The Crossover screen is also updated as you do not have to select speakers size anymore. You just set the crossover to the desired level.

New to this unit is also the new Bass Management which now includes the Subwoofer output, LPF to LFE and LFE distribution screens.

Denon AVR-A1H Review (15.4 CH 8K AV Receiver) | Home Media Entertainment

Voice Control

If you like a more hands free experience, the AVR-A1H supports all known voice control platforms. As such there is support for both most known ones with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. But there is also support for Apple’s Siri through the Airplay 2 app and the advanced automation system Josh.ai making this receiver complete in every way.

Online and Offline Streaming

For online streaming there is both HEOS and Airplay 2 you can use to stream music from one of the available online streaming services. These are TuneIn Internet Radio, Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM and more.

All of them are available for downloading from their appropriate stores for use with your mobile device.

As for offline streaming, there are also plenty of options for you. You can stream audio from a network drive or NAS server if it happens you to have one connected to your local network.

Also with the included frontal USB port you can stream music through some connected external storage or flash drive. Lastly if you prefer a more wireless way of streaming your music there is Bluetooth available for connecting with your mobile device. If you use Apple devices then Airplay 2 can also be used to stream music wireless through it.

Bluetooth & Speakers Output

And since we mentioned Bluetooth, another function that is included in the AVR-A1H is its ability to output sound from both the main speakers and through a Bluetooth connection. The AV receiver is capable of streaming audio to Bluetooth enabled headphones for a completely silent house experience. Or it can also output sound from both its speaker terminals and to a Bluetooth headset. This can be particularly practical in case there is a member in the family that is hearing impaired.

But keep in mind that this can be used only for music and not for movies. And this happens because the Bluetooth transmitter of the AV receiver is using the SBC codec and not some more advanced variant meant for such use, like aptX Low Latency. As a result there is bound to be a small audio delay due to the Bluetooth transmission speed, making this feature ideal only for music use.

Denon AVR-A1H Review (15.4 CH 8K AV Receiver) | Home Media Entertainment

Multi-Zones Capabilities

You can also create your own multi-room environment with the use of appropriate wireless speakers. But if you prefer a wired connection the AVR-A1H also supports Zone 2 and Zone 3 connections through its 2.0 channels pre-outs available at the back of the unit. For Zone 2 you even have the ability to choose between its pre-out connection or the dedicated Zone 2 HDMI output.

Various Other Features

But that’s not all. The A1H has plenty of more features at its disposal and it is hard to analyze everything in detail. But we will try to mention here the most notable ones.

Upscaling & ECO mode

The receiver supports video upscaling to 8K resolution. Keep in mind that there are no analog video inputs in this receiver so HDMI to HDMI upscaling is your only option.

You also get an ECO mode that can regulate the receiver’s power usage as well as being “Roon Tested” certified.

Roon Tested

For this last one we need to clarify what this certification is. Because there are two types of certifications. Roon Ready and Roon Tested. The AVR-A1H, as with all Denon AV receivers, is Roon Tested.

This means that while Roon will work on this unit, you will not get the highest quality possible. So for example if you use Airplay, audio quality is limited to 16 Bit/44.1kHz. Keep that in mind in case Roon is specifically important to you but also want your files to be streamed in their original quality.

HDMI-CEC

There is also HDMI-CEC. This one lets you use the TV remote to control the AV receiver, if the TV also supports this. Obviously this feature lets you use only the most basic functions of the receiver but for everyday use it can be a very time saving feature. And you can reduce the amount of remotes you have to use every time.

Denon AVR-A1H Review (15.4 CH 8K AV Receiver) | Home Media Entertainment

Subwoofer Modes

A neat feature is the Standard and Directional subwoofer modes. If you have a multiple subwoofers setup the Directional mode is the best choice. Because what this does is to divide your room in two, three or four areas depending the number of subwoofers connected. This will result in each subwoofer to play the bass of the speaker set to small located in that specific area.

In simple words, if you have two subwoofers, one on the left and one on the right, these will not output the same bass. If there is a cannon blasting projectiles on the right side of the screen then the right subwoofer will be more active than the left. This way you get not only surround sound directionality but also bass directionality. Which makes the whole experience even more immersive.

Custom Integration

Last but not least, the Denon AVR-A1H supports custom integration with a huge list of custom installation features. Some of the more known names are supported like Control4 SDDP, Domotz Pro and OvrC.

Compared to Other AV Receivers

Competition is very thin in this category. The only other unit that immediately comes to mind is the new Marantz AV10 which also supports 15 channels. Marantz names the AV10 as a pre-amplifier/processor but both have many similar functions and features. They do have some very distinct differences but this is a subject for a different article.

There are a few other, less known but highly priced options, Trinnov being one of them. But these are only for the hardcore, no budget-limit market. And far exceed the price category of both Denon and Marantz.

So the Denon AVR-A1H remains one of the most affordable choices in the 15 channels market at the moment.

Denon AVR-A1H Review (15.4 CH 8K AV Receiver) | Home Media Entertainment

Final Thoughts

With the new AVR-A1H, Denon revitalized their class leading A-series. Denon left no stone unturned with this one and it shows that they were determined to make the best AV receiver possible with the current technologies available.

In terms of audio quality the A1H has it all. Amazing cinematic sound, crystal clear audio and powerful output. In terms of features it includes everything you could possibly ask for. The same can be said about its connectivity options. With full HDMI 2.1 support and a plethora of other digital and legacy connections you will hardly miss anything.

Trying to find any downsides is a really hard task with this one. With a price of $6,500 many consumers may opt to go for separates rather than have everything in a single box. As for anything else we do miss a front HDMI port and we would prefer a motion sensing backlit remote.

We finally reached the end of our Denon AVR-A1H review. Denon’s latest flagship is the definite King of the Hill in its category. With a jaw dropping sound output, a huge feature list and a price that is as low as it gets in the 15 channels category, the AVR-A1H cements itself as the reference, all-in-one unit, to consider for your dedicated home theater room. Highly recommended.

Denon AVR-A1H Review (15.4 CH 8K AV Receiver) | Home Media Entertainment

For more reviews you can check our dedicated 15 channels 8K AV Receiver reviews section or even look at our Product Reviews Table where you can find the brand and specific product you are looking for.


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Denon AVR-A1H Specifications

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4 thoughts on “Denon AVR-A1H Review (15.4 CH 8K AV Receiver)”

  1. Hi Stratos,
    It’s amazing that we now have 15 channels AV receivers. It’s mind blowing! But with such a price it is definitely only for a small minority. Since it’s not only the price. You need to have a really big space to accommodate so many speakers. But for someone that prefers to have everything in one it surely will be an interesting offering. Great review by the way! Keep up the good work!

    Warm regards,
    Makhsud

    Reply
    • Hello and thank you for your comment. Indeed the A1H is meant for those that just want to have everything in one. Because in this price you can definitely go for a separates setup. But with 15 channels it will be hard to find another brand with the same price. Marantz comes close but they also are a bit more expensive.

      Reply
  2. Wow, a 15 channels AV receiver. What a monster really. Although this is a really niche product I do see why Denon created one. There are definitely people that would prefer to have everything in one box instead of separates. And since there is no big competition in the 15 channels market I see the A1H getting a lot of exposure.

    Reply
    • I agree with you. Denon saw some potential in the 15 channels market, that’s why they created the A1H. If they can keep the price competitive enough compared to the small competition I think they have a winner in their hands.

      Reply

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