To return to the HDMI 2.1 standard, one 40 Gbps input and three outputs are concerned. These support all the features of the standard: VRR, ALLM, eARC, QMS, QFT, Ultra HD 4K at 120fps and UHD 8K at 60fps.
In terms of the new features on board this AVC-X8500HA, there is also the Imax Enhanced label, upscaling of 1080p sources to UHD 4K (2 160p) and UHD 8K (4 320p), HDCP 2.3 certification for all the HDMI sockets, HDR10 + and DTS: X Pro compatibilities and the Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer function. As a reminder, this equipment remains accessible to owners of an AVC-X8500H model via Firmware and hardware updates (HDMI card to be replaced) provided by a Denon dealer against the sum of 749 euros.
Main specifications
The rest of the technical characteristics are unchanged, namely access to web radios, thirteen amplifier channels, a Dac ESS Saber ES9010 (192 kHz / 32 bits), the Bass Sync process to reset the LFE channel on some multichannel tracks where it is slightly behind (this happens relatively often), and DTS Virtual X mode to turn any soundtrack into a DTS: X track. Finally, the Auro 3D functionality is also immediately integrated.
This 13.2 model still delivers a power of 13 x 210 W at 6 ohms (13.2 processing) and incorporates a transcoder from analog sources to HDMI. Ditto for the management of DSD streams (up to 5.6 MHz) through the HDMI connectors, the assignment of one of the three HDMI outputs to HDMI zone 2 to broadcast an audio-video signal different from that of the room main. Of course, the Dolby Atmos 13.1 (7.2.6 / 9.2.4) and DTS: X 11.2 (7.1.4 / 9.1.4 / 5.1.6) and Audo 3D 13.1 (7.1.6) features combined with two Quad Core DSPs (ADI Griffin Lite specimens) are still relevant today. Namely, the fifteen terminal blocks present at the back of the amplifier allow, once all connected to a speaker, to easily switch from one decoding to another, each requiring a specific configuration.
On the menu again, the Heos multiroom functionality, management of HDR10, HDR HLG and HDR Dolby Vision technologies and the BT.2020 gamut. To come back to Heos, like the Yamaha MusicCast, this amplifier can therefore easily be transformed into a link in a larger audio chain, including genuine Denon Heos speakers to provide a home with sound.
We also note the ISF certification, integrated Bluetooth compatibility, zone 2 and zone 3 stereo audio management, Audyssey MultEQ XT 32 acoustic correction and Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Audyssey LFC treatments. This allows each subwoofer to be configured as part of a dual cabinet installation, for deeper and more precise bass.
On the menu of the Denon AVC-X8500HA, an Audio Restorer mode for optimizing the sound rendering of compressed audio files, a UPnP (DLNA) audio-photo multimedia gateway associated with MP3, WMA, AAC, Wav and Flac compatibilities , access to Internet radios and AirPlay certification. We also note a Wi-Fi n compatibility, a USB Host port on the front with direct and digital management of an iPod / iPhone (recharging of the iBidule is ensured), the possibility of enjoying online music services such as Spotify (compatibility Spotify Connect) or Last.fm in streaming, Gapless function and support for AIFF and DSD formats.
Of course, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Pro Logic IIz and DTS-HD decoders are also present, not to mention the Auto LipSync function or the possibility of controlling the amplifier from an Android smartphone or tablet / iOS via the Denon Remote app. Likewise, an Audyssey application (paying, 20 €) is available to optimize the settings and save several complete settings on a smartphone / tablet or in the Cloud.
The Crestron Connect function is still responding. Just plug the AVC-X8500HA into a remote control of the same name and the remote will automatically offer full control of the amp. Also worthy of note is the support for 4 ohm speakers for even more ergonomics, a Denon Link HD coaxial socket to connect a Blu-Ray player of the brand in optimal conditions (elimination of jitter) and DDSC compatibility HD with AL32 multichannel Processing Plus.
Overall Appearance
The finish of the AVC-X8500HA features a 100% aluminum faceplate and heavy, steel side panels. The OSD with 3D representations and more comprehensive system information displayed on the screen (Audyssey modes are managed) allows you to configure / control the amplifier comfortably installed from your sofa. The same applies to the four Quick Select buttons on the front, always allowing access to the desired source quickly and easily. Precision, the latter also integrate additional functions and modes (Audyssey or multiroom management) for ever more complete macros.
Rich connectivity
The connection includes eight HDMI CEC inputs including one on the front (and one of 2.1 obedience), HDCP 2.3 certified and all transparent to 3D signals, Ultra HD 4K and 8K, Deep Color, xvYCC and at 1080p / 24). As already specified, the eARC function is also part of the game. There are also four Composite inputs, three YUV, two optical inputs, two coaxial, seven stereo RCA inputs, one Phono, one audio-video (RCA + Composite) zone 2 output, one RCA stereo output zone 3, one Pre-Out output. 13.2, two USB Host ports (one on the front), a headphone output, a microphone input for Audyssey MultEQ XT 32 automatic calibration and an Ethernet port. Plus two 12V Trigger sockets, one RS-232C socket and fifteen pairs of terminal blocks. Finally, a remote control with an LCD screen accompanies the AVC-X8500HA.
Note also the different colored terminal blocks in accordance with the cables, to facilitate the connection of the speakers. Finally, the Eco mode is still as efficient at reasonable listening. Energy savings are an average of 40% on this AVC-X8500HA. Store availability, in black or silver, scheduled for June. Indicative price: 3,999 euros.
(Editor's note: if the photos in this news are those of the Denon AVC-X8500H model, the Denon AVC-X8500HA has exactly the same design modulo the letter A in its reference).
Update: the Marantz AV8805A initially announced equipped with a Dac AKM4490 is in fact equipped with an ESS Saber ES9010 model. The above news has been corrected.
Reminder of the key features of the Denon AVC-X8500HA:
• Model: 13.2
• Power: 13 x 210 W into 6 ohms, 13 x 150 W into 8 ohms
• Inputs : 8 HDMI inputs (7 x 2.0b + 1 x 2.1), 3 YUV inputs, 4 Composite inputs, 2 optical inputs, 2 coaxial inputs, 7 stereo RCA, 1 Phono input, 1 7.1 RCA input, 1 RS-232 input, 2 USB Host ports (including 1 on the front) and 1 Ethernet port
• Outputs: 3 HDMI 2.1 outputs (parallel), 2 Composite outputs, 1 YUV output, two Pre-Out 2.0 outputs (zone 2 and zone 3) , 1 Pre-Out 15.2 output, 2 subwoofer outputs, 1 headphone output, 15 pairs of screw terminal blocks
• OSD functions
• UPnP (DLNA) audio gateway functions
• ALLM functions
• Advanced AL32 Plus Processing Functions
• VRR Functions
• QFT Functions
• QMS Functions
• 4K Ultra HD / 120 fps
• Functions Ultra HD 8K / 60 fps
• Flac HD compatibility
• DSD compatibility 2.8 / 5.6 MHz
• Wav compatibility
• Al compatibility ac
• MP3 Compatibility
• WMA Compatibility
• AAC Compatibility
• DTS Audio: X Pro
• Audio Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer
• DTS Audio Virtual: X
• Audio eARC Function
• Audio Auto Calibration Audyssey MultEQ XT 32
• Audio Processing Audyssey SubEQ HT
• Audio Processing Audyssey LFC
• Audio Digital Converter -Analog ESS Saber ES9010
• Audio Auro 3D
• Dolby Atmos 9.2.4 / 7.2.6
• Audio Dolby Atmos 9.2.8.7.2.8 with the addition of an external stereo amplifier
• HDR10 Video
• HLG HDR Video
• Dolby Vision HDR Video
• BT.2020 Compatibility Video
• Ultra HD Pass-Trought Function Video
• 3D Ready Video
• HDR10 + Video
• Video Upscaling Ultra HD / 8K (24/25/30/60)
• Video Upscaling Ultra HD / 4K (24/25/30 / 60/120)
• Imax Enhanced Certification
• IP Control Network
• Dual Band Wi-Fi network (2.4 / 5 GHz)
• AirPlay 2 network
• TX Bluetooth network
• Multi Google Assistant media
• Amazon Alexa Multimedia
• Apple Siri Multimedia
• Hi-Res Audio Streaming via USB / network: yes
• Webradio (s): TuneIn
• Hi-Res Audio certification
• HDCP 2.3 certification
• Headphone output: yes
• Other (s): integrated Heos multiroom module
• Dimensions (W x H x D, mm): 434 x 482 X 259 mm (Wi-Fi antennas deployed)
• Consumption: 900 W (0.1 W in standby)
• Weight: 23.3 kg