When you think of Japanese Hi-Fi companies, you tend to think in relatively modern decades... 70s, 80s etc. But, Denon can trace their sound making roots back to the beginning of recorded sound. Up until the 21st Century, Denon was the brand name of The Nippon Columbia record company. The Japanese arm of the American record company Columbia, supplying the Japanese market more with it's own material than American imports. Through events such as World Wars and various Emperors, Denon slowly became the company we know today.

A bit of history

A major supplier to the Japanese broadcasting organisation NHK (Nippon Hoso Kyokai, literally Japan Broadcasting Corporation) building electronics, turntables and pick-up cartridges specifically for the Japanese broadcaster. Even today, the classic DL103 cartridge, launched for broadcast purposes in 1963 is still a part of the Denon lineup.

The Legendary DN-023R

Denon was at the forefront of digital audio. In 1972 it announced the DN-023R , the world's first digital recorder. Less than a decade later, the brand unveiled the first CD player for professional use, followed a year later by the first consumer model, the inimitable DCD-2000.

The humble cassette.

Denon used to make a plethora of great cassette decks in the 80’s and 90’s

At the end of the 60s, Denon was one of the first companies experimenting with digital PCM recording, as a route to mastering better vinyl record replay, and by the mid-1970s, Denon had firmly established a digital recording and mastering chain, releasing all of their recordings as digital mastered, years before the CD player was on the market. They earned a high reputation for sophisticated direct-drive turntables, and some of the best sounding cassette recorders ever made.

As the market moved towards multi-channel sound and home theatre, Denon was one of the companies pioneering the technology. In fact, the original version of the Denon AVC A1 amplifier, was one of the very first amplifiers with full Dolby Digital surround.

And today, from Denon we have a new behemoth to wow our home cinema enthusiasts. Enter the Denon AVC-A1H…

Design

Denon has consistently been a reputable name in the audio-visual industry, known for its high-quality receivers and amplifiers. The latest addition to their lineup, the Denon AVC-1H, continues this tradition with a host of advanced features and cracking performance.

The AVC-1H boasts a sleek and modern design, characterized by a minimalist front panel with a clear, easy-to-read display, which to be honest hasn’t really changed much over the last number of generations, and that’s not a bad thing. The construction is solid and at 32kg it feels like it. Its aesthetic appeal will complement any home cinema setup, blending seamlessly with both modern and traditional decors.

The ins and outs

The Denon AVC-1H is packed with connectivity options, including multiple HDMI inputs and outputs, USB, and analogue connections, dedicated XLR connections from high-end sources like the Panasonic UB9000 UHD player and XLR outputs for subwoofers. So those of you who may have high-end subwoofers in your setup, you are not going to be left wanting.

One standout feature is the support for HEOS multi-room audio technology, which enables seamless music streaming throughout your home. Additionally, built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2 offer versatile wireless streaming options, catering to different user preferences.

The AVC-1H also includes voice control compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri, providing convenient hands-free operation. The intuitive setup assistant and on-screen GUI make installation and configuration straightforward, even for those new to high-end AV equipment.

So many useful connections hidden around the back, wait!!!, whats that!! a lesser spotted Chrome trooper??

the high quality transformer brings the power

high end components adorn the inside of the AVC-1H

Performance

Denon has always prioritised sound quality with its flagship range, and the AVC-1H is no exception. Equipped with advanced audio processing technologies, it delivers rich, immersive sound. The receiver supports the latest audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D, providing a three-dimensional audio experience that is both enveloping and precise.

The power output packs a punch with it's 210W per channel, easily driving a wide range of speakers with precision, clarity and detail. The AVC-1H’s ability to reproduce both subtle details and stark dynamic shifts makes it ideal for both music and movies, ensuring an engaging listening and visual experience. The beach scene at the beginning of Dunkirk is a great example of this, a great movie with superlative audio and visuals.

In addition to its stellar audio performance, the AVC-1H excels in video processing. It supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video pass-through, making it future-proof for upcoming content. HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG compatibility.

While the AVC-1H sits at the higher end of the price range, its extensive feature set and exceptional performance justify the investment, standing as a powerful and versatile AV receiver that excels in both audio and video performance for audiophiles and home cinema enthusiasts seeking the top tier of audio and video quality.

Its wide range of features, future-proof specifications, and user-friendly design make it a standout choice for anyone looking to elevate their home entertainment system. Whether you’re a cinephile or a music lover, the AVC-1H promises to deliver an immersive and satisfying experience.

Our AVC-1H is on demo at our Manchester store. We have both inwall and free standing speakers to hang off the AVC-1H, all of which sound absolutely epic.

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

Thanks for reading

Munir - Audio T Manchester

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