21
Oct
2011
Pocket-lint: Top home cinema brands Denon and Marantz have both announced that they will be offering free AirPlay upgrades to customers who own suitable network AV receivers and systems. (more…)
Tag: denon
23
Sep
2011
Engadget: The DNP-720AE has been hanging around at trade shows for a while, but it’s only just been tagged up with a price. And boy, what a price: £429 ($660) for a stereo box that snatches AirPlay, DLNA, Internet radio, Napster and Last.fm off your WiFi or wired network and outputs to your amp. (more…)
25
Jul
2011
What Hi-fi: New from Denon is the £400 DHT-1312XP home cinema system, a ‘just add Blu-ray player’ package combining the company’s entry-level AVR-1312 receiver with a dedicated SYS-1312 5.1-channel speaker set-up.
On sale next month, the system offers 3D passthrough, 5x110W output, and four-in-one-out HDMI connectivity. (more…)
15
Jul
2011
Akihabaranews: Introduced in September 2010 in white only the RCD-N7, a CD player with integrated Wi-Fi and AirPlay support (more here after the jump) is now also available in Japan in black. Both the White version and Black version are technically identical and comes as well with DLNA 1.5 support and iPod/iPhone support.
This new Black RCD-N7 will be sold in Japan within a few weeks at around 55,000 Yen.
09
Jun
2011
What Hi-fi: D&M, the parent company of Denon and Marantz – and now, Boston Acoustics – has unveiled its product ranges for 2011, at a grand location on the shores of Lake Maggiore in Italy.
Both Marantz and Denon have focused plenty of attention on their receiver ranges, developing sonic performance while extending network capabilities and improving usability through new GUI interfaces. (more…)
16
May
2011
What Hi-fi: Denon has announced its AV receiver line-up for 2011. The five-strong model range includes the first three machines to feature integrated Apple Airplay.
The receivers are due out from this month and all five support 3D pass-through, as is now standard across Denon’s range.
The entry-level AVR-1312 (£250) features 5 x 110w channels, four HDMI inputs and one output and support for HD audio.
Step up to the AVR-1612 (£380) for a front USB port for connecting an iPod/iPhone, increased power to 120w per channe and Dynamic Volume audio processing.
Debuting on the the AVR-1612 is Denon’s new Setup Wizard, alongside advanced Audyssey MultEQ calibration.
The AVR-1912 (£500), AVR-2312 (£800) and AVR-3312 (TBC) all feature integrated Apple Airplay and 3D support, and promise to major on network capabilities and ease of use.
Airplay allows you to stream music directly from an iPhone or iPod Touch as well as directly from your iTunes library on a Mac or PC. There’s a USB for direct playback, too.
The receivers also support DLNA, allowing streaming of MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC and FLAC-HD audio, plus photos, from a PC or NAS device.
Over 12,000 internet radio stations can also be accessed, as well as subscription-based music services such as Napster and Last.fm.
The AVR-1912 offers six HDMI (1.4 with 3D and ARC) inputs and one output, seven channels of 125w, Audyssey MultEQ, Dynamic Volume and 2-zone capability.
Pay the extra for the AVR-2312 for a 7.2-channel receiver, 135w per channel, an extra HDMI input and Audyssey MultEQ Pro.
Meanwhile the top-of-the-range AVR-3312 bolsters its specification with 165w per channel, a second HDMI output and front height and front wide connections.
You’ll also find Audyssey DSX Processing, Dynamic Discrete Surround Circuit. AL24 Processing, Clock Jitter Reducer and 3 source/3 zone capability.
The entry-level AVR-1312 and AVR-1612 are due out this month, to be followed in June by the AVR-1912 and AVR-2312. The AVR-3312 will follow later in the year.
04
Feb
2011
T3: Denon’s CEOL network music system effectively consigns the concept of traditional hi-fi to history. In both form and function, this mini is transformative. The CEOL (pronounced kee-ohl) comprises the one-piece RCD-N7 network CD receiver and matching SC-N7 standmount speakers. You can grab both for £530-£600, although if you have speakers you wish to stick with, the RCD-N7 can be purchased solo for up to £500.
The RCD-N7 has an easy to accommodate footprint, but is well appointed. The rear of the unit offers two pairs of substantial binding posts, plus FM/AM tuner connections, an optical digital audio and two auxiliary phono stereo inputs and Ethernet. There’s also a subwoofer output, which may be of use of you opt to buy the bundled SC-N7 speakers.
The fascia features a centre-mounted CD tray and 3-line OLED display. While monochromatic, this is bright enough to read across a large room. On the left front is a USB reader, while on the roof is a concealed iPod/iPhone dock.
The CEOL is a snap to use, despite its sophistication. Just select your chosen audio source by cycling through the dedicated button on the front panel or access it direct via the elegant remote. Once online, the system found all my DLNA devices without issue. File support is excellent. In addition to vanilla-flavoured MP3, the unit can play WMA, WAV, AAC, OGG and FLAC files.
Denon Ceol: Features
With integrated Wi-Fi and LAN, the RCD-N7 can be coaxed onto a home network with the minimum of effort. Internet Radio allows you to browse (good luck with that) the thousands of net radio stations available, many of which offer surprisingly good audio quality. There’s also support for Napster and Last.fm, plus an FM/AM radio should you need it. Oh yes, it also plays CDs.
The CEOL’s biggest party trick though is AirPlay. This is the first hi-fi system to support Apple’s wireless replay system, and once upgraded (a meagre £39) you can stream direct from iTunes on your Mac or PC, or via an iPhone 3GS/4, iPad or iPod Touch. AirPlay allows you to simultaneously stream to as many as six pairs of speakers, although you can’t select a different musical output for different speakers.
While there are several of audio alternatives that do very similar things, the simplicity of AirPlay has a lot going for it. Just select a compatible device from the AirPlay icon on iTunes, pick a Playlist and stream it. I fully expected some installation hassles, but had none.
Denon CEOL: Sound quality
The CEOL is a great sounding music system for the price. Beneath the hood, Denon’s engineers have employed a ‘simple & straight’ circuit design for the N7 which uses the shortest possible signal path for the greatest sonic integrity. CD playback has a grace that is immediately appealing, while high resolution FLAC files sound fabulous. The balance is perfect for pop, rock and dance; it’s like listening to ice cream.
There may have been minor delays rolling out AirPlay software for the CEOL but it was worth the wait. Its integration within the iTune ecosystem is seamless and the result is a multi-room audio solution that challenges Sonos for ease of use. CEOL + Airplay = happiness. One day, all hi-fi systems will work this way.
Denon CEOL launch date: Out now
Denon CEOL price: £530-£600 for entire system, £470-£500 RCD N7, £39 for Airplay upgrade
14
Jan
2011
iPodNN: Selected Denon and Marantz audio hardware should now finally support Apple’s AirPlay streaming technology, as promised, the two companies say. Supported Denon receivers include the AVR-4311CI, AVR-3311CI, AVR-991 and AVR-A100, as well as the N7, a combination networked CD receiver and two-channel speaker system. Compatible Marantz gear includes the SR7005 receiver, AV7005 preamp, NA7004 network audio player and M-CR603 networked CD receiver.
AirPlay support has been promised by the companies for some time. It was also originally supposed to be free until November 7th. Instead, existing Denon and Marantz gear owners must pay $50 for a downloadable upgrade.
07
Jan
2011
T3.com: If you have a new 3D TV, you probably ought to consider a new sound system – come on, it’s only money; you can’t take it with you. There are plenty of audio options out there, from all-in-one systems and soundbars with built-in Blu ray decks, to speaker combos for those who own a Blu-ray player. Here are five of the best.
Best: Pure quality
Samsung HT-C9950W
£1,800
Love: Innovative design. Audio and visual prowess
Hate: Very expensive
Best: Convenience
Pioneer HTP-200
£500
Love: Convenient and quick to set up
Hate: No on-screen menus. Cheap design
Best: Sound quality
Denon AVR-1911 & KEF KHT8005
£1,400 (£400 + £1,000
Love: Awesome sound quality. Feature packed
Hate: High total price
Best: Internet content
Sony BDV-E370
£450
Love: Internet extras. Streaming. Clear audio
Hate: Dull looks. Poor sub
Best: Extra features
Panasonic SC-BFT800
£700
Love: Space-saving design. Wireless sub. Wide range of features
Hate: No surround sound. Lacks a certain punch
03
Dec
2010
Akihabara News: Announced earlier this year in Europe and North America and widely available overseas since this summer, the DBP-1611UD, Denon latest 3D Universal Blu-Ray player will finally be available in Japan within this month (December).
Supporting BD, DVD, CD as well as DVD-Audio and SACD disks, the DBP-1611UD comes also with the support of DivX Plus HD, AVCHD, DLNA, YouTube, Netflix (for the USA), as well as the usual MP3 and WMA file support.
The DBP-1611UD will be sold in Japan at around 52,000 Yen MSRP.
29
Oct
2010
Newlaunches: 100 years down the line and Denon’s got still got big surprises for the music loving audiophiles that they so love catering to. They’ve just unveiled the first Denon Network Music System called the CEOL RCD-N7. It’s loaded with options from network music streaming, Internet Radio, iPod/iPhone docking, USB connectivity, AirPlay (via a feature upgrade) and the list goes on. The CEOL is a compact device with all kinds of connectivity as I mentioned. It’s actually network CD receiver slash iPod dock. It has an Ethernet port and Wi-Fi (WPS) capabilities so you can hook it up to the net or your computer to stream music from your PC via DLNA or even tune into your favorite internet radio channel. And of course it has the… yawn… more mundane music player functions like reading CDs, USB devices with music file and an FM/AM radio.
The RCD-N7 is also an eco-friendly device as its standby power is below 0.4W which helping eliminate unnecessary power consumption. It’ll be available in a white color finish from this November with a price tag of about $955 (£600) just on time for the holiday rush. Also sold separately is the SC-N7 speaker set that’s designed with Denon’s “simple & straight” circuit design to optimize performance in sound quality.
08
Oct
2010
The Audiophiliac: I’ve reviewed a bunch of midpriced receivers over the past few months, and came away impressed by the quality of all of them. Pioneer’s VSX-1020 was an immediate front-runner, and I love the Marantz NR1601′s rich sound. Yamaha’s RX-V667 was no slouch, but Sony’s STR-DN1010 didn’t thrill me as much as the others. The receivers all carry MSRPs between $500 and $600; street prices are $100 or so less.
So it was the Denon AVR-1911 that took top honors, it just sounded better to my ears than the others. Bass definition was superb; upper treble clarity and resolution led the pack. I didn’t have all of the contenders on hand to directly compare with the AVR-1911; just the Marantz NR1601 and the Pioneer VSX-1020. The Pioneer was the brightest and in some ways the most detailed-sounding, and I felt its front-to-rear imaging was the clearest, but the NR1601 and AVR-1911 both sounded more powerful. The grenade explosions and gunfire in the “Black Hawk Down” Blu-ray had greater impact, and dialog sounded more naturally balanced over the AVR-1911.
I also felt, literally, the Denon’s bass control and power was the best of the three receivers. Not only that, the AVR-1911′s treble purity and “air” on “Goldberg Variations Acoustica,” a jazz interpretation of Bach’s Goldberg Variations was well above average for a midpriced receiver. This Blu-ray’s Dolby TrueHD sound is a great test for speakers and electronics, and the AVR-1911 decoded the drummer’s cymbals and percussion instruments with remarkable finesse.
A side benefit of the AVR-1911′s high-frequency resolution was that it had the best soundstage depth of the three receivers. That is, on a great recording like the “Goldberg” disc, the soundstage of the front left, center, and right channels seemed to simultaneously project farther forward and behind the plane of the three speakers. That spacious quality was also evident on the better-sounding movies, like “Master and Commander.”
I felt the AVR-1911′s charm was just as apparent on CDs; the receiver’s soundstage depth and dimensionality on Barbra Streisand’s “Live at the Village Vanguard” was ahead of all the other receivers. The Denon AVR-1911 is the best-sounding midpriced receiver I’ve heard this year.