One of the most common refrains we hear when we post new AV receiver reviews these days is, "Don't buy an AVR until HDMI 2.1 arrives!" It's like a mantra or something. And hey, if you're interested in upcoming goodies like eARC and Auto Low Latency Mode, it's not the worst idea in the world.
Good news, y'all. Those features are finally starting to appear. Well, not quite yet. But at least we're starting to see receivers with those capabilities unlockable via future firmware upgrade. Such is the case with Denon's new AVR-X3500H, just announced today and already available at retail. the AVR-X3500H also bosts a host of other features, including Alexa voice control, AirPlay 2, HEOS multiroom streaming, and DTS Virtual:X.
Full deets from the press release:
Denon, one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-quality home entertainment products, today announced the newest addition to its leading X-Series line of AVRs, the AVR-X3500H. Offering unparalleled sound quality for the price, the latest object-based sound formats--including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X processing--and advanced video processing capabilities, the AVR-X3500H is ideal for the home entertainment buff. Designed to withstand the tide of forced obsolescence, the latest X-Series receiver is enabled with Amazon Alexa voice control via the Smart Home Skill for Entertainment Devices, Apple AirPlay 2, eARC, and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).
"Denon consumers are on the technological forefront. They turn to us to ensure they have the latest and greatest features in their AVRs to stay in sync with industry trends, formats and content," said Yoshinori Yamada, technical category director for audio and video at Sound United. "The AVR-X3500H does not deter from this path. Our classic discrete power amplifier design paired with custom-made high current transistors on all channels, compatibility with nearly every advanced AV format, and the added benefit of Amazon Alexa and Apple AirPlay 2 really drive home our dedication to delivering the best home theater experience possible."
A salute to Denon's nearly 110-year legacy, the Denon AVR-X3500H is one of the most technologically advanced and capable AV receivers available. The 7.2 channel AVR incorporates seven powerful amplifiers tuned to provide the powerful and solid Denon sound performance rated at 105 watts per channel (8ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.08% THD). Users know they're receiving something that will power their home entertainment system for years to come.
Expanded Connectivity for The Fully-Integrated Home Theater
Leveraging Denon's heritage of innovation, the AVR-X3500H 7.2 channel receiver boasts the latest technologies for audio and video excellence. A centerpiece of the whole-home wireless music system via built-in HEOS wireless multi-room audio technology, the AVR-X3500H also supports Apple AirPlay 2 via future firmware update. AirPlay 2 is not limited to the AVR-X3500H, and will be available on previously released Denon AV receivers that support both AirPlay and HEOS technology.
Using Amazon's Alexa Smart Home Skill for Entertainment Devices, consumers can use voice commands to control a variety of AVR functions, including power on/off, volume, mute/unmute, music play/pause, external input switching and playback of supported streaming services. For vinyl enthusiasts, the AVR-X3500H is also built with a phono input to support playback of your favorite vinyl records.
Top-Notch Audio & Video Capabilities
Bringing immersive content to life, the AVR-X3500H is outfitted with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X capabilities for consumers to fully enjoy 3D immersive audio experiences. Users without dedicated height speakers are covered with DTS Virtual:X, which creates virtual height effects in 5.1, 7.1 or even 2.1 speaker arrangements for DTS encoded or PCM content.
The powerful AKM 32-bit DAC permits the AVR-X3500H to decode ALAC, FLAC and WAV files at up to 24-bit/192-kHz, producing outstanding audio fidelity. It is also compatible with 2.8/5.6-MHz DSD files, which can be played from memory devices via the front panel USB, or over network sources.
Armed with the latest HDMI specifications, consumers can expect some of the best home theater experiences available. All eight HDMI inputs--and three HDMI outputs--feature HDCP 2.2 support. For exceptional clarity and contrast, the AVR-X3500H boasts 4K Ultra HD 60Hz video, 4:4:4 Pure Color sub sampling, Dolby Vision, High Dynamic Range (HDR10), Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG), and BT.2020 pass-through support. It is also certified by the Imaging Science Foundation and features a full suite of video calibration controls (for use by an ISF technician), along with ISF Day and ISF Night video modes.
Denon will also unleash the support for two of the latest HDMI 2.1 features--eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)--via future firmware update. eARC supports objected-based audio from TV applications, while ALLM ensures Xbox One users have a more responsive and immersive gaming experience when connected with any TV model that also supports ALLM.
Robust Consumer and Integrator Support
Ideal for custom integrators--and consumers who value quick, reliable maintenance--the AVR-X3500H features the compatibility with ihiji Invision and Domotz Pro remote monitoring and management technologies. Both newly-integrated tools give custom integrators the ability to remotely monitor AVRs and provide near-immediate assistance to their clients from any location. External and IP control capabilities provide easy customization and compatibility with third-party solutions. Technologies like SDDP (Simple Device Detection Protocol) certification for seamless integration with Control4 home automation equipment helps ensure painless setup. Additionally, with embedded Crestron Connected technology, the AVR-X3500H seamlessly communicates with Crestron home automation solutions, giving installers a simplified home theater solution and homeowners complete control of their home entertainment system.
Equipped with the most advanced Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room measurement system includes Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Dynamic EQ, LFC (Low Frequency Containment) and SubEQ HT.
The AVR-X3500H easily guides consumers through the set-up process to ensure the most accurate configuration. Optimize all settings for the best possible sound quality from the get-go. The optional Audyssey MultEQ Editor app allows consumers to customize and tailor the sound to their specific needs or personal preferences intuitively on the app
AVR-X3500H Features:
The AVR-X3500H ($999) is currently available via authorized Denon retailers. For more information please visit www.usa.denon.com/us.
Additional Resources
• Visit the Denon website for more information.
Apple AirPlay 2 Is Here at HomeTheaterReview.com.
• Denon AVR-X8500H 13.2-Channel AV Receiver Reviewed at HomeTheaterReview.com.
