'Imperial Death Star' home cinema system
It doesn't come much more high-end than Denon's latest two-box High Definition THX Ultra2 behemoth home cinema system the AVP/POA-A1HD, also known as the 'Imperial Death Star'.
Nearly twice as large and heavy as its already sizeable predecessors, the AVP/POA-A1HD packs an almighty 3,000 watts of state-of-the-art home cinema tech and, according to Denon, 'sports more advanced audio and video technology than anything else on the planet (or in orbit)'.
The A1HD combination 'reflects Denon's statement of intent' by delivering all of the relevant new High Definition technologies in a format neutral fashion with a mass of connectivity options, supposed greater ease of use (though we're still terrified at how huge the instruction manual is likely to be) and what we can only expect to be amazing AV quality.
The AVP-A1HD THX Ultra2 AV pre/processor is a network-centric HD processor offering what Denon calls 'the highest level of quality, technology and power'. A brief summary of specs includes a high-current discrete preamp with balanced XLR out, advanced AL24 multi-channel processing, upgraded Audyssey XT auto calibration with new mic, support for all networking and streaming standards with built-in Wi-Fi, USB connectivity, iPod docking, no fewer than six HDMI 1.3a ins and two outs, remote maintenance via the internet, 'every possible install and control capability' and, as you might expect, complete audiophile construction.
Teamed with this is the POA-A1HD THX Ultra2 ten-channel power amp offering 300 watts per channel at 4 ohms with bridge to 5x 500 watts at 4 ohms. Mono block construction, bridge and bi-amp function and independent ten-channel power supply with each channel are assignable separately and there are three assignable VU meters too.
Support is offered for every HD format - Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD, Deep Colour, avYCC and auto lip sync. The REALTA HQV chip upscales audio to 1080p and Denon has incorporated advanced AL24 for all channels as well as the company's proprietary Discrete Surround Circuit.
Function-wise Denon claims to have made things as simple as possible with its new photo-real graphic user interface, auto set-up and room EQ as well as MultEQ XT from Audyssey. A dedicated second room remote is also supplied and the back panel layout has been tidied up.
Which is good news because connectivity is serious here. DenonLink3, selectable front and rear USB ports, iPod docking (with the optional ASD-1R), four-zone room-to-room capability and HDMI 1.3a.
Networking capabilities are built in with Wi-Fi and Ethernet, music streaming from PC and Mac for AAC, MP3, WAV, WMA lossless and FLAC, photo streaming with JPEG, internet radio V2.0 extended and web control.
Crikey! Each of the separate systems features Denon's industrial 'wave' design, which the company claims brings a 'softer, sleeker look to even the most powerful home cinema', though we can't imagine anything softening up these humungous slices of AV tech. Each will retail at £5,000 with a combined price for the mathematically challenged of £10,000.
Denon is positioning this system against brands like Krell, Meridian and 'crazily priced' US and UK specialists.
Due sometime in February, the system will be unveiled at the Bristol AV show mid February and we'll be there to bring you the lowdown.
www.denon.co.uk
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