Denon

Denon's 2013 receivers aim for simplicity

Say the phrase "AV receiver" and the experience that comes to mind is crouching behind a narrow TV cabinet with a tangle of cables, trying to wrap bare wire around a banana plug. And that's before you even get to the fun stuff, like assigning and renaming inputs.

That fact AV receivers are so synonymous with "frustration" is the inspiration for Denon's new 2013 line of AV receivers, which are shooting for "new levels of user friendliness." The company announced three new mainstream models, with the higher-end models including ease-of-use-minded features like … Read more

Do separate components sound better than AV receivers?

There's no doubt that the best of today's receivers sound great and come jam-packed with a vast range of features. Even entry-level models paired with a decent 5.1 speaker/subwoofer system can do a fine job, but some buyers aim higher. They may have invested in a 65-inch or larger display, or maybe a video projector and a 120-inch screen. They crave a sound that matches the grandeur of the picture, and they can get that only with separate components like the Outlaw Audio Model 975 Surround Processor and Model 7125 Power Amp.

The Model 975 Surround … Read more

Denon debuts flashy new Cocoon AirPlay speaker docks

Welcome another couple of pricey wireless AirPlay speakers to the market. They arrive courtesy of Denon, which has introduced the Cocoon Home ($599) and Cocoon Portable ($499).

Both models feature an integrated iPhone/iPod dock as well as the aforementioned AirPlay feature, which allows you to stream music directly from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch (or from a Mac or Windows PC running iTunes).

To set it apart from other audio docks on the market, Denon says its designers gave it a super glossy look "with a contemporary twist" that's unique because the clear plastic enclosure (on the back of the unit) is painted from the inside. And to add to that "seamless" appearance, all connections are housed in a solid metal base. … Read more

Denon's awesome new headphones

I've always been a big fan of Denon receivers' sound quality, but now the company's really getting serious about headphones. Yes, it's made headphones for years, including some really nice ones, so I was unprepared for the radical rethinking of Denon's headphone line. I was treated to an advance preview of upcoming Denon, Marantz, and Boston Acoustics products on Tuesday in Mahwah, N.J.… Read more

Denon's 2012 AV receivers announced: AirPlay-friendly

Denon is always last to announce its new AV receivers each year, but the company just rolled out its new 2012 line.

Denon's AVR-1912 was a hit last year with built-in AirPlay support, and now AirPlay is available on all but the entry-level $250 Denon AVR-1513. There aren't many surprises otherwise, although Denon's back panels are looking more minimalist than ever before. Here's how Denon's 2012 line of AV receivers breaks down:… Read more

How can 30-year-old receivers sound better than new ones?

It's a strange turn of events, but mainstream manufacturers long ago gave up on the idea of selling receivers on the basis of superior sound quality. I'm not claiming today's receivers sound "bad," but since almost no one ever listens to a receiver before they buy one, selling sound quality is next to impossible.

Back in the days when brick-and-mortar stores ruled the retail market, audio companies took pride in their engineering skills and designed entire receivers in-house. Right up through the 1980s most of what was "under the hood" was designed and … Read more

Denon AVR-1912 review: Editors' Choice AV receiver

The Denon AVR-1912 is the most complete midrange AV receiver we've seen in 2011 so far.

It's one of the only two receivers in its class (the other being the Pioneer VSX-1021-K) with built-in support for Apple's AirPlay, a feature that lets you use any iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad as a wireless music source. While the Pioneer has a nicer interface, the Denon outdoes it with slightly better sound quality, a sixth HDMI input, a two-year warranty, and onboard support for Pandora, Rhapsody, and Napster.

The Denon AVR-1912 is our go-to pick if someone asks, "… Read more

Denon's 2011 core line of AV receivers compared

Denon is the last of the major AV receiver manufacturers to announce its 2011 lineup, but it was worth the wait. The company introduced four new receivers in its "core line" last week, including the $530 AVR-1912, which Denon is referring to as the least expensive AV receiver with built-in AirPlay. (The Pioneer VSX-1021-K has a list price of $550.) Below is a detailed breakdown of the main feature differences between Denon's new receivers.

Denon AVR-1312

Key features of the Denon AVR-1312:

5.1 AV receiver, 110 watts per channel Four HDMI inputs 3D video pass-through, standby pass-through, and audio return channel Graphical user interface, overlaid on HDMI sources Two digital audio inputs (one optical, one coaxial) $250 list price; available later in April

Denon AVR-1612… Read more

Denon's midrange AV receiver has AirPlay too

Pioneer's VSX-1021-K was the first midrange receiver we've seen with built-in AirPlay support, but it's about to get some competition. Denon has announced its entire 2011 line of AV receivers today, including the $530 AVR-1912 with AirPlay support. All three of Denon's higher-end "IN-Command Series Models"--the $600 AVR-2112CI, $800 AVR-2312CI, and $1,000 AVR-3312CI, also include AirPlay functionality, as well as Rhapsody, Napster, Pandora, and DLNA support.

We're currently at the event getting the full details on these new receivers and we'll be posting a more detailed comparison of Denon's … Read more