Denon has introduced the latest update to its high-performance network X-Series AV receiver line, in IMAX Enhanced certified, 9.2-channel Denon AVR-X3600H.

The Denon AVR-X3600H ($1,099 suggested retail), features IMAX Enhanced certification out-of-box and supports a full suite of 3D and object-based audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, and new Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology.

Other popular formats supported by the loaded receiver include support most of the high dynamic range (HDR) profiles including: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, and 4K Ultra HD. It also supports a number of new features available in the HDMI 2.1 input specification including: high-bandwidth Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) and of note to video gamers Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).

“We’re currently experiencing a dramatic flight to quality as studios, musicians and other creators make really high-quality content that’s readily accessible on platforms like Amazon and Netflix, or Tidal and Spotify. As a result, we’re seeing consumers choose to move beyond sound bars and basic home theater systems to something better equipped to provide truly amazing experiences at home,” stated Michael Greco, senior director of global brand management at Sound United. “With technologies IMAX Enhanced and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, the AVR-X3600H will allow people to truly see and hear their favorite movies, TV and music as the artists intended.”

The Denon X-series AVRs are noted for the use of advanced components and solid chassis designs that reduce unwanted distortion and vibrations that can interfere with the purity of music and soundtrack signals.

For example, the Denon AVR-X3600H offers discrete high-current amplifiers on all channels driving 105W per channel (8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, THD: 0.08%, 2 Ch. driven). The AVR features 9 channel amplification and is also capable of processing up to 11.2 channels to drive a 7.2.4 speaker setup when used alongside external 2-channel amplification.

Those who find purity of sound in music will enjoy the broad support the receiver offers in decoding high-resolution audio decoding. The AVR-X3600H is equipped with AKM 32-bit D/A converters and supports multiple lossless file types, including ALAC, FLAC and WAV at up to 24-bit/196-kHz. It’s also compatible with 2.8/5.6-MHz DSD files (DSD is the audio coding format of SACD). Users can play these high-quality music files from memory devices via the front panel USB, or over network sources. In the interest of versatility, the AVR-X3600H also supports most digitally compressed music file types such as MP3 and WMA.

The design quality is not lost on home theater lovers. The Denon AVR-X3600H now supports IMAX Enhanced content and is certified to deliver the quality experience from all formats that IMAX/DTS require for the program.

For those with object-based audio speaker setup, the AVR-X3600 includes support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and the new Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology.

The latter adds virtualized height and surround effects on traditional stereo or surround content as well as Dolby Atmos content to get large, encompassing surround sound using fewer speakers. Denon said this is used to create the sensation of sound that extends above and beyond the listener, using only loudspeakers originating at listener-level. The system is particularly important to users who don’t have discrete height or surround speakers throughout the room. such as 2.1 or 5.1-channel systems.

Get the Spears & Munsil Benchmark 4K/HDR TV Evaluation/Calibration Disc.

Denon said the new Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization feature will be added to the receiver package via a forthcoming firmware update.

Those with new 4K Ultra HD televisoins will enjoy the fact that the AVR-X3600H provides eight HDMI inputs and three outputs, all supporting 4K/60p, the aforementioned HDR profiles, 4:4:4 Pure Color sub sampling, and BT.2020 wide color gamut pass-through.

The new AVR also supports the latest HDCP 2.3 digital copy protection standard on all ports for compatibility with new and forthcoming components in the future.

Inclusion of the eARC means the AVR-X3600H will allow users to connect new or future video source devices directly into the TV and pass-through high-bandwidth lossless surround sound formats from Blu-ray players, NAS devices or media adapters (should streaming services ever start to add Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio to thier content selections. With eARC, the audio signals can be sent on by the television to the AVR with a single HDMI cable for simple setup.

Certified by the Imaging Science Foundation, the AVR also features a full suite of video calibration controls (for use by an ISF technician), along with ISF Day and ISF Night video modes.

For demanding video gamers, the new X-Series receiver also supports ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), which enables owners of Xbox One consoles to automatically set a supporting, connected televion to Game Mode while delivering the fastest possible response time.

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Lovers of AI voice control will be able to enjoy using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri, and high-end smart home automation profile, Josh.ai, to operate their systems by spoken commands. Denon said listeners can use Amazon Alexa for a variety of commands, including switching inputs for different media players, while the Google Assistant and Apple’s Siri can be used to adjust the volume, skip to the next track, and trigger addition functions. Josh.ai offers custom integrators greater control over voice integration into a variety of popular smart home platforms, including Creston, Control4 and others.

For added flexibility, Denon builds in support for its HEOS wireless multi-room music system as well as support for Apple AirPlay 2. The AVR-X3600H will stream music wirelessly across compatible HEOS components using a HEOS mobile device app. This also brings access to library of free and premium streaming music services, including Spotify Free and Premium, Pandora, Amazon Music, TuneIn, iHeart Radio, SoundCloud, SiriusXM, Tidal and others. When using HEOS-enabled wireless speakers or home theater systems, consumers can listen to multiple music channels in one or more remote rooms or send the same song or program to multiple rooms at the same time.

For custom integrators and whole-home installations, the AVR-X3600H’s smart features include Audio Select functionality, or AirPlay OFF so it will not appear on every iOS device throughout the home. To best tailor system functionality for each client, integrators can now assign the same HDMI input source over multiple inputs and choose different audio sources.

Improved service efficiency and reduced downtime is available via a variety of remote monitoring and management technologies like OvrC, ihiji Invision or Domotz Pro. Additional features include a web UI to remotely access the AVR’s setup menu, and access to All Zone Stereo Mode, a.k.a, Party Mode, via quick selects.

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Get the Spears & Munsil Benchmark 4K/HDR TV Evaluation/Calibration Disc.

Other features available on the Denon AVR-X3600H include: True 4K/60 Hz pass through and upscaling; phono input for turntable cartridges; main zone TV audio sharing that will send TV audio out to Zone 2 or HEOS enabled speakers; remote apps (iOS/Android) to control the AVR via mobile devices; easy Denon Setup Assistant; room Calibration and acoustics optimization via Audyssey MultEQ XT32 with Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ, LFC and Sub EQ HT.

In addition an Audyssey MultEQ Editor is compatible with the Audyssey MultEQ editor iOS and Android app ($20 fee) for deeper level customization of room acoustics.

The Denon AVR-X3600H also offers external control and IP capabilities for easy customization and compatibility with third-party integration solutions for third-party control devices, as well as Control4 SDPP (Simple Device Detection Protocol) certification for seamless integration with Control4 home automation equipment.

By Greg Tarr

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