Denon Launches Its X6400H and X4400H AVRs; Promises HDR Updates for Legacy Gear
(Denon) The new AVR-X6400H(September 18, 2017) Denon recently released details about two new high-end Network AV Receiver models, including its new flagship AVR-X6400H. Much like Sound United’s other popular receiver brand, Marantz, Denon’s two new AVRs are locked and loaded with HEOS whole-house music playback functionality and support for Amazon Alexa’s Smart Home Skill for Entertainment Devices (which officially becomes available on September 19, 2017). That means owners can use voice commands to operate a variety of controls on either AVR, including power functionality, volume control, initiation of playback, and source input switching.
One of the bigger tech inclusions on both models is support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D immersive audio codecs out-of-the-box. Past Denon models carrying onboard Auro-3D capabilities required an additional fee to unlock Auro functionality (that’s no longer the case). Despite the fact that Auro-3D is lacking in the disc-based movie content department, the technology does carry its own up-mix feature that allows it to playback native Dolby encodes.
Denon’s new flagship AVR-X6400H ($2,199) is a true 11.2 channel receiver, possessing enough onboard power output to drive a true 7.1.4 immersive sound show (or 5.1 Bi-Amp setup) without any outboard help (140 Watts per channel, 8 ohms, 2-ch driven). The company says performance and sound quality is boosted by an amplification stage that uses a monolithic design with custom transistors. Those owners choosing to use an external amplifier can do so by tapping 11.2 channel preouts.
Other key features include three HDMI 2.0 outputs capable of producing simultaneous images on two different devices, as well as a Zone 2 video device. Also, the inclusion of eARC allows immersive audio (Atmos/DTS:X) playback from TV apps through a singular HDMI cable.
(Denon) The X6400H's amplifier section
The step-down AVR-X4400H ($1,599) is also a super strong performer, nearly equaling the capabilities of the X6400H. The biggest difference being onboard support of 9.2 channel playback (125 Watts per channel, 8 ohms, 2-ch driven). The X4400H does offer 11.2 channel processing, however, allowing owners to incorporate external amplification for true 7.1.4 speaker arrangements.
Denon offers Audyssey’s MultEQ XT32 room correction, standard, on both receiver models. Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplay, Ethernet and onboard compatibility with Spotify, Pandora, TIDAL, and Amazon Music (among others) is also included.
Denon’s other recent announcement targets owners of 2015 and 2016 receiver models. The company says a September firmware update will unlock Dolby Vision pass-through as well as HLG compatibility, boosting those receiver’s High Dynamic Range functionalities. The firmware can be downloaded wirelessly to qualified models.
