(July 12, 2019) Denon has officially launched an update to last year’s popular AVR-X3500H. The all-new X3600H ($1,099) features several enhancements, including new Atmos virtualization technology for enthusiasts running standard multi-channel speaker arrays and support for IMAX Enhanced content.
The X3600H is capable of 11.2-channel processing, complemented by nine onboard channels of amplification for 7.2.2 standalone performance (7.2.4 playback requires a two-channel outboard amp). It also carries factory-installed IMAX Enhanced certification and supports both DTS:X and Dolby Atmos immersive sound, as well as DTS Virtual:X, Dolby Surround, and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology. Once again, Auro-3D support isn't included at this price point.
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization allows owners to experience faux-Atmos audio while watching stereo, surround, or Atmos content. This unique processing injects traditional multi-channel speaker arrays with sound that appears to emanate from above and around a listening space for a 360-degree audio experience. True height channels and Atmos speaker modules are not required. Denon says Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization will not be available out of the box; therefore, owners will need to wait for a future firmware update expected to drop later this year.
Says 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."
Power-wise, the AVR-X3600H delivers 105 watts per channel (8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, THD: 0.08%, 2 Ch. driven). Sound quality is heightened through the use of AKM 32-bit D/A converters and onboard decoding of Hi-Res file types such as ALAC, FLAC, WAV (up to 24-bit/196 kHz) and 2.8/5.6 MHz DSD. Of course, the X3600H also carries rich streaming capabilities paired with multi-room audio via HEOS and Apple AirPlay 2.
Owners can fine-tune sound quality using Audyssey’s top-flight MultEQ XT32 room optimization suite and the available Audyssey MultEQ Editor app.
On the video front, the X3600H supports High Dynamic Range in the form of Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG. The receiver’s eight HDMI inputs and three outputs all support the latest in 4K technology, including 4K 60Hz, 4:4:4 color subsampling, BT.2020 wide color, and the recently released HDCP 2.3 copy protection standard. Additionally, owners will find support for several HDMI 2.1 technologies such as Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), the latter of which should be particularly appealing to Xbox One gamers.
The receiver also carries a full suite of video calibration controls, in addition to ISF Day and ISF Night video modes.
If all this sounds appealing, there's no need to wait as the AVR-X3600H is officially available for preorder now.
