It’s all bullshit, of course. Like Monster Cable and that $US500 Denon Ethernet cable, there’s more snake oil flowing through this “premium” socket than anything else.

And as with that Denon Ethernet cable, the comments from “satisfied users” are what really make this product worth “investigating”. Buyer beware. [Parts Express via Boing Boing]

Denon has refreshed their complete line of receivers, meaning that you can read the press release below to discern the precise discrepancies between the 9 new/updated models. What I find notable is what’s become standard in the line: USB iPod connectivity, analog-to-HDMI conversion, and Dolby Pro Logic IIz decoding (which adds front height channels). Also, their base AVR-590 ($US350, pictured here) includes a respectable 3 HDMI inputs. Look for the models to roll out from now into the summer.

DENON DEBUTS NINE NEW HIGH-VALUE, HIGH-PERFORMANCE A/V RECEIVERS

— Lineup Offer New A/V Enhancements and Convenience Features and More Advanced Technologies at Lower Price Points; Ideal Home Entertainment Solutions for Every Consumer Need and Budget—

Mahwah, NJ, May 11, 2009 – Denon Electronics, one of the world’s premier manufacturers of high-quality home entertainment components, today introduced its line of advanced audio/video receivers with nine new offerings for 2009/2010, including three that feature industry-leading networking and Web access capabilities. New Denon receivers include the following, with expected availability dates in parenthesis: AVR-4310CI (SRP: $1,999, May ‘09), AVR-3310CI (SRP: $1,499, June ‘09), AVR-2310CI (SRP: $849, June ‘09), AVR-1910 (SRP: $549, May ‘09) and AVR-1610 (SRP: $379, May ‘09), as well as four new receivers in Denon’s Retail Home Theatre Series line, the AVR-990 (SRP: $1,499, July ‘09), AVR-890 (SRP: $799, June ‘09), AVR-790 (SRP: $499, June ‘09) and AVR-590 (SRP: $349, June ‘09). The initials “CI” (for Custom Integration) in the three models noted above emphasise the inclusion of special features and capabilities geared specifically toward professional custom integrators.

Noted Joe Stinziano, Sr. Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Denon Electronics: “Today’s home entertainment universe offers people more exciting choices than ever before, from ultra-sophisticated whole-home networked systems to basic living-room home theatre and everything in between. In whatever choice a consumer makes, the audio/video receiver is an indispensable system component. After carefully considering the demands of all our customers, including both custom integrators and consumers, Denon has engineered a line of new receivers that provides users with simple solutions for all their needs, including quick and easy setup to ensure maximum performance from all source components, as well as a host of ‘common sense’ lifestyle features that add to a user’s overall entertainment experience.”

Ideal Choices for Every Home Entertainment Need and Budget

With its new receiver line, Denon provides consumers with the broadest possible range of choices in advanced, easy-to-use home entertainment solutions for every need and budget. Notably, the line features the introduction of several industry-leading performance features, including the world’s first Audyssey DSX with front height or expanded width channels in the receiver category (AVR-4310CI) and Dolby Pro Logic IIz decoding in all models. By incorporating these technologies, the listener’s surround experience is dramatically improved, adding a vertical component to the horizontal soundfield of both 5.1- or 7.1-channel systems. The enhanced spatial audio effect provides a new dimension of presence and depth while maintaining the integrity of the source mix and ensuring audio is always appropriate to the source material. Other advanced features now included in all Denon receivers are HDMI 1.3a Repeater Inputs with Deep Colour, xv-Color and CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), analog-to-HDMI conversion and HD Audio decoding from Dolby and dts.

The new receivers are also engineered throughout to provide consumers with all the features and capabilities they need to enjoy maximum compatibility with today’s home entertainment source components. For example, iPod connectivity is featured in models throughout the line, including direct digital audio connection via USB port in the AVR-4310CI.

Total User Convenience, From Setup to Everyday Enjoyment!

From the first day out of the box through everyday use as the “nerve center” of a total home entertainment system, Denon’s new receivers are designed for total user convenience and enjoyment. All models feature a newly designed and refreshingly easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI). They also all feature simple one-cable HDMI connections and come with new easy-to-understand “Getting Started” guides that outline the steps of system setup, including networking setup where applicable. Notably, the new models all feature on-screen display (OSD) or GUI overlay via the HDMI connection – eliminating the frustrating necessity of additional cable switching or programming interruptions when making adjustments, such as volume, while watching HD content. Further enhancing ease-of-use, all models feature Source/Quick Select Power On and Quick Select options on the remote control.

Leading-edge lifestyle features throughout the line that further enhance user convenience and enjoyment include: Audyssey Dynamic Volume, a volume leveling technology that frees listeners from the disruptive changes in volume; Audyssey Dynamic EQ, a loudness correction technology; and Audyssey MultEQ, the in-room acoustic measurement and correction system.

Advanced Networking and Connectivity Options

Denon receivers continue to set the pace for today’s revolution in home entertainment networking, with a host of exciting networking and Web access capabilities. For instance, the AVR-4310CI, AVR-3310CI and AVR-990 allow users to stream audio and photos directly from their PCs, choose from over 7,500 Internet radio stations, and connect to Rhapsody and Napster music services (subscription required). Recognising the demand for receivers capable of delivering audio and video to multiple zones within the home, Denon’s new AVR-4310CI and AVR-3310CI offer three-zone, three-source capability and all other new models feature dual-zone, dual-source capability.

As always, connectivity convenience and efficiency are a top priority in Denon’s receivers, bringing consumers and professional custom integrators ideal “common sense” solutions for creating state-of-the-art multi-zone systems. Among the custom-integration features included in all Denon “CI” models are a RS-232 for 3rd Party control and assignable high current DC trigger outputs. Denon is an industry integration partner with Crestron, AMX, Universal Remote Control and RTI, underscoring its dedication to the custom integrator (CI) market and helping ensure that its products can be easily integrated into any type of CI-designed system.

AVR-4310CI: Leading-Edge Features and Capabilities

Leading off Denon’s new receiver line is the 7.1-channel AVR-4310CI, engineered with a full complement of leading-edge features and capabilities. It features six HDMI inputs and two parallel HDMI outputs, including a single front-panel HDMI input for added convenience. The highest resolution audio decoders are provided, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio for the ultimate in audio fidelity. Analogue and digital video sources are upconverted via Anchor Bay Technologies VRS processing to HD quality (up to 1080p/24/60). In addition to XM and Sirius satellite radio options, the AVR-4310CI and AVR-3310CI both feature built-in HD Radio for dramatically improved fidelity. The AVR-4310CI also incorporates the advanced DENON Link 4th, featuring HDMI Clock Control – when using the HDMI interface for A/V output for Blu-ray playback in combination with Denon Link, HDMI Clock Control gives the Master Clock and Jitter reduction to be handled by the connected Denon A/V Receiver/Processor. DENON Link 4th retains all the features from the 3rd edition, including a fully balanced digital connection to handle the transmission and reduction of Jitter of SACD, DVD-Audio, and PCM signals as will as Dolby Digital and dts surround tracks. Beginning in June, owners of Denon’s flagship AVR-5308CI receiver and AVP-A1HDCI Ultra-Reference 12-Channel A/V Home Theater/MultiMedia Preamplifier will be able to receive a free firmware upgrade to add DENON Link 4th.

New Retail Home Theatre Series Models: High-Value, High-Performance

With their elegantly styled cosmetic design and sophisticated features, the four new 7.1-channel receivers in Denon’s Retail Home Theatre Series line (AVR-990, AVR-890, AVR-790 and AVR-590) offer many of the same high-quality features and capabilities that distinguish Denon receivers in the marketplace, incl
uding many of those found in the company’s CI models. All models, for instance, feature simple one-cable HDMI connections, compatibility with HDMI 1.3a Repeating and Dolby Pro Logic IIz decoding providing for front height channels. The AVR-890 and AVR-990 both feature Denon’s newly designed GUI with overlay via the HDMI connection, and the AVR-590 and AVR-790 both feature Denon’s new enhanced icon-based OSD. Models AVR-990, AVR-890 and AVR-790 are Sirius Satellite Radio Ready (via Mini-DIN Connector), and the advanced networking Model AVR-990 adds built-in HD Radio as well as an RJ-45 Ethernet Port for third-party controllers, Mac/PC audio streaming, a Web browser function and more. All models feature 10-bit video processing, analog-to-HDMI video conversion, 24-bit/192-kHz Analogue Devices DACs, and all include Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Audyssey MultEQ.

Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding in the new Retail Home Theatre Series models allow for stunning delivery of today’s most advanced high-definition audio programming. Model AVR-990 features Anchor Bay Technologies ABT-2010 advanced video deinterlacing and upscaling, converting SD sources to HD. And thanks to the dedicated Denon iPod dock accessory control port on all models, users may connect and control their iPod/iPod Touch or iPhone using one of Denon’s available iPod/iPhone docks, which provides on-screen artist, album and song information.

Denon has increased the number of HDMI inputs in its Retail Home Theatre Series receivers (3 in the AVR-590, 4 in the AVR-790, and 5 in the AVR-890 and AVR-990), and now includes dual source and zone capabilities on all models with the exception of the AVR-590.

About Denon Electronics

Denon is a world leader in the manufacture of the highest quality home theatre, audio and software products. Denon is recognised internationally for innovative and groundbreaking products and has a long history of technical innovations, including the development and groundbreaking commercialization of PCM digital audio. Denon Electronics is owned by D&M Holdings Inc.

About D&M Holdings Inc.

D&M Holdings Inc. is a global operating company providing worldwide management and distribution platforms for premium consumer, automotive, commercial and professional audio and video businesses including Denon®, Marantz®, McIntosh® Laboratory, Boston Acoustics®, Snell Acoustics, Escient, Calrec Audio, Denon DJ, Allen & Heath, D&M Professional and D&M Premium Sound Solutions. Our technologies improve the quality of any audio and visual experience. All product and brand names with a trademark symbol are trademarks or registered trademarks of D&M Holdings, Inc. or its subsidiaries. For more information visit www.dm-holdings.com.

Weird. The new Denon iPod docks are not only pretty, but they also can access some stuff called “Rhapsody” and “Napster.” Don’t quote me on this, but they are some kind of streaming music services.

The ASD-51W—which goes for $US300—has Wi-Fi connectivity, with automatic setup and WPS compatibility. The ASD-51N has the same features, but will require a cable for $US250.

Note: Denon released the news without images, except for some low-quality ones we weren’t allowed to use. So we decided to produce our own. I think these are better, right?

DENON DEBUTS TWO NEW NETWORK-ENABLED iPOD® DOCKS
WITH ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND CAPABILITIES

— Network-Enabled A/V Servers with iPod Command and Control Add Rhapsody and Napster Connectivity, Faster Networking, IP Control and More —

Mahwah, NJ, May 11, 2009 – Denon Electronics, one of the world’s premier manufacturers of high-quality home entertainment components, introduced two new Network-Enabled iPod Docks, models ASD-51W and ASD-51N, both with Apple® iPod command and control, as well as a host of new capabilities and features. Both the ASD-51W (SRP: $299.99) and ASD-51N (SRP: $249.99) are scheduled for August 2009 availability.

Connectivity to Rhapsody and Napster Music Services
Building on the capabilities and benefits of Denon’s predecessor ASD-3N/W models, the ASD-51N and ASD-51W add exciting new features that give users an even greater level of network connectivity to many A/V components, including A/V receivers, video display products and single speaker solutions, allowing them to stream audio files, pictures, Internet radio stations and more through the connected devices. Notably, both new devices let users stream music from Internet Radio sources, as well as provide connection to Rhapsody™ and Napster music services (subscription required) and other network attached storage devices. As with the ASD-3N/W, the devices recharge the iPod while in dock.

New Features Geared Toward Custom Integrators
Both new Denon Network-Enabled iPod Docks were engineered with a variety of features and capabilities designed to help professional custom integrators better serve their clients. For example, they offer IP Control (AMX/Crestron), Web Remote Control, and iPod audio streaming to new Denon networked products. In addition, a new Multi-Zone Management feature allows custom installers to quickly and easily perform a status check of all networked Denon products. Both models also feature a special “Party Mode” multi-zone network streaming management system for use with new Denon A/V receivers that allows users to enjoy music throughout the home played simultaneously in up to five Denon devices on the network.

Windows 7, Plus Automatic Wi-Fi Connectivity and More
In addition to having Rhapsody and Napster connectivity, the new Denon iPod docks provide Windows 7 connectivity and overall faster networking capabilities. Notably, the ASD-51W adds Wi-Fi (11b/g) connectivity and WPS compatibility (Wi-Fi protected setup). This easy solution for wireless connectivity allows users to quickly connect the ASD-51W to the wireless router and automatically start communication and authentications without having to enter any password or SSID input. Adding to their flexibility and convenience, both new products also feature Digital Coaxial Output and Last Function Memory. For additional networking flexibility, the units feature an Ethernet port.

To minimize “remote control clutter,” both devices connect to any Denon receiver using the dock control port and give users command and control of their iPod via the receiver’s remote control. Whether connected to a current Denon receiver or other product, audio and video signals are sent via analogue audio output and S-Video to the respective inputs on a connected device in order to view the GUI and hear the audio. The two models include a remote control and feature a screen saver and a newly designed GUI for displaying meta-data, full-colour album artwork and user photos. The GUI will support English, German, French and Spanish languages for both GUI text as well as meta-data from the iPod and other streaming media.

Speaking of noise reduction, all three of their new models, including the AH-C710 and AH-C360 feature a Radial Cascade Damper that reduces noise from touched cables. The AH-NC600 is expected to be available in July for $US199 while the lower-end AH-C710 and AH-C360 will be available for $US149 and $US49 respectively starting in June.

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DENON INTRODUCES THREE NEW HIGH-PERFORMANCE HEADPHONES

— New Earbud Models Offer New Level of Comfort and Listening Luxury; Also the Company’s First In-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones —

Mahwah, NJ – May 11, 2009 – Denon Electronics, one of the world’s premier manufacturers of high-quality home entertainment components, today introduced three stylish and high-performance “earbud” in-ear headphone models, bringing the total number of headphones in the company’s line to 15. The new additions include the company’s first i

n-ear noise-cancelling headphones, Model AH-NC600 (SRP: $199), scheduled for July availability, as well as the AH-C710 (SRP: $149) and AH-C360 (SRP: $49), both scheduled for June availability.

Total Comfort and Style, With Optimum Audio Quality

As with all Denon headphones, the three new models are engineered for total comfort and style, with advanced audio technologies for optimum sound. The new models all feature an ergonomic design that isolates the ear more steadily and comfortably, and also decreases mechanical vibration. A newly developed Hybrid (metal and Elastomer) housing ensures clean sound, and a Radial Cascade Damper reduces noise from touched cables. In addition, all feature a specially designed Acoustic Optimizer that ensures dynamic sound and deep rich bass response, with optimum acoustical characteristics achieved by adjusting the sound pressure balance in front of and behind the diaphragm. For total flexibility, all models come with multiple sizes of comfortable ear tips, extension cables and ear clips to ensure perfect fit for every listener. The new AH-C710 headphones include not only three sizes of silicon ear tips, but also a special “soft-foam” earpiece for added comfort and luxury. They also come with a new specially designed carrying case that features cable management, as well as OFC (oxygen free copper) cables for enhanced sonic performance.
AH-NC600: Denon’s First Noise-Cancelling Earbud Headphone

The new luxury AH-NC600 earbud headphones offer music lovers an opportunity to enjoy the ultimate in private listening enjoyment, with a high-quality built-in amplifier and advanced noise-cancelling technologies that reduce

outside ambient noise by 99%. In addition, the sophisticated headphones feature Denon’s proprietary Compressed Audio Restorer circuitry. Previously only available in the company’s advanced audio/video receivers, this sophisticated circuitry improves the dynamic range and sound quality of compressed audio sources. Superior audio reproduction is further enhanced by high-quality 3.5mm drivers, as well as OFC cables with straight plug and an adjusting slider. An aeroplane adaptor and a specially designed hard carrying case add to their on-the-go convenience. The compact and ingeniously designed case allows users to carry their mobile phones, along with their headphones and all accessories, and lets them prop up their iPod Touch or iPhone devices for easy use while on-the-go. As with the AH-C710 headphones, the AH-NC600 provides three separately sized ear tips, as well as the new soft-foam earpads.
Denon’s Full Line of Advanced Headphones

The three new models join Denon’s existing line of advanced headphones, including the high-end luxury Model AH-NC732 On-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones (SRP: $299); three state-of-the-art over-ear models, the AH-D7000 (SRP: $999), the AH-D5000 (SRP: $699) and AH-D2000 (SRP: $349); three on-ear models AH-D1001 (SRP: $149.99), AH-D501K (SRP: $69) and AH-301K (SRP: $49); the compact on-ear model AH-P372K (SRP: $59); and four “earbud” in-ear models, the AH-C751 (SRP: $199), AH-C551 (SRP: $99), AH-C452 (SRP: $69) and AH-C252 ($29).

[Denon]

They both have what pretty much every $US300 Blu-ray player from Samsung, LG, Sony or Panasonic has:
• An Ethernet port for BD-Live and firmware updates
• DivX and AVCHD playback
• Bitstream Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio, requiring decoding in a separately sold receiver

They don’t have Wi-Fi or any streaming video app, like Netflix or Amazon VOD. (You’d have to slum it with a cheaper LG or Sammy if you want those proletarian features.)

They both do have “superior” stereo analogue outputs and Burr-Brown digital-to-analogue converters for CD listening, if you’re still into CDs and have really expensive speakers. Besides, the step-up DBP-2010CI also has 7.1 analogue audio outputs, though not sure if the 1610 does (doubt it). That’s really only necessary if you have a nice surround-sound system, but don’t have the cash to upgrade your receiver when you go Blu-ray.

The 2010 also has an Anchor Bay upscaler for admittedly badass playback of DVDs, and an RS232C so that custom installers can set up remote controls for it. That’s really who it’s for: Custom installers who go the extra mile—and then bill you for it. Go get ‘em, Denon. I’ll be here content with my LGs and Samsungs. [Denon]

During the two decades that I’ve had my components, I’ve run the gamut from vinyl to cassette and CD, and all the way back again. The black boxes are part of my life, they’ve stoked parties, soaked up miserable tears, impressing and depressing the menfolk in my life. I’ve sawed antique walnut cabinets to pieces in order to accommodate multi-plugs, connectors and dust covers and now all I rely on is a little white fag-packet-sized box that stores more music than I could ever hope to accumulate.

How many times have you bought the same album? I’ve got multiple formats for quite a few, but here’s a perfect example: I spent a year in France as a teenager and, having just a Walkman and portable speakers for company, bought myself Mlah by Les Negresses Vertes. A couple of years later, when I was deep into the house scene in Paris, and running a music fanzine, I persuaded their record label to give me the 12″ of Zobi La Mouche. Nice buggers that they are, they threw in the album on vinyl, too. A few years later, and I went to Madrid for the first time, I found the CD on special offer in a record store and, having only my laptop for company, snapped it up.

Several years—and moves—later, I get my first iPod. Easy peasy, I think, as I sit down with a pile of CDs to rip. Mlah? Meh. According to my laptop, the disc was unreadable. It was time to open up an iTunes account. Sleazy teasy record labels, more like. Call me a fool, but I’ve acquired Mlah FOUR TIMES OVER. How many more formats can the record companies come up with? Hologram disco MP3s? Dubbly sound that goes to Eleven? Free horse and cart when you purchase the high-quality, 4-swazillion-kbps version? Even the tracks I’ve ripped may already be obsolete. To quote Johnny Rotten, “Ever get the feeling you’ve been had?”

It’s Thursday afternoon and, as I lie on my bed and type this, one of the movers is transferring my clothes into one of those hanging boxes. I reckon I’ve got about 20 minutes to decide whether my boxed up Denon tape deck, Technics amp and turntable, NAD CD player and KEF speakers make into the van marked “Blighty.” It is, however, a bit of a no-brainer. How could I abandon those stalwarts of my life, passé though they may be, in favour of a simpler system whose audio quality isn’t exactly fabulous?

Perhaps the clincher, though, is that my iPod is currently filed under B for busticated. Into the van my components go, then. Whether they ever come out of their boxes again is another story.

DENON EXPANDS ITS BLU-RAY LINEUP WITH NEW MODEL DVD-1800BD PLAYER — New More Affordable Player Brings Denon-Quality Blu-ray Performance Within Reach of More Consumers; Features HDMI 1.3a with Deep Colour Support — Mahwah, NJ, May 20, 2008 — Denon Electronics, one of the world’s premier manufacturers of high-quality home entertainment components, today announced the introduction of the third member in its highly successful and critically acclaimed Blu-ray DVD family, the model DVD-1800BD Profile 1 version 1.1 Blu-ray Disc Player (SRP: $749). Offering consumers extraordinary video quality and audio excellence at a more affordable price point, the DVD-1800BD features HDMI 1.3a with Deep Colour and Bonus View support, full bitstream output of Dolby and DTS-HD audio formats, as well as 1080p scaling from SD DVDs and 2-channel analogue audio output. The Denon DVD-1800BD is scheduled for availability in October 2008 Like Denon’s two recently introduced Blu-ray products, the DVD-3800BDCI Blu-ray Disc Player ($1,999) and the DVD-2500BTCI (SRP: $1,199) Blu-ray Disc Transport, the DVD-1800BD allows owners of advanced A/V receivers to add Blu-ray capability to their system and enjoy high definition video. The VD-1800BD will natively output an HD audio bit-stream to a connected receiver via HDMI. Once this signal is accepted in the receiver, it can then be decoded into its native format including Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio. For those listeners who want to use the DVD-1800BD as a step-up CD player, this unit features a dedicated 2-channel analogue output, equipped with high-class Burr-Brown D/A convertors and superior analogue components to ensure the high level of sound quality for which Denon is renowned.

In keeping with the guidelines mandated by the Blu-ray Association for BD-ROM Profile 1 version 1.1 players, the Denon Model DVD-1800BD incorporates a secondary audio and video decoder. This allows for simultaneous playback of a secondary audio and video track which may be used for interactive audio and commentary and for picture-in-picture capability (respectively). Additional information (subtitles, audio streams, camera angles, trailers, games, etc.) can be downloaded from the Internet via computer and stored on a SD card that the player will accept. This content can be played with the original content of Blu-ray Discs.

The Price: US$1200

The Verdict:And again, it’s very valuable that this bar does not block the screen. The piano black finish is great. And it’s loud, like all Denon gear, although the bass gets a little cloudy at high volume. What’s sad is that this expensive set up does not do any sort of cool sonar-like bouncing of soundbeams off walls like the YSP series by Yamaha. (See below.) So, you get good wide imaging, but you can definitely tell the sound is coming from the centre bar. Nor does it have a mic for room calibration. (All the delay and room settings are done on the little LCD.) What’s more, with so few inputs, you’ll either have to rig the sound to output from your TV, or switch your sources often. But with no HDMI or pass through, you’d better check if your TV has an output before even considering this unit. All in all, that’s academic. With less than great surround presentation, I’d recommend you try the YSP line from Yamaha (even if that means you have to cough up for a sub and wall mount or block some of your TV.)
[Denon]