Denon AVR-1912 7.1 Channel Networked A/V Receiver Preview

For those not in the know, there are two receiver lines from Denon. The ones that have a model number that end in 'CI' are the higher end, "Custom Installer" models. These models often have expanded features that attract not only the power user, but custom installers. Features like multiple zones, RS-232 control, Control 4 certification, and more. These are features that most users don't want, need, or know what to do with. The lower end series, the ones with model numbers that start with a 1 and don't have CI at the end, tend to be more basic but no less impressive to the casual user.

The Denon AVR-1912 is due out on April at a penny under $530. That's a very attractive price point for most consumers. The problem tends to arise as to what features you have to give up to get a receiver at that price. With the Denon AVR-1912, you're still getting quite a bit. To start with, the receiver has 7.1 channels at 90 watts per channel rated full range into 8 ohms. These is an equal power amplifier section with fully discrete construction. There are six in, one out HDMI version 1.4a connections which support 3D (in all its various forms) and Audio Return Channel. The AVR-1912 is networked allowed not only web browser control but streaming of Internet radio, Rhapsody, Napster, and Pandora. Adding to that, the receiver is Windows 7 and DLNA 1.5 certified so it will work with many current PCs and network drives. If you are an Apple fan, you can either use the front mounted USB port to access your content (the AVR-1912 is Works with iPhone certified) or use Apple's new AirPlay.

On the back you're going to start to see some of the corners Denon had to cut. While six HDMI inputs are a lot, there really isn't much else back there for legacy gear. You'll find a couple of composite video and a single component video input. There is an s-video as well but that is just for Denon's dock for streaming video from your iPod/iPhone. There are five pairs of analogue stereo audio inputs and a single digital input of each type (coaxial and optical). Video conversion will take all your analogue inputs and convert them to HDMI but there is no mention of scaling (not unexpected at this price point).

But if you are looking for the newest features, many of them are present. Audyssey MultEQ is on board as is Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume. While Audyssey's DSX isn't supported, Dolby's ProLogic IIz is so you can add height channels. There are no analogue pre-outs (again, not unexpected at this price point) so you'll have to decide where you want to route your back channels. You can use them for surround back speakers (for a full 7.1 setup), height channels up front, or to power a second zone of audio. There are no additional speaker connections so if you decide to do more than one, you'll have to physically switch the wires.

You can control the AVR-1912 via the onscreen GUI which is conveniently overlaid on the HDMI signal. There is also the Denon control app (for your i-devices) if you don't want to use the remote or the web interface. For ease of setup, there is a new onscreen “Setup Wizard,” a simple and straightforward instructional feature that includes language select, a speaker connection guide, speaker calibration, suggested Dynamic Volume/EQ settings, and source setup with a simple connection guide and more. This is a feature that many people looking at receivers in this price point will appreciate.

Conclusion

There is a lot to like in the Denon AVR-1912. While they had to make some tradeoffs as far as number of connections, the fact that a $530 receiver is not only networked but also streams Internet radio, Rhapsody, Napster, and Pandora and is compatible with DNLA 1.5, Windows 7, and Apple's AirPlay. At this price point, we didn't expect much of that. While consumers will have to be sure that the AVR-1912 has all the connections they need, they'll be surprised by the number of high end features included. Audyssey's MultEQ and Dynamic EQ/Volume are on board as is Dolby's ProLogic IIz. The new Denon "Setup Wizard" will walk unsure users through everything from connecting their speakers to calibrating their receiver. With a GUI overlaid on HDMI, a remote control app as well as browser control, and seven discrete amps, there is something in the AVR-1912 for everyone.

For more information, please visit www.usa.denon.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.