Denon AVR-X6200W Atmos/DTS:X AV Receiver Preview

With CEDIA right around the corner, manufacturers are finally giving glimpses of their new lineups.  Not to be outdone by competitors (or sister company Marantz), Denon recently released a preview of their new AVR-X6200 Immersive Surround Sound AV receiver. Belonging to the company’s newest generation of X-Series AVRs, the AVR-X6200 features the latest in 3D audio technologies including Dolby Atmos with up to 7.1.4 or 9.1.2 (with additional 2 channel amplifier) and is DTS:X ready with a firmware update.

Technology

This nine (9) channel 140 watt/ch AV receiver is powered by a what they call a "monolithic amplifier design" with Denon High Current Transistors (DHCT).  As we saw in the AVR-X5200W, each individual amp channel has its own discrete card, but everything is powered from a central E-core transformer and centralized capacitor bank so it's mono-esce. The AVR-X6200W also features Denon’s own Dynamic Discrete Surround Circuit High Definition (D.D.S.C.-HD) circuit with a AL24 Processing Plus, and supported by the use of high quality D/A Converters. Audiophiles should appreciate a Denon Link HD Connection which should help provide for a jitter-free transmission from a supporting Denon Blu-ray Player though we're not sure people still use that connection anymore.

Setup Capabilities

We were really impressed with Denon’s new AVR-X6200W’s flexibility in setup options.  As mentioned above, the AVR-X6200W is equipped with a Dolby Atmos decoder and Dolby Surround Upmixer to deliver multi-dimensional sound through height speakers or less preferred Dolby Atmos elevation speakers. Thanks to its 11.2-channel processing capability though, the AVR-X6200W offers a huge amount of flexibility in setup options.  For example, by adding an additional 2-channel power amplifier, it can support up to 7.1.4 or 9.1.2 Dolby Atmos configurations. Through a free-of-charge future firmware update, a brand new DTS:X decoder and DTS Neural:X Upmixer will be added. In addition, the highly acclaimed Auro-3D sound processing engine can be added for an additional 3D sound solution (a fee is charged). The nine amplifier channels can be used to either experience one of the new 3D sound formats, or to bring the same or different audio signal to a second or third zone in the home. Thanks to a 13.2-channel pre-out section, an RS232 port and flexible amp assignment options, the AVR-X6200W provides custom integrators a wide range of solutions for both multi-zone listening and control options.

With its three HDMI outputs, users can enjoy surround sound in the main room with switching between two displays and a separate video source with two-channel audio in another room. The AVR-X6200W is also certified by the Imaging Science Foundation for video quality, and is equipped with ISFccc video calibration controls, providing the option for ISF-approved settings for daytime and nighttime viewing or high quality custom picture settings for five separate video parameters on a source-by-source basis.

We also appreciated that the new AVR-6200W is equipped with Audyssey MultEQ XT32 (Pro ready) room equalization program. This includes Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Dynamic EQ, Sub EQ HT and LFC (Low Frequency Containment), to tailor the sound to the owner’s room characteristics and personal taste. Best of all it employs the latest Audyssey algorithms to properly set up dual subs by first setting level and delay independently and then applying a global correction curve to both subs simultaneously.

With a total of eight HDMI 2.0a inputs (including one on the front panel) and three outputs, the AVR’s video section is ready to take full advantage of all current and future source devices such as Blu-ray players, media players, gaming consoles, and video cameras. This includes full compatibility with the latest HDCP 2.2 specification required for 4K Ultra HD copy-protected content. The AVR-X6200W further supports full rate 4K Ultra HD video along with 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, HDR and Rec.2020 pass-through. Additionally, the powerful video processor can upconvert standard definition and high definition analog and digital video sources to a full rate 4K Ultra HD resolution, for the ultimate viewing experience.

That's a Wrap

Like many of the upgrades seen in AV receivers recently, the new AVR-X6200W is equipped with Dolby Atmos 3D audio to deliver, multi-dimensional sound, and is ready for the brand new DTS:X immersive surround sound format and Auro-3D.  Denon has solidified its receiver lineup by offering seven models supporting the latest in immersive surround sound technologies starting at just $499 (AVR-X1200W).  They also kept Audyssey room correction in everyone of these models while one of their competitors dropped it in favor of their own less sophisticated system.  If you're a Denon fan and looking to upgrade your older non 3D Denon AV receiver, the AVR-X6200W may just be your ticket.

The AVR-X6200W is expected to be available in October 2015 at authorized Denon retailers for $2199.

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