0405WHC37 Denon AVC-A1SRA

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Denon AVC-A1SRA # Home Cinema Amplifier
What Home Cinema April 2004

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DENON AVC-A1SRA 3,000

Denons latest amplifier is built on an epic scale, both in terms of size and features, but can it deliver an equally ambitious performance?
t would be easy to forget to review the 3,000 Denon AVC-A1SRA amplifier. Just listing every possible mode, function and option would take up half a magazine. The simple answer is to say it has everything you never thought of and more besides. There's THX Ultra 2, all the latest DVD formats, including Dolby Pro-Logic IIx and DTS Enhanced Neo:6, Microsoft HDCD for enhanced CD replay, three spin cycles, SACD/DSD, MLP and DVD-Audio support. Add to this 170W into each of the seven channels, 16 sets of 24/192 Burr-Brown digital converters and much, much more. Okay, we lied about the spin cycles. The A1SRA is an advance on the A1SR but fortunately owners of the original flagship can have it upgraded. This beefs up the A1SR to THX Ultra 2 status, introduces DTS 96/24 and introduces the new Denon Link 2 system. Denon Link is an interesting variation on the next generation digital audio lead. It affords even
greater bandwidth and better jitter response than IEEE-1394, delivering 1.2GBps transfer rates as opposed to the 400MBps of Firewire. This should be fitted in tandem with IEEE-1394 links, though, so no one loses out.

That sinking feeling

It's hard not to look at the back panel without getting some sort of sinking feeling. There are more than 120 sockets on the rear of A1SRA. But Denon hasn't been haphazard in the way these are put together and they are laid out in an extremely logical manner. The speaker terminal blocks are at the sides of the chassis, while component (three in, one out), S-video and composite video for eight sources (with three video recorder loops, two monitor outputs and an additional second zone composite video connection) are all along the top middle. Underneath these are the nine analogue audio inputs and four tape loop phonos. Then come the phono stage and tuner input, two sets of 7.1 channel inputs,
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Everything played is big, supremely controlled and has the scale needed to bring out the best from every disc
one set of outputs, more tape
sockets and multi-zone phonos. Finally, along the bottom of the player run the digital sources and comms connections. There's even an RF input for those still clinging to a LaserDisc player. If we were to reward products on the basis of size of their manual, the AVC-A1SRA would win hands down. Twice once for the amplifier itself and once for the supplementary manual for the RC-871 remote handset, which is bigger than many AV amplifier manuals in and of itself. However, with one small caveat, the A1SRA isn't that terrifying to install. The icon-driven remote control, combined with the onscreen GUI, makes the install process no more difficult than the average 500 amplifier and regular use unfussy. The caveat is the lack of microphone provision for set-up, seen in the latest models from rivals like Pioneer. This player comes with a warning. Its sheer physicality makes it an almost impossible amplifier to lift without at least two people taking the weight. Moreover, it's so damn heavy (29kg) that it exceeds the loading of some of the more insubstantial tables around. Whats more, its size (434mm high x 216mm high x 486mm deep) makes the A1SRA difficult to place on the average equipment rack, especially as Denon recommends giving it at least 10cm of breathing space top sides and back, to allow air to circulate properly. In essence, this means the A1SRA demands pride of place in the home cinema system. Which is only fair because it richly deserves it, too. RC-871, presenting a sound that simply raises the bar for multichannel sound from two boxes. It seems to place the listener closer to the recording, as if a layer of processing was removed and you are in more direct contact with the soundtrack. Again, with Pirates of the Caribbean, you feel as if you are on deck with Depp and Bloom, not listening to foley artists making creaking ship noises in the back channels. It's a curious sensation but the Denon seems to help the whole suspension of disbelief thing that is central to cinema, in the home or out of it. This becomes even more apparent on other sources, like multichannel SACD. Here, musicians snap into focus around the room, yet are not locked to each speaker. You get both vice-like control over each speaker and sound that extends from the speakers to form a cohesive whole in the room. It's really something special. Even non-DVD sources are well handled. This is the first AV amplifier with the latest version of Neo: 6 from DTS and it really works. Too well, in fact watch EastEnders in Neo:6 and you quickly get a burning desire to go dahn the boozer.

It is almost possible to replicate what the Denon AVC-A1SRA does, but only by using separate processor, power amplifiers and a DVD player so advanced it comes with its own boffin. But the prices of admission for this type of kit make the AVC-A1SRA seem cheap. Given that it is demonstrably upgradeable, that it already has all of today's state of the art decoding formats and that it sounds so damn good, this is the one AV amplifier that's worth saving up for. WHC TEST SCENES

Performance art

It has that big Denon thwack to the sound, which makes it seem effortless. You can put on the most complex piece the battle sequence from Pirates of the Caribbean, for example and the AVC-A1SRA takes it in its stride. There's a rich, velvety texture to the sound and everything played is big, supremely controlled and has the scale needed to bring out the best from every disc. The same could be said of every Denon flagship amplifier in the last decade, so what sets this one out as being anything better? Simply put, finesse. Linked by the Denon Link comms lead between a DVD-A11 and the A1SRA, the two work symbiotically from the handy

PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN

A PIRATES LIFE FOR ME
As Johnny Depp tells Orlando Bloom who his dad was, hear just how natural the creaking boat sound

CANNON FODDER

The ship to ship combat is exciting and sounds dynamic. It'll leave you gasping for air

GOOD POINTS

Way too many things to mention and it sounds good while doing them. Given the complexity of the product, it's surprisingly easy to use

BAD POINTS

It's big, heavy and has so many modes you could spend the next six months trying to navigate your way through the system

OVERALL

An amazing number of connections and, surprisingly for such a complex piece of kit, the AV-A1SRA is easy to install. Its also the first amplifier to include Neo 6 decoding from DTS!

RATINGS

Style Ease of use Features Build Sound Value Overall ########$$ ########$$ ########## ########## ########## ########$$ ##########

0309WHC25 System 5

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Components System 5: 6,050
Arcam FMJ DV27 DVD 1,600 Denon AVC-A1SR Amp 3,000 Kef Q-Series Speakers 1,450
The most expensive combi in this group test by a country mile will cost you a whopping 6,050. So what do you get for your hard-earned cash?
The bundle looks great the designs complement each other well and the speakers ooze class
he final system in this group test will set you back a cool 6,050. What we want to know is, what exactly do you get for this sort of money? Let's find out. The bundle certainly looks great the glorious designs of the Arcam FMJ DV27 DVD player and Denon amp complement each other well, while the Q-Series speakers ooze class. The Q-Series speakers are 50 percent more expensive than the Monitor speakers featured in the previous test, and its worth noting that the package is sold without a subwoofer, relying instead on the tall Q7s to supply bass response. The 2d rear speakers are the latest addition to the range. They dont have the
punch of the Q7s but, like the front three speakers, they can extend down to a low 27kHz and so are perfectly compatible with high-resolution DVD-Audio and SACD formats. All the speakers look stunning and have excellent build quality.

Amp-le features

Considering the wealth of features to be found on some of the cheaper amps in this group test, youre probably wondering what more you get for 3,000. For starters, the AVC-A1SR is THX-Ultra 2 certified, which is the highest quality certificate awarded by George Lucas crew at THX. The list of compatible formats reads like a Whos Who and includes DTS ES, Dolby Digital EX and a host of THX modes. The AVC-A1SR is also the only true 7.1-channel amplifier in this test, and delivers a massive 170W to each speaker. The AVC-A1SR offers two multi-zone outputs which means that the amplifier can
simultaneously power two systems based in different rooms. The amp also provides two sets of 7.1 analogue inputs, allowing you to hook up both a DVD-A and SACD player. The FMJ DV27 is one stylish mutha of a DVD player. It has been upgraded to deliver PAL progressive scan (for the best pictures from Region 2 DVDs), while it can also be improved to boast DVD-Audio compatibility. (When the player is purchased in the form of the FMJ DV27A, both these options are fitted as standard.) Build quality is very impressive, and the player weighs a hefty 6.2kg, thanks to the heavyweight processing inside and the Sontech metal chassis. The rear panel of the player is awash with sockets and includes component video outputs (for those superior progressive scan pictures with both Region 1 and Region 2 DVDs), while there's also an RGB Scart and electrical and optical digital outputs.
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The performance of the DVD player is about as good as it gets. Progressive scan provides the best results, with deliciously detailed and smooth images.

Cinema giant

Such is the quality that the player is one of the best performers with projectors, for giant images. As the gladiators get handed their weapons in the bowels of the Coliseum on our Gladiator test disc, the Arcam exhibits detail un-matched by others in this test. Despite the dim lighting, it's possible to see great definition in the armour and you can make out individual brickwork on the background walls, while there's no grain or blocking. Sensational. PERFECT PARTNERS The audio capabilities of this package are equally impressive. The speed and clarity with which the AVC-ASR1 amp moves effects around the soundstage is simply breathtaking. There's more detail than with any other amp in this test, especially in the recreation of the battle of Carthage. Additional voices in the crowd can be heard and the whole scene is delivered with greater depth and texture. TEST SCENES
The speakers play their part too and don't need a subwoofer, though it would provide extra bite. When a chariot bashes into a wall in the Coliseum, it is met with a deep thud, but not the overwhelming crash that some may want. And the sub is more sorely missed with stereo music.

GOOD POINTS

A wealth of features, while sound clarity and separation is astonishing. Pristine progressive scan pictures

BAD POINTS

The speakers would benefit from a sub, especially with stereo material

Blood n guts

Yet the speakers are delightfully rich and boast stacks of detail. They are agile and effects move freely around the soundstage. The 2ds provide excellent guts to surround effects, but most impressive is the way they hurl effects forward to the front speakers. In the opening scene of the movie, as Roman soldiers fire a stream of arrows at the Barbarians, the sound from the rears is strong and solid, and sears to the front three channels. It's no exaggeration to say that the FMJ DV27 and AVC-A1SR are astonishing products, with the latter being the best integrated amp currently on sale. If you've got the cash, it may be worth pushing the boat out and getting even better speakers, such as those in Kef's Reference series. As it is, this is one hell of a slice of home cinema heaven. WHC

OVERALL

The FMJ DV27 and AVC-A1SR are awesome. The speakers are great, but you may want even better ones

PLASMA OR PROJECTOR

GLADIATOR

RATINGS

Style Ease of use Features Picture Sound Value Overall 5555555556
TUNNEL VISION HITACHI 42PMA400E 2,800
Having spent a few thousand quid on the separates, check out the great resolution and clarity on this plasma The Arcam DVD player handles the darker scenes in Gladiator with ease, allowing for greater definition

FURTHER INFO

Call Arcam or visit www.arcam.co.uk Call Denon or visit www.denon.co.uk Call Kef or visit www.kef.com

THEMESCENE H55 3,700

This DLP projector will give your movies the bigscreen treatment with the FMJ DV27s stunning DVD images

WHOA, BOY!

Progressive scan adds spectacular clarity to fast-moving objects like these speeding chariots