If you have a serious home theater setup, you're going to need a receiver to match it -- as well as handle it. At this week's CEDIA Expo, Denon announced such a component, the 9.2-channel AVR-4520CI AV receiver. Think you need more than 9 channels and two subwoofers? No problem. The AVR-4520CI actually supports up to 11.2 channel output via its preamp outputs (just add a 2-channel amp).
Launched as the flagship model for Denon's In-Command series, the AVR-4520CI includes a lot of the perks that you'd want to see in a new component, including 150 watts per channel, 4K and 3D support, seven HDMI inputs, three HDMI outputs, and a front-panel USB port. It also has web connectivity and support for Apple's AirPlay, so you can stream all of your stored iTunes music, as well as services such as Pandora, from an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac or PC.
There are also plenty of niceties, like the slick front-panel design, larger character displays, better graphics and a newly designed GUI interface. Also, Denon just announced plans to partner with Spotify, so Spotify Premium subscribers can tap into the service via the AVR-4520CI, without the need for a portable device or a PC.
This receiver includes Denon's exclusive Dynamic Discrete Surround Circuit (DDSC-HD32) technology, which uses chips over 32-bit DSP processors. It also has 11.2-channel processing capability, via dts Neo:X.
Designed for single or multiroom AV distribution, the AVR-4520CI also has the Audyssey MultEQ XT32 Auto Setup and Calibration, Audyssey Sub EQ HT, and Audyssey LFC processing. Besides web access, this receiver also has RS-232 and IP control for third-party controllers and is Control4 certified.
"When Denon created our new flagship AV receiver, we wanted to present a component that would truly epitomize our corporate principle that 'Performance is Everything'. To achieve this goal, we needed to craft a receiver that would not only deliver the leading-edge audio capabilities for which Denon is renowned, but also provide our customers with the very latest in advanced connectivity to all their favorite entertainment sources," said Yoshinori Yamada, D+M's product planning manager. "With the very latest audio and video processing technologies, the AVR-4520CI delivers performance on par with much more expensive separate components, and includes a host of networking features designed to harmonize with portable devices as well as provide compatibility with major brands of home automation and custom integration system controllers."
Amazon is currently taking pre-orders for the 9.2-channel AVR-4520CI receiver, and Denon says they will start shipping them sometime this month. Expect an MSRP of $2499.99.
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