All receivers are not created equal -- not even all of the ones made by Denon Electronics. That's why the company just named the AVR-X7200W a flagship model, because it has all of the bells and whistles you'd want or need for today's high-tech home theater.
This AVR has a 9-channel amplifier with 150 watts per channel in a left/right-separated, symmetrical monolithic amplifier design with custom-made DHCT (Denon High Current Transistors). It can even support speaker systems beyond nine channels, because it has 11.2-channel processing and 13.2-channel pre-outs.
And really, this AVR was made to deliver those extra channels. Denon has packed the AVR-X7200W with support for Dolby Atmos sound, as well as upgrade options if you want to add in the Auro-3D format.
We've been talking up Dolby Atmos all year. This three-dimensional audio format allows you to experience sound from every direction, including overhead. Because the AVR-X7200W has four DSP (Digital Sound Processing) engines, it also has enough processing power to run Audyssey-calibrated 5.1.2, 5.1.4, 7.1.2 and 11-channel Dolby Atmos setups. You can even have a 7.1.4 or 9.1.2 Dolby Atmos setup, if you're willing to add in a two-channel power amplifier.
However, this AVR can also accommodate the new kid on the block, known as Auro3D. Similar to Dolby Atmos, Auro3D adds another dimension to your listening experience via "height channels." Unlike Atmos, Auro-3D can deliver up to two sound layers. One is right above the typical surround layer, with a second coming straight from above -- which is why it's also known as the "Voice of God" channel.
On the video side, the AVR-X7200W has a video processor that can handle 4K Ultra HD 50/60Hz full rate content and 4:4:4 Pure Color 4K sub-sampling pass-through. It can even up upconvert and transcode standard-definition and HD video sources up to 4K.
Also worth mentioning is that this model has support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, as well as DTS Neo:X and Audyssey DSX. It even has Denon's own D.D.S.C.-HD32 circuit and Audyssey MultEQ XT 32 (Pro ready) room calibration with Sub EQ HT and LFC.
The receiver also offers plenty of connectivity options, thanks to support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay and DLNA. It even has built-in web radio and access to Spotify Connect (although you'll need a subscription for that). Other features include a front USB port, eight HDMI inputs, three HDMI outputs, and control options via the Denon Remote App for iOS and Android devices.
Denon will start selling the AVR-X7200W in January 2015, with an MSRP of $2,999.
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