All year, D+M Group has been updating home theater components to add DTS:X support. Now the company is adding another three-dimensional audio format -- but it's going to cost you.
D+M Group is making the AURO-3D Immersive Sound format available to users with the Denon AVR-X6300H 11.2-channel receiver ($2,199), the Denon AVR-X4300H 9.2-channel receiver ($1,499), and the Marantz SR7011 9.2-channel receiver ($2,199), as well as the Marantz AV7703 AV pre-processor ($2,199).
AURO-3D is a sound perk that's very similar to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. It's an object-based format that can deliver a more immersive listening experience using a "height layer" above and around the room. Depending on the size of that space, one or two additional layers are mounted above the existing surround layer at ear level to deliver the "Voice of God." (For more information on each format, check out "What's Up with 3D Immersive Sound: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and AURO-3D?" and "Update on Immersive Sound: What's New with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and AURO-3D?")
Once your component is upgraded, you can experience the format on an AURO 9.1 or 10.1 speaker configuration. Just know that an extra amplifier is needed for the AVR-X4300H and the SR7011 to drive the top surround channel for 10.1 configurations, but the 11.2-channel AVR-X6300H will support 10.1-channel sound out the box. The AV7703 pre-processor will also need an external amplifier.
All four components are designed for use with 4K Ultra HD and feature perks such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and AirPlay. Also, since each unit is part of the HEOS lineup, it can be integrated into a wireless, whole-house music setup.
"D+M Group is all about innovation, and we're always on the lookout for improvements to our hardware to offer a cutting-edge audio experience," said Yoshinori Yamada, global business team leader for the company's A/V receiver category. "This is our third year of offering the AURO-3D firmware upgrade to our Denon and Marantz AVR lineup. We are having more and more customers asking for the upgrade. We are happy to be able to continue to deliver this technology and share the excitement with our customers."
The AURO-3D firmware update is expected to be available starting January 5, 2017. The upgrade is delivered via a software download, which is priced at $199. Check the Denon and Marantz websites for more information.
Where to Buy:
