CES 2018

Denon and Marantz Show AVR and Pre-Pro

Mark Fleischmann  |  Jan 10, 2018

A new top-of-the-line Denon receiver sat almost unnoticed at Sound United's convention center booth.

The Denon AVR-X8500H is the brand's first 13.2-channel model, which should take care of any of the new height-enhanced surround standards—not only Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, but also Auro-3D, with its dual height layers. Dolby Vision and HDR10 are both supported for the best possible Ultra HD picture. So is Denon's HEOS wireless standard. Shipping in February at a price to be determined.

Not shown, but present in spirit, was the Marantz AV8805 pre-pro, another 13.2-channel model with integral HEOS. A new feature is Audyssey Editor, which performs room correction via $25 app. Price $4499.

COMMENTS
FrakU's picture
Submitted by FrakU on January 11, 2018 - 10:46am

I think I will stick with 5.1.4. I get the feeling that this will be the superior setup like 5.1 being better than 7.1. I ended up taking down my surround back speakers and storing them in the closet for a later day. Glad I did because I have enough speakers for 5.1.4 now. Just waiting for the right receiver to share my heart with...!

Mark Fleischmann's picture
Submitted by Mark Fleischmann on January 11, 2018 - 6:52pm
I've always been skeptical about back-surrounds in all but the largest installations. I don't use them myself.
rhirschey's picture
Submitted by rhirschey on January 12, 2018 - 10:39am

That is how I would deploy the 13 amp channels in this beast. I would think Denon will certainly support this as a speaker configuration, since they've always allowed the best flexibility in speaker and multi-zone arrangements. I'm likely to buy this beast when it comes out!

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