Denon announces the introduction of new 2014 Network AV Receivers. Born from last year’s X series models, the new AVR-X2100W and AVR-X1100W deliver the latest Denon surround sound technology plus great connectivity including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth at an affordable price. At the same time, Denon developed a new Eco mode featuring a unique power consumption management that adds to the company’s green environment policy. Both AVR entry-models will be available to purchase from June at selected Denon suppliers.

Two of the new models announced in the line of AVR’s will  be equipped with Dolby Atmos and expected to be available in September, the AVR-X4100W and the AVR-X5200W models will be the first Denon AVRs to feature Dolby Atmos.

“It is a testament to the unique sound experience Dolby Atmos delivers that some of the world’s leading filmmakers have embraced it as a storytelling tool,” said Yoshinori Yamada, Global Business Team Leader for Denon Audio and Video Products. “Every detail comes alive, making the audience feel as if they are in the middle of the movie action. The experience is unmatched in the home theater today.”

The AVR-X5200W will have the processing capability to support a full 11 channel Dolby Atmos setup; taking advantage of 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos configurations. A 7.1.4 speaker configuration is based upon a traditional 7.1 speaker layout complemented by 4 overhead, or Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers.

Hifi Pig though this looked a funky little item for when out and about, it’s, Denon’s new £169 Envaya Portable Bluetooth Speaker.

“With its personalised styling that comes in two different finishes – high gloss white and matte black – and a choice of four beautiful fabrics – Lunar, Sunset, Fandango and Indigo – there is a colour for every occasion” says the company’s press release.

Envaya delivers music collections, connecting wirelessly to all Bluetooth designs. Devices with aptX® capability can enjoy completely lossless audio transfer. If Envaya is used to watch movies on the move, it isn’t affected by those irritating ‘lip sync’ issues thanks a low latency of just 32ms. NFC-enabled devices only have to be brought close to Envaya and it automatically pairs up. To make life even easier, Envaya reconnects to the Bluetooth device, automatically remembering any model. There is also the option of an auxiliary input.

The Envaya portable Bluetooth speaker incorporates two proprietary 57mm full range drivers   and a 100mm passive radiator. Patented Denon Digital Sound processing, proprietary amplification and extensive European sound tuning “ensures the Envaya delivers Denon’s renowned sound quality”.

The simple grab-and-go design is completely portable with a 10-hour rechargeable battery on board. Envaya even looks after your mobile devices, being able to recharge any smartphone or tablet from its USB port while the user is out and about. Envaya also comes with an innovative built-in stand – just squeeze the device for the stand to appear – meaning the model can be placed wherever suits. Rubber footer on the bottom adds stability.

When it’s time for a bit of quiet Envaya can be tucked away in the optional sleek neoprene carrying case.

Denon has announced its first standalone USB Digital to Analogue Converter, the new £329 DA-300USB DAC which boasts the same Advanced AL32 Processing and 32-bit, 192kHz digital to analogue conversion technologies of Denon’s flagship CD/SACD players. It is scheduled to hit stores in February 2014. 

The DAC can be connected via USB-B or the additional coaxial and optical digital inputs.When connected by USB the computer recognises the DA-300USB as an external soundcard, completely bypassing its own audio electronics. Any digital audio format that can be played from the computer’s own media player can be processed by the DA-300USB – including MP3/MP4, AAC, ALAC, WAV and FLAC HD (up to 24-bit, 192kHz) and DSD (the native file format for SACD; in 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz resolution). Transmission of the digital audio stream from the computer to the DA-300USB is in bit-transparent, asynchronous mode, to ensure a bit-perfect data stream for high definition Advanced AL32 Processing and High-Precision digital to analogue conversion.

The DA-300USB is an attractively styled, ultra compact unit. Measuring 17 x 17 x 5.5 cm, it can be positioned either horizontally or vertically (using the supplied clip-on stand). The minimalist front panel sports a power button, headphone output and volume control, a touch input selector switch, and an OLED display which shows the selected input, headphone volume and input signal resolution. Orientation of the display changes with horizontal or vertical positioning of the unit.

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