Denon AVR-2807 800 (approx) 01234 741200 www.denon.co.

uk

In praise of complex conservatism

Denons latest receiver variant offers an attractive mix of features and power. But in a converging world, is that enough, asks Alvin Gold?

he AVR-2807 is the latest in a wide range of Denon multichannel amps and receivers that seems to cover

Denon has this type of hierarchical design pat. What it has done is to design a small number of basic mainframes which are then customised using a number of bolt-on features, often proprietary. As a result, they tend to share not only many of their fundamental features, but performance levels tend to be a fairly

common factor too, with comparably priced models sounding broadly similar. And so it is in this case. The AVR-2807 is a 7.1-channel receiver which can be run in a 5.1-channel conguration, with two channels devoted to a second zone and the possibility of biamplifying see Practical Tip. Compared to its direct predecessor, the AVR-2805, the new model adds analogue video upconversion (but not signal upscaling),

just about every possible requirement at almost every price level. Making a choice is just a matter of choosing an appropriate feature set and deciding how much you want to pay.

SPECIFICATIONS
HCC PRACTICAL TIP
Those interested in maximising sound quality and who are content to run their system with 5.1 speakers can use the AVR-2807s two spare channels to biamplify the front main speakers. This pays dividends with multichannel material as well as stereo replay, and is highly recommended if you have biampable main speakers

ITEM Dolby Digital DTS

SUPPORT

THX AV Inputs Audio Inputs Component Inputs Tape Loop AV Monitor output Component output Video upconversion HDMI input/output DVI input/output Multi channel input Subwoofer output Digital Audio input Digital Audio output Phono input stage Speaker out Headphone

Good

Manufacturers Output 140W per ch into 6 Measured Power @ 1kHz 2ch driven: 145W into 8 5ch driven: 105W into 8 2ch driven: 215W into 4 5ch driven: 130W into 4 Fidelity firewall @1kHz/2ch 135W into 8 (0.05%THD) Distortion @ 1kHz 0.003%THD @ 50W (8) Frequency response 20Hz-20kHz +/-0.1dB

Poor

LAB REPORT

DETAILS 5.1, Surround EX, Pro Logic IIx 5.1, ES Matrix/Discrete 6.1, Neo:6, 96:24 Not available 7 inputs (composite & S-video) 1 x line 3 inputs 3 x audio/video 1 composite, 1 S-video 2 outputs To component & HDMI 2 inputs, 1 output, analogue upconversion N/A 1 x 8 channel 1 phono output 5 optical, 2 electrical 2 x optical Moving magnet 9 pairs 1 x 6.3mm output

Audyssey MultEQ calibration, and iPod compatibility (using the Denon branded iPod ASD-1R dock). An additional component monitor output means that in multiroom systems, two high-quality outputs are available. Its worth noting that the HDMI interface wont work reliably at ranges longer than 10m, which is soon used up when cabling around walls. HDMI connectivity, which the whole industry has been getting behind in a big way, is one of the key elements of the AVR-2807 story. The HDMI sub-system has

Excellent

Average

RATINGS
Highs: Many of the key features of the AVR4306; iPod compatible Lows: Complicated interface; no THX, no network functionality

Amplification: 110W; Tuner: FM-RDS & MW with 56 presets Dimensions: 434(w) x 171(h) x 429(d)mm; Weight: 14kg Also featuring Audyssey MultEQ, pure direct, biamp, multi source/two zone audio/ video output; DDSC-D (Dynamic Digital Surround processing) with AL24 Plus (curve smoothing) processing; Pure Direct mode; 100MHz HDTV compatible video switching; iPod port for optional Denon docking station; Glow Key learning system remote control

Sound Build Features OVERALL

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Tried&Tested... AV Receiver

The AVR-2807 can handle Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 from HD DVD via HDMI
two inputs, so you can connect two sources, a DVD/HD DVD/Blu-ray player and a Sky HD box, for example. Theres only one output but thats what youll need to deliver pictures to your HD Ready screen. Even if the input to the Denon comes from an analogue source composite, S-video or component the signal can be sent to the screen in digital form via HDMI. The standard used here will also stream stereo or digital multichannel audio (depending on disc format). Interestingly, the AVR-2807 can handle Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 and 7.1 from HD DVD via HDMI when converted to PCM. Apparently, most receivers with HDMI v.1.1 can do 5.1 in PCM via HDMI. Denon models from the AVR-2807 upwards can also do 7.1 channels. HDMI is increasingly making the wiring of even a complicated AV system tidier and cheaper. Perhaps the day when HDMI can substitute for all the familiar audio and video connectors is not that far away. Another important feature built into the AVR-2807 is the Audyssey MultEQ process which uses a microphone (supplied) and a largely-automatic setup routine designed to tune the system for best results, taking room acoustics and speaker parameters into account. A lot could be said about the MultEQ process, but the important point is that at its current stage of development, it has the effect of making textures in the bass and midrange

easier to follow, and the whole system more coherent. The signature of individual speakers also tends to be suppressed in favour of a more coherent, enveloping feel, and for those who dont trust the level of automation, settings can be reviewed and tweaked by ear. The best of both worlds, then. For the reasons given earlier, performance was unlikely to offer any major surprises, and, sure enough, it is largely familiar fare. In common with other recent Denon models, which use the latest DDSC-D surround sound processing chip, multichannel decoding here is uid and responsive. With rmer, more expansive image-placement, the surround sound performance from Dolby and DTS lms has a tendency to be very solid and lifelike. Audyssey MultEQ has a part to play here too. For reasons that are not entirely clear to me, this has the effect of cleaning up the bass, which, even with stereo recordings, tends to sound more open and less box-bound, to an extent refocusing the centre of attention on the midband. The model is a top-notch power layer. Our Tech Labs measured the power output at an impressive 140W per channel with ve channels driven.

Conclusion
Theres no doubt that Denons AVR-2807 offers a wide range of functionality. It can be considered an excellent all-rounder which sounds clean, open and in control. But its also a rather conservative receiver. It lacks the networkable features that are offered by some rival brands and the companys own AVR-4306. Whether this affects the AVR-2807s commercial appeal, only time will tell

A 7.1-channel receiver with all these features needs some knobs...

... and a remote control with plenty of buttons...

...and a generous selection of sockets around the back, including seven AV inputs, line and audio inputs and two HDMI inputs

NOVEMBER 2006

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