Introduction
The AVC-X8500H is the pinnacle of Denon’s AV amplifier lineup. The AVC-X8500H, for Rs. 594,900.00, is guaranteed to excite AV enthusiasts wishing to go big on their home cinema, thanks to its 23-kilogram weight, large-scale and strong sound, and 13 distinct power amp channels.
Denon asserts that this is the first 13.2 channel amplifier available, eliminating the requirement for a separate power amplifier to handle the additional channels required for a 7.2.6 or 9.2.4 Dolby Atmos system. That alone could be enough to sway audiophiles trying to outfit their dream home theatre, but the Denon’s broad, powerful sound is also a plus.
The Denon X8500H is a state-of-the-art receiver with a plethora of capabilities that make it ideal for use as the hub of a premium home theatre setup. The X8500H is built to provide an exceptional multimedia experience for anybody, from serious audiophiles to casual moviegoers, thanks to its compatibility with the latest audio and video codecs and a wealth of tuning options that let you fine-tune the sound to your specific preferences.
The X8500H can produce genuinely mind-blowing soundscapes, with crystal-clear dialogue, thunderous bass, and astonishing spatial effects that transport you deep into the heart of the action, thanks to its huge 13.2 channel design and support for up to 7.1.6 or 9.1.4 speaker sets. And because it’s compatible with the latest object-based surround sound codecs like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D, you can relax and let the music take you away into a world of sound that’s all around you.
And the X8500H is more than just a powerful machine; it also comes with a number of convenient extras, like as built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, voice control, and support for a number of popular streaming services. The Denon X8500H provides excellent sound quality for all of your media needs, whether you’re watching a movie, listening to music, or playing the newest video game.
Sound
The Matrix’s corridor scene features the sudden activation of a Denon AVC-X8500H. The sound of rapid gunfire and exploding concrete pillars is beautiful; it is loud, brash, and powerful.
Sound has a broad range. Large rooms are no match for the X8500H, which sends sound effects careening in all directions. Rooftop shots feel broad and encompassing, while indoor scenes have plenty of room to breathe. The soundstage is often limited by amplifiers, yet the Denon’s performance exceeds all expectations. The X8500H’s enormous 13.2 channel setup allows it to create a really enveloping soundscape that will have you feeling like you’re actually part of the music.
The X8500H shines in large part because to its compatibility with cutting-edge object-based surround sound codecs including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D. These file types make it easier for audio professionals to accurately place sound objects in a three-dimensional area, leading to a more lifelike and immersive listening experience. The X8500H allows you to take advantage of the full potential of your high-quality audio by supporting up to 7.1.6 or 9.1.4 speaker configurations.
The X8500H is equipped with cutting-edge audio processing technologies such as Denon’s proprietary AL32 Processor and high-resolution audio playback capability in addition to its support for object-based surround sound. These enhancements guarantee that your media will be played back with the highest possible fidelity, preserving every nuance of the original recording.
With the X8500H’s many settings, you may tailor the sound to your specific liking. Automatically adjusting the sound to your room with tools like Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room calibration makes the audio experience consistent no matter where you’re seated. Further personalization of the sound to your tastes is possible by manual adjustment of parameters like bass and treble, as well as via the creation of custom EQ curves. The minimal language and pounding techno score make for a streamlined viewing experience. The Denon amplifier remains calm even when the volume is turned up to eleven.
Build
The AVC-X8500H may appear to be no different than any other black, rectangular AV receiver; nonetheless, its build quality is exceptional. Despite the fact that you might require assistance to remove the weighty amplifier from its packing, there is something reassuring about a piece of equipment that is well-made and sturdy.
The majority of its structure is composed of thick metal, and it has a flap that is built from a solid block of aluminium, which gives it the appropriately astounding weight and feel it deserves. Everything, including the dials and buttons, has a solid, high-quality feel to it, and you can easily manage everything. It’s the snappy remote control that’s similar to the X6400H, and it even has lights on it so you can use it even when it’s dark outside.
The Denon is very easy to install and configure. After you have plugged in the setup microphone, told the amplifier exactly what kind of speakers you have (in the ‘channel select’ menu, choose whether you are using one or two subwoofers), run the calibration process at least three times for different listening positions (you can do up to eight total), and then checked the results, the amplifier should be calibrated properly.
Because the X8500H’s measurements of speaker size, distance, and volume are so precise, we didn’t think it was necessary to double-check them using an SPL metre.
Features
Putting aside the X8500H’s excellent audio quality for a moment, the fact that it has 13 individual channels is unquestionably the most amazing aspect of this device. It supports speaker configurations of 7.1 and 9.1, giving you the ability to add either six or four Dolby Atmos speakers for an immersive, cinematic experience right in the convenience of your own home. In addition, the amplifier supports DTS:X on channels five and seven, with full support for 13 channels on the way in the near future.
There is a total of 13 color-coded speaker terminals and a wide variety of analogue and digital connections on the amplifier’s back panel, so there is no wasted space. The flagship model from Denon is equipped with eight HDMI connectors, all of which are HDCP2.2 certified and hence capable of managing native 4K/60p video as well as the most prevalent HDR formats (HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG). Denon has announced an imminent hardware upgrade that will support HDMI 2.1, the next-generation standard that will enable passthrough of 8K content. This will make Denon’s products even more cutting edge than they already were.
Superbly immersive, room-filling sound is possible because to the massive 13.2 channel layout, which works with up to a 7.1.6 or 9.1.4 speaker arrangement. Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D are all object-based surround sound formats that are supported here, allowing for pinpoint placement of sound objects in a three-dimensional space.
Features like as Denon’s AL32 Processor and high-resolution audio playback guarantee that your music and movies will be heard in their full, original splendour. There is built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so you may stream wirelessly from a variety of electronic gadgets. It is compatible with the voice-activated interfaces of well-known AIs like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. Features that work with major music streaming platforms such as Spotify, Tidal, and Deezer.
With sophisticated room calibration software like Audyssey MultEQ XT32, your listening experience will be automatically tailored to your room’s acoustics. Manual bass and treble controls, as well as the ability to construct personal EQ curves, are included among the customizable features. The front panel includes a USB connector and a moving magnet phono input in addition to the three HDMI outputs, several analogue AV connections, and various optical and coaxial inputs.
Are you confused as to why the X8500H is called a “AVC” instead of the more common “AVR”? Due to the lack of an FM tuner in the AVC-X8500 (unlike the American model), it is referred to as an AV amplifier rather than an AV receiver. Nonetheless, a tuner input is included in case you want to listen to the radio.
Verdict
The Denon AVC-X8500H is an impressive piece of equipment. An enormous amplifier, with characteristics that are unmatched in its class and a cinematic sound that will appeal to a wide audience.
Given its high price and flagship status, it is still a formidable beast that should be given a tryout in your home theatre.
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