Introduction
Denon has introduced a few new models of AV receivers, one of which is the AVR-X250BT. This model is a real entry-level alternative, costing just Rs. 49,900.00 but it still includes a number of essential capabilities for operating your home theatre system. In the following, we are going to examine the Denon AVR-X250BT in great detail.
Table of Contents
AV receivers from the Denon portfolio available at a discount Denon’s AVR-X250BT and AVR-X550BT make up the company’s roster of entry-level AV receivers. These budget-friendly AV receivers allow you to stream music over bluetooth, despite the fact that they do not support network connectivity. Both of them have a resolution of 4K, as well as High Dynamic Range (HDR), as well as five HDMI connectors and 130 watts of power for each channel. The AVR-X550BT comes with a Bluetooth app, compatibility with Dolby Vision, a front USB port, a second subwoofer output, and auto-calibration speakers. Moreover, it has a second subwoofer output.
Design And Build
The Denon AVR-X250BT is an incredibly well-made A/V receiver, capable of producing stunning music and video. Stylish and up-to-date, it may be a welcome addition to any home theatre. The black matte finish of the receiver is sleek and contemporary. It’s slender and small form factor means it’ll fit in just about anyone’s media room. It’s lightweight at 16.5 pounds and has compact dimensions of 17.1 by 12.6 by 5.9 inches.
A wide, simple-to-read display provides source and volume information directly on the receiver’s front panel. You can easily switch between inputs thanks to the front-mounted power button and input selector. The receiver is sturdy and uses top-notch parts. High-current discrete power amplifiers provide 130 watts per channel to reliably power your speakers. This amplifier can work with a broad variety of speakers because of its ability to tolerate low-impedance output.
There are a number of different connection methods available on the receiver. It supports Audio Return Channel (ARC) on all four HDMI inputs and one HDMI output, allowing you to connect your TV to the receiver and send its audio signal straight through the HDMI connection. You can play music from USB storage devices in a variety of formats, including MP3, WMA, FLAC, and AAC, thanks to the front-panel USB connector. You can wirelessly stream music from your mobile device by pairing it with the receiver via Bluetooth.
The Denon AVR-X250BT is a solid and well-made piece of equipment. It is built to last with a sturdy construction, premium materials, and careful attention to detail. The receiver comes with a one-year warranty, so if there are any problems, you can rest easy knowing you’re protected.
Specs And Features
In addition to having 5.1 channels, the Denon AVR-X250BT is capable of managing 130 watts of power on a per-channel basis. Due to the fact that the receiver is only capable of managing a 5.1 or 2-channel system, neither Dolby Atmos nor DTS:X will function properly with it. Despite this, both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio may be played through the receiver without any problems. The component features five HDMI inputs and supports HDCP 2.2 (on three of them), 4K Ultra HD at 60Hz, high dynamic range (HDR) (HDR10 and HLG), ARC, and HDMI CEC.
In addition, the component has five HDMI outputs. The consumption of video is one activity that has been spared despite the lack of WiFi and streaming services in the area. Because of this, the only way to play music from your mobile device will be to use bluetooth. In addition, the receiver is equipped with Denon’s well-known set-up assistant as well as Intelligent ECO mode, which gives you the ability to track and modify the amount of energy that you use.
Installation And Remote Control
You will be guided through the fundamental configurations and connections required for the installation in a matter of a few simple steps. The connections between all of the many voices and the places where each one originated are laid out here. The product is not nearly as interesting as it could be due to the absence of Audyssey (there is no automated calibration on board) and several streaming options.
In spite of what was mentioned earlier, there is not an integrated and automated calibration system. Unfortunately, because of this limitation, you will have to manually make extensive playback adjustments. You have the ability to alter both the crossover frequency as well as the amount of dB that each speaker is either reduced or boosted by. Due to the fact that a beginner can become confused by all of the available settings, just one audio/surround setting is available to them. If you are looking for a microphone that can calibrate itself automatically, the AVR-X550BT is your best option.
Given the affordable price point of Denon’s AVR-X250BT, it is not surprising that the included remote control is on the simplistic side. This particular remote control has a limited number of buttons, and it is totally constructed out of plastic. Because of this, adjusting the volume and accessing the settings as well as switching the input is a breeze. The Quick Select buttons also provide you the ability to automate certain activities. The receiver is receptive to the commands, and it is not difficult to operate the remote.
Surround Formats And Bluetooth Streaming
It is essential to take into consideration that this receiver is a 5.1-channel model, as this will allow you to connect up to five speakers in addition to a subwoofer. For the purpose of this design, common sound formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS: X are not required. Nevertheless, support is provided for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, in addition to a variety of other high-definition audio formats.
The AVR-X250BT is fairly simple to use because it does not have the majority of the more complicated capabilities that may be found in more expensive receivers. Moreover, the streaming component of the package has been watered down. Only bluetooth can be used to play media when using a mobile device (such as a phone, tablet, or other similar device). You can start playing music from your phone once you’ve selected the receiver.
Everything that can be played on your mobile devices can also be played over Bluetooth through the receiver. However, you will not be able to directly access your network attached storage (NAS) or services like Spotify from the receiver itself. In case you were curious, the AVR-X250BT is ready for use with HEOS Link, which means that it can be incorporated into a home theatre system alongside other receivers. On the receiver, the inclusion of a USB port would have been welcome. It is available on the AVR-X550BT, which costs €70 more than its competitors.
Sound Quality And Film
It’s great that the X250BT has AVR functions and is so easy to use, but the sound quality is what truly important. We have a fully acoustically constructed test room and home theatre where you may listen to the Bowers & Wilkins CM S2 series in a 5.1-channel system. The Oppo UDP-203 is responsible for the movie playback, and the B & W ASW610XP is the subwoofer.
Music
To begin, it’s important to recognise that the AVR-X250BT is distinct from the more ubiquitous AVR-X6400H. That’s a radical shift in terms of value, utility, and potential application, and it’s not just the price. Whether or not a budget receiver and a respectable set of loudspeakers can deliver satisfactory audio for watching a movie or listening to music is more pressing.
An unqualified “yes” is all that can be said in that situation. Just content that can be received through the speakers will play, thus your options will naturally be limited to what can be sent over bluetooth or sent over an HDMI or audio connection. Because of the constant compression used by Bluetooth, the quality of streamed music is poor. Fortunately, the AVR-faithful X250BT’s reproduction of Spotify’s audio makes this a non-issue, thanks to the service’s high production values. It’s not perfect, and it can’t be, but it does the job of showing off your music collection. However there remains a ‘body’ that further divides the maker from the viewer. Also, the receiver makes it slightly more difficult to exert exact control over the Bowers & Wilkins speakers while listening to more powerful tunes, such as those on the Muse album. Even if we turn up the volume a notch or two, the situation may get unruly for the habitués.
By hardwiring the audio from the Oppo media player to the receiver, we may obtain a more complete experience than just the visual. At high volumes and with music that has a lot of dynamics and intensity, the steering of the loudspeakers remains a problem, but we did not anticipate any better. Other from that, the audioscape is convincingly vast, the vocals are clear and warm, and the bass has enough “punch” to keep things interesting. The tunes are easy on the ears without being distracting.
Film
Since the AVR-X250BT is a multi-channel AV receiver, it should be shown using multi-channel audio and video. While our other equipment is capable of playing Dolby Atmos, this one only handles the lower-resolution 5.1 channel arrangement. While 4K Ultra HD and HDR10 are supported by the HDMI connections, Dolby Vision is not. The films Everest, Jumanji, and Deadpool are going to be dissected in this review.
To begin, it’s worth noting that it’s significantly more difficult to calibrate the receiver adequately for a given environment when automatic calibration is unavailable. We’ve put in the effort to do environmental testing, and the data can be used to fine-tune the receiver, but newcomers to the system won’t have the same luck. In this price range, its effect will be reduced, but it is still noteworthy.
Despite this, we can affirm that the scores of the aforementioned films have, on multiple instances, kept our interest. The AVR-X250BT can produce a loud and roomy enough picture for most uses. The space between the speakers is effectively filled, which contributes to a convincing surround effect. Clear and understandable discourse is paired with effective production values. The receiver’s astonishingly tight bass, spacious and precise soundstage, and surprisingly subtle and strong surround effects do a fantastic job of immersing listeners in the music.
We don’t receive the bass tones that you feel in your lower abdomen, the incredibly brilliant and detailed high tones, or that little extra power (and control) at high volumes and (in terms of audio) very dynamic scenarios. The receiver struggles to maintain things even, tight, and believable through our speakers when the going gets difficult. Yet, this is to be anticipated, especially in light of the price.
It depends on the receiver’s preferences and the speakers you send them to, but at this price point, we can conclude that audio reproduction is outstanding. It is an actual baseline model, therefore of course it has limitations. If you are not very concerned about sound volume, you will be pleased with the results you get from this gadget.
Verdict
Denon AVR-X250BT, a receiver aimed for a certain demographic, costs Rs. 49,900.00. This model is an excellent receiver even without all the extra (streaming) choices and connections, making it a good starting point for individuals who don’t have an expensive loudspeaker system or highly severe requirements for audio output.
To listen to music and watch movies, this model doesn’t need to be pushed to its limits. It’s an inexpensive, straightforward, and seemingly genuine Denon gizmo. The TV interface is outdated, there is little to no control or flexibility as the volume is increased, and there is no USB hookup or automated calibration. The AVR-X250BT is an excellent option for the money and a great starting point for many people interested in home theatre. The AVR-X550BT charges an extra 70 Euros, but it features a USB connector, Dolby Vision, and auto-calibration.
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