We normally associate Denon with really awesome sound systems in the upper price range, and when we got the chance to check out the new AVR-X2100W model, we were obviously excited. On paper it looks really promising, including built-in AirPlay support, Bluetooth and dual wifi antenna for stable wireless network connection.
Denon AVR-X2100W
-
Sound Quality - 70%70%
-
Features - 80%80%
-
Ease of Use - 75%75%
-
Build Quality - 85%85%
SUMMARY
If you want to connect the many gadgets in your TV stand a sound bar won´t be enough. Denon’s AVR-X2100W offers plenty of inputs, but will it satisfy sonically?
The connectivity.
Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, DLNA.
Handles 4K signals.
The sound lacks clarity and dynamics.
Horrible remote.
Airplay problems.
Heavy Piece With Many Inputs
This is a heavy analog piece for those in need of proper video switching capabilities and proper volume resources. You have 8 HDMI inputs at your disposal including one on the front. In addition, there are two outputs, which is good for those who have both TV and projector in the living room. The connections on the back are clearly labeled and solid and you´ll find all the in- and outputs you might need in a modern sound system.
But as soon as we start using the supplied remote control, we become disappointed. It is rather plasticky and feels as if it should belong to a cheap junk TV rather than a receiver from renowned Denon. The buttons are spongy and the amplifier doesn´t react particularly fast to our commands.
Muddy Sound
Changing a receiver in the TV stand is a fairly large project, at least if you like us have a large number of video and audio sources. We test drove the Denon AVR-X2100W side by side with the AVR-X2000, a receiver a bit older that offers powerful, clear sound with good dynamics.
To these we connected a really good speaker system from Klipsch. And there was a noticable difference in sound between the Denon's newer model and older. The sound was not as clean and clear as when we played with the AVR-X2000, especially when we listened to music.
Denon's newer model has a lot of volume resources, but even though we ran a calibration with the included microphone, we never got to that dynamism which is so important in both film and music, nor any real punch in the bass or that clean and clear treble. The sound was pretty muddy and indistinct to be honest. When we watched a movie, the difference was however not nearly as noticeable.
A strong argument for the Denon amplifier, on paper that is, is Airplay support. When we installed the amplifier, we were following a guide for hooking us up on our wireless network. This took a good while, and once hooked up we got a bit concerned. The connection was constantly broken and we never managed to get a stable signal to our TV from the iPhone. Apple TV, driven in parallel on the same network, had no problems at all. The Bluetooth connection worked, however, and ran stable and well.
This type of receiver with proper video switching is generally superior to a sound bar if you have many devices crammed into your TV stand. But do not be fooled by Denon´s specifications. Sure, it has a lot of advantages but the sound and the operation does not measure up.
GET IT ON eBay!
- FEATURES
- SPecIFICATIONS
- IN ThE bOX
NEW FEATURES
• Built in Wi-Fi with dual antenna
• Built in Bluetooth
• Latest HDMI standard with 4K Ultra HD 60 Hz Pass-through and 4:4:4 color resolution
• 8 HDMI inputs (incl. 1 front)
• Dual HDMI output
• ISF certification
• DSD streaming
• AIFF streaming
• Spotify Connect*
• Upgraded sound design over 2013 model
• ECO mode with off/on/auto setting
* Not available in all countries
STATE-OF-THE-ART DENON SOLUTIONS FOR MAXIMIZING CONTENT QUALITY
• Fully discrete, identical quality and power for all 7 channels (150 watts per channel)
• Dolby TrueHD, dts-HD Master Audio and Dolby Pro Logic IIz
• High-performance 192kHz/24-bit D/A converters for all channels
• Digitally transmitted Play function for iPod and iPhone (via USB) for best sound quality
• Support 4K video to enjoy 4 times higher resolution videos than current HD on larger displays and screens.
• Optimized Bass redirection, for powerful bass performance in configurations without subwoofer
EASE-OF-USE AND OTHER FEATURES
• Setup Assistant, providing easy-to-follow setup instructions with Graphical User Interface
• Horizontal color-coded layout of speaker terminals for easy connection
• Label sheet for marking Speaker Wires & HDMI Cables
• Audyssey Dynamic Volume® , for real-time volume adjustment
• Audyssey DynamicEQ, improves surround effects during low volume levels
• Audyssey MultEQ XT, automatically sets the speakers to suit the room’s listening environment and the speakers’ characteristics
• Comes with simple, easy-to-use remote control handset
• Denon Remote App for iOS and Android
• 4 Quick Select buttons and RC buttons - can be used to store favorite sources, internet radio stations and preferred settings
• Sleep Timer, set up to 120 minutes in 10-minute increments
• Standby HDMI Pass through
• 2nd Zone Multiroom-Multisource
Leave a Reply