Today Denon introduced its flagship A/V receiver for 2024. The new AVR-A10H offers 13 channels of surround sound processing with 4 independent subwoofer outputs. It’s rated at the same 150-watts per channel (2 channels driven) like last year’s flagship AVR-A1H, but the new AVR-A10H promises a “significant performance upgrade” thanks to its new ESS DAC array and OFC wound transformer.
In addition, each AVR-A10H is hand-tuned by the Denon Sound Master, Shinichi Yamauchi in Shirakawa, Japan to ensure Denon’s signature “vivid and spacious” sound signature.
The AVR-A10H arrives with a rather hefty asking price at $4,699 USD. However, that’s $1,800 less than the AVR-A1H ($6,499) and only $100 more than the AVR-X8500HA ($4,599).
AVR-A10H Features
With 13 amplified channels and 4 subwoofer pre-outs, the AVR-A10H is referred to as a 13.4-channel A/V Receiver. All those channels provide the ability to take full advantage of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X (including DTS:X Pro), Auro 3D, IMAX Enhanced and Sony 360 Reality Audio immersive surround sound formats.
Pro Tip: Possible supported speaker setups for Dolby Atmos include 7.4.6 and 9.4.4 channel configurations.
To organize all those channels the AVR-A10H features Audyssey XT32 room calibration and is compatible with Dirac Live Room Correction and Bass Control (requires license purchase).
Preamplifier processing functions include 15 channel pre-outs, along with equipment switching via 7 HDMI (8K) inputs, 3 HDMI outputs. In addition, the A10H offers multiple digital and analog connections, and even a dedicated MM phono input for connecting a turntable.
For access to streaming content, the A10H features Bluetooth and HEOS. HEOS supports multi-room audio via integration with other HEOS-enabled devices.
To ensure that all physical and wireless audio sources sound their best, the A10H is hi-res audio compatible and incorporates audiophile-grade ESS DACs.
Comparison
| AVR-A10H | AVR-A1H | AVR-X8500HA | |
| Price | $4,699 | $6,499 | $4,599 |
| Number of Amplified Channels | 13 | 15 | 13 |
| Power Output (8 ohms 20-20kHz THD <0.05 2-ch Driven) | 150 watts per channel | 150 watts per channel | 150 watts per channel |
| Preamp Outputs | 15 | 15 | 13 |
| Subwoofer Outputs | 4 | 4 x RCA 4 x XLR | 2 |
| Multi-Channel Inputs | – | – | 7.1 |
| Max Audio Processing Channels | 15.4 | 17.4 | 15.2 |
| Surround Sound Support | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro 3D Audio, Imax Enhanced, 360 Reality Audio | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro 3D Audio, Imax Enhanced, 360 Reality Audio | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro 3D Audio, IMAX Enhanced |
| Room Correction | Audyssey MultEQ XT32 (Dirac Upgradable) | Audyssey MultEQ XT32 (Dirac Upgradable) | Audyssey MultEQ XT32 |
| Video Support | Up to 8K resolution, HDR (Dolby Vision, HDR10+) | Up to 8K resolution, HDR (Dolby Vision, HDR10+) | Up to 8K resolution, HDR (Dolby Vision, HDR10+) |
| Gaming Support | Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) Quick Frame Transport (QFT) Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) | Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) Quick Frame Transport (QFT) Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) | Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) Quick Frame Transport (QFT) Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) |
| HDMI Version | 2.1 | 2.1 | 2.1 |
| HDMI ARC/eARC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Inputs/Outputs | 7/3 | 7/3 | 7/3 |
| Analog In/Out | 7/0 | 5 (1 × XLR) / 0 | 6/0 |
| Digital In: Optical / Coaxial | 2/2 | 2/2 | 2 / 2 |
| Phono Input (MM) | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Speaker Terminals | 15 (includes A/B and Bi-Amp) | 17 (includes A/B and Bi-Amp) | 15 (includes A/B and Bi-Amp) |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HEOS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Consumption | 900W | 900W | 900W |
| Dimensions (WxDxH without Antenna) | 17.1 × 18.6 × 7.7 inches | 17.1 × 19.4 × 7.7 inches | 17.1 x 19 x 7.7 inches |
| Weight | 52 lbs | 70.5 lbs | 52 lbs |
Initial Impression
There has been a big surge in high-end AV products so far in 2024. With Denon, the A10H is placed in between both the flagship A1H and AVR-X8500HA A/V receivers in terms of price. Since the A10H shares most of the features of both AVRs, the main reason to get the A1H is for balanced (XLR) connectivity and an extra two channels of surround sound. Or choose AVR-X8500HA if its 7.1-channel analog audio inputs are needed.
Price & Availability
The Denon AVR-A10H will be available for purchase at authorized Denon retailers and online at www.denon.com starting October 1, 2024 for $4,699 USD. It comes with a 3-year warranty.
Related Reading
