Denon AVC-A10H review: the promise of spectacular 3D sound

The last model before the ultimate 15.4-channel AVC-A1H, the Denon AVC-A10H AV receiver offers the same formula in a 13.4-channel version. Designed for the finest home theater installations, it offers 150 watts per channel and supports all three-dimensional formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X/DTS:X Pro and Auro 3D, as well as the latest video standards (120Hz/4K and 60Hz/8K) thanks to its HDMI 2.1 inputs and outputs. The assurance of an uncompromising cinema experience?

Presentation

Design

With its 13.4 amplified channels, the Denon AVC-A10H AV receiver is positionned in between the 11.4-channel Denon AVC-X6800H and the 15.4-channel Denon AVC-A1H. Like the latter, it benefits from components rigorously selected and finely tuned by Denon’s renowned Sound Master, Shinichi Yamauchi. No fewer than nine DACs ensure optimal signal decoding, and are combined with elements carefully arranged in an ultra-rigid triple-layer chassis, designed to reduce interference to a minimum. At its heart, an imposing transformer ensures optimum current supply for the 13 power stages. The result: an energetic, controlled sound reproduction, with up to 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms (2 powered channels) to maintain impressive intensity throughout the film. Its weight of over 23kg reflects these capacities and the quality of the integrated components.

The numerous electronic components of the Denon AVC-A10H receiver are housed inside a thick aluminum chassis. Its size is impressive, measuring 43cm wide, 25cm high and 48cm deep. The sleek front panel features a display showing the source, volume and audio format, as well as two metal knobs: one for source selection, the other for volume. Additional controls are concealed behind the tilting front panel.

Thanks to its 13.4 channels of amplification, the Denon AVC-A10H can drive up to 13 speakers and 4 subwoofers, providing optimum power for the most ambitious home theater installations, with independent control for each associated subwoofer. The powerful built-in processor ensures precise processing of multichannel audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and DTS:X Pro. It is also compatible with Auro 3D and Sony 360 Reality Audio formats. As a result, it’s perfectly suitable for a home theater installation integrating a vertical dimension (immersive 3D sound) over 7.4.4 or 9.4.2 channels. Its RCA 15.4 pre-out section can even be used to create a 9.4.4 or 7.4.6 channel system by adding an external power amp.

Calibration with optional Dirac Live

The Denon AVC-A10H is packed with a wide range of advanced audio processing designed to enhance any content. Thanks to Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X and the Auro-Matic upmixer, even stereo tracks can be distributed to all speakers, for a wider, more enveloping soundstage. Regarding calibration, Audyssey MultEQ XT32 acoustic correction is still included, precisely adapting the sound reproduction to the characteristics of the room and system. For more advanced acoustic control, the Denon AVC-A10H also offers the option of switching to Dirac Live calibration. It’s a shame, however, that on an AVR of this range, this advanced calibration has to be paid for.

HDMI 2.1 with 8K and 4K HDR

The Denon AVC-A10H has seven HDMI inputs, all compatible with the HDMI 2.1 standard, so it supports video streams in 8K at 60 fps and in 4K up to 120 fps, exploiting the full potential of the latest sources. A great asset for gamers on PC, Xbox Series X or PS5, who benefit from an ultra-smooth, responsive image. VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and QFT (Quick Frame Transport) technologies enhance the gaming experience by reducing latency and image tearing. What’s more, the receiver is also compatible with the main HDR formats, including Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ and Dynamic HDR, for more intense contrast and more realistic colors. These different signals can be routed to three independent HDMI outputs to power multiple TVs or projectors simultaneously. Note, however, that the Zone 2 output is limited to 4K resolution.

The rest of the connectors include four digital inputs (2 optical and 2 coaxial), as well as six RCA inputs, including a phono input for connecting a turntable. Pre-out 15.4-channel outputs enable the connection of one or more power amplifiers. Finally, trigger, IR and RS232 ports make it easy to manage the system simultaneously with other devices and for home automation. Thanks to its comprehensive connectivity, the Denon AVC-A10H is perfectly suited to centralizing all the sources of a modern audio/video system.

HD streaming

Like all Denon AV receivers, the Denon AVC-A10H is based on the HEOS ecosystem, offering simple, efficient access to music via the network. It supports the playback of high-resolution files up to 24-bit/192kHz, as well as DSD formats up to 5.6MHz, both via the local network and from a USB stick. The AVR also provides access to a wide selection of audio streaming services such as Deezer, Spotify, Amazon Music, Tidal, and many others. The continued absence of Qobuz is regrettable, however.

Wireless streaming is also possible via AirPlay 2 or Bluetooth, from a smartphone, tablet or computer. Multi-room is supported via HEOS or AirPlay 2, but only for music streaming. It’s a pity that Denon still doesn’t offer a solution for integrating wireless surround speakers like the Denon Home 150, for example.

Remote control and app

The Denon AVC-A10H is accompanied by a large, backlit remote control, offering quick, intuitive access to all key functions. The top section houses the main controls, including power and source selection. The central area is devoted to menu navigation, with buttons for play, pause, next/previous track, as well as shuffle and repeat functions. At the bottom are the audio settings and a numeric keypad, which can be programmed to control certain features of the associated TV or projector.

In addition to its remote control, the Denon AVC-A10H can be controlled from a smartphone or tablet thanks to two dedicated apps: Denon Remote and HEOS. The Denon Remote app has the main functions of the physical remote control, with source selection, volume control, video output management and access to certain amp settings. For its part, the HEOS app is entirely devoted to audio streaming. It provides access to compatible online music services, files shared over the local network and numerous web radios, for smooth, intuitive listening throughout the HEOS ecosystem.

Our test conditions

We tested the Denon AVC-A10H AV receiver in the Oscars cinema at the Paris Est Son-Vidéo.com store. The system used was a Dolby Atmos 5.2.4 set with Focal in-wall speakers. The sources were the Sony UBP-X800M2 and Reavon UBR-X200 4K UHD Blu-ray players, as well as an Apple TV 4K. Finally, the main HDMI output was linked to an Epson EH-TW-9400 projector, then to several TVs and ultra-short-throw projectors. Acoustic calibration was carried out using the included microphone and the Audyssey system.

Our impressions

The Denon AVC-A10H demonstrated great skill in spatially distributing film soundtracks with coherence and breadth. On Top Gun: Maverick, the soundstage spreads widely around the listener, with well-positioned effects and smooth transitions between the different channels. The scenes in the cockpit passages were immersive, supported by crisp dialogue and the meticulous spatial placement of effects. The flight sequences were gripping, with planes that genuinely seemed to fly from one end of the room to the other. The roar of the engines was phenomenal and resonated in our chest, demonstrating the dynamic energy of this receiver.

With the film 1917 in Dolby Atmos, the Denon AVC-A10H revealed an impressive power reserve. Impacts were crisp and well controlled, with expertly managed dynamics that remained clear even during the most intense scenes. Bass was deep without being excessive, and vertical effects, such as aircraft or shell projections, enhanced immersion without sounding artificial. The sound message always remained legible, with dialogues that stood out from the rest of the soundtrack, even in the midst of the action.

With a quieter soundtrack such as Gravity, the AVC-A10H succeeded in accurately rendering the oppressive silence and the tiniest sound details, contributing fully to the film’s atmosphere of isolation. Micro-effects such as breathing, suit friction and alarms were rendered with finesse and clarity, while the precise, enveloping spatialization reinforced the sensation of immersion and space.

In stereo, the Denon AVC-A10H delivered a solid, well-articulated reproduction, with a good balance between clarity and energy. The sound was dynamic, with well-maintained bass and good presence at the bottom end of the spectrum, without excess or softness. The midrange was clear, the voices well centered, and the highs remained clean, without aggressiveness. The listening experience was smooth and pleasant, even though the reproduction was slightly less nuanced and refined than that of the brand’s dedicated hi-fi amplifiers. Nonetheless, it remained convincing for versatile musical use, whether with acoustic tracks or more modern productions.

Denon AVC-A10H vs Marantz Cinema 30

Priced at €4,490, the Marantz Cinema 30 offers just 11.4 channels, making it ideal for slightly more modest installations. It then delivers a slightly rounder, softer sound signature, with more pronounced musicality, perfect for music and concerts. The Denon AVC-A10H, on the other hand, remains the most dynamic and energetic of the two, delivering greater clarity and real impact to action scenes.

Who is this AV receiver for?

With its 13.4 channels (and up to 15.4 on pre-out), this Denon AVR is clearly aimed at discerning home theater enthusiasts, equipped with or wishing to equip themselves with a highly immersive multichannel system. It’s cut out for the most ambitious installations, whether in a large living room or a dedicated room, with the ability to handle complex Atmos/DTS:X configurations. Its high power and natural dynamism enable it to power a wide range of speakers, including the most demanding models, without faltering. Its generous and modern connectivity, including support for HDMI 2.1, makes it a true hub capable of centralizing all modern audio and video sources.