The Denon AVR-1600H has an amazing feature set, especially for its low price. It may be used to power a 5.1.2 Atmos or DTS:XTM system with overhead special effects. Alternatively, go for 5.1-channel surround sound and use the additional 2 channels for entertainment in your kitchen or bedroom according to our Denon AVR X1600H review.
The ‘X1600H’s 80 watts per channel complements most bookshelf, in-wall, and in-ceiling speakers. It’s an excellent option for operating a home cinema in a small to medium-sized space.
If you are interested in this model, keep reading our Denon AVR X1600H review for more information below.
Denon AVR X1600H
Description: The AVR-X1600H combines physical amplifier power with a deliberate approach to audio output.
About: It’s meant to be unsettling and dramatic, and this low-cost AVR is certainly up to the challenge.
Pros
- Certified 4 Ω Performance
- Bi-amp Capability
- Dolby Atmos
- Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
- Dolby TrueHD
Cons
- No Front Wide Channel Support
- No IMAX Enhanced
General Features
Denon’s AVR series is intended to appeal to a wide range of customers. The highest model is the £3,000 AVC-X8500H, a revolutionary 13-channel device designed for large systems in specialized movie halls according to our Denon AVR X1600H review.
You’ll ultimately get to the AVR-X1600H after going through 11-channel, 9-channel, and 7-channel models. Following a Black Friday price decrease, this is now retailing for about a tenth of the price of its flagship sister but offers some of the same capabilities. The most prominent feature is the HEOS multiroom capability.
Denon introduced this platform in 2014 with solo speaker systems, but it has now expanded to include soundbars, AVRs, and hi-fi separates from pacesetter brand Marantz.
And you don’t have to be a multiroom grand master to use it – the HEOS accordance to the requirements access to membership music streaming services (Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Qobuz, Amazon Music), plus online streaming, and functions as a control system for the receiver’s Bluetooth, USB, and interconnected audio playback, as well as a handy source/volume switcher.
Design
Other features of the AVR-X1600H are likewise impressive for the price. Six HDMI inputs (one of which is front-mounted) are supported by composite AV and digital optical audio connections according to our Denon AVR X1600H review.
There is just one HDMI out, but it’s difficult to picture prospective purchasers requesting two, and the lack of a component video connection (found on Denon’s step-up X2600H) isn’t a deal-breaker. The inclusion of twin subwoofer outputs and the receiver’s MM phono turntable input is more beneficial (certainly as a potential upgrade path).
The design is classic Denon, thus the AVR-X1600H resembles the AVC-X8500H, but is smaller in stature and lacking a drawbridge to conceal its setting mic and full-size headphone outlet, front-facing HDMI and USB ports, and pushbutton. While this does make it a little cluttered, the LCD display is pleasantly big, and the brushed finish adds a touch of flair.
Performance
The AVR-X1600H combines physical amplifier power with a deliberate approach to audio output. It’s a characteristic that initially becomes obvious when listening to stereo music.
The funk basslines of Lenny Kravitz’s Always on the Run (Tidal, 16-bit/44kHz) benefit from the Denon’s love of the bottom end, giving the sound a fuller feel, while Slash’s staccato guitar riffs roll out and interconnect in the L/R channels according to our Denon AVR X1600H review.
The primary vocal seems a little less forceful amidst the warm, rich tones; J.J Cale’s country meander Crazy Mama allows the receiver to reveal more complexity. Meanwhile, Metallica’s well-produced Low Man’s Lyric stomps along with a crisp, powerful punch from the bass and snare drums.
This aggressive method helps cinema sound mixes. When bad guy Gary Oldman stabs someone in the hand with a pen in The Hitman’s Bodyguard (Blu-ray), his abrupt action is followed by a clatter and a swell of the audio, immediately followed by the squelch of torn flesh.
There’s also little debate about the AVR-capacity X1600H’s to envelop with surround/Atmos material. Audyssey calibration keeps everything in check, and the receiver directs and puts FX convincingly.
Even with its Atmos channel capacities capped at 5.1.2, this can be exhilaratingly realistic. Demo-grade passages, such as the Zero assault in Unbroken (Ultra HD Blu-ray) or Aquaman’s aquatic conclusion, acquire scale and depth with the two extra overhead channels.
Bluetooth Transmission
Bluetooth communication, which was just recently made accessible via firmware upgrade, is a more fascinating 2019 feature. This allows you to listen to movies and music with Bluetooth headphones, which is obviously appealing for late-night sessions, family houses, and so on.
When used in conjunction with the John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and some low-cost Bluetooth headphones, this function is quite tempting. Although the film’s multichannel mix is supplied as a stereo downmix, the close soundstaging provided by headphone listening ensures that plenty of effects localization and immersion are retained.
The carnage feels up close and personal as Wick creeps about the Continental beating off intruders according to our Denon AVR X1600H review.
Conclusion: Denon AVR X1600H Review [2022 Review]
The X1600H clearly has significant shortcomings when compared to more expensive and capable AVRs. Its presentation becomes more lively as the volume is increased, but with our Focal Sib Evo Atmos package, we found it easy to urge it to do too much, leading the sound to become rough and strident.
Its simultaneous transmission also lacks the ultimate cohesiveness and spaciousness provided by step-up methods. However, there is the amp’s asking price and feature list to consider.
Sure, the UI might need some spit and polish, and there’s no built-in Chromecast audio, but with its HEOS connectivity and Bluetooth transfer features, the X1600H offers two killer applications with actual user value. We hope you liked our Denon AVR X1600H review and it was helpful.