Therefore, I shall give below an overview on the main aspects of this receiver, so you can get an overview of whether the item complies with its own claims or to VLT. but rather a more expensive option or another manufacturer preference.
Speaking of other manufacturers: For the past two or three years I have been able to try many home theater receivers from Sony and Denon. A device Onkyo or Yamaha etc. I've never had these devices draw any comparisons in the hands, so I can, but if at all then compare Denon devices with each other or with the Sony devices.
Where you have to say that the Sony devices to also be good, but in my opinion can not currently compete with the Denon devices just in terms of ease of use and features. Just as my Sony devices were provided by Sony are available to me this Denon receiver from Denon was asked for a review is available. Precisely for this reason I naturally particularly spy closely and in the following review all strengths and weaknesses of all addressed that are noticed.
Always applies in doubt: Order to try and return if not satisfied.
X1100W or X1000 or rather X2100W?
For those who think about whether they should get the X1100W, or prefer to have recourse to the budget (also very good) previous model X1000 here the main differences between the two devices:
- Full-fledged 7.2 instead of 5.1 Receiver
- 4K 60p
- 1 additional HDMI input
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on board
- Additional programs such as Dolby Surround PLIIz
- Gapeless playback now in AIFF, ALAC and DSD or at all DSD Streaming
X1100W or rather X2100W? Here the essential step-up features:
- 150 watts per channel (145 watts instead)
- 8 HDMI inputs (+2) and 2 HDMI outputs (+1)
- ISF certification
- Scaling to 1080p and 4K Ultra HD
- Cutting-edge video signal processing with 4K Ultra HD 60 Hz and 4: 4: 4 color sampling of all inputs and outputs (instead of only two)
- Zone 2 Pre-oout
- Video EQ
- Advanced Gui instead hybrid GUI
- Video Conversion Analog Video to HDMI
Who really needs these features, which should rather resort to X2100W. Those who do not need or do not know what that is part way at all, which can remain safely at X1100W.
Processing
The receiver comes in a classic black and therefore looks like look receiver. Two large dials for volume and source selection, a few Unlock and connections that are not hidden as with more expensive models behind a hinged cover. For this, a clear display that can be dimmed. Very chic is that the bezel is indeed plastic, but looks nothing but an aluminum look donated scored. In order for this receiver looks more expensive than it is. From the outside it looks so schonmal very promising.
Facility
Denon has the X1100W a very well designed furnishings help in the form of on-screen menus spendiert that the Anweder step by step through setting up. One has only the receiver with power supply and connect via HDMI to the TV.
Then you will be guided step by step through the establishment, beginning on connecting the speakers, connect the input sources, calibration of space and creation of the WLANs.
This completes the installation of the receiver should also be possible for entirely novice users without any major problems. Even the connection to the wireless network is possible, for example with an iPhone with just a few clicks and without entering a password.
Calibration
For optimal sound, it is important that the receiver of the room in which he knows and is analyzed. This also this receiver the Audyssey MultEQ XT has Einmessystem.
It is important in the calibration, the microphone is exactly at the listening position.
If you want, for example, the sofa watching TV than sweetspot have on the sound is optimally tuned, it is important that the microphone is not just standing on the seat, but approximately at ear level.
Therefore Denon has previously always to get the calibration make using tripod. But not everyone has a tripod at home. The importance of this seems to be but one sees the fact that Denon has developed a Pappstativ, which can very easily be plugged together and then the included setup microphone can clip it to ensure truly optimal quality. I call that real thought along and supported the idea that Denon will be his Excellency claim more than justice.
The measurement must subsequently take place at eight listening positions, all of which should not usually be removed as 60cm from the main listening position. This takes about 15 minutes. In order to really judge the result I lack the skill or equipment, but Denon would not make so much thought to the optimum calibration, if it were not important.
However, I do not know how far this calibration also refers to stereo sound. I mean to have read in forums that some people Audyssey activate in movies, in music reproduction but disable. The subsequent manual adjustment of the obtained results one can easily make via web interface
Sound Quality
The sound quality is great and there is nothing to complain about for the price range. Whether music or stereo surround movie - it all sounds good and fine. At least for my, rather humble and normal claims. Because I have experienced at anyone yet receiver nasty surprises. In my experience after all sound good. Specialists may have the highest demands as safely out listening larger differences - because I do not belong. I am someone who would like to sit with action movies the thick of things, I want the bullets fly from right to left across the room and that I am the original films original voices can understand that even with a lot of action. And with the music I want to live recordings have the feeling to be at the stadium itself - all this creates the X1100W without problems and it sounds really good. Of course, it is also because people give, those who hear differences and need a "better" system, but the attack then probably eh nothing what is not priced at least in the thousands.
In the music I have certain reference songs that I always use to draw beruteilen to the quality of music systems. Both of these high-fidelity receiver, as well as from simple 80 BT boxing and everything in between so there are (kitchen radio, media center, etc).
A reference song or album in this regard, for example, audio from Blue Man Group (you should definitely have a listen even if you do not yet know). Very percussion-heavy, high dynamics, a lot of volume - sounds absolutely great on the X1100W. All very fine resolution, the bass is present but not dominant or oppressive - super.
I am not a huge fan but great Celine Dion Nature Boy from her Live in Las Vegas album is just the beginning always a good test - sounds the clapping of the audience like a big tough porridge or you feel that is a applauds? The latter is the case. Even the shattering of the glass is for many a music system a tough test, but also sounds here already very good, but you do not like the X4000 feel that just really a glass breaks in their own room.
Johnny Cash - Hurt is a song at the Grand Final so far any music system has failed. The end overridden always total. Meanwhile, I simply believe that this is due to the release in Spotify - I have to watch times that I get somewhere as a high-resolution version HiRes. Again, overrides the song at the end but that's even when X4000er model the case.
Heights always come with Ulla Meinecke - The dancer over quite well, and here is the X1100W that he has no problems with high female voices.
A very interesting test song is Permafrost by Thomas Körner. The track is not really a song but really only almost 10 minutes a deep bass demonstration. I know many music system where you here simply nothing stopped because they apparently can not map these areas Bass - question is whether this is due to the loudspeakers or the system itself.
I am currently X1100W two Boston connected A360 tower speaker and a subwoofer, otherwise the neighbors would constantly face the door. As one might first expect to hear little in "permafrost" - the opposite is the case. This speaks to one for my speakers - on the other hand for the X1100W. The bass is constantly noticeable, never boomy. The atmosphere is to produce the track is 1: 1 so over as I know well from the X4000 her example. The obtained from the track still a trace out but can if you look at the price difference to be here very happy with the result.
The X1100W a home theater receiver is but yes in the first place so the question is how he makes as so and it will not surprise anyone if I say: Very good. Orignalstimmen are well understood, details such as the steps in the forest near Panem are good to hear the bullets flying from right to left and at Pearl Harbor one pulls his head because you think the planes fly across the room.
A very great movie for surround sound is Master and Commander. Permanent hear the creaking of the ship, the work of wood, the steady passage of the waves, the flickering of candles.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity the X1100W leaves no wish unfulfilled. If you have been missing features like Bluetooth or WLAN painful, there are currently almost nothing that the X1100W in regard can not - only one NFC pairing is not possible.
Otherwise, you get his music in every possible way on the device. If the device is connected to the home network you can simply use AirPlay if you have an iOS device or via DLNA If you want to stream music from Androidhandy, PC or NAS. Even easier, it comes straight from Androidhandy / Tablet from but via Bluetooth. The trick is that the device in standby mode can be reached via Bluetooth. So you can connect your phone, start the music playback, so that the device wake and even the music playback starts.
Internet radio is again no problem.
Also a new feature is Spotify Connect. Although this is properly a premium Spotify account, for example, but I am one of the people who like to pay 10 a month to stream unlimited music to be able to legally. Also Spotify Connect works fine, for example, simply select on the smartphone as a device Connect the X1100W and already you can close the app completely and eg the music is still on the receiver on.
Andersrum it is of course, you can hear music by Spotfiy about X1100W and then leaves the house takes you to the current song Tell Connect to your phone and listen up where you left off. I'm a fan of Spotfiy and think it's good and great as Denon is integrated into its current models.
Every now and then there are however problems when you first connect. So the receiver emerges indeed on the AirPlay settings, I choose him out but, the iPhone switches off after a few seconds back on phone output source. I can not reproduce as accurately why this is, because usually everything goes wonderfully, but sometimes it does not quite. And then everything is running again for days around. Here Denon should VLT. again to search for errors and rework via software update.
Connectivity
The X1100W has 6 HDMI inputs (five rear, one front) and an HDMI output. One still has analog devices such as CD player so there is for these 2 RCA connectors. A turntable seems to not be able to shoot straight. So you can already, I habs tried, but the sound then gruesome. Is probably only because the turntable has an integrated amplifier. There is also an antenna terminal and two optical inputs. Unfortunately, there is still no optical outputs to eg wireless headphones to connect via opt-out. In addition to the wireless antenna, the device also has a normal network connection. There are also two video inputs and one video output. Ultimately, you will find at the front of another USB port in order for example to be able to connect your smartphone or MP3 player and, of course, a headphone output.
That's quite a lot and I think also absolutely sufficient and timely. My X4000 eg disposes of more analog connections. This is good for people who have a lot of old analog equipment, but I have for example only digital connections or streame music. Only my turntable has an analog connection.
Also 6 HDMI inputs are quite decent. Whoever needs more or an additional output required (eg for a projector or a TV in another room) and do not want to forever changing who needs access to a higher-priced model. But I think most people would just have a simple count by the HDMI device to see if it is enough or not.
I possess, for example via a beamer. Prefer use this I need the HDMI port reposition every time. While this is annoying in itself, but I use the projector so rare that actually would be no great effort.
Second Zone
The X1100W support a second zone. No one drives it as 7.1 or 7.2 system but only as 5.1 system can be the other two ports to use to connect the boxes are either in another room, or, for example, with larger living room in another area of the room. I have for example a 5.0 system and the other two boxes are in the adjacent kitchen in the living room. It is great that this zone is very easy and convenient to control by remote control, web interface or app. High, low, change source, everything no problem at all.
This is not self-evident. I also can try the Sony STR-DN1050 receiver, who also has two zones. With this device, the operation of the second zone is an absolute disaster and ensures that the use of this zone makes no fun.
When X1100W that's no problem at all. I do not know how widespread additional zones in this price range at all are.
Really good, I find that even this model over the "All-zone stereo" mode works. Without this mode, the sound would be if you have dialed the same source in both zones minimal asynchronously, so that it sounds funny when you change the room. With this mode, the sound is completely synchronized, so you anywhere in your home (or to the extent the rich zones). This is one of my favorite features in which receiver. It is also very easy to activate, simply press on the remote control option, and then select All-zone stereo.
The really neat thing when Denon would spendieren this feature in the future its own button on the remote would. Although I am a fan of remote controls with a few buttons, but this feature deserves a place. Is a pity that the receiver is completely off when you turn off it. When X4000 can, for example, the respective zones separated off so that Zone 2 continues when I switch Zone 1. Here you can indeed Zone 2 start without zone 1 is activated, but you can not turn off Zone 1 Zone 2 without having run out.
Eco Mode
The X1100W has an Eco mode to regulate power consumption better, so that the printer does not have as much power if it does not much. In theory a nice idea, but in practice I do not know quite what to make of it. Some reviewers have complained that they would never turn on this feature, because the receiver at any time to provide the necessary power.
Generally, optimization and reduction of power consumption is to be welcomed. Although I have my hi-fi corner daytime always completely from the mains or if I do not use, but most people leave it anyway just in standby, and because the units draw up quite a bit of power.
Remote
The remote control is one thing above all: Logical and user. It is not overloaded with buttons whose function is not always understood, and which are also not necessary because it is needed most twice a year.
Everything important is available and easy to use: select the source control of the second zone, sleep timer, volume control, menu-pad, Mute, Quick-Select, Sound Mode - everything you need.
It reads now quite banal and self-evident, but if you take the remote controls in recent years have looked at other manufacturers, then were the real overloaded and sometimes extremely unergonomic.
Ergonomics at remotes I find extremely important. I want to take them in hand and can be operated intuitively. This means that first of all the buttons for volume up / down are where the thumb normally rests, if you take the remote control in hand. All Sony remotes I've tried was not the case, they always sat down on the remote control, so that one had to embrace getting winded. Here everything is right where it should. In addition, the keys have a "Glow in the Dark" function, ie they are made of a material that a little light up when it's dark, without that they have an active own lighting.
Web interface
The X1100W has, like all Denon receiver that I could try to date, via a web interface. That's really great. On the one hand you can easily control the receiver know when one just has the remote control is not at hand and sitting at the computer.
You can select the source, adjust the volume, etc .. In fact, everything you could do with the remote control also. Namely, for both zones. Unfortunately, the control zone has become not quite as pretty as the rest of the surface, but it is definitely advisable.
But what is really good on the surface is the fact that you can make the complete configuration of the receiver over and must not make the complicated remote control.
Is extremely good that you can save the settings and so can easily restore it if you need time to factory settings the unit for any reason.
If I need to adjust something, then I do it usually always via web interface. You can for example change the names of the sources so that there no longer CBL / SAT but Sky is not but Game Playstation. 4
And when I'm sitting with laptop in the kitchen and the remote control in the other room is located on I use very often the web interface for example, to adjust the volume or the device on / off.
Quick-Select function
Sometimes you need different settings on the receiver for different applications. Or just want to quickly have a specific setting, such as a particular source in a given volume.
Just set everything as you want it and press the desired Quick Select button on the remote control. This is really a great feature because it always works normally with the same settings, because you do not want to always change everything.
Unfortunately, this feature has its limits. For example, I've tried in two zones Internet radio select and activate the All-zone stereo mode. Saves you from this setup and enabled it afterwards via QuickSelect it activates only Zone 1 with Internet radio, but not the second zone and not the All-zone stereo. That's a pity, but this function could for example also simply place their favorite Internet radio stations to the remote control - which I had criticized the corresponding point.
App
The app is the same as ever. That's not bad because unlike the song Pal it works without any problems, is well thought out, you can find everything immediately and can control the receiver conveniently via smartphone or tablet.
Conclusion
The Denon X1100W is an opulent equipped entry-level receiver that offers all the features basically the conveniences expected in a modern home theater receiver - I miss nothing. The decor is great, you can get in every possible way in music in the device, the performance is good, the sound is great, thought the remote control, the second zone works fine, as well as app and the web interface. The only thing I really have to complain about the above-mentioned temporary problems with AirPlay connectivity. Otherwise applies as already described:
If you just have a good home theater receiver searches is easy to set up, sounds good and offers everything the heart desires can safely access the X1100W.
