The IN-Command X Series AV Receivers have quickly become popular with the home theater experience crowd. As a result, Denon has released a newer version, the Denon AVR-X1400H. Wireless music streaming delivers incredible sound using HEOS and app control. The Audyssey MultEQ Editor app is compatible with the MultEQ setup and optimization. The result? Fantastic vision formats, cinema sound and all the best of DTS:X, Dolby Vision and Atmos, and 4K Ultra HD. What’s not to like about an opportunity to review a unit that should please the fussiest movie fan?
About the AVR-X1400H
I found it easy to get spoiled after trying the various options available for integrating the Denon AVR-X1400H into the home automation system. Who ever thought smart devices could control so many features in the home, particularly a home entertainment center? The Audyssey speaker calibration system and Denon setup assistant really make it simple to hook up the features you enjoy. Using a compatible mobile device to control the home theater is a cinch with the free AVR Remote app from Denon. Gaining a wireless whole-home audio system requires a certain amount of setup knowledge. Built-in HEOS technology does most of the work needed to establish a wireless multi-room audio system. Use HEOS wireless speakers in rooms of choice. Like the AVR remote app, the HEOS app is free. Use the app to browse music sources like Pandora and Tidal. Control playback and relish the freedom of playing different music in various rooms.
The Denon AVR-X1400H has a surprising delivery of sound whether listening to music or movies! Its multi-dimensional surround sound takes advantage of its decoding ability for DTS:X and Dolby Atmos. After selecting a favorite movie for the Blu-ray player and 4KTV, I sat back and enjoyed the AV performance delivered by this receiver. The immersive effect fills the room. An HDMI input on the front and five on the back provide convenient connectivity hookups for playback devices.
Denon recently upgraded the remote. The result is a device that makes operations practically foolproof. There’s a bank of input keys near the top of the control. The bottom of the remote features four Quick Select keys. Essential buttons also remain. It’s easy to find important functions like volume and the HEOS key.
Below is the back panel layout. Click on image to enlarge for a clearer view.
Denon AVR-X1400H Back Panel
Comparison Between the Marantz NR 1607 and Denon AVR-X1400H
A notable difference between the NR 1607 and AVR-X1400H is the size. Denon provides the traditional AVR big black plastic box. Marantz delivers a stylish, slim unit with a plastic face and resin shoulders. The compact size is ideal for smaller shelves, as it doesn’t interfere with the TV screen. There’s a large LED readout in the middle of the unit. Despite its small size, it provides Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, as does the X-1400H.
What about sound? Both AVRs have excellent sound quality. The home theater experience surrounds the area and causes the viewers to feel as if they are participants rather than observers.
Both AVRs have a user-friendly remote. The major difference between the two units is that the Marantz NR 1607 doesn’t support multiroom music and has no Chromecast capability. I was disappointed with its smartphone control app, which seems to crash on a regular basis and is undependable.
Marantz delivers a discrete home theater system. Denon includes all the bells and whistles to expand the home theater system into a diversified musical experience. It becomes a personal choice of the amount of technical delivery and expanded tasks being offered.
Features
The AVR-X1400H boasts many features at an affordable price. Setup is easier using the on-screen Setup Assistant. Four Quick Select buttons make it easy to find favorite sources. Other features include:
- HEOS wireless multiroom.
- Audyssey MultEQ XT automatic calibration.
- Bluetooth network music.
- Dual subwoofer outputs on both receivers.
- Audio playback through a network computer or the front-panel USB port.
Outputs for seven speakers support a 5-channel theater experience in one room. Power two speakers for a music room by reassigning the rear surround channels. Listen to your own digital music library or stream from a table or smartphone via Bluetooth.
It doesn’t take long to discover the fun and excitement of multi-room music streaming in the HEOS zone! Synchronize music playback using HEOS-compatible amplifiers, speakers and receivers. Use the free HEOS app for remote activation of the receiver. The Denon AVR-X1400H provides easy access to the various music sources you enjoy, including iHeart radio, Spotify and Napster.
Pros
- ECO mode.
- HDR-compatibility provides extended picture contrast and brightness
- Built-in Wi-Fi to bring in wide selection of music.
- Improved sound quality of digital music files and MP3s from Compressed Audio Restorer.
- Supports HDR 10 and Dolby Vision.
Cons
- Phono preamp required to add phono input.
Conclusion
The Denon AVR-X1400H brings a wide selection of music and an exceptional in-home theater entertainment environment to any home. This state of the art unit has a low price for the features it delivers. The ability to enjoy favorite movies in 4K Ultra HD is a result of HDCP 2.2 technology and the compatibility it provides between HDMI inputs and monitor output. Setting up the AVR takes less time to do thanks to recent improvements. Trying setup for the first time isn’t the headache it used to be. Setup Assistant has step by step directions that guide the process for tasks like network setup, calibration, and speaker connections. It’s a next-generation ready system that will bring an enjoyable video/audio experience for many years.