Denon AVR-2312 - An impressive new AV Receiver

A new AV receiver from Denon is always something to look forward to, and the AVR-2312 does not disappoint.

On unpacking we found a solidly constructed, attractively styled unit that keeps up Denon's tradition for excellent build quality, and such nice touches as the anti-vibration chassis set it apart from many of its rivals. The front panel features an easily legible display, flanked by two impressive controls, for input selection and volume control. Both controls felt nice and solid in use, which again shows the fine build quality of this AVR. Other, more minor controls are easily accessible, being positioned under the display. The AVR-2312 features a comprehensive remote control, which has everything on it to operate the unit.

The back panel is heavily populated with socketry, both for audio and video, with an impressive six HDMI inputs (there is also a seventh, handily mounted on the front panel) , which are are 3D and HD audio compliant. There is also a wide range of analogue video inputs and these can be converted by the AVR-2312 to full 1080P. The AVR-2312 can be configured as a conventional 5.1 or 5.2 system, with bi-amped front speakers, all the way up to a 7.2 speaker configuration, for that full on cinema experience. This receiver also features the new Dolby Pro Logic IIz system, which allows for two extra front speakers, positioned above the screen which gives added 'height' to the soundstage. With all these speakers to drive, the AVR-2312 needs to produce a lot of power, and this it does, giving 105wpc.
An receiver this feature packed could be difficult to set up, but thanks to it's clear on screen display, navigating the different menus is a breeze and Denons Audyssey MultiEQ XT microphone auto calibration system, takes all the hard work out of setting the speaker levels and room equalisation.

Once up and running, the Denon proved itself to a great performer with films. The soundstage was all enveloping with a fine sense of power, yet the Denon could also be delicate and subdued, if the material demanded it. Our test disc of 'District 9' demonstrated that the AVR-2312 is as equally at home with demanding action sequences, such as the setpiece fight between our hero, and the films villain, as it is with the domestic scenes set in his family home. Dialogue was always clearly projected, as were the many subtle sound effects that this film features.

The AVR-2312 also proved itself to be just as adept with music, as it is with films. Denon's Hi-Fi heritage has paid dividends here, and this receiver is a very musical performer, reproducing the operatic dramatics of Brittens 'Peter Grimes' with a real clarity that really involved the listener in the music. Changing over to the metallic stylings of Judas Priest showed that the AVR-2312, knows how to get down and party, with its high power output and gutsy bass throb really making this music Rock!

In conclusion the Denon AVR2312 is a highly specified, well built piece of equipment, that is both a pleasure to operate and to listen to. If you are in the market for a new AVR, it should certainly be at the top of your shortlist

Creek and Epos - A taste of High End but at a Fraction of the Price.

Respected British specialist have been producing high quality electronics for 30 odd years, so it's no understatement to say they know a thing or two about making superb sounds. The Evolution 2 CD player and amplifier combo are the latest in a long line of high value, high performance hi-fi equipment from designer Mike Creek. Here they are combined with the excellent new Epic 5 loudspeaker from sister company Epos, to make a system that takes the hassle out of getting great sound in the home.

The Evolution 2 CD player high quality components internally, including a 24bit/192 Delta Sigma DAC, and a custom made drawer mechanism, using a dedicated CD transport, plus a high grade power supply. The player is constructed in such a way as to minimise the effects of external vibrations, and is available in smart looking finishes of black or silver.

The partnering Evolution 2 integrated amplifier is the ideal aesthetic and sonic match for the CD player, using the same smart styling, and featuring 5 line level inputs, with the option of having a phono stage fitted, plus a tape loop for recording. As with the CD player, the amplifier can be operated by the attractive remote control. Producing 75wpc into 8 ohms, or 110wpc into 4 ohms, the Creek is powerful amplifier, and a great match for the Epos Epic 5 loudspeakers.

These new floorstanders are the ideal sonic match for the electronics, as they are from the same family, and are designed with Creek products in mind. A compact floorstanding speaker, available in either black, or an attractive cherry finish, the Epic 5 uses a 2 and a 1/2 way speaker configuration, and produces a detailed, dynamic and musically involving sound.

The Creek electronics and Epos speaker package makes for a great sounding hi-fi, that gives a real taste of the high end, at an affordable price.

Audiolab and Quad combined for a stunning Hi-Fi System.

If you are looking to buy a high performance CD system the choice can sometimes be bewildering, with so many options to choose from. This Audiolab/Quad system makes the choice much simpler, by combining the latest electronics from Audiolab, with the new Quad 11L Classic loudspeaker.

The 8200CD is a superb disc spinner in it's own right, but it's also ready for the future, as it includes optical, coaxial and USB inputs- meaning the 8200CD can be used to deliver top-quality sound from all kinds of digital sources, including audio files from computers and other media devices. Thus, all music benefits from the superb sound quality produced by the players DAC and discrete Class A output stages.

The matching 8200A integrated amplifier packs 60wpc into its neat dimensions, and with inputs for CD, Tuner, Aux and 2 Tape connections, the Audiolab 8200A is an ideal heart for this fine system, and a great match with the Quad 11L Classics. These compact standmounters are available in a number of furniture quality finshes, and are a detailed and dynamic performer, offereing the best performance from all styles of music.

Overall this is a great sounding, great looking system.

The Best Hi-Fi Package around? Yamaha A-S500 and Monitor Audio BX2

When considering a new Hi-Fi system, there are perhaps too many choices available. So which system should you buy? Of course budget is always going to be a consideration but where can you find an excellent system without breaking the bank? Look no further than the excellent Yamaha A-S500 and Monitor Audio Bronze BX2 Package.

Both of these excellent products from leading Manufacturers shone through in What Hi-Fi's latest awards. The Yamaha A-S500 Amplifier is an unbelievable piece of kit - with a massive 85 Watts per channel output, loads of inputs (including a dedicated turntable Phono input so you can connect a record player to it without the need to buy a seperate phono pre-amp) and Yamaha's legendary build quality - there is no better amplifier at this price. At Sight and Sound we are offering the A-S500 at the very best price as a package with the excellent Monitor Audio BX2 Bookshelf speakers which won 'Product of the Year' in the What Hi-Fi awards. An amazing package for an amazing price.

Archive your Treasured Vinyl and Cassette Tapes

Whilst it may not be considered an audiophile turntable, the
TEAC LPR-500 Vinyl Copystation is an ingenious piece of kit.
Having the ability to archive not only your treasured record collection onto CD, this record player will do the very same for your
Audio Cassette Tapes.


Tapes players are few and far between these days so the TEAC LPR-500 is a good way to archive rare or unobtainable recordings
that you may have on cassette and allow you to enjoy them forever, stored onto a cd or onto a computer. With its one touch record
feature and built in amplifier, stereo speakers and remote control, it couldn't get any easier. An excellent product.

New Denon AV Receivers - AVR1912 Amazing Performance, Amazing Price

The AVR-1912, the new
Home Cinema Receiver from noted audio specialist Denon, is the latest in a long line of quality receivers from this brand.
On opening the box, first impressions, as always from Denon, are very positive. The unit is solidly built,
is smartly styled with a curvaceous front front panel, and round the back has an impressive array of connections.
The front panel has a good clear display, flanked by chunky source selection and volume knobs, with some minor
controls below the display. The majority of functions are available from the comprehensive remote control, although
there is also a remote control app available which turns your iPad, iPhone, or ipod Touch into a handy R/C.

On the rear of the unit are a massive six, (yes six! go count 'em!), HDMi inputs, which is very impressive for
a unit at this price level, and one HDMi output for connecting to your screen.
Older products are catered for by the provision of a component video input, s-Video, and a couple of composite
connections. On the audio side the AVR-1912 has five anologue, and two digital inputs.
This new receiver has a wide range of important features including 3D support, decoding of all HD audio types,
and most notably a number of network functions. These include internet radio, network audio and photo streaming,
and depending on the country, support for Last-FM, Napster and Flickr.
As an added bonus the AVR-1912 supports Airplay wireless steaming from i-devices and i-tunes.
With a power output of 90wpc into 8 Ohms, and 125wpc into a 6 Ohm load, the AVR-1912 is suitable
for use with a wide range of loudspeakers.

In use the Denon is very easy to set up, thanks to it's microphone auto set-up, and Audyssey MultEQ XT system,
which adjusts the EQ of the receiver to give the best results in any room, and with different speakers.
Thanks to these we soon had it up and running in our listening room, and were ready to give it a listen.
On a wide variety of material the AVR-1612 proved itself to be versatile performer with both films
and music. With "Iron Man 2", the sounds of battle at the race circuit came over with real power,
and a fine sense of detail. The surround effects were all-enveloping giving a great feeling of involvement,
but not at the expense of clarity, which made the dialogue easy to follow in even the noisiest moments.
During quieter moments Denon showed a fine of finesse and clarity of sound.
Moving to some music the Denon was a dynamic and detailed performer with the Iron Maiden classic "The Trooper",
giving the music a great sense of rhythm and highlighting the performance to great effect.
Acoustic music was presented with excellent clarity, and overall the Denon proved to be a musical and involving listen.
The Denon AVR-1912, in conclusion, is a great performing, well equipped receiver, that is certainly one of the class leaders. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Mike Foley and David Barker