With its predecessor, the AVR-1911, Denon streamlined and decluttered the connection section for the first time. Rightly so - I hardly know anyone who uses even half of all the connections on their AV behemoth, and the gigantic number of connections is even less relevant on a smaller model. Instead, the AVR-1912 gained much more relevant features. In short: Audyssey MultiEQ XT, a German-language on-screen menu with great features (e.g. remote control codes for third-party devices!) and the ability to view the Audyssey settings.
But now to our practical test:
After opening and unpacking the device, there was something negative: Denon no longer includes a printed manual, a trend that was already observed with Yamaha over a year ago. For those interested, the manual is included on a CD. After connecting the well-labeled connections, the menu appears at the touch of a button. Very nice, easy to read and informative - in German if desired. All menu items are also shown on the device display - so everything can be switched on even without a TV or projector if necessary. A clear plus, for example, compared to current Yamaha devices, which then only show "on Screen" on the device display.
After plugging the microphone into the designated jack on the front of the device, the calibration program starts automatically and provides at least rudimentary information. The microphone should be placed at the height of the main seating position, preferably on a camera tripod. Then, after pressing "Enter", the first listening position is measured. This checks which speakers are connected and whether there is any reverse polarity of the speaker cables. This diagnostic now works very well, although in individual cases an error message may still occur even if everything is connected correctly. In this case, check the wiring again and angle the speakers more towards the listening position, if possible.
Once the first listening position has been measured, you can measure up to seven more positions. Important: The Denon calculates an average value for all 8 positions, so you should measure the positions as much as possible within one seating group. If you have a listening position that is several meters away from your other listening positions, it is better not to include it in the measurement.
AVR 1912 Connections
Here, Yamaha and Pioneer are slightly ahead: With YPAO (Yamaha) and MCACC (Pioneer), you can choose between different measurement points. Audyssey, as used by Denon, can optimize for a larger area, but does not offer the option of saving different listening areas and recalling them individually.
After the calibration process, we tested our KEF set: 2x iQ7, 1x iQ60c, 2x iQ10, 1x PSW2500. The calibration in our quite good listening room provided a clear sound improvement. Voices sounded more powerful, and the speakers also sounded much larger with activated Dynamic Equalizing, as provided in the standard settings. Only those who use very large speakers or a very powerful woofer can achieve even more precise results with deactivated Dynamic Equalizing, without suffering losses in dynamics and bass depth.
The AVR-1912 also impressed in stereo mode: Alan Taylor played powerfully, with deep timbre and without any strain. Streaming via the network interface worked flawlessly, both from FLAC and MP3 material. Internet radio should also cause hardly any problems for users. Firmware updates are also possible directly via the menu.
It became particularly exciting again when I wanted to reprogram the Denon's remote control for the Yamaha Blu-ray player. All codes are stored in the on-screen menu, so not even a manual was needed for this.
Conclusion: The Denon AVR-1912 is likely to be the most exciting AV receiver in the price range around €500 for most customers. Price-class-related outstanding, because absolutely unspectacular and natural stereo reproduction combined with excellent surround sound, a great calibration system and excellent usability and menu navigation.
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