Denon AVR-A100

[JJinID]

I was able to get a really nice deal on a NOS Denon AVR-A100 this week. For those not familiar with this model, it is the 100th anniversary model of the AVR-4311. These are the main differences/upgrades that the A100 has over the 4311:

- Gloss Finish
- 100th Anniversary badge
- 100th anniversary block condensers
- Gold plated terminals
- Premium upgraded speaker binding posts
- Cast iron feet
- 5 year warranty
- Brand history book
- Inspection sheet
- fancy box

I will be receiving it mid-week next week and comparing it in my system with my MX119. I am particularly interested to test out the Audyssey XT32 as well as the sound via Pure Direct mode to see how it compares. I will keep whichever model sounds better. I will likely use the A100 in "preamp" mode which turns off the built in amplifiers, but I may test out the built in amps as well for the surround channels to see how much difference I notice vs. my MC207.

This should be a fun and educational process and if I like the A100 in my system and decide to keep it, this will take me further down the path I have been moving toward to have a nice 2-channel preamp with HT passthrough for main stereo listening and a lesser expensive receiver/pre-pro for HT duties vs. continuing to upgrade expensive HT pre/pros as technologies continue to advance.

Here is a pic of the Denon AVR-A100:

[Tobias]

Hi. I'm looking for one of this too, can you tell me where did you get it? and the price, of course.


Thank you!

[Masterlu]

Tobias... Welcome!

[jwhite613]

Tobias... Welcome To AA!!!

[jwhite613]

JJinID... Congratulations!!! Nice looking piece of gear. Keep us updated.

[JJinID]

Originally Posted by Tobias

Hi. I'm looking for one of this too, can you tell me where did you get it? and the price, of course.

Hi Tobias, and welcome to Audio Aficionado!

I'm going to have to keep a bit quiet on the dealer I bought this from and the price, as I know they would want me to do so. I will say that it was the last one they had in stock and was a pretty lucky find on the A100 as I believe they only made 400 of them. You can still find some nice deals on the AVR-4311 out there from authorized dealers - if you give them a call and ask for their best price, I know you can get a really good deal! Good luck on finding what you are looking for!

Originally Posted by jwhite613

JJinID... Congratulations!!! Nice looking piece of gear. Keep us updated.

Jeff - I will post more about my impressions on the A100 soon. I'm working to figure out a couple of things with the unit and how it operates that will determine whether or not I decide to keep it. I will say that the unit has a tremendous amount of features and very good sound quality running in preamp mode. I haven't tested out the internal amps yet, and other than running them for multi-zone, I'm not sure that I will bother there.

I will say one other quick thing about the Denon A100 which is the fact that it offers Audyssey XT32. XT32 is substantially better than Audyssey XT - I know this from testing out the Marantz SR7005 in my system. The Denon is much better sounding, and XT32 is the primary reason for that. McIntosh will really be shooting themselves in the foot if they don't get XT32 as a part of the feature set of the MX121!

[TommyC]

JJinID, congrats on acquiring this special piece!

[Tobias]

Thank you guys! congratulations for your A100! I'm still looking for one of this at a good price.

[chessman]

Tobias, welcome aboard!

[JJinID]

I wanted to provide a quick update that I have the Denon AVR-A100 back in my system. I had an issue where the remote triggers for power on/off linked to my MC501s and MC207 were not functioning properly. It's possible that I may have caused them to fail without realizing it - you need to run the Denon with mono trigger cables and not stereo ones. (Note - if anyone needs any extra stereo trigger cables for their Mc gear let me know). I'm very glad to have it back and working properly now!

I will be keeping the A100 and putting my MX119 up for sale shortly. I will write up a full review and comparison between the two soon.

Lots of changes to my system lately. Next up: Deciding on a 2-channel preamp with HT bypass. Primary candidates are ModWright LS100 (which I will hear on Monday) and the Mc C2300 (which I have heard a few times and have a good idea of the sound and features)! Should be fun!