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#1 · (Edited)
The "OFFICIAL" 2015 Denon "S-series" / "X-series" AVR Owner's thread + FAQ (HDCP 2.2)

2015 Denon AVR models ---> S510BT/S710W/S910W/X1200W/X2200W/X3200W/X4200W/X6200W

D&M USA should be making an official announcement mid June regarding the new 2015 USA Denon lower level AVR models [S510BT/S710W/S910W/X1200W/X2200W] so it's time to start the official 2015 thread. The announcement for the higher models X3200W and X4200W will be in late July with an announcement on the X6200W likely to be made in August. The 2014 "flagship" X7200W remains the flagship model for 2015 (although as of May 2015 is now being released with the HDCP 2.2 upgrade from the factory as the X7200WA) and has its own thread (actually 2 of them, (1) X7200WA Owners thread, and (2) Denon 2014 Atmos Owner's thread).

Last year we split up the threads into the Atmos and non-Atmos models so the lower level model thread wouldn't get inundated with Atmos questions. However, because Atmos will be featured on all 2015 models (except the S510BT), we're going to only have a single thread as the setup and troubleshooting questions asked generally have the same answer regardless of the model.


What's new or to be added via firmware update for the 2015 models?

All Models
- HDMI 2.0a(HDR10) hardware and firmware is installed on all models.

S510BT
- HDMI 2.0a(HDR10)/HDCP 2.2 on "3" HDMI inputs, able to pass through 4k/60Hz/4:4:4 color sub-sampling
- Bluetooth Remote app
- ECO Mode

S710W/S910W/X1200W/X2200W/X3200W/X4200W/X6200W

- HDMI 2.0a(HDR10)/HDCP 2.2 on "all" HDMI inputs, able to pass through 4k/60Hz/4:4:4 color sub-sampling (see post 7 for models with upscaling feature)
- Advanced Quad-core 32-bit DSP processor (except the X4200W and X6200W which will retain the 4x 24 bit DSPs used in the X4100W and X5200W which results in the higher processing power required for XT32 + Atmos).

- Atmos 5.2.2 capable (additionally, although not new and being continued from the X4100W/X5200W: X4200W able to expand to 5.2.4 or 7.2.2 with 2CH amp; X6200W is 5.2.4/7.2.2 out of box and able to expand to 7.2.4 or 9.2.2 with 2CH amp --> refer to post 5668 in this thread for more information on how to connect a 2CH amp)
- Dolby Surround upmixer (DSU) to simulate 5.1/7.1 audio from a 2.0/5.1 source (to include audio to the height speakers when not playing an Atmos BD) which has replaced Dolby Digital ProLogic, DD PLIIz, and DD PLIIx (continued from X4100W --> X4200W and X5200W --> X6200W).
- Note: The DSU can no longer be used on DTS HD audio (as is the case on the 2014 models) until a future firmware update is installed to allow cross format upmixing. Until the DTS:X update is installed, to simulate DTS HD audio to "height" speakers you must set the Blu Ray player to PCM (vice bitstream).
- Dolby Sp. Setup - set the distance from the Dolby enabled speaker (FD, SD, RD) to the ceiling

- DTS:X + DTS Neural:X (via firmware update Feb 2016 [X6200W/X4200W] and late summer 2016 [X3200W/X2200W/X1300W/S910W/S710W] - see post 8 for additional information).
- DTS:X Dialog Control - able to increase dialog volume when receiving a DTS:X signal (note: this setting is only avaliable when the movie's sound engineer has included it in the DTS:X audio track, as of 6/2/2016 this feature has not been enabled in the currently released DTS:X movies)
- DTS Neural:X - ON/OFF
- DTS firmware version (note: If this is listed under SETUP - GENERAL - INFORMATION - FIRMWARE, the DTS:X update has been installed)

- Remote app - New 2016 Denon AVR Remote apps (iOS and Android) will be released early 2016 (only for 2015 and newer models though):
Android --> https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dmholdings.DenonAVRRemote&hl=en
iOS ---> https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/denon-2016-avr-remote/id982072900?mt=8
- Flickr is no longer available (on any model)
- Smart Menu - Use the TV's remote control to configure the settings, select an input source and set Tuner and Internet Radio stations (not available on the X6200W)
- TV Audio Switching - sets whether the AVR automatically switches to the TV Audio source when using a TV smart app (defaults to ON)
- HDMI(ARC) - dedicated ON/OFF setting (not available on the X6200W)
- Headphone EQ - set whether to use the Graphic EQ
- Denon HEOS Link IP Control - with a HEOS Link connected (separate purchase), use the HEOS iOS/Android App to control the AVR (HEOS is Denon's new WiFi speaker system .. the HEOS Link can be used to stream a source connected to the AVR to wireless HEOS speakers located around your home in addition to being able to use the HEOS iOS/Android app to stream (Pandora, SiriusXM, Spotify Connect, iHeartRadio, Rhapsody, Tidal) directly to the HEOS Wifi speakers as well.)
- Wifi 802.11n supporting only 2.4Ghz (but not 5Ghz)
- WiFi (Enabled/Disabled) - disable Wifi when a wired connection is made to the modem
- Dolby Vision + HLG + ALLM - pass through capability to be added via a firmware update - August 2018
- ECO Mode

X4200W/X6200W
- 32 bit DAC - AK4458VN
- Auro 3D/2D paid upgrade ($199 USD) available (see post ##8 below) for download early 2016
- New amp assign settings which allow expanding from 7CH --> 9CH (X4200W) using the SB, FW, F, or HT1 speaker pre-outs

Expanding X4200W from 5.2.2 --> 5.2.4: See post 5671 in this thread.

Expanding X6200W from 7.2.2 or 5.2.4 --> 7.2.4: See post 5668 in this thread.

-------------------------

- All "S" series models have a 2 year warranty if purchased new/open-box from an authorized dealer
- All "X" series models have a 3 year warranty (2 years in Canada) if purchased new/open-box from an authorized dealer (note that although Amazon is an authorized dealer Amazon Warehouse is not)
- All refurbished models have a 1 year warranty if purchased from an authorized refurb dealer


Denon model web page info and Owner manual links

- S510BT - MSRP $279, 5.2 CH, 70W, HDMI In/Out (5/1) - avail June

This is a 5CH AVR which features Bluetooth, but is not a networking model. Firmware updates would be installed via the USB jack. It includes a mic for a basic (ie. non-Audyssey) single position speaker/sub calibration. It can display the GUI over 2D/3D video on HDMI1 and HDMI2 and pass through 4k/60Hz video from HDMI3/HDMI4/HDMI5 but cannot display the GUI over 4k video (as is also true for all of the 2015 models). It does not feature: HDMI(ARC), HDMI Control, Audyssey, speaker posts (uses spring clips) or Component Video inputs/output. It comes with a 2 year Denon warranty if purchased from an authorized dealer.

http://usa.denon.com/us/product/hometheater/avreceiversht/avrs510bt

http://manuals.denon.com/AVRS510BT/NA/EN/index.php

http://www.cnet.com/products/denon-avr-s500bt/


- S710W - MSRP $479, 7.2 CH, 75W, HDMI In/Out (6.1) - avail July

Upgrading from the S510BT adds 1 more HDMI input and two more audio channels for a 7CH model and the lowest model to feature Audyssey MultEQ (6 mic positions), networking (Internet Radio, Airplay, Spotify Connect, Sirius XM), HDMI Control, HDMI(ARC), DSD via USB/network source, Atmos 5.2.2, DTS:X (via firmware update summer 2016) and uses speaker posts. Firmware updates are installed via a network connection or USB. It can display the GUI over 2D/3D video from all HDMI inputs, but not over 4k video. It features 5.1 + Zone 2 capability using the Surround Back speaker posts for Zone 2. There are no Zone 2 pre-outs. No noticeable difference in power, however, audio quality should be improved after running Audyssey.

http://usa.denon.com/us/product/hometheater/avreceiversht/avrs710W

http://manuals.denon.com/AVRS710W/NA/EN/index.php

Press release on the S710W and S910W ---> http://www.twice.com/news/receivers/denon-bringing-dolby-atmos-dtsx-479-av-receiver/57430


- S910W - MSRP $579, 7.2CH, 90W, HDMI In/Out (8/2, main/main outputs) - avail July

Upgrading from the S710W adds 2 more HDMI inputs, 1 more main zone monitor output (eg. when using a TV and PJ), 2 component video inputs / 1 output, analog --> HDMI conversion, 4k/30Hz upscaling, on board Web Control (able to use laptop/tablet for setup/control), and SAVE/LOAD of configuration file which can be restored if doing a factory reset. No noticeable difference in either power or audio quality.

http://usa.denon.com/us/product/hometheater/avreceiversht/avrs910W

http://manuals.denon.com/AVRS910W/NA/EN/index.php


- X1200W - MSRP $599, 7.2CH, 80W, HDMI In/Out (6/1) - avail July

This model is similar to the S710W in features but adds: improved audio quality using the higher Audyssey MultEQ XT (8 mic positions), Zone 2 pre-outs, Crestron/Control 4 interface, and also as the lowest "X" series model adds 1 more year of warranty (total 3 years).

http://usa.denon.com/us/product/hometheater/avreceiversht/avrX1200W

http://manuals.denon.com/AVRX1200W/NA/EN/index.php

Press release on the new X1200W and X2200W ---> http://avproductreviews.com/denon-x1200-x2200


- X2200W - MSRP $799, 7.2CH, 95W, HDMI In/Out (8/2, main/main outputs) - avail July

This model is similar to the S910W in features but adds: improved audio quality using the higher Audyssey MultEQ XT, Zone 2 pre-outs, Crestron/Control 4 interface, ISF (Day/Night) calibration settings (to be set by an ISF calibrator) and 1 more year of warranty (total 3 years).

http://usa.denon.com/us/product/hometheater/avreceiversht/avrX2200W

http://manuals.denon.com/AVRX2200W/NA/EN/index.php


- X3200W - MSRP $999, 7.2CH, 105W, HDMI In/Out (8/2, main/Zone 2 outputs) - avail early August

Upgrading from the X2200W adds: Zone 2 custom settings (bass, treble, HPF, stereo/mono), 12v trigger (1), DSD over HDMI, Zone 2 HDMI Monitor output, HDMI/digital PCM 2.0 audio to Zone 2 speaker posts/pre-outs, 4k/60Hz upscaling, and the lowest model with 7.2 main zone pre-outs. Unlike it's predecessor, Audyssey DSX is not featured. No noticeable difference in power or audio quality. Note however, that unlike the X2200W which has a 2nd main zone HDMI monitor output (ie. useful when TV and PJ are in the same room), the X3200W does NOT have this 2nd main zone HDMI output, rather only the Zone 2 HDMI output so if you are using the X3200W with a PJ and TV in the same room, you'll also need to purchase an HDMI splitter to connect to the main zone HDMI monitor output. Note also that the X3200W is fixed at operating at most 7CH (ie. 7.1 or 5.1.2; there is no expansion capability to add 2 more speakers for a 5.1.4 setup).

http://usa.denon.com/us/product/hometheater/avreceiversht/avrx3200w

http://manuals.denon.com/AVRX3200W/NA/EN/index.php

Press release on the X3200W and X4200W --> http://usa.denon.com/us/news/news/153


- X4200W - MSRP $1499 , 7.2CH (expandable to 9.2 with external 2CH amp, ie. 5.2.2 --> 5.2.4 / 7.2.2), 125W, HDMI In/Out (8/3, main/main/Zone 2 outputs) - avail early September

Upgrading from the X3200W adds: a second main zone HDMI monitor output, the highest version of Audyssey MultEQ XT32 for much improved audio quality, Audyssey Sub EQ HT (dual sub level/delay), Audyssey DSX (Front Wide/Height), Audyssey LFC (reduces sub vibration impact through walls), 13.2 main zone pre-outs (maximum of 9 operating at one time), Zone 3, an extra 12v trigger, front panel display of speaker inputs (or outputs), PHONO input, 32 bit DAC, metal front panel with 2 line display, Custom 2 CH settings (using FL/FR or dedicated Front B)(LARGE/SMALL; crossover settings, sub – on/off, distance, level), and Auro 3D (via firmware upgrade - $199).

http://usa.denon.com/us/product/hometheater/avreceiversht/avrx4200w

http://manuals.denon.com/AVRX4200W/NA/EN/index.php

Note: Refer to post 5671 in this thread for more information regarding purchase and setup of a 2CH amp to expand from 7CH (5.2.2) to 9CH (5.2.4).


- X6200W - MSRP $2199 , 9.2CH (expandable to 11.2 with external 2CH amp, ie. 5.2.4 / 7.2.2 --> 7.2.4), 140W, HDMI In/Out (8/3, main/main/Zone 2 outputs) - avail mid September (replaces X5200W)

Upgrading from the X4200W adds: 2 additional on board amps, more robust amps, HD Radio, mfr'd in Japan, gold plated connectors, Dialog Enhancer, and 2 internal cooling fans.

http://usa.denon.com/us/product/bluetooth/avreceiversbt/avrx6200w

http://manuals.denon.com/AVRX6200W/NA/EN/index.php

Note: Refer to post 5668 in this thead for more info regarding purchase and setup of a 2CH amp to expand from 9CH --> 11CH (ie. 7.2.4).


Welcome to the Official 2015 Denon AVR-S/X models thread (S510BT/S710W/S910W/X1200W/X2200W/X3200W/X4200W/X6200W).


If this is your first visit to this thread, and you want to ask a question about one of the 2015 Denon AVR models, either one that you own or one that you are thinking of buying, please provide the following information to allow for better responses to your questions:

(a) Identify the model number in question (eg. X2200W), as there are 8 different models (S and X series) discussed in this thread. Also if you have not posted in several days since your initial post, please post the model # again so we don't have to back track to learn which model you are referencing.

(b) Identify what you've done so far to troubleshoot the issue and what the front panel is displaying if an audio issue, (also take a few minutes to review the Troubleshooting section provided in post ##3 as your question may already be answered there),

(c) Unless you indicate what settings have been changed, the assumption will be that all settings are on the factory defaults (ie. usually "Auto"),

(d) If the advice given seems to simplistic or obvious, don't shoot the advice giver as we have no idea of the level of your technical understanding,

(e) If there is no response to your post, it either means no one knows the answer or it has simply been overlooked so please repost if you still haven't resolved your issue,

(f) If you post a question in this thread and are given advice and either it or some other advice (eg. Denon phone support, Denon "Ask a Question" email support) resolves your issue, have the common courtesy to post back what solution resolved your issue so others can learn from it as well,

(g) If the issue is not user error or not just a misunderstanding on how the AVR works, please call Denon support so the issue is registered,

(h) When responding to another post that is providing assistance to you, please press the "Quote" button in the lower right corner of that other poster's response so that response is also listed with your new post to provide some context, and,

(i) If you don't live in either the USA or Canada, please either indicate your country location in your profile or your post as some Denon models from other regions in the world differ in configuration from their USA/Canada counterparts otherwise responses made will be regarding the USA/Canada models.
 
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#281 ·
Pass Thru - Source Memory

I have a quick question about the Pass thru on the X2200W. If watching a Blu-ray and turn the receiver off I assume the defined pass thru source kicks in. Meaning if the DirectTV box is on the TV will begin displaying and outputting audio. If I then turn the receiver on again does it remember that it was functioning as a pass-thru or does it go back to the Blue-ray source?

I would like for it to always default back to TV if there is an option for such things. I have to admit I have not looked at the manual.
 
#282 ·
Any early reactions to the 910?
For the most part, I think you can substitute in AVR-X2200W reviews for the AVR-S910W. Most of the differences (such as warranty) have no impact on the operation of the unit. The only real differences relate to the MultEQ XT and Zone 2 stuff.

So, for regular sound quality, the only real difference would be whatever difference MultEQ XT makes over MultEQ.

Had I not managed to snag my X2200W for a scant $40 over the S910W (short lived deal), I would probably would have just gone with the S910W. I think I would probably have to extensively A/B in the same room between MultEQ and MultEQ XT to really spot the differences.
 
#283 ·
I have a quick question about the Pass thru on the X2200W. If watching a Blu-ray and turn the receiver off I assume the defined pass thru source kicks in. Meaning if the DirectTV box is on the TV will begin displaying and outputting audio. If I then turn the receiver on again does it remember that it was functioning as a pass-thru or does it go back to the Blue-ray source?

I would like for it to always default back to TV if there is an option for such things. I have to admit I have not looked at the manual.
Correct. The factory default pass through source is CBL/SAT which can be changed to another source if you prefer. When powering back on, the AVR will remember the last source used so if the BDP is still ON, the AVR will select it.
 
#284 ·
For the most part, I think you can substitute in AVR-X2200W reviews for the AVR-S910W. Most of the differences (such as warranty) have no impact on the operation of the unit. The only real differences relate to the MultEQ XT and Zone 2 stuff.

So, for regular sound quality, the only real difference would be whatever difference MultEQ XT makes over MultEQ.

Had I not managed to snag my X2200W for a scant $40 over the S910W (short lived deal), I would probably would have just gone with the S910W. I think I would probably have to extensively A/B in the same room between MultEQ and MultEQ XT to really spot the differences.
Yeah, for my purposes the 910 is even overkill. I've got a 2.1 system comprised of two Ascend Acoustics bookshelves and an SVS sub, but anticipate upgrading to a 4k TV this fall, so figured I should get something a bit more future proof to replace the onkyo. Still annoyed by the lemon situation w/r/t the onkyo
 
#285 ·
Looks like this is finally the year to upgrade my AVR and TV. I currently have a 7.1 setup in my media room and I'm going to add in-ceiling speakers for Atmos. Due the small size of the room, the couch being on the back wall, and fairly high ceilings, I'm thinking I only "need" two overhead speakers.

My question is, should I just add the two extra speakers to my current setup, giving me a 7.1.2 setup? Or would I most likely get the same benefit from a 5.1.2 setup? The major difference being whether or not I need to upgrade to the x4200, or if the x3200 will suffice. Having to add an additional power amp to the x4200 already had me leaning towards "settling" for the x3200.

Thanks in advance for all of your guidance.
If your couch is on the back wall, where are you rear surrounds? Do you get any real benefit from using them? Or are you using Front Wides? If you decide on only 2 height speakers the X2200W or X3200W would work just fine. However, you may also want to consider adding 2 more (total 4) ceiling speakers above or slightly forward of the FL/FR speakers which would require the X4200W and the 2CH external amp.
My rear surrounds are on stands right between the couch and the wall. I've never really felt like I've gotten a great deal of benefit from them and that's why I'm considering dropping them.

Would adding ceiling speakers above the fronts benefit me any if they're not directly above me due to the couch being against the rear wall?
 
#287 ·
My rear surrounds are on stands right between the couch and the wall. I've never really felt like I've gotten a great deal of benefit from them and that's why I'm considering dropping them.

Would adding ceiling speakers above the fronts benefit me any if they're not directly above me due to the couch being against the rear wall?
If you're only adding 2 height speakers they would go directly above you. If you want to add 4 speakers, in addition to the 2 directly above you. there would be 2 more above the FL/FR speakers.
 
#288 ·
My rear surrounds are on stands right between the couch and the wall. I've never really felt like I've gotten a great deal of benefit from them and that's why I'm considering dropping them.

Would adding ceiling speakers above the fronts benefit me any if they're not directly above me due to the couch being against the rear wall?
If you're only adding 2 height speakers they would go directly above you. If you want to add 4 speakers, in addition to the 2 directly above you. there would be 2 more above the FL/FR speakers.
I'm definitely going to add a pair directly above my couch. Would the front ceiling pair still add significant benefits being they would be about 6 feet in front of the MLP? My room is only about 10'x10'.
 
#289 ·
I'm definitely going to add a pair directly above my couch. Would the front ceiling pair still add significant benefits being they would be about 6 feet in front of the MLP? My room is only about 10'x10'.
Yes, as it would provide additional height information moving from front to back as opposed to just above you at one shot of sound.
 
#290 · (Edited)
The consensus is mo speakers mo better. Get as many speakers as you can reasonably afford and make work within your room constraints. Size is one constraint of course but just because a room is small doesn't mean you won't benefit from the additional spatial resolution and immersion provided by the extra speakers.

If 5.1.2 is all you can manage, by all means enjoy it. But if you manage more speakers it will definitely provide benefit.

Keith for example has a high end 5.1.4 setup in a room about that size.

I'm up to 7.1.2 in my new house with in ceiling speakers as TM basically directly above couch. I definitely hear the "gap" in the front elevated zone where there aren't any speakers. Every extra pair of speakers I've added has increased the overall cohesion and immersion of the aurround bubble.

If I only had two overheads (x.x.4 has always been the plan) I would have placed the two ceiling speakers a bit further forward as opposed to nearly directly overhead to help tie the overhead sound better to the screen and front soundstage.
 
#291 ·
Just had to drop a quick note for JD at AVScience. I can't stress enough to give the dude a call if you're buying one of these receivers. His knowledge and patience is incredible. I really appreciate that he took the time to talk to me about my specific setup and what I was trying to accomplish in my home even though I can find most of the info online. He had no issue stopping and explaining very simple concepts to a big home theater noob without making me feel dumb. I also guarantee you that you won't find better pricing. After talking things over with him I am very confident in making the right choice in the 3200.... Now to play the waiting game to preorder and wait for it to arrive.
 
#293 ·
Has anyone received an x1200 or x2200 yet who has listened to the Onkyo 646? I have a few days left to return my 646 and am wondering if I might be better off with the Denon. The specs are relatively similar, at least for my uses.

May be too late for your return but in my indecisiveness I purchased both a 646 and pioneer SC-91 and returned them both. I just didn't feel the quality in the 646, hands on and sound, and the SC-91 sounded waaaay better to me. In the end I idiotically made the mistake of not realizing the SC-91 wasn't DTS-X capable so it went back too.

I can't compare the 646 to the 1200 or 2200 for you but for the pricing that JD gives on them I would have to give you my OPINION and go with the 1200 or 2200 and snag some of the Audessy love. Or at least call JD and talk it over with him.
 
#294 ·
@JD, I just wanted to point out to you that on post #1 you have specs listed as "all models."

In there you say 4k/60. I saw on at least the 2200 its specs show 4k/30. Which is part of the reason as well for me holding out for the 3200... By the time 4k projectors are affordable its probably time for a new receiver anyways but ya never know.
 
#295 ·
Correct. The factory default pass through source is CBL/SAT which can be changed to another source if you prefer. When powering back on, the AVR will remember the last source used so if the BDP is still ON, the AVR will select it.
@JD, I just wanted to point out to you that on post #1 you have specs listed as "all models."

In there you say 4k/60. I saw on at least the 2200 its specs show 4k/30. Which is part of the reason as well for me holding out for the 3200... By the time 4k projectors are affordable its probably time for a new receiver anyways but ya never know.
I believe the 2200 can pass 4k/60 on all inputs but can only upscale to 4k/30 from a 1080p source for example. I let all the video pass through and let the TV upscale if needed.
 
#297 ·
So, I just had the DSU trip up.

I only have a 5.1 setup. So, with 5.1 content there's really no reason to have the DSU on. But that's what it defaults to.

I was flipping around the channels and noticed that Star Trek:TMP was on Epix. I decided to jump to that and see what it sounded like on the new setup. I noticed that the dialog was bleeding across all 3 front channels which was odd. Checked the input stream and it was descrete 5.1. I threw the receiver into Pure mode and sure enough the dialog was anchored in the center. Switched back to movie mode, Dolby Digital + Dolby Surround, and the dialog bled across all 3 front channels. Switched it then to just Dolby Digital without the DSU and the sound was correct. Later on, I switched the DSU back on and the dialog was correct.

So, It seems that the DSU still does "something" if you have the same number of input channels as speakers and the result may not be correct. Something in the sound mix of this movie tripped it up big time. There is a decent amount of background hiss in the soundtrack at times, so possibly that had something to do with it.

So, I think I'm going to leave the DSU off if my input channels match my output channels to ensure that what I'm hearing is correct.
 
#299 ·
So if I buy the little onkyo upfiring speaker pair would I want those on top of my fronts or rears for 5.1.2 with the 3200?
Most likely on the FL/FR speakers although as others have learned, placing them on top of the speakers as designed may not be the ideal location as some have placed them on stands 2-3' forward of the FL/FR speakers while others have simply placed a wedge in the back to angle them more forward.
 
#300 ·
@JD, I just wanted to point out to you that on post #1 you have specs listed as "all models."

In there you say 4k/60. I saw on at least the 2200 its specs show 4k/30. Which is part of the reason as well for me holding out for the 3200... By the time 4k projectors are affordable its probably time for a new receiver anyways but ya never know.
Thanks. I've edited the post ##1 to be more clear as "pass through" and also discuss the "upscaling" capability of the various models in post ##7.
 
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