Denon AVR-3808CI 7.1-Channel Multizone Home Theater Receiver with Networking Review

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(More customer reviews)I have been waiting a while for "the perfect receiver". However, I have come to the conclusion that this is as close to perfect as I am going to find for my needs right now. I am using all 4 HDMI inputs (PS3, Oppo 980H, Directv HR20, and a Sony Vaio computer). The Denon has worked flawlessly with SACD, DVD-A, and lossless audio sources from my BluRay movies.
For sound quality, it is important to get the speakers setup properly. Denon's auto setup with the included mic makes this a very simple setup. I have heard that it helps to take measurements from all over the room, so I setup 5 listening locations. The sound quality is fantastic. I do have an spl meter, but I have not had it out to fine tune the setup just yet. It already sounds fantastic. The Oppo has the ability to send out a DSD multi-channel signal for its SACD and these sound fantastic on the Denon.
I am not really using the video upscaler very much since most of the signals I am inputting are already HD. In other words, the Denon mainly sends out the signals untouched, so it is hard to complain.
The ability to update the firmware over the internet connection is what I believe sets this receiver apart from the competition. For me, this was the deciding factor. With all of the new tech in these receivers, I do not want to have to carry the thing into a service location every time it needs an update.
I should mention that I played some music coming from my computer using the network interface and it worked okay. It did take a few seconds to retrieve license information for Yahoo Music DRM files, but I bet they improve on that in the future.
The downsides are small, but should be mentioned. The remote is okay for setting up the system, but it is going into a drawer with my other remotes now that I have my Harmony 880 universal programmed for all of the general functions that I need. Also, the GUI takes some getting used to. I like the ability to rename the inputs and choose what video inputs go with the audio inputs. However, it was not something that I picked up and setup in a few minutes. It is better than my old Denon AVR-3300, so at least they are going in the right direction!


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Denon AVR-3808CI A/V Multi-Source/Zone with Network Streaming Receiver

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Denon AVR-989 805-Watt 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)Excellent receiver with all the functions that you need for 5.1 or 7.1 system. Only problem is that the remote and the manual is very confusing and poorly documented. I get around this by buying Harmony One universal remote. This is my second Denon (my previous one was avr-888) and I have been happy with the quality of the sound and the video.

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The versatile AVR-989 provides unparalleled audio and video signal processing and switching flexibility, and is fully equipped to handle even the most sophisticated home theater setups. The video section features four HDMI v1.3a inputs, that can accommodate high definition multi-channel LPCM, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks. For standard definition sources such as DVD, the on-board Faroudja DCDi video processing and upconversion system provides near-HD picture quality. Denon's advanced surround sound decoding section is powered by dual high-precision 32-bit floating point DSP processors, a feature previously found only on Denon's top-end models. This provides breathtaking surround sound quality from virtually any source. Audyssey Dynamic Volume automatically eliminates jarring volume jumps between TV shows and commercials, and Audyssey Dynamic EQ ensures rich bass and smooth tonal balance, even at low volume levels. Audyssey's MultEQ in-room acoustic optimization system provides up to eight measurement points, smoothing the overall balance for the most natural tonal quality everywhere in the listening space. Setup and operation are a snap, aided by Denon's enhanced icon-based on screen display that also features a screen saver. Featuring both speaker level and pre-amp level second zone stereo outputs, the AVR-989 is the ideal centerpiece for a superb whole-home entertainment system.

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Harman Kardon HK3385 High Current Stereo Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently replaced a 25-year-old Marantz with an Onkyo 8222 and had ordered another Onkyo to replace a 30-year-old Technics. But the Harman Kardon suddenly struck me as worth going to the trouble of an exchange of one of the Onkyo's. It's the only comparably priced stereo receiver carried by Amazon that's in the running (it's hard to take Sony seriously when they omit a phono jack, and Teac is little more than a purchased brand name like Sherwood, Sylvania, Westinghouse, and some others that have little to no connection with past product).
The Onkyo performs admirably, but the all-black face can make hitting the right control a minor challenge. Moreover, with the arrival of grandchildren, the presence of input jacks on the face front of the HK recommended itself to me all the more (handy for plugging in a camcorder or digital camera, for example). As a kind of clincher, I had assumed Onkyo was still manufactured in Japan (my older Onkyo equipment is), but I find the receiver is made in Malaysia (same with G.E., RCA, and numerous other electronics products). So the fact that this HK is made in China can hardly be used to its discredit.
As for wattage (HK 3385 vs. 3485, Onkyo 8222 vs. 8522), anyone who thinks they need more than 40-50 RMS per channel is kidding themselves or still insisting on 8-cylinder engines (come to think of it, that's me). But occasionally I'm seeing a better deal on the higher power models, so price may be the ultimate determiner. (As for the dedicated sub-woofer output that Amazon's description mentions in reference only to the HK 3485, not to worry: it's present on the 3385 as well.)
Finally, if Harmon Kardon is selected by Apple computer to make its speakers, they must still be considered a high-end, quality company.

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Onkyo A-9555 Integrated Digital Stereo Amplifier (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I ordered this amp on a whim as a companion for an Onkyo DX-7555 (single disc "audiophile" CD player) since they share a sophistocated remote system. I owned, and still own, a somewhat esoteric AudioLab 8000S which I consider to be sonically flawless and offering great flexibility even though it's almost 15 years old and really didn't expect the Onkyo to be much other than a typical import amp with a lot of bells and whistles but not outstanding performance.....big surprise. This amp is easily the sonic equal of my "British hand crafted" AudioLab, is robustly built and very, very musical. A great bargain at less than $500.
Particularly rewarding is a better than decent MM phono section allowing me to retire a separate head amp for those rare occasions when only vinyl will do. Additionally, while the unit includes bass/treble/and a subtle "loudness contour", the additional circuitry can be bypassed for a "direct" mode which essentially provides a straight wire of gain to your speakers...very clean and powerful. With the companion CD player it's a knockout combination and I recommend it highly.

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Onkyo Digital 85 Watt Stereo Receiver

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