Denon AVR-1609 7.1 receiver 179 free shipping at Amazon

[Jokersmoker]

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Note: Make sure you click on Amazon not OneCall checkout.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

As some of the amazon reviews have noted, the description is incorrect.

"The Denon AVR-1609 is equipped with the latest high resolution surround sound format decoding capabilities, including Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS-HD Master Audio - the latest high resolution audio formats found on many Blu-ray high definition discs."

Actual HDMI specification info from Denon:

http://www.usa.denon.com/AVR_4...ilities_xx09_v0708.pdf

 

[PJABBER]

While the AVR-1609 is a good entry level Denon receiver for anyone focusing on DVDs, the Denon AVR-1909 is the lowest end current model in their lineup that can actually handle the full spectrum of sound formats to be found on next generation HD-DVD and Blu-Ray.

 

[onza]

Originally posted by: PJABBER
While this is a good entry level Denon receiver for anyone focusing on DVDs, the Denon AVR-1909 is the lowest end model in their lineup than can handle the full spectrum of sound formats to be found on next generation HD-DVD and Blu-Ray.

that's a good thing right? lol

AUDIO - NOOB here

 

[einstein4pres]

@onza The product listed is the 1609. PJABBER is recommending the 1909 at a minimum.

 

[onza]

oh that's a nice little 350+ jump!

 

[PJABBER]

I guess you have to make a decision as to how important these various features are to you and how much you are willing to pay for future proofing your purchase.

If you don't have audiophile speakers or a 7.1 speaker configuration and don't expect to go that route, I don't think you will even notice the difference between "compressed" Dolby Digital or DTS and Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. It is really getting to the point of diminishing returns for anyone with non-audiophile ears.

HDMI repeating is another feature that you might consider important and is another futureproofing breakpoint, depending on how many HDMI devices you employ or expect to employ.

One feature that I found particularly interesting and useful, perhaps more than anything else for a low price receiver, and found in the AVR-1609, is that Denon has integrated Audyssey MultEQ, Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume technology. Audyssey really helps you to effectively achieve a natural sound in a particular room environment. Here is a link to other companies and models that incorporate the tech, well worth researching -

http://www.audyssey.com/products/index.html

As I don't think we need to make this shopping thread into a debate on AV features, I suggest anyone interested in getting into the cost/benefits discussion go to AVSForums.com, where you will find a lot of expertise and opinions.

 

[blckgrffn]

Pretty surprising that it doesn't even have DD and DTS support! I thought that was a minimum these days...

 

[mmnno]

A receiver without an HDMI repeater will not send audio from HDMI sources to speakers connected to the receiver. It will only send HDMI audio to the TV.

Such receivers are prettu much useless for Blu-ray.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: blckgrffn
Pretty surprising that it doesn't even have DD and DTS support! I thought that was a minimum these days...

I don't know if this is obvious, but it does support that through optical (toslink) or digital coaxial... just not through HDMI.

 

[PJABBER]

As YOyoYOhowsDAjello mentioned, you do get audio support, but only by using a separate audio cable input - one of either of the two coaxial or two optical inputs. Not really a big deal for many.

The AVR-1609 supports the following audio modes -

Dolby Pro Logic IIx ? with Cinema, Music, Game Modes
Dolby Digital Surround EX Decoding
Dolby Digital Pro Logic II
dts ES Discrete 6.1 Decoding
dts ES Matrix 6.1 Decoding
dts Neo:6 Stereo-to-Surround Cinema and Music Modes
dts 96/24 5.1 for DVD-Video Processing

It does not support:

Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital+
dts-HD Master Audio

http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/4239.asp

Unless you have an audiophile speaker setup, you will likely not miss what it does not have. If you do have an audiophile speaker configuration, it is not likely that you will be looking at entry level receivers.

The AVR-1609 has a pretty good spec configuration, with the real value add of having a fairly full Audyssey implementation - it does make a difference you can hear once you set it up with the included microphone.

However, I still recommend that anyone with good speakers and an interest in playing HD-DVD and Blu-Ray go with what is arguably the real sweet spot in the Denon lineup, the AVR-1909, or even consider the AVR-2309CI / AVR-889 and other more fully featured receivers in the Denon line.

For what it is worth, I have the AVR-2309ci and am really pleased at how it works for both home theater and music.