The Official Denon 2008-09 line up!

[Amel]

Denon AVR-1709



$449.00

Music around the home is now easier to realize than ever before. The AVR-1709 features a powerful seven channel amplifier section that can be easily configured for a 7.1 channel surround sound loudspeaker system, or to drive a 5.1 channel surround sound system in the main room, while at the same time able to drive a pair of stereo speakers in another room. Featuring tremendous video signal handling flexibility, the AVR-1709 features three latest specification v1.3a HDMI digital video inputs and one HDMI output that handles HD signals up to the highest 1080p resolution. As well, the AVR-1709 features on-board video up-conversion, along with three HD component video inputs for additional video signal handling flexibility. For optimum surround sound quality, the Audyssey MultEQ in-room acoustic measurement and optimization system measures the loudspeaker’s overall response (at up to six different measurement points) and tailors the audio signal for the smoothest, most natural-sounding tonal balance throughout the listening space. And, the AVR-1709 is one of the first to offer Audyssey’s Dynamic Volume leveling system, which eliminates jarring volume jumps between TV shows and commercials, as well as Audyssey Dynamic EQ to ensure rich bass and smooth tonal balance, even at low volume levels. Two remote controls are provided – one for the main room, and a second easy-to-use remote control for second zone audio control.

http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/4240.asp

Denon AVR-1909



$649.00

Ready for the future, the AVR-1909 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. The powerful seven channel amplifier section can be configured for 7.1 channel surround sound, as well as being able to drive a 5.1 channel system in the main room along with powered stereo speaker outputs for second zone audio. The video section features extensive video source switching and up-conversion capability, and is equipped with three latest specification v1.3a HDMI inputs and one HDMI output, with up to 1080p resolution. In addition, the AVR-1909 features Faroudja DCDi video processing and up-conversion, breathing new life into standard definition sources, along with three HD component video inputs and one HD component video output. Setup is a snap, thanks to the icon-based on screen display, and the Audyssey MultEQ acoustic correction and optimization system custom-tailors the sound for optimum tonal balance throughout the listening space. To eliminate irritating swings in volume between TV shows and commercials, the AVR-1909 is one of the first to offer Audyssey Dynamic Volume automatic volume-leveling system, as well as Audyssey Dynamic EQ to ensure rich bass and smooth tonal balance, even at low volume levels.

http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/4241.asp

SOON MORE!

Since I am looking to get one of the new Denons I will keep you guys updated!

[Bokchoy]

I have a Denon AVR-888 right now, but I'm selling it to a friend so I can get the 2008 version. Denon says July, and it's already the 3rd, and they don't even have specs out for the 889/2309. Best Buy looks like they're dumping their Denon stock, but I've no idea when these will be available for retail. I hope it's sooner rather than later.

The Audyssey features alone have me sold, but Denon is one of the few truly dependable AVR manufacturers. I'm surprised that Onkyo gets so much attention on these forums.

[dgator783]

i wouldnt mind that Denon AVR-1909

ive never bought a denon product before, how are they compared to other popular brands?

[Codywan24]

I have a 2808ci and trust me: They rock! Best receiver I've ever had by far and I've had some pretty nice ones!

[Bokchoy]

Originally Posted by dgator783

i wouldnt mind that Denon AVR-1909

ive never bought a denon product before, how are they compared to other popular brands?

Pros:
-Denon is known for being among the best in build quality.
-The '08 models offer features like lossless audio decoding and up-converting at even the entry-level models.
-They are the first to feature pretty much all of Audyssey's technology, namely MultEQ. Dynamic EQ, and Dynamic Volume.
-3+ HDMI slots is an improvement over last year.

Cons
-Denon is known for having hard-to-understand owner's manuals and crappy menu navigation, but apparently they addressed that with the upcoming line.
-Most models are also generally slightly less powerful than some equally-priced receivers from other brands.
-Nobody knows when the @#$! they're gonna hit the shelves!

Build quality is the main selling feature, in my opinion. Onkyo was great bang-for-your-buck, in terms of features for the $, but the workmanship that goes into manufacturing the receivers are constantly in question. I don't think I would be comfortable with an Onkyo or Sony AVR.

[twoboyz]

I have the AVR4308ci and I can assure you that I would not get rid of it. It is by far the best, easiest to operate reciever that I have owned. I also agree with an earlier post that why Onkyo products get so much attention. They are good products. Is it because people aren't willing to pay a little more for a reciever and are just trying to get into home theater for the least amount of money. I have always been under the impression "you get what you pay for"

DENON AVR 4308ci
Pioneer BDP95
Denon DVD3930ci
Def Tech BP7002's, CLR 2500, UIW BPA/z (2), UIW 94/a (2) = 7.1
Samsung 5084 1080p
Richard Gray's s600 Power Conditioner
Monster HTS 5100 Mk2

[Amel]

amazon placement for the 1909

http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR1909/...5534264&sr=8-2

[sokrman14]

The 1609 and 1709 are in the inventory already, good to order at best buy/MHT...I think, I will check at work and get back to you guys, no word on the 1909 though

[Nathan P]

The 1709 won't handle DTS MA or TruHD unless you can get a player with analog outs. Looks like the bang for buck comment was spot on.

[Pelican170]

Originally Posted by dgator783

i wouldnt mind that Denon AVR-1909

ive never bought a denon product before, how are they compared to other popular brands?

Very good, some of the best besides some super high end stuff..

[Pelican170]

Originally Posted by Nathan P

The 1709 won't handle DTS MA or TruHD unless you can get a player with analog outs. Looks like the bang for buck comment was spot on.

Im sure it runs PCM and HDMI, so just get a player that decodes and your all set...

[Riff Magnum]

I see the 1709 is rated at 80 watts. Can any of you Denon owners comment on whether this is enough power for a full 5.1 experience? I know it's entirely possible that this thing pumps it out harder than another receiver with higher wattage, but just wanted to make sure. I don't really need all the decoding since i have the ps3, so i'm thinking this would be the perfect receiver for the money.

[dobyblue]

Actually unless the receiver is THX certified Denon often cannot pump out at the rated levels, although the difference is scarce.

The 4308 is 140w/ch, but hits 126w/ch with all channels driven.
This only works out to around a 1/2dB difference though, so it's really not important as a jump to say, 75w/ch.

The Onkyo 875 is 140w/ch and hits 140w/ch on the test bench with all channels driven.

The Denon 5308CI has THX Ultra2 certification and I wouldn't be surprised if it indeed hit 150w/ch with all channels driven.

However, the times during which you'd have source material that would require all channels driven are few and far between, especially in HT and even more rare when you consider this is 7.1 channels driven, not 5.1

[Riff Magnum]

So i take that as a yes, it would be enough power? The room i plan on converting is only 11 x 13, by the way.

[Pelican170]

Originally Posted by KingLeerUK

Does anyone know if these new units will feature input/preset custom naming? This was one of the reasons I went with Onkyo this time around as the last batch of Denon units did not have the capability.

It seems like such a minor thing, but I like to identify my devices by Brand/Device instead of just generic "CD" or "DVD". This is especially useful when connecting an HDMI source to "AUX" and not having to guess about what is connected.

No offense, but that to me is just a crazy reason to take Onkyo over Denon...

[Riff Magnum]

So basically the extra cost of the 1909 is due to 10 more watts per channel and the fact that it can do the new audio codecs?

[Amel]

first consumer review by HDMI_13 avsforum

Model Denon AVR-1909 :

Dynamic volume : It is as good as Audyssey claims.

Initially when one switch on the dynamic volume , by default it was set to Midnight. So it took me little while to figure it out why the sound was little subtle.

Later I changed it to Day and every thing started sounding wonderfully.

There is one Kids program in comcast ondemad which has lots of volume up and downs , I wathched it through the Dynamic volume on and I haven't noticed any up and downs.

Tested with higher commercial volumes, changing the channels from HD to regular source etc.. to see how it functions. It is working as advertised.

But do keep in mind that when you go from DD (5.1) to two channel source (like a different channel or commercial) one moment you are immersed in surround sound and suddenly you have two channel audio so it will take little bit of time for humans to adjust. But in these situation also I see dynamic volume working hard to keep it real. Which is nice.

Hope down the road broadcasters will adopt to a standard , so that atleast the sound format remains the same. But for time being we are blessed with Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume.


One more good news about denon over onkyo.

my onkyo shuts off Audyssey processing when the input signal is above 48khz.

Denon do not have that limitation , I tested it with SACD (176.2khz ) and it went through the audyssey processing with out any issues.

No clicking noise in denon when the input signal changed. No more annoying clicking noise when watching TV programs (Dolby Digitial program to two channel commercial and vice versa)

Pure Direct Mode - you have a choice to use Audyssey or not with it. Pure mode what it does is - it shuts off all other internal processing to the signal - but if you enable EQ - it lets the signal to go through the Audyssey Room EQ. So that way sound is delivered as it is and it is custom tailred to your room EQ. Wonderful feature. This is really good for pure audio enthusiast. Thank you Denon team for designing this wonderful feature. Or should I say thanks to SHARC Melody Platform designers

And not so good news for the people who want up scaling for hdmi sources. It is passing it through as it is .

But good news on the video processing side is - it not adding any side affects to the video. Which is very good. Signal is sent as it is . No pixel cropping or sharpness boost etc


Only complaint is remote control. For setup I have to flip to the reverside of the remote and keep the remote door open while doing the setups.
But seems like this is already a known issue.

When you have Dynamic EQ and Volume enabled - first time I felt like immersed in to the surround sound at a volume that is comfortable to listen.
I watched a baseball in Fox network (channel 2) for about 10mins. It was like I was there in the stadium. I have to give some credit to the Fox guys here. They are mixing the crowd response very nicely.

With Dynamic EQ and volume enabled you can hear the crowd very clearly and felt like I am sitting in the stadium with the crowd. I couldn't get this out of my head. What a experience !

------------------------
Temperature : Temperature is not high compared to onkyo. In this category we can't call Denon a HOT product

Front panel shows a pictorial representation of input signal's no.of channels and also out put channels. Very userful.

Renaming the source name: this is also very cool feature. I renamed them to reflect the names of my gear. So it is easy to look at the display what is the source it is on. ( I have toshiba HD-A1, Poineer DVD/SACD plyer, Sony PS3, Comcast , TV out put etc)

[prerich]

Originally Posted by KingLeerUK

No offense taken, but all other things being relatively equal, it's an important convenience feature FOR ME to have on my equipment.

As I have come to own more and more sources for input into the AV hub that is the receiver, being able to properly identify what is selected at any given time becomes a bit more of a task. My Harmony remote allows me to custom name my inputs and control macros, why shouldn't my main system controller? (receiver)

My Onkyo TX-SR875 lets me rename every input to a custom setting. This is very handy as I have an outboard component video/optical audio switcher through which a number of additional sources are routed. I hook this up to my receiver via the GAME input, but it's very handy to have it actually display CMP SWITCHER on the front LCD. Also, since none of the default inputs are named "Blu-ray" I can retitle the AUX1 input as BLU-RAY.

Small thing? Sure. Convenience? Absolutely.

With my old Denon I could not rename inputs, thus, I was having to run audio in from my phono preamp to the TAPE inputs and would always have to keep a mental note that "TAPE = TURNTABLE". Before you ask, the internal preamp to the Denon was sub-par compared with my outboard phono pre.

Yes, you can rename (p.38 of the manual p.42 if you count the non-pages)

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Amel

first consumer review by HDMI_13 avsforum

Model Denon AVR-1909 :

Dynamic volume : It is as good as Audyssey claims.

Initially when one switch on the dynamic volume , by default it was set to Midnight. So it took me little while to figure it out why the sound was little subtle.

Later I changed it to Day and every thing started sounding wonderfully.

There is one Kids program in comcast ondemad which has lots of volume up and downs , I wathched it through the Dynamic volume on and I haven't noticed any up and downs.

Tested with higher commercial volumes, changing the channels from HD to regular source etc.. to see how it functions. It is working as advertised.

But do keep in mind that when you go from DD (5.1) to two channel source (like a different channel or commercial) one moment you are immersed in surround sound and suddenly you have two channel audio so it will take little bit of time for humans to adjust. But in these situation also I see dynamic volume working hard to keep it real. Which is nice.

Hope down the road broadcasters will adopt to a standard , so that atleast the sound format remains the same. But for time being we are blessed with Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume.


One more good news about denon over onkyo.

my onkyo shuts off Audyssey processing when the input signal is above 48khz.

Denon do not have that limitation , I tested it with SACD (176.2khz ) and it went through the audyssey processing with out any issues.

No clicking noise in denon when the input signal changed. No more annoying clicking noise when watching TV programs (Dolby Digitial program to two channel commercial and vice versa)

Pure Direct Mode - you have a choice to use Audyssey or not with it. Pure mode what it does is - it shuts off all other internal processing to the signal - but if you enable EQ - it lets the signal to go through the Audyssey Room EQ. So that way sound is delivered as it is and it is custom tailred to your room EQ. Wonderful feature. This is really good for pure audio enthusiast. Thank you Denon team for designing this wonderful feature. Or should I say thanks to SHARC Melody Platform designers

And not so good news for the people who want up scaling for hdmi sources. It is passing it through as it is .

But good news on the video processing side is - it not adding any side affects to the video. Which is very good. Signal is sent as it is . No pixel cropping or sharpness boost etc


Only complaint is remote control. For setup I have to flip to the reverside of the remote and keep the remote door open while doing the setups.
But seems like this is already a known issue.

When you have Dynamic EQ and Volume enabled - first time I felt like immersed in to the surround sound at a volume that is comfortable to listen.
I watched a baseball in Fox network (channel 2) for about 10mins. It was like I was there in the stadium. I have to give some credit to the Fox guys here. They are mixing the crowd response very nicely.

With Dynamic EQ and volume enabled you can hear the crowd very clearly and felt like I am sitting in the stadium with the crowd. I couldn't get this out of my head. What a experience !

------------------------
Temperature : Temperature is not high compared to onkyo. In this category we can't call Denon a HOT product

Front panel shows a pictorial representation of input signal's no.of channels and also out put channels. Very userful.

Renaming the source name: this is also very cool feature. I renamed them to reflect the names of my gear. So it is easy to look at the display what is the source it is on. ( I have toshiba HD-A1, Poineer DVD/SACD plyer, Sony PS3, Comcast , TV out put etc)

As I was taught by DENON that the "annoying" click that accompanied their receivers was actually a good thing - they were relay switches to protect the equipment. I've personally owned 2 Denon receivers and yes both of them click.

[The Guardian]

Do they have a delay while deciding what codec is coming in? That's the one big thing that annoys me about my current receiver (other than lack of HDMI) - you miss the first second or so any time something new starts coming in over the digital cable or if it switches codecs.

Maybe they fixed this years ago, don't know.