Denon 1909 or 988?

[cptnmorgan_1972]

Can anyone lead me in the right direction on these two receivers? Educated opinion or just from experience... I use in-wall/ceiling Klipsch speakers (in place), but am looking more to have the clearest picture possible using HDMI. I could plug HDMI directly to the TV, and use optical to the receiver, but I know that is not my best option for sound.


I have chose between the two Denon's, because I currently own an older model (no HDMI). But, I will leave to door open for opinions on better receivers for equal or lesser value.

Thanks for the advise in advance.

If this is a question already talked about, please disregard.

[SHempster]

Originally Posted by cptnmorgan_1972

Can anyone lead me in the right direction on these two receivers? Educated opinion or just from experience... I use in-wall/ceiling Klipsch speakers (in place), but am looking more to have the clearest picture possible using HDMI. I could plug HDMI directly to the TV, and use optical to the receiver, but I know that is not my best option for sound.


I have chose between the two Denon's, because I currently own an older model (no HDMI). But, I will leave to door open for opinions on better receivers for equal or lesser value.

Thanks for the advise in advance.

If this is a question already talked about, please disregard.

I went through this a month or so ago. There is a dedicated thread over at avsforum about this & a lot more info in related threads. I believe the general consensus was to go for the 988 unless you just had to have the latest Audyssey features. The 1909 also has 1 more HDMI input than the 988. Looks wise the 988 is boxier.

Other than that pretty much, the 988 is superior on paper, with features like pre-outs etc… though one might need these things and or not be able to tell the difference with your ears.

At that time they could both be had for around the same price – I don’t know about 988 now - it may be quite a bit cheaper. I ended up with a new 988 for $625 including tax bought locally & I’m happy with it. I’m sure the 1909 is a fine receiver also though.

As far as equal or lesser value, I started out buying an Onkyo 606 & it happened to have the humming issue with a ps3 through HDMI. The problem is well documented & you might want to factor that in if you have a ps3. I hear that a few 606s don’t have the problem but… Also the Onkyos put off a lot of heat. I could have lived with its heat, but the humming was too much. Other than that I liked the 606. I returned it & later bought the 988 after several weeks of research.

Shemp

[bhampton]

Have a look at refurbished Marantz unless you are not willing to buy refurbished that is....

I bought a refurbished Denon 788 a while back for $304 and I'm very happy with it.

I've seen great looking refurbished Marantz AVR's at really great prices pop up.

-Brian

[Johk]

For your info, the 988 is the same as the 2808.

The 988 has MultEQ XT

The 1909 has MultEQ | Dynamic EQ | Dynamic Volume

The MultEQ XT takes measurements from up to 8 positions in the room and uses high resolution equalization filters comp. MultEQ takes measurements from up to 6 positions in the rooms and uses mid-level resolution filters. Dynamic volume and Dynamic EQ are great features if you always find yourself playing with the remote to adjust the volume during commercials and it maintains the effect and bass at lower volume levels.

The 988 has 110w/ch and the 1909 has 90w/ch... That is not really a big difference when you translate the W into volume difference in dB... Still more power is a plus.

The 1909 has 3 HDMI inputs, the 988 has two... Hdmi switchers are cheap and can solve that problem but an additional Hdmi in is still nice.

But one of the main things would be the DACs and the internal components...
The 988 has 2 processors: 21366 x 1 and 21367 x 1 - 32-bit Floating Point
The 1909 has 1: 21367 x 1 32 bit Floating Point

The 988 has 0.05 THD (total harmonic distortion)
The 1909 has 0.08 THD
While this might not be significant, it does indicate that the 988 has better components...

For myself I have the 988 and I'm really happy with it If you can get a great discount, go for it!

Last year the 1908 didn't have DTSHD and Dolby TrueHD so the choice between the two was easier!

[cptnmorgan_1972]

Thanks everyone!

I will check out AVSforums. I have visited there a couple of times. As for refirbished, I am not opposed to buying one, it just has to be good deal to do it.

Again, everyones input is greatly appreciated.

Chad

[Downhere]

I'd go for the 988, but that's just me.