Denon is certainly one of the heavy hitters in the AV receiver market, and its full 2007 AV receiver line has now been announced. In general, you can expect Denon's receivers to be pricier than similarly equipped competitors, but in many cases, Denon is trying to justify the price premium with premium features. For example, all the receivers from the AVR-3808CI to the AVR-5308CI feature Denon's new graphical user interface, which replaces the old blocky-text look. Denon is also stressing networking functionality, which is available on the same receivers with the GUI and allows you to you play many different file formats, such as MP3, WMA, FLAC and AAC. Of course, Denon also has a reputation for first-class sound, which many buyers may decide will be worth the extra money. Here's the breakdown of Denon's receivers, highlighting the main feature differences:
Denon AVR-1508
(Credit: Denon)Denon AVR-1508 ($350, September)
Denon AVR-1708 ($500, September)
Denon AVR-1908 ($600, September)
Denon's lower-priced receivers are similar, but there are some significant difference. The AVR-1508 and the AVR-1708 both offer dual HDMI 1.3a ports, but they're video-only ports, which means you'll need to make a separate connection for audio. The AVR-1908, on the other hand, offers true HDMI switching with audio, along with onscreen display, which both step-down models lack. The AVR-1708 and the AVR-1908 both feature Audyssey auto setup, along with upconversion to the component video output--the AVR-1508 is lacking both of these features.
Denon AVR-2308's back panel
(Credit: Denon)Denon AVR-2308CI ($850, August)
The jump from the AVR-1908 to the AVR-2308CI is big in terms of features. The AVR-2308CI offers HDMI upconversion, which means it can take analog video signals and output them via the HDMI output. It's capable of upconverting to 1080p using Faroudja scaling, and hopefully you'll be able to select your desired output resolution. There's also "dual-zone, dual-source" support, which means you can send audio to a separate zone into your house, and you can run a different source in your main zone and your secondary zone. This is Denon's cheapest receiver that provides HDMI switching and upconversion, but it's going to face some fierce competition from Onkyo's excellent TX-SR605, which offers similar features for only $500 list price, and even less online.
Step-up features
- Upconversion to 1080p using Faroudja processing
- Dual-zone, dual-source
- Basic second zone remote
Denon AVR-2808CI ($1,200, Late July/Early August)
From what we can tell, the AVR-2808CI is similar to the AVR-2308CI, but adds some additional enthusiast-friendly features, such as "three-zone, three-source" capability, so you can have a different sources playing in three separate zones. The AVR-2808CI also includes onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, two of the new high-resolution soundtrack formats available on HD DVD and Blu-ray. The actual usefulness of this feature is somewhat questionable, as there are currently no Blu-ray or HD DVD players that can output soundtracks in bitstream format--although Denon has announced a Blu-ray player that apparently will be able to do this. The AVR-2808CI also adds preamp outputs, for those who'd like to use a dedicated amp, as well as one additional video input, optical digital audio input, and optical digital audio output. The AVR-2808 has a suggested retail price of $1,200 and should be available shortly.
Step-up features
- Onboard Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding
- Three-zone, three-source capability
- Preamp outs
- Two component video outputs
- Additional AV input, optical digital audio input, optical digital audio output
Denon AVR-3808CI ($1,600, Late July)
Denon's new GUI
(Credit: CNET)The AVR-3808CI marks another big step up in the Denon receiver product line because it's the least expensive receiver to feature Denon's new graphical user interface (GUI). We had some sneak peaks at the interface earlier, and from the limited demonstrations we've seen, the GUI looks pretty slick. We'll wait until we do a hands-on review to compare it to the Sony STR-DA5300ES's GUI, but we were impressed at Denon's ability to integrate digital media playback into the GUI, including showing album art and track info on the screen. To facilitate digital media playback, the AVR-3808CI is equipped with an Ethernet port, as well as a USB port, which Denon claims will work with USB mass storage devices like a USB 2.0 hard drive. The AVR-3808CI can also tap into your iTunes library (but no DRM iTunes files), but that requires the use of TwonkyMedia, which will cost $40 to download--which is a little frustrating when you spend this much on a receiver. The Ethernet port will also allow certified Denon customer installers to log into a receiver and make adjustments from off-site. The AVR-3808CI also steps up the HDMI connectivity, offering 4 HDMI inputs. The AVR-3808CI will be available by the end of the month for a suggested retail price of $1,600. The AVR-3808CI is certainly packed with features, but we also expect it to face heavy competition from Sony's STR-DA5300ES, which offers 6 HDMI inputs and an excellent GUI for $1,700.
Step-up features
- Ethernet connection
- Digital music playback, including MP3, AAC, WMA lossless, and FLAC
- Graphical user interface
- USB port that supports USB hard drives
The Denon AVR-4308CI's rear panel
(Credit: Denon)Denon AVR-4308CI ($2,500, Available now)
The AVR-4308CI includes all of the features the AVR-3808CI but adds some significant improvements. For network connectivity, the AVR-4308CI adds 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi connectivity in addition to the Ethernet port. The AVR-4308CI also adds a second zone component video output, which should mean that you'll be able to enjoy analog high-def sources in a second zone. Like the AVR-3808CI, there are four HDMI inputs, but the AVR-4308CI adds two HDMI outputs, which could be useful if, for example, you had a flat-panel display and a projector in the same room. Rounding out the extra features is support for HD radio. The AVR-4308CI has a suggested retail price of $2,500 and is currently available.
Step-up features
- Second zone via component, with OSD
- Ethernet and WiFi connectivity
- Two HDMI outputs
- HD radio
Denon AVR-5308CI ($5,200, December)
The AVR-5308CI is the flagship model of Denon's 2007 receiver line, and it's packed with features. One of the major step-ups is the inclusion of HQV's Realta processor, which should deliver outstanding video quality for upconverted sources. The AVR-5308CI is also capable of HDMI to HDMI scaling, which is an uncommon feature and allows you to use the powerful Realta processor to upscale lower resolution HDMI signals to your desired resolution. The AVR-5308CI also adds more HDMI connectivity, with six HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs. Of course, all these features don't come cheap, as the AVR-5308CI will have a hefty $5,200 price tag when it comes out in December.
Step-up features
- HQV Realta video processing, with HDMI to HDMI scaling
- 6 HDMI inputs, 2 HDMI outputs
On Sale Now: $579.88 - $899.00
View the latest prices for Denon AVR-2308CI
On Sale Now: $489.00
View the latest prices for Denon AVR-1708
On Sale Now: $1,049.00 - $1,199.95
View the latest prices for Denon AVR-3808CI
On Sale Now: $4,399.99 - $5,499.99
View the latest prices for Denon AVR-5308CI
On Sale Now: $259.88
View the latest prices for Denon AVR-1508
On Sale Now: $1,549.00 - $1,595.00
View the latest prices for Denon AVR-4308CI
Denon SR-302 networked home theater system
(Credit: Denon)Despite the steep price tag, we liked the Denon S-301 when it came out a couple of years ago, citing its iPod-friendliness and good sound. The company is now following up with a few more high-end home theaters in boxes (HTiBs), so we'll take you through the entire "S series" from the bottom up. For details on the tabletop radios, models S-32 and S-52, click here; the other three will be available in September 2007.
Models (MSRP)
- Denon S-32 ($499)
- Denon S-52 ($699)
- Denon S-81 ($599)
- Denon S-102($999)
- Denon S-302 ($1,699)
... Read more
On Sale Now: $1,149.00 - $1,699.00
View the latest prices for Denon S-302
On Sale Now: $378.77 - $999.00
View the latest prices for Denon S-102
Denon's RC-7000CI
(Credit: Denon)Logitech Harmony universal remotes not good enough for you? Home Theater Master doesn't quite match your AV receiver? You're in luck, because yesterday Denon announced a high-end universal remote with the same sort of PC programmability as those clickers. With the purchase of a special base station, Denon's remote can use radio frequency (RF) to control components through walls and around the house. Both ship in August 2007.
The RC-7000CI ($299 list) itself does seem a lot like the Home Theater master units (like the MX-800), with a monochrome LCD screen and device-centric design, as opposed to Harmony's activity-centric scheme. Denon's press release claims its USB-connected PC programmability incorporates one of the world's largest remote control code databases, but as with any universal remote, the design and ease of programming is paramount. We'll wait to see how Denon's software stacks up against Harmony's.
We don't think too many people will want to choose the standalone Denon remote over the many much less expensive alternatives, but when paired with the RF base station, the package becomes more interesting. The station, called the RC-7001CI ($199), acts as a repeater for the remote's RF signal and allows multiroom control--Denon optimistically specifies that the system can expend to up to 16 remotes and corresponding base units. The 70001CI includes six IR repeaters that can translate RF into infrared to control your gear, allowing you to stash a stack out of sight and still maintain control. The coolness factor ups another notch for owners of "select new" Denon AV receivers and systems, which can allow the clicker's LCD to display status information feedback like volumes, surround mode and metadata (typically song artist and title) from iPods, Internet radio, and XM Satellite Radio. With a complex, ambitious home control product like this, however, the devil will be in ease of use and setup.
A view of the RC-7001CI's back panel.
(Credit: Denon)On Sale Now: $199.00
View the latest prices for Denon RC-7001RCI
On Sale Now: $299.00
View the latest prices for Denon RC-7000CI
The S-52
(Credit: Matthew Moskovciak/CNET)Denon's new feature-heavy tabletop units outshine every other tabletop unit we've seen. The S-32 and S-52 both include iPod docks for instant music playback, and feature wireless network streaming capabilities. In addition, the units have the ability to decode MP3, WMA, AAC, and WAV formats as well as FLAC-encoded files. The tabletops will even support the Rhapsody music service.
For even more performance, the top-of-the-line S-52 adds an HD radio tuner, a CD player (which can also read and play data CDs), satellite radio support, and a USB port--expanding the realm of connectivity options even further.
Both the S-32 and S-52 are scheduled for an October release date and are priced at $500 and $700, respectively.
On Sale Now: $494.94 - $699.00
View the latest prices for Denon S-52
On Sale Now: $355.55 - $550.53
View the latest prices for Denon S-32
(Credit:
Matthew Moskovciak/CNET)
Denon hopes to attract consumers who want to add virtual surround sound to their flat-panel TVs, with the company's new DHT-FS3. The unit's piano-black finish is meant to seamlessly blend in with most setups.
Using "X-Space Surround" technology, the DHT-FS3 emulates the surround sound normally produced by a 5.1 system. The sound bar also comes with three digital inputs and one analog input in order to satisfy an assortment of additional devices. An included slimly designed subwoofer is provided to round out the overall surround experience.
The DHT-FS3 retails for $1200 and is available now.
On Sale Now: $349.00 - $1,099.00
View the latest prices for Denon DHT-FS3
(Credit:
Denon)
At Denon's 2007 Line Show in Jersey City, NJ, we were introduced to two new networked docks that do more than just play your iPod. The ASD-3N and ASD-3W (same as the ASD-3N, with added wireless connectivity) allow you to play streaming data off your home network through any receiver or device that can take analog RCA audio.
Even more appealing, the docks ship with a newly implemented GUI that has the ability to display album art. This will make use of the S-video output on each of the docks--also allowing you to view videos stored on your iPod. Both the ASD-3N and ASD-3W will be available in August and September for $179.99 and $229.99 respectively.
The Denon DVD-3800BDCI
(Credit: CNET)Not to be outdone by all the other manufacturers making a mint overcharging for Blu-ray players (PS3 notwithstanding), Denon announced its own Blu-ray player today for the ice-cool price of $1,999. The DVD-3800BDCI will be available this fall.
The at-least-$1,000 premium over current Blu-ray players gets you BD-ROM Profile 1 Version 1.1, which will enable, according to the press release, "simultaneous playback of a secondary audio and video track, which may be used for interactive audio and commentary and for picture-in-picture capability (respectively). Additional information (subtitles, audio streams, camera angles, trailers, games, etc.) can be downloaded from the Internet via computer and stored on an SD card that either player will accept." Translation? Unless you're really into special features, Version 1.1 hardly makes current Blu-ray players seem obsolete. We're still scratching our heads why Denon couldn't include an Ethernet connection, found on players like the Samsung BD-P1200, instead of making you rely on SD cards. Aside from Version 1.1, the new "reference standard" player will include the step-up version of HQV's video processor, known as Realta. Current HQV-equipped units, like the aforementioned Samsung, get the step-down Reon processing, which to our eye works pretty dang well. Realta is said to improve the video quality of Blu-ray discs, and so it may inspire purchases Version 1.1 wouldn't. It's worth mentioning that simultaneous secondary AV track playback, along with an Ethernet port, are standard on all HD DVD players regardless of price.
In terms of audio, the DVD-3800BDCI will internally decode the new higher-quality surround Dolby True HD soundtracks (we're not sure yet if it can also decode DTS Master soundtracks, although the one we photographed was missing the DTS-HD Master logo) and can pass both Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio via bitstream to a compatible receiver like one of Denon's new models, the Onkyo TX-SR605 or Sony STR-DA5300ES, for example. Unfortunately the new Denon Blu-ray player lacks DVD-Audio and SACD playback, which might make it a more-compelling purchase for audiophiles invested in those formats. Speaking of formats, Denon's spokesman was careful to mention that the release of the DVD-3800BDCI didn't necessarily mean the company was an exclusive supporter of Blu-ray, a statement that naturally leaves open the possibility of Denon producing a combo HD DVD/Blu-ray player.
The Denon DVD-3800BDCI back panel
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