Denon AVR-791 7.1 Channel A/V Home Theater Multi-Source / Multi-Zone Receiver with HDMI 1.4a supporting 1080p and 3D (Black)
The audio and video performance of the Denon AVR-791 is exceptionally good. The amp has plenty of power, good audio processing features, a very clean sound, and a good balance of audio and video input/output formats (I really need one more component analog input, and I'd like one more S-Video input, but didn't want to spend the $$ for the upgrade to the AVR-891). There were two specific features that were a "must have" for me: upsampling of analog inputs to HDMI 1080P, and compatibility with the newest 3D signal formats (to go with my new Samsung 3D Blu-Ray player and TV). The video upsampling is top notch - running a standard def DVD from my old Pioneer player (using the upsampling in the Denon) looks better than playing the same DVD back in my new Samsung Blu-Ray player (using the Blu-Ray's upsampling to 1080P). I did the tests using standard off the shelf movies, as well as the "Microsoft Hardware Compatibility Labs" DVD Test Disk.
The Audyssey auto setup works remarkably well and gets all the audio settings "close enough". I was able to get it to sound a little better with a little fine tuning, but most people should be happy with the auto setup (I am using the Definitive Technologies ProCinema 600 speakers, which are a great match for this amp).
My biggest complaint is with the on-screen menus and the remote control. The on-screen menus are horrible, with standard definition black/white text that looks incredibly ugly in 1080P. The menu navigation in general seems like it was bodged together without much thought. The remote control has the opposite problem - it is so over-engineered and it has so many buttons and shift functions that it is impossible to figure out. The text over the buttons ("secondary" functions) is medium grey on black - impossible to read even in bright light, much less the dim lighting that you find in any media room. And the "primary" functions are printed way too large on the small buttons, so the text is cramped and illegible. Half the buttons are completely useless, they should be removed and all the other buttons should be much larger with more legible text.
I was tempted to give the AVR-791 a three star rating because of the UI issues, but they did get all the important stuff right (it really is a great amp with top notch audio and video quality) so I went with four stars.
Rating : 4.5
Price : $499.99
Offer Price : $498.00
Availability : Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Features - Denon AVR-791 7.1 Channel A/V Home Theater Multi-Source / Multi-Zone Receiver with HDMI 1.4a supporting 1080p and 3D (Black)
Overviews - Denon AVR-791 7.1 Channel A/V Home Theater Multi-Source / Multi-Zone Receiver with HDMI 1.4a supporting 1080p and 3D (Black)
The new AVR-791 is packed with technology and features making it the clear choice for value oriented consumers looking for exceptional performance. Each of its 7-amplifier channels produce 90-watts of power, delivering detail and dynamics to music and movie soundtracks. They can be configured for 7.1 channel surround sound, or drive a 5.1 channel system in the main room and power a pair of speakers in a second “zone”. It’s equipped with 1080p and 3D (all formats) compatible HDMI 1.4a Repeating technology, delivering both audio and video to your HDTV with single HDMI cable. This HDMI connectivity supports the latest generation surround sound formats available on Blu-ray disc, including Dolby TrueHD and DD+, dts-HD and dts-HR. Also included is Dolby Laboratories new Pro Logic IIz Matrix decoding featuring front height effects channels that expands front soundstage. The AVR-791 boasts a number of Audyssey technologies. Advanced Audyssey MultEQ analyzes a speaker systems interaction with room acoustics, and then delivers custom tailored correction processing to optimize clarity and tonal balance throughout the listening space. Audyssey Dynamic Volume is an automatic volume-leveling system that tracks audio dynamics to eliminate the irritating volume swings between TV shows and commercials. Audyssey Dynamic EQ is also on board to ensure rich bass and smooth tonal balance at low volume listening levels. In addition to enhanced HDMI 1.4a repeating (4 in, 1 out), the AVR-791 is the least expensive receiver in the Denon lineup to feature 1080p i/p conversion, analog to HDMI upscaling and HDMI to HDMI scaling. Video conversion is accomplished using a premium Anchor Bay Technologies chip set featuring 10-bit processing. The AVR-791 also features 2 component video inputs, seven analog inputs, and multi-zone / multi-source capability. A front-panel USB input allows quick and easy connection for iPod/iPhone, Flash Drives and HDD with command and control functionality.
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