( 9 reviews )
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( 1 of 1 found this review helpful ) Posted: 07-20-2009
The AVR-1709 is an exceptional buy. I got this for 218.00 delivered including tax. The Multi-EQ function works really well. I have 5 Polk ceiling mounted speakers and with my older Onkyo 602 it seemed most of the time that you could tell that the speakers were in the ceiling. After running the multi-EQ on the 1709, the speakers disappear, but also sound much more open and life-like, and not just from a single "sweet spot". CD music is amazing as well. The Dynamic EQ and Dynamic volume are great for watching television since the "so-called Engineers" at the TV stations are basically 2nd string A-V club dropouts these days, with no clue about level equalization of programming material.With both engaged you can move from channel to channel, and never touch the volume, you don't have to dive for the mute button when a commercial comes on, or crank up the volume to hear dialog, only to get deafened at the next commercial break. I use this with a Harmony remote and it integrated into existing activities with ease, needing only the new functions to be added. The gripes about no audio pass-through are made by idiots. I have DVD player via component and DVR/Cable box via HDMI directly to the TV, with Optical from device to 1709. HDMI switching is not utilized. TV sound is never used. The Harmony handles all input switching like a charm. I even have a function for Patio music using the zone 2 function.
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Posted: 06-01-2009
I've always wanted to own a Denon Receiver because in my eyes, they seem to be the best. They always seemed to make the best quality products, and when I had the chance to get a Denon, I did. The Denon AVR-1709 is an awesome receiver that puts out a very nice 80 watts x 7 channels, which is more than enough. This is an extremly loud reciver with it's volume range goes from -80 db to a whopping +18 db. My buddy's Harmon/Kardon only gets to +0 db. The set-up was sorta tough but but the calibration mic makes everything better. People conplain about not having an On Screen Display, but I love that it doesn't, its much easier. I was annoying that there is no 3.5 mm port of Ipods, even though it has an "Ipod mode" but it was just another cheap cable I had to buy. I do alot of research on my products before I buy, so I knew that it is only HDMI pass though. In all of the desciptions it clearly says that it only handles video, so anyone who complains about it is foolish because they did not read. I don't really use HDMI that much, and anyways I just let my TV handle the video and audio conected though optical cables. this has a very nice amount of inputs which is more than enough for anyone looking for a receiver in this price level. I did have a small problem with overheating, but that is my fault because it is in a small area. I fixed that problem with a fan as the Denon does not have one. Over all the Denon is a very solid buy, and I recomend it to anyone.
