Denon AVR-789 on sale

[pokguy]

Denon AVR-789. It was $749 a month back at BB or FS.

Best Buy $499 now. You can use the $10 on-line cupon or..................

Futureshop has it for $699

So I bought one at $479.98 from Futureshop. (Price matched at Futureshop with a 10% discount on the difference)

[fun4uoc]

Have you set it up yet? How does it sound.

[sexyblackbmw]

Have you set it up yet? How does it sound.

So so. They tend to be on the brighter side, less natural sounding side. Better then anything else best buy sells though.

Depending on the rest of your system, and what you're trying to accomplish, You would be better off going with Denon's original higher end series. At independant more boutique style audio shops sell these around 449-599 around christmas.

http://www.ca.denon.com/ProductDetails/3317.asp

or a worthy upgrade would be avr-1909 http://www.ca.denon.com/ProductDetails/3318.asp

They tend to use higher end componentry in these models I listed.

What speakers and sources are you using?

[sb_tor]

There is no real difference between the 789 and the 1909.
And the 1709 would be a downgrade.

from AVSforums:
In the specific case of the 1909 vs. 789, the only differences (besides the cosmetics) is:
1. the 1909 includes a small, second remote intended for Zone 2 operation, and
2. the 1909 has a plug on the back labeled "RF/RC 2WAY", next to the Sirius plug. The function of this plug is to allow you to hard-wire a two-way RF remote controller (sold separately) to use in a different room. See page 20 of the manual for a detailed explanation.
In all other respects, the 1909 and 789 are IDENTICAL.

The above two differences result in a $50 MSRP difference. the 789 is carries in stores like bestbuy, while 1909 is carried by speciality audio stores.

[sexyblackbmw]

There is no real difference between the 789 and the 1909.
And the 1709 would be a downgrade.

from AVSforums:
In the specific case of the 1909 vs. 789, the only differences (besides the cosmetics) is:
1. the 1909 includes a small, second remote intended for Zone 2 operation, and
2. the 1909 has a plug on the back labeled "RF/RC 2WAY", next to the Sirius plug. The function of this plug is to allow you to hard-wire a two-way RF remote controller (sold separately) to use in a different room. See page 20 of the manual for a detailed explanation.
In all other respects, the 1909 and 789 are IDENTICAL.

The above two differences result in a $50 MSRP difference. the 789 is carries in stores like bestbuy, while 1909 is carried by speciality audio stores.

I really believe thats why they introduced their second x89 line. They could keep their original line for more prestigious stores, then enter the Big box chains with their 689,789, etc line.

But Have you listened to the difference in sound on a good pair of speakers? Side by side comparison? I noticed a difference from the 789 to 1909 being the 789 was brighter, and a little less natural. They look identical, and both are made in China, so I don't get it?

realistically the average person on here will never hear the differences though So I guess it would be a hot deal for most.

I guess the only realy upgrade would be the 2309CI and up. They are made in Japan as well.

[sb_tor]

I really believe thats why they introduced their second x89 line. They could keep their original line for more prestigious stores, then enter the Big box chains with their 689,789, etc line.

But Have you listened to the difference in sound on a good pair of speakers? Side by side comparison? I noticed a difference from the 789 to 1909 being the 789 was brighter, and less natural.

realistically the average person on here will never hear the differences though So I guess it would be a hot deal for most.

Ah, if I remember, you're the audiophile with the 4 different high end speaker systems in your home. I'm just the average user, the 789 sounds fine to me.

[sexyblackbmw]

Ah, if I remember, you're the audiophile with the 4 different high end speaker systems in your home. I'm just the average user, the 789 sounds fine to me.

Haha, you're going to play that card huh?!

Hey I'm no different than you, just because my ears hear more than yours doesn't make us completely different... J/k

[Dalmar]

I would really like to find something to upgrade to from my avr-3802 that is now a few years old, I'm really stating to want something with truehd, but its hard to justify the expense the "new" model is the 3808ci i think and it around $1800, I was thinking up maybe the 9xx model if they ever come out on sale.

[VANTIS]

i have a question..how is the auto volume adjustment feature??? you know, like when a show goes to commercial and its so damn loud...apparently this model has a feature that corrects this? any experimentation yet??

[chenwaa123]

i have a question..how is the auto volume adjustment feature??? you know, like when a show goes to commercial and its so damn loud...apparently this model has a feature that corrects this? any experimentation yet??

I don't think this Denon model has "Audyssey Dynamic Volume". AFAIK its only offered as a $100 DL on the Denon 3808ci and 4808ci.

http://ca.denon.com/upgrade/

[scotty01]

Here is the link for lazy people like me who don't like searching!

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/prodde...05&catid=20313

[ZUnit]

I don't think this Denon model has "Audyssey Dynamic Volume". AFAIK its only offered as a $100 DL on the Denon 3808ci and 4808ci.

http://ca.denon.com/upgrade/

It does have Audyssey Dynamic Volume, As well as Mutli-EQ and Dynamic EQ which are all excellent features

[Uber12]

I don't think this Denon model has "Audyssey Dynamic Volume". AFAIK its only offered as a $100 DL on the Denon 3808ci and 4808ci.

http://ca.denon.com/upgrade/

Actually, pretty much all of Denon's line this year has the Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ features. I have the 1909 (basically the same as the 789) and the Audyssey features are what were the determining feature for me in buying Denon. They work greatly as advertised - I used to constantly be adjusting the volume louder to hear dialogue and then quieter when the explosions or blasting music came on. I used to even be constantly adjusting my surround channels to get the levels right. Now, I just put down the remote and enjoy the show. IMHO, these features work exactly as advertised and are well worth the price. You can read more about Audyssey here:

www.audyssey.com

Of course, this is all in addtition to the Denon reliability and sound quality, HD audio support, and HDMI upconversion and 1080p upscaling of analog sources. I am a very happy owner. It is the best single component I've ever added to my home theater system in the 10 years I've had it.

[dgs]

I would really like to find something to upgrade to from my avr-3802 that is now a few years old, I'm really stating to want something with truehd, but its hard to justify the expense the "new" model is the 3808ci i think and it around $1800, I was thinking up maybe the 9xx model if they ever come out on sale.

The 988 dropped as low as 499.99 at FS when it was replaced by the 989 in the fall this year - Denon change over their range late summer/early fall - that's the best time of year to get the high end models (although CA$ was stronger then and maybe they wont do a new range for 2009/10 in such a weak economy.. )

[sb_tor]

I don't think this Denon model has "Audyssey Dynamic Volume". AFAIK its only offered as a $100 DL on the Denon 3808ci and 4808ci.

http://ca.denon.com/upgrade/

yes, this denon has Audyssey (although there is apparently a higher version of Audyssey too). I only tried the midnight mode on a movie, it does level the volume very satisfactorily. Will try it on commercials.