Denon rolls out updates across 10 receiver models
By Steven Kim 
posted May 23rd 2008 10:07AM
posted May 23rd 2008 10:07AM
Because it covers just about every price point in its receiver lineup and doesn't want to leave anybody feeling slighted, Denon is bringing updates to 10 models in the heart of its offerings. The company is emphasizing bang-for-your-buck in the AVR-589 ($299), AVR-689 ($399), AVR-789 ($599), AVR-889 ($749), AVR-989 ($1199), AVR-1909 ($649), AVR-2309CI ($849) and AVR-2809CI ($1199). It's a good-looking refresh: on the video side, the emphasis on more HDMI 1.3a inputs and 1080p video upscaling. On the audio side, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA decoding, Audyssey room tuning (MultiEQ) and volume regulation (Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume) get sprinkled through the lineup liberally. All this goodness should be finding its way to your dealer soon; expected availability is July. If you're in the market for a new receiver, hit the link for the details and decide if you want to wait on these new models or score a deal on the outgoing ones.
Unfortunately these only offer 1080p upconversion for analog sources. I've long moved on from analog, so what I'd really need is top notch 480i and 1080i to 1080p upscaling via HDMI from my DVR. I think the only Denon receiver that offers this is their top of the line 5308CI with the Silicon Optix Realta HQV processing. Sadly, $5,000 is WAAAAY beyond my maximum budget for a new receiver. I hope great video processing trickles down to more reasonably priced receivers soon. Oh well, back to waiting mode.
Just buy a VP30 or VP50 if you really need crazy-good digital upscaling.
Another option is the Gefen TV Scaler Pro. About 1/3 the price of a VP50. Uses the Realta chip for scaling.
Thanks, guys. My situation is that I have a decent Marantz pre-HDMI receiver. I was hoping to kill two birds with one stone by upgrading to a receiver that does both HDMI audio plus top-notch video upscaling. I'd considered a lower end HDMI receiver plus a separate outboard scalar already, but again I'm afraid that combination is pretty well out of my price range for now.
Worst case, I could just go with an inexpensive HDMI audio receiver and use pass-through only on the HDMI video. That way I'd continue to use the TV's internal scalar, which is okay but nothing to write home about. If I'm ever able to get my front projector I could reevaluate an outboard processor at that time, if needed.
Or, I could wait... I just know that within a couple of years max we're going to have Realta-quality video processing in midrange receivers.
Decisions, decisions... :)
One more follow-up. Mark, thanks for the pointer about the Gefen TV Scaler Pro. With a $699 list price, maybe I *could* swing it plus a midrange receiver... I'll check out the reviews.
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/02/11/gefen-tv-scaler-pro-realta-hqv-1080p-upconversion-for-699
For folks with pre-HDMI AVRs: consider a blu-ray deck with internal decoding (e.g. Panny BD50) and multi-channel analog outputs. Assuming you have such inputs (most higher-end AVRs from the DVD era have 5.1 analog in at least), you can avoid changing anything. Very little besides blu-ray needs anything past DD or base DTS over optical.
HDMI/HDCP is more to be avoided that "upgraded" to.
For folks with pre-HDMI AVRs: consider a blu-ray deck with internal decoding (e.g. Panny BD50) and multi-channel analog outputs. Assuming you have such inputs (most higher-end AVRs from the DVD era have 5.1 analog in at least), you can avoid changing anything. Very little besides blu-ray needs anything past DD or base DTS over optical.
HDMI/HDCP is more to be avoided that "upgraded" to.
The AVR-1909 / AVR-789 is looking like a pretty nice deal, and should be a worthy competitor to the Pio 1018, Onkyo TX-SR606, and the Sony STR-DG920.
Just bought a 788 a few weeks ago, but I'm still within my return period. The 689 looks like it would fit my needs just fine.
I literally just ordered a 3808 from 6ave.com this week. It is currently with DHL to be delivered on Tuesday. I had pause knowing that the receiver came out late last summer/early fall. I figured something new would soon be announced. I know this announcement doesn't have a 3809, but I'm sure that will come soon.
I'm pretty sure the 3808 will have everything I need and that whatever they add to the 3809 won't make me cry. :-)
As to Mr E and analog only conversion. The 3808 does HDMI to HDMI upconversion as well. I remember that being a big positive in multiple reviews I read.
I don't think it's right to call them all hdmi 1.3a, since not all of them do hdmi audio.
Which of the new units will do HDMI audio? I'd love to eliminate 1 more cable.
I got my denon receiver at www.consumerdepot.com