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Denon AVR-1709: Review

Posted to Audio Components 2009-07-04

The Denon AVR-1709 Home Theater Receiver is Denon's latest entry-level home theater receiver. It's a 7.1 channel surround receiver, sits just above their lowest-price model, the AVR-1609, in their lineup and features dual-zone capability (5.1 surround main zone, 2-channel stereo second zone). The AVR-1709 also features compatibility with a full range of Dolby formats, 3 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output, with video conversion up to 1080p of all inputs.

It features 80 watts of power for each of its 7 channels, Audyssey Laboratories' MultEQ 6-point auto setup and room calibration system, as well as Audyssey's Dynamic Volume leveling circuitry, which eliminates annoying jumps in sound between shows and commercials. The AVR-1709 also has a complete array of digital and analog inputs and outputs, an optional Ipod docking station, and a full-function remote control.

Rating:

4.8 out of 5

Value

The AVR-1709 provides a lot of value for the price. It features Denon quality, and the build-quality is on par with sets costing much more. Denon didn't scrimp on features to achieve this price, either. Unless you need a system that can handle two 7.1 surround zones, there's not much need to spend more than this on an entry-level home theater system. The ergonomics are excellent, with the controls on the set well-placed and the remote quite usable.

Features

The AVR-1709 has all the features you're likely to need for a quality entry-level home theater system. The dual-zone capability is an exclusive in this price range - the competition doesn't allow you to choose the 5.1/stereo combination. It can handle all the latest Dolby formats you're likely to find on Blu-ray and other HD content and has enough analog and digital I/O to handle your legacy gear as well as your newer devices.

Summary

If you're on a tight budget for your home theater system, or just starting out in the home theater world, the AVR-1709 makes an excellent choice. It's complicated enough to satisfy the experienced user, yet simple enough for the beginner to install. And to get Denon quality at this price makes for a real bargain.

Pros

7.1 channel surround receiver with 80W/ch. output
Dual-zone 5.1/stereo capability
Audyssey MultEQ setup
A host of analog and digital I/O options
Above average build quality

Cons

There are no cons for this product