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Denon AVR-889 700-Watt 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
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1 new or used available from $725.00
Average customer review:
Product Description
Packed with all of the latest high definition surround sound decoders, the AVR-889 is also equipped with sophisticated video signal processing and upconversion functions that breathe new life into standard definition sources. The video section features four HDMI v1.3a inputs that support high resolution audio as well as high definition video up to 1080p. The AVR-889 also includes Faroudja¿s renowned DCDi deinterlacing and upscaling that provides near-HD picture quality with standard definition sources such as DVD. The audio section features the latest Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, for the growing number of Blu-ray high definition titles that feature the ultimate in surround sound fidelity, along with Dolby Digital Plus, DTS ES 6.1 Discrete and Matrix modes, as well as Dolby Pro Logic IIx and DTS Neo6 decoding. Audyssey Dynamic Volume automatically eliminates irritating volume level changes between TV shows and commercials, while the Audyssey MultEQ room acoustic correction system automatically provides the smoothest, most natural tonal balance in the listening space. Audyssey Dynamic EQ ensures rich bass and smooth tonal balance, even at low volume levels. Full multimedia connectivity includes optional adapters to handle PC-based multimedia sources as well as iPod connectivity, and Denon¿s Compressed Audio Restorer brings near-CD fidelity to portable audio tracks.
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #37616 in Consumer Electronics
- Brand: Denon
- Model: AVR889
Features
- 7.1 channel home theater receiver
- 100 Watts per channel
- 4 HDMI v1.3a inputs, 3 component inputs, 4 composite inputs, and 4 S-Video inputs
- Audyssey Dynamic EQ, MultEQ, and Dynamic Volume
- 7-Channel Equal Power ensures highly balanced output
Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
From the Manufacturer
Denon AVR-889: 7.1 CH/5.1+2 CH Independent Zone Home Theater Receiver
The AVR-889's audio and video circuitry has been updated to provide high-end surround performance in a mid-priced A/V receiver. The audio section features the latest Dolby TrueHD and dts Master Audio decoding, allowing you to get the most from high definition Blu-ray titles. Low THD-rated amplifiers deliver pure, clean high-power sound for enhanced listening enjoyment--even if you own demanding speakers. An RS-232C system control port is provided for easy integration into complex home audio installations with 3rd party controllers. Setup has been simplified with the automatic Audyssey MultEQ calibration process. Additionally, the AVR-889 comes with a pre-programmed IR remote control. The Denon AVR-889 provides a host of connections and features |
The Denon AVR-889 is made from high-quality components to ensure excellent audio and video quality. The straightforward design philosophy of the "minimum signal path" has been implemented to provide immaculately clean audio and video playback. Signal paths are as short as possible to keep signal degradation in the audio and video circuitry to an absolute minimum. The AVR-889 includes a robust power source for each capacitor block for a stable supply of current. This, along with a separate dedicated CPU transformer, produces a clear circuit that prevents unwanted signal noise from affecting the sound.
The AVR-889 features 7-Channel Equal Power, which allows owners to connect up to 7 speakers independently and offers a 7.1 home theater solution without the need for additional amplifiers. Built-in separate internal amplifiers independently provide each channel with 100 Watts of power. This lets you enjoy the same high power output capability per channel, and gives a balanced and truly high-impact surround-sound environment.
The sound from movie sources recorded in Dolby Digital, dts, or other formats emphasizes high-frequency range due to a theater’s front speakers being placed behind the movie screen. If this sound is reproduced in the home theater without correction, the high-frequency range can be too strong. The Denon AVR-889's Cinema Equalizer corrects these high-frequency components so that the sound is clearer and easier to listen to.
The Audyssey MultEQ acoustic measuring and correction system takes the guesswork out of equalization setup. Using the included calibration microphone, it analyzes the audio characteristics of your speaker system and your listening environment at up to 6 locations. This ensures a custom tailored sound for top audio fidelity. In addition, the AVR-889 is among the first to feature Audyssey’s remarkable Dynamic Volume processing, which eliminates irritating jumps in volume between TV shows and commercials.
 The Denon AVR-889 features Audyssey processing |
The versatile AVR-889 provides excellent audio and video signal processing and switching flexibility, and is fully equipped to handle even the most sophisticated home theater setups. The video section features four HDMI v1.3a inputs with one output, which can accommodate 1080p resolution and also handle high definition multi-channel LPCM, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks. In addition, the AVR-889 comes with 3 component video inputs, 4 composite video inputs with 2 outputs, 4 S-Video inputs with 2 outputs, 9 analog audio inputs (including tuner), 2 coaxial digital inputs, and 2 optical digital inputs with 1 output.
For standard definition sources such as DVD, the on-board Faroudja DCDi video processing and upconversion system provides near-HD picture quality. DCDi is a specialized video processing developed by Faroudja that involves advanced algorithms to remove the jagged edges that appear when standard interlaced video is viewed on progressive scan displays. DCDi converts standard interlaced signals into progressive scan signals in order to eliminate the staircasing effect that conventional upconverters can introduce to diagonal edges.
The Denon AVR-889 also offers XM Satellite Radio capability, providing subscribers with enhanced features over traditional radio receivers. An optional plug and play XM antenna and service contract is required to activate the XM Radio feature. Additionally, the AVR-889 is equipped with Neural Surround, the format chosen by XM Radio to power their new XM HD surround programming. Neural Surround provides the rich envelopment and discrete image detail of surround sound in a format that is 100% compatible with stereo audio. With superior spectral resolution and channel separation, Neural Surround draws the brain’s attention to sonic details in musical instruments, vocals, and ambience that are typically masked by other playback systems. This allows the listener to fully experience the richness and subtleties in recorded performance as never before.
Multiple Decoders Provide Excellent Compatibility
Denon’s advanced surround sound decoding section is powered by a high-precision 32-bit floating point DSP processor. This provides breathtaking surround sound quality from virtually any source. The AVR-889 is also packed with the biggest names in audio decoding, ensuring that you will hear movies, music, and games exactly the way their creators intended.
Dolby Digital is the multi-channel digital signal format developed by Dolby Laboratories. It consists of up to 5.1 channels—front left, front right, center, surround left, surround right, and an additional channel exclusively reserved for additional deep bass sound effects. The signals within each channel are distinct from the others, allowing pinpoint sound imaging and tremendous dynamic range from the most powerful sound effects to the quietest, softest sounds. The Dolby Pro Logic IIx format expands on Dolby Digital by decoding audio signals recorded on up to 7.1 playback channels. 7.1-channel audio builds upon the 5.1 setup by adding two rear surround speakers for even greater audio imaging. Dolby Pro Logic IIx also allows 5.1-channel audio sources to be played in up to 7.1 channels.
dts Digital Surround (also called simply dts) is a multi-channel digital signal format developed by Digital Theater Systems. Like Dolby Digital, it is a 5.1-channel surround sound format that is available as an optional soundtrack on many DVDs. The primary advantage of dts is that it offers higher data rates, leading many home theater enthusiasts to claim the sound quality for movie or music audio tracks to be closer to the original master recordings. This receiver is also equipped with the dts 96/24 format, which provides even higher quality 5.1 channel sound playback. The dts-ES Extended Surround decoder improves the 360-degree surround impression by adding a Surround Back channel, for a total of 6.1 channels. Finally, the dts Neo:6 surround decoder converts conventional 2-channel signals to 6.1-channel surround playback by applying them to the high-precision digital matrix decoder used for dts-ES Matrix 6.1.
State of the Art Solutions for Superior Quality
Not only is the AVR-889 versatile and powerful, but Denon has made it easy to use with many convenient features. Setup and operation are a snap, aided by an enhanced icon-based on-screen display that also features a screen saver. The Personal Memory Plus function allows the receiver to store surround modes, the level setting for all speakers, and the delay time to further customize the sound source. With the push of a button, the receiver will be tuned to the source of choice and the perfect preset settings will be activated. Additionally, the optional Denon ASD-11R iPod docking station is compatible with the AVR-889. It provides direct charging, iPod control, and playback of audio and video content, dependent with each device's capabilities.
Technical Specifications
- Weight: 27.1 lbs
- Width: 17.1 inches
- Height: 6.7 inches
- Depth: 16.9 inches
- Output: 100 Watts per channel
- Dolby Digital Surround EX Decoding: Yes
- dts ES Discrete 6.1 Decoding: Yes
- dts ES Matrix 6.1 Decoding: Yes
- dts Neo:6 Stereo-to-Surround Cinema and Music Modes: Yes
- dts 96/24 5.1 for DVD-Video Processing: Yes
- Assignable Digital Inputs: Yes
- Digital Inputs: Coaxial: 2
- Digital Inputs: Optical: 2
- Digital Outputs: Optical: 1
- Digital to Analog REC Out: Yes
- Analog Audio Inputs, Incl. Tuner: 9
- Phono Input: Yes
- Analog Record Outputs: 2
- Composite Video Inputs: 4
- Composite Video Outputs: 2
- S-Video Inputs: 4
- S-Video Outputs: 2
- Component Video Inputs x Bandwidth: 3 x 100 MHz (Assignable)
- Station Auto-Preset Memory Tuning: 56
- HDMI 1.3a Inputs: 4
- HDMI 1.3a Outputs: 1
- XM Satellite Radio 'Connect and Play' Ready: Yes
Choosing a Denon A/V Receiver for Your Home Theater System
Denon offers several models of A/V receiver systems, from the entry-level AVR-589 5.1 channel receiver system to the advanced AVR-989 7.1 channel receiver system. Which A/V receiver system you choose depends on how much you're willing to spend and which features you prioritize in a home theater environment. Here's a quick breakdown of the Denon A/V receiver systems.  | |
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Customer Reviews
Good Product
Sound Quality - A
This product sounds very good. The bass is heavy, power is sufficient for its class and the highs are remarkable. It is also very quite. The audio generated is very clear and crisp - you hear new instruments in songs that you are familar with. It's very surprising. Visual clarity is as expected - excellent. Audessey audio enhancement is top notch and actual makes a noticeable difference
Build Quality - A
Sturdy. The unit does not feel cheap in anyway. The knobs and buttons are well designed and built to last.
Presentation - B
The unit is heavy. It is also longish meaning that it may not fit in a generic shelf - mine hangs out by at least 4 inches. I guess this is the new 'standard'.
Ease of use - B
Receivers are implicitly complicated. Gone are the days when you could buy one, plug it in and forget about it. That said, it would serve you well to read the manual first and keep it close. I am not a manual reader, I dive in. I got lost, spent several hours groping before I had to go to the manual. After you run autosetup and get everything sounding perfectly, you can always return to that state by performing a parameter restore if you mess up your settings by poking around. I use it often.
Supporting Documentation - B
The supporting documentation is thick. Everything is in there. I would have liked it categorized a bit better so that common functionality is more prominent. For a complicated product, I thought the manual did a good job but there is room for improvement. In particular, tips and trouble-shooting should receive more focus in the document body. It's in there in note form, but not that much.
Long Term Durability - NA
I had my Sony for 8 years before it started to misbehave. I hope this lasts as long.
Peripherals - C+
The remote is a challenge to operate. The remote contains both sides, one top and one hidden on the back side. Intuitive! but definitely not obvious to joe the plumber. The remote also serves as a universal remote control, you can program your other home theatre components with it. Getting around with the remote requires focus and attention to detail. An inattentive click causes grief.
Connections - A
There are ample connections for any one buying in to this price range. If you need more connections, you need a higher end system and should be at a higher price point. This will handle all your home theater connections and then some.
Overal Experience - B
For the price point, this receiver delivers in a major way. The multi-zone is an added bonus. For instance, in a couple of minutes I was able to configure the unit to play music on 2 speakers while my son played Xbox on 6 speakers. In a large room, this unit complements the notion of 'family time'.
Auto-setup is a huge time-saver. I spent 4 hours tuning the speakers, auto-setup did it in 20 minutes and, admittedly, better than my best efforts.
Bottom line is that this receiver will be current for the next few years at least, which makes it a good investment for that price today. For instance, Autosetup kept telling me my front speakers were out phase which i did not believe. Finally, I checked because it would not let me proceed past that point. It was right. It was late at night, I was tired and I connected +ve for -ve. Priceless!
The unit has a large number of options that make tweaking a dream (or nightmare) for those inclined. However, the large number of options makes it that much more complicated. For instance, it is easy to shoot yourself in the foot with this and spend several hours trying to figure out how to 'fix' it.
If I had the money, I would buy this again. What I would do different is that I would use autosetup to configure my speakers (20 minutes). I would read the manual first (20 minutes) and then start connecting. If you have a weekend to burn, toss the manual and dive right in - it's worth it.
4.5 stars. Great sound quality. Very crisp and clear
I found a lot of complaining about how hard it is to set these (Denons) up. Granted, it does take some time and investigation to find a few customization steps to ensure the best sound for your listening area. Pay attention to what you are doing and you can get it set up without too much difficulty. Setup can be challenging regardless of what receiver you have. There are some basics of setting up this stuff. Each connection must be to the right input and output or it won't work. However, if you follow some directions in the manual and look to the AVS forum for suggestions you will NOT be disappointed with the sound. The clarity and responsiveness are great. The Audyssey Auto set up is not difficult (I highly suggest using a camera tripod for this don't use your hands). I got my AVR-889 from a closing Circuit City store for $562.00 and also got a 5 year protection at an additional cost. This was a GREAT deal I could not pass up. I have it paired up to Floor Standing Klipsch VF-35's, center is Klipsch VC-25, good Kenwood Sub, and affordable Polk Audio T-15 rears. The sound is amazing. I love the receiver and could not be happier with it. The controller is terrible but I plan on setting it up with Harmony One controller in a day or two. If you want a machine with GREAT sound paired with all the new technology at a true 100 watts per channel this is your receiver. If listening to music you can use Audyssey Flat mode, Direct, or Pure Direct and the music quality is superb. I have an older Mitsubishi 65 inch rear projection so I did use the upscalling feature and it did work pretty well not jaw dropping but good upscalling for older TV's. No flickering noticed at all. If you have a newer TV you might be better off turning the Denon's upscalling off and using the TV's instead (or a blue ray player). I did a ton of research on it and in my mind it is easily the best in its class. Receiver is quiet and does not run hot like some other comparable brands. I should comment that the 4.5 rating is because the controller is useless and a receiver of this price should have a better remote. Also, worth mentioning is I have been getting distortion in Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS Neo 6 mode all other modes work fine. I suspect it is the micro-processor and will need to have it serviced or replaced. It was an open box so that could be the reason for this. The sound in Dolby Digital is great and I would recommend this receiver.
Good Performer
The AVR-889 was in the "sweet spot" for me in terms of performance and price. Thus far, I'm thrilled with the performance and build quality of this unit.
Pros
*Terrific sound for music and cinema in a small to mid sized room
*Very solidly built in Japan
*No issues with heat
*4 HDMI inputs
Cons
*The on-screen menu system is rudimentary at best
Recommendations
*Although the menu system looks like something from a Commodore 64, it works. Be patient.
*Setup can be daunting, but if you use the included microphone for automatic configuration, you can have very good sound within twenty minutes of plugging the device in.
*Read the manual. Several times. Things will make more sense if you are having difficulty with setup.
*Be sure to measure the depth of your av rack or entertainment center before purchase.
*As others have mentioned, invest in a Logitech Harmony One (or your favorite universal remote).
