I am interested in 2 channel audio, but i need a home theater system for watching movies and I don't want to invest more on this home theater, so I go for this entry level.but it was really worth for every penny I spend.For watching movies it was awesome, I will not recommend any A/V receives for listening music.This the cheap and best

Attractive A/V receiver with great sound and an above-average feature set

Can't think of too many. Well, maybe 2. I wasn't able to change speaker channel levels on the front panel of the receiver. That is easy enough to do with the remote.

The many rear panel speaker terminals are tightly spaced together so it takes a bit of dexterity making your bare wire connections.

I bought this receiver as a refurb on the recommendations it had on the online forums and in use it lives up those given to it. It doesn't have HDMI switching so you'll have to do direct connects from your sources to your TV. Otherwise it's up to date in every respect for its class, has a wonderful warm, clean sound and projects a nice detailed soundstage. It has 'B' speaker outs besides the 2 surround backs and the 2 rear main surrounds so it gets quite cramped back there attaching speaker wire unless you're using banana plugs. The 7 channel stereo is nice if you're hosting a party but the Pro-Logic 2 seems fine to me for music. Dolby Digital and DTS movie performance is also excellent. The unit seems powerful enough, even more than my previous Sherwood. Now I don't know for sure if it will have the cajones to power 4 Ohms speakers to extremely loud levels since I'm using Acoustech horns but the Acoustechs (at 96db/1watt input) never sounded so coherently musical with not a hint of strain.

The 1707 is the 687's twin BTW, but the front panels are different. Apparently Circuit City and other big box stores carry the 3 digit models while specialty retailer get the 4 digit ones. I kind of prefer the styling of the 1707's front face but the controls and displays are identical. Same deal with the Denon DVD players, too.

The remote has simple silver front panel controls and in the rear, a more 'buttony' set hidden behind a hinged door. I haven't checked the manual as to how to program other devices from it yet - I use a Home Theater Master universal/learning remote to do the simple stuff and run my other components.

If you want to let the computer in the '1707 calibrate your speakers for you it should make setup a breeze with the included microphone. I've used the Pioneer MCMCC version before so I just have to say that these 'smart receivers' are just the ticket when all you have to do is sit and listen to the unit's beeps and clicks mapping out your room environment for you. Ahhh!

An important note as others have mentioned in previous Denon reviews. Buy your unit from an authorized Denon dealer so you retain your warrantee rights. Ecost sells mostly refurbs and is an authorized dealer - and they're prices are decent. Returns to Denon are not hard and the online RMA feature saves you time in those lengthy phone waits to their support centers. Some dealers are even now offering the new ASSURZ satisfaction plan at nominal cost so that if you're not happy with your unit you can return it prepaid shipping within 90 days.

This Denon is entry level, of course and you will get extras when you go up the line like HDMI connectivity and Audessey 2 EQ just to start with but if you're looking for a decent 75 watt home theater receiver, I can't think of a better choice than this one.

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Customer Service

If you decide to call the service center, be prepared for at least a 10-20 minute wait. Instead use their 'contact denon' link to process your in or out-of-warrantee returns or to ask technical questions.

Similar Products Used:

Sherwood, Pioneer