Best sound of Quality pre-amps

no HDMI,but sounds best

Good number of connections.

Digital DTS card. With the DTS card the you may miss the few 15-30 seconds of sound as the chip determins if the sound is DTS encoded. I didn't mind so much but my Wife really dislikes this. Also could happen in the middle of a rented DVD if a scratch was bad enough to loose the signal encoding.

4 or more years ago I was comparing this unit to the Marantz equivalent (don't remeber the model). Boy do I wish I purchased the Marantz. My unit came with the then new DTS board this was an enhancment and when the board was added a little sticker was added to the front og the cabnet. With in 2-3 months of having the component the all of my surround sounds capabilities including DTS stopped working, I could only get sound on the stereo and 5 channel stereo modes. I took it back and they sent it to the factory for repair. I was informed that the DTS card was bad and was replaced under warrenty. 2 years later the sound went out and I took it back. (I told them that it sounded like the same problem) the factory reported that ALL systems where working fine. May be the mail bounced some stuff back to gether who knows. After being in th shop for 2-3 months both times, I requested they remove the DTS card. I have not re-wired the unit in after this...it has been 6 months and I don't really care if I ever add this unit back into my system.

Sound quality, direct mode, AC-3 RF input

Lack of 5.1 input, component video switching, slow "latch" on to AC-3 signal

I bought this product in early 1995 when AC-3 LaserDiscs were first coming to market and I have been using it daily ever sense. It was the cream of the crop of its day, but it is lacking some of the bells and whistles of newer models, which is causing me to replace the 8000 at this time. If the following issues are not a concern of your, the AVP-8000 is highly recommended. It has been super-reliable (3,000+ hours without a problem)

The biggest deficiency I’ve encountered or the years is the lack of an (easy) upgrade path to DTS. There is no 5.1 channel input and I never sprung for the hardware upgrade from MSB that is available. Since the unit is a pre-amp only, 7.1 upgrades are less of an issue since you can place a matrix decoder between the unit's outputs and your amplifier (though I haven't personally done this).

A second drawback is that is takes the unit 1-2 seconds to “lock” on to an AC-3 signal. This was not a problem in LaserDiscs days, but it can be quite annoying with the menu systems of modern DVD’s. I occasionally hear a burst of digital static when skipping chapters in a DVD.

A third modern-day drawback is the lack of component video inputs. This is the “straw the broken the camel’s back” so to speak, as I now have two component with component video output but only one input on my monitor.

Solid as a rock
Appearance
Clarity

Remote looks like a Lego factory
No DTS
No component video

I bought this monster on a whim when I saw it marked down to half price here in Australia (still a considerable price - you guys in the US have it VERRRY good in that field!).

Anyway, I was a bit nervous about the lack of DTS, and I still don't understand what the difference between THX and THX Ultra is - but I wired it up fairly easily and got it working without a problem.

First thing - the manual is hopeless. I learnt more about this thing from a hi-fi magazine talking about the AVC-A1D (similar controls and setup). Denon needs better English translators.

My priority was for good quality CD sound as well as theatre, so I played Peter Gabriel first up to hear the difference between the Denon and my previous Yamaha receiver. Amazing! Finally I could understand every word - in some cases too well (very crisp sound, and unforgiving with bad recordings, eg: Go West).

For home theatre, the THX mode is absolutely wonderful - speech is clear, not lost in a flurry of soundtrack noise (unlike other machines). Sub is punchy, but setting it to the right level is pure guesswork. Separation is adequate.

Conclusion? Very, very good - but I would've been unsure if I'd paid full price. A huge step up for me... I'm just hoping Australia doesn't change it's current law on banning DTS discs...

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha RX-V870

Have been living with this pre/pro for more than 2 years and gone through various cable changes as well as speakers. collectively, they've finally been brought to a higher level of listening and viewing pleasure that belies my initial expectation. First of all, this unit is highly sensitive to cables and speaker matching. I've used XLO VDO/Pro interconnect/digital coaxial to AQ Ruby to XLO Reference, Signature, JPS Labs, Millersound and finally Harmonic Technology wiring. I have to say that HT wires are best for this system if you're looking the absolute in smoothness (grain-free), clarity, transparency and soundstaging that this unit is capable of reproducing. Speakers have initially ranged from Infinity Reference/M&K V125 sub combo to an all B&W suite: P6/HTM 1/ASW 800 sub. Stereo reproduction via the 'direct' mode is highly satisfying and believable W/O brightness. To agree with other reviewers below, the unit is highly detailed and tends toward a sweet, warm character (a trait I preferred) which allows for extended listening pleasure without fatigue. In addition, it is a solidly-built piece that looks as impressive as it's sound. I like to wonder how much more the unit would further benefit from the use of an aftermarket AC cord had it been designed to accept one. All in all, a fine piece of equipment for home theatre as well as plain ol' stereo listening. I'll give it five stars.

Great sound, built like a tank

no component out

Out of all the units I have had this sounds the best. Originally I thought of it as a 5700 with no amps that listed for $800 more, but there must be something to it to cost more then the 5700 & sound better. Got this for I believe a great price $1750 & even though it was from the internet the seller stated that they received as special deal from Deno & that they are factory warrantied. I checked other prices on the web & they were $2495 & $2909.

Similar Products Used:

B&K Ref 20, Sony TA-e9000ES, Denon 5700

OUTSTANDING SONIC QUALITY

Manual reads like bad Rod McKuen; Disturbingly unintelligible. The remote looks like that of a $150 receiver, purchased at a fire sale, in a bad part of town. Don't show the remote to your friends, or any women you are trying to impress. ;)

"Real High End does not have a Japanese name"- Is what I used to tell people. And when Denon first started mass producing their Home hi-fi receivers, I would say- "If Denon was a car, it would be a Toyota Corrola". This was my FIRST perception of this company.

You must know that I grew up staring wondrously at the orange glow mysteriously contained in those little glass chambers that my father called tubes (monoblocks, to be more precise). Nothing is more soothing to a 10 year-old than having artists like The Modern Jazz Quartet and John Coltrane emanate from a spinning Thorens piped through a McIntosh tube pre-amp. That was how my Saturday mornings started off for the first 12 or so years of my life. And while that in no way makes me a certified audiophile, it has given me a frame of reference as to what the Modern Jazz Quartet (and similar artists )are supposed to sound like. If nothing else, it made me into the audio-snob that I am today.

Cut to 20+ years later, I found myself wanting to upgrade from a very decent component-analog system, to the digital domain. I had been very happy with what I had for quite some time, but was starting to lose sleep over the better stuff that was being churned out on a daily basis from tons of manufacturers. I had no Dolby Digital. No onboard DAC’s. I was a mere "shell" of a man... (Well not REALLY, but you get the idea).

I figured that I had two choices; I could take the money I had to spend and buy right into brand-new mediocrity, or call Dan (or Jeff) at Jeff's Sound Values and buy "last year's top of the line". I opted for the latter.

UPS delivered a 35lb package to me 7 days later. I have a 3-flight walkup, and I was complaining every step of the way. Remember, we are talking pre-amp here. No integrated amplifiers of any kind. That 30 or so pounds (sans box) can be found in the build quality of the unit itself, and in the power supplies that sit inside it. Quite the little monster.

“Overwhelmingly unimpressive” is what most people feel when they see this unit at first glance. I was no different. It’s minimal, yet typical appearance gives no clue whatsoever as to it’s real capabilities. A sleeper in the truest definition of the word. But If I may take a moment and digress to my automotive analogies- when it comes to the bottom line, it’s what’s under the hood that counts.

And that is exactly what happened. For it was not the details and instruments (that I never heard before on my old pre-amp) that won me over, it was the TRUE WARMTH in which they were articulated that blew me away. Billie Holiday sounded more emotional. Miles Davis became more musical and coherent. And Patricia Barber? I swear that the woman herself was in my very own Brooklyn living room for the past 5 nights (thank GOD I’m not taking those drugs anymore!).

But what, Keith, of digital theater decoding? I have three words for you: accuracy, accuracy, accuracy. The AC-3 RF input on the Denon was a shining star for my Elite 97. It never sounded so good. For now, I am satisfied with not having a DTS decoder. It seems that Dolby Digital has become something of a defacto standard, and the THX setting almost makes up for it. Besides, Denon has an AVP-8000 DTS model (in gold anodized aluminum) circulating the globe in limited numbers. And if the new model is in any way fantastic as it’s older brother, you should find a way to justify the cost, providing of course money is a factor in your buying decision.

Here’s my only real complaint: this older model has a 1.5 - 2 second latency time “latching” onto digital signals. No big deal for straight PCM or AC-3 from a laserdisc or CD player, but on DVD’s where the menu and trailers are in “plain” Dolby Surround(or stereo) and the movie itself is encoded in Dolby Digital, the Denon has to race to switch back and forth between the two formats. I experience an occasional audio cut-off in the very beginning of some DVD’s. I try to augment this by pausing the movie before the beginning credits start to roll to allow time for the DAC’s to latch on, but it is still an annoyance. Perhaps it is because the original design of this model is of the B.D. era (Before DVD), when switching between the two digital audio formats was not an issue.

But at the end of the day- The Denon AVP-8000 is a great example of an audiophile quality pre-amp and theater decoder hybrid. It’s dollar-per-performance ratio is unparalleled in any other product I have found. It’s minimalist (for a Denon) approach to design is a refreshing change from the button and led riddled components that are an all too common sight form the country that bears the rising sun. What initially started out as a compromise, manifested itself into complete fulfillment.

-KDC

P.S. The great service and fantastic deal I got from Jeff’s Sound Values allowed room for yet another component purchase- A Citation 7.1 THX, another incredible performer.

full and real, excellent mode performance

remote control

Being an automotive enthusiast long prior to my hifi education, explanations
from that perspective might best exemplify my thoughts on the Denon AVP 8000.

Earler hifi experiences paralelled early hot rodding - V-8's with the wrong
pipes and carburetion yeilded an authentic sound to a degree - suitable to young
ears, albeit harsh and "untuned".

Four and six cylinders could be tweaked, added to and cammed up but just didn't
hit with enough natural resonance, much like the next hifi attempts. Early
adventures into the Japanese power yeilded much the same in auto and hifi - no
refinement and much missing. Kindof copycat that didn't talk the real talk.

After 2 years, my ears still find the 8000 a melodious and real blend of:
12-cylinder Ferrari fluidity, V-8 talking through 180 degree headers and a pro-
rally 4-cylinder under 30 pounds of turbo boost at 8,000 rpm. I put the power
to the ground through Adcom 5503's and Definitive BPX and C/L/R 2000's. Put on
some blues and you are THERE!

Similar Products Used:

Other Denon, Numerous Japanese makes,Harmon Kardon, JVC, B&O,Mac

I have owned this Dolby Digital (THX) preamp-tuner for 2.5 years. Its performance has exceeded my expectations by a good margin. Partial to tube preamps and power amps for critical music listening, and having avoided the purchase of solid-state gear for over a decade, I wasn't too optimistic I could find a satisfactory preamp for our new home-theater room. A rave review in Stereophile Guide to Home Theater prompted me to audition and eventually purchase the Denon (I preferred it to all other units I looked at, such as Proceed, Chiro, B&K, McIntosh, etc.).
The Denon has a sweet, exceedingly smooth and detailed, and slightly warm tonal character. It is also absolutely quiet in all modes. It has a first-class Dolby Pro-Logic decoder (with THX) as well a terrific Dolby Digital section (also with THX). The FM tuner is also excellent (its audio quality is on a par with any of the high-end tuners I've enjoyed over the years--a surprise bonus from Denon). Reliability has been perfect. Note, too, that this unit is very heavy and is built like the proverbial tank. The on-screen menu system is easy to navigate and initial setup is a breeze.

I have never been more pleased with an audio or video component. Denon is to be commended for developing such a superb home-theater product.

The Denon is great. The McIntosh and B&K units you compare it to rot. They sound like my neighbor Ed's toilet being flushed after he drops a load after a night of drinking a quart of Mohawk Black Berry Brandy chased by 2 6-packs of Red, White & Blue beer (if you wanna call it beer) followed up at 2AM with 2 partially eaten, 3 day old Burrito Supremes with extra sour cream & cheese from Taco Bell, a reheated large order of Burger King onion rings, a large glass of prune juice and a plate of sauerkraut that he was not sure of how long it was in the refrigerator. Wow! Foul sounding is the only thing that I can think of. Can you imagine what Ed's bathroom must smell like after this escapade? Spare me the torture. Ed, typically, is not the most appealing of men to even be near in the first place. He usually smells funny and rarely, if ever, showers more that a few times a month anyway. And his dietary habits and binge drinking practices are really unusual and now legendary! So, one can only imagine what the hell is going on in his bowels when he consumes such a huge quantity of low grade, hobo quality beverage and top it off with such a poor quality meal. For crying out loud, the Taco Bell Burrito Supreme smells bad enough when it is fresh. How bad it must be after having time to ferment in his SECOND HAND Fridgidaire that only cools down to 55 degrees!
Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that you should stay away from the McIntosh. Its sound is quite offensive for the price. It leaves you with a headache and makes you want to just hurry up and get the hell out of the house! As far as the
others you compare to the Denon, they're not much to write home about either. I shan't begin to give an analogy to illutrate what I think of them!

Have a nice day! The Denon ROCKS!