Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I choose this one after a blindfolded test... verry good indeed, to my surprise it produces great sound in combination with a bose 5.1 surround speakerset - single type. it has beaten a lot of other brands while listening blindfolded.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
After almost 3 years using it, I still satisfied with the sound quality from the AVR 1603. A friend of mine just bought AVR 1705, which carries/uses newer techno parts compared to AVR 1603. Frankly speaking, I was planning to upgrade the 1603 to either 1705 or 1905 however after comparing 1603 with the new AVR 1705, I found out that I still liked the sound of 1603 and decided to keep it.

Strengths:
Good sound processor, solid low freq reproduction with good mid and high

Weaknesses:
Might be sounded bright for some people but still softer than other product I auditioned,

Price Paid:  $399.00 from Crutchfield

Summary:
Denon. This is a nice unit for those in the $400 price range. It puts out very clean audio at high volume. I have read some reviews that state this unit is not powerful enough for large rooms, but I think it must depend on the speakers. I use the Infinity primus 250 towers, the Infinity entra 2 sub, JBL northridge surrounds, and a optimus center. (I know, but it sounds pretty good!) This set up can get very loud. There are a couple of items that I sometimes wonder about,,,Some music seems a tad flat on the top end, but I can't tell if it is the source or the reciever. I hear music at times that is not flat at all. I truly think that this reciecer broadcasts exactly as it recieves. The other issue is that I don't think the surround channels get the exact same frequency in amplification as the main channels do. I say this because my JBL's sound like they are more responsive when hooked up the the front channels. (This is in 5 channel mode) It is not extemely noticable however it makes me wonder if it truly is "all channels driven from 20-20,000khz. I say all this, but I don't want to be too critical because it is a very nice unit. It produces music and decodes 5.1 as the recording engineers intended you to hear. I think the remote has been laid out nicely. I have used some of the onkyo remotes and feel lost when trying to find the volume control. You won't regret buying this unit. The quality is very very good.

Strengths:
Very very clean power, Build quality, Ability to adjust the subwoofer output and all other channels with the remote. (Very simple)

Weaknesses:
If I have to list a weakness it would be the frequency response of the rear channels in 5 channel mode. Most listeners will probably never notice.

Similar Products Used:
Onkyo, Harman Kardon, JVC,Yamaha

Price Paid:  $650.00 from Audio Pro

Summary:
I purchased this receiver as my entry to HiFi and it performed fantastic for what i wanted, i loved it, it was a good purchase and i still think it performs well given the price.
Though if i had to go back i would not purchase it again, reason being is it no longer what i want, it is a good entry level receiver but cant really be upgraded in anyway due to no preouts.
I am upgrading soon as it just doesnt cut it for music an more and i cannot upgrade the power with poweramps. so i am going to purchase a NAD amplifier as it is far more musical and has preouts and is also high current.

If you want an AV amp for a small room and use mostly HT then this amp is great for you. But if you are after an Av amp for Ht and music equally in anything bigger than a bedrtoom then go to something bigger with some upgrade options.

Strengths:
Smooth clear sound for All home theatre
Detail
Price

Weaknesses:
Runs out of power
No onscreen display
remote isnt learning
Sound is flat for most music
NO pre-outs

Similar Products Used:
Marantz, NAD, Harman Kardon, Yamaha.

Price Paid:  $150.00 from www.superfi.co.uk

Summary:
Probably the best DD/DTS reciever for the low end of the market.

The sound produced is clear and neutral. It also reveals alot of details and is more laid back then most budget amps.

The amp has 5ch stereo and allows you to have a crossover of 80, 100 or 120hz. Both of these features are very useful.

Strengths:
Sound/build quality, features, inputs/outputs are excellent considering the price of this reciever.

Weaknesses:
Not enough power for medium-large rooms.

Similar Products Used:
Yamaha RXV396, Yamaha DSPAX620, Yamaha DSPA2, Sony STRDB940