Price Paid:  $270.00 from http://www.buy.com/

Summary:
Purchased the unit 5 years ago and it is still working fine. The building quality is superb, like all Denon receivers. Dolby Digital was the reason of purchase. 5 channel stereo is the best feature of the receiver. I really have no complaints about this receiver. It has bannna post connectors for speaker connections. The sound quality is very good for its price. The only thing worth mentioning is that when the input digital signal changes format, it doesn't always recognize the signal. For example, I connected my computer's coaxial output to it. But every now and then, when I start to play DVD movies on my computer, I get no output. When this happens, I just turn it off and back on again. (you may have to wait 1 or 2 seconds)

Strengths:
superb build quality
low price
sound quality

Weaknesses:
lack of digital inputs (2 coaxial + 1 optical)
no DTS decoding
infrequent digital signal processing problem (as mentioned in review summary)

Price Paid:  $38400.00 from Hoopers in Laurel,MS

Summary:
This Reciver Has realy freaked me out.
I didn't like it at first but when I learned some of it. It's the best I've ever owned. cut back on all of your effect levels and volume controlls and notice how it clears up more each time you cut back. cut back on all levels the reciver has . Jazz -mono- games-matrix and other.

Strengths:
Sounds Like it has more then any 70 watts.
more like 180 watts no Distoretion.

Weaknesses:
MANUAL DOES NOT EXSPLANE THING'S CORRECTLY

Price Paid:  $300.00 from Pawn Shop

Summary:
I bought the reciever at a pawn shop for 300 bucks, and every since ive owned it, it has done nothing but serve me well. It has good 5.1 surround, and even though the Bi Wire feature is just a dup. of the other channels, its still a cool feature cause you can have 8 speakers running great digital surround. It makes a great tool for home theater and media work as well for connection to a computers sound card.

Strengths:
Dolby Digital,DDSC Digital, excellent sound clarity.

Weaknesses:
Lack of SVIDEO I/O's,DTS Decoding and an AC3 RF Demodulator.

Similar Products Used:
N/A

Price Paid:  $630.00 from Local Store

Summary:
This is a great start-up receiver if you are just getting into a HT. It has a lot of features for a unit in the price range, you can get it for $200 or $300 dollars now at some internet sites. I have read many negative comments about all Denon manuals, but I have never had a problem. If you know anything about audio equipment, you don't even need to read the manual. If I do have a question I just turn to the section I need and read what it says. I have never found it confusing or hard to understand, but maybe I just have more audio knowledge than most. The DD decoder is great, my system sounds as good as much more expensive receivers. It doesn't have a lot of power though, if you have a big room, or like to listen are very high levels. Don't worry about the lack of a DTS decoder, they are just starting to come out with DTS software in decent numbers. I have 28 DVD's, most modern action and praised for their sound, and only one even has a DTS soundtrack. As far as I'm concerned you only need to worry about DTS, if you are interested in 6.1 and 7.1 sound. Anyway, this is a great receiver for the price, and is exactly as advertised. I would recomend it for anyone who wants to jump into building their HT with a solid component. Don't waste your money on a more expensive receiver if you are just going to connect your VCR and DVD player, this one has all you need.

Strengths:
5ch Stereo, Digital Decoding, Value

Weaknesses:
Nothing Major; especially at the price's you can get this unit for now

Similar Products Used:
Sony Crap, and an old Sansui

Summary:
I looked all over the net for the lowest price. I found it at YourInsider.com. I have owned mine for a year now, and have not had the slightest problem with it. Don't be put off by the price I paid for mine--I have seen them come way down in price in the last year. In my search for a surround receiver I auditioned products from Sony, Technics, Pioneer, Onkyo, Kenwood and others, but found that dollar for dollar the Denon unit had the best features and sound quality. The closest match I could find from Sony with regard to features and quality of sound cost $400 more! (Bear in mind that with Sony products, a significant amount of the purchase price covers their billion dollar advertising budget.)

Power output is rated at about 70 watts per channel, but the numbers can be deceiving. Many manufacturers claim 100 or more wpc, but they're usually talking about peak power, and they don't tell you that that's with plenty of audible distortion. I like my music and movies LOUD, and the Denon has never had a problem keeping up. As long as you don't try to mate this receiver to electrostatic or other inefficient and current-hungry loudspeakers, you shouldn't have any complaints.

As for upgrades in the future, the Denon does have 6 channel inputs, so if another format replaces Dolby Digital, you can hook a separate processor to the Denon, giving you more time before the product becomes obsolete. Also, with line-level outputs, you can always add a more powerful amplifier for the front channels at a later date if you decide you want or need more power. High level output is through binding posts for all channels, not the cheaper push-pin connectors found on most other receivers. As for the digital decoding, each channel has a separate 24 bit/96 kHz Burr Brown D/A converter--all in all, exceptional quality for the money! Give it an audition, I think you'll be pleased.

Strengths:
Versatile, upgradeable, great sound for the money