Price Paid:  $495.00 from online retailer

Summary:
First off, I had no idea that Ubid has ever had any of these, and at that price you guys got a helluva deal!

The 981 is the same unit as the 2801, just marketed under a different line, and sold for less than the 2801 when they were intoduced (the 2801 was $749 at the local hifi shop back then). It is actually a 2000 model (the '03's are out now - just like cars).

I bought my unit soon after it came out (2 years ago) and my unit is definitely 'A' stock, new in box, not refurb'd, so, even at the price I paid I'm still happy with it.

My 981 has performed like a champ for the last 2 yrs. The sound quality has the typical Denon warmth, and is clear and 'honest'. 5.1/DTS audio from dvd's is very good. Sound from my old Denon cd player is also great. I have had zero problems w/ this unit.

I would recommend this unit as a good mid-range model, and absolutely pick one up if you can get it for $289 or less from Ubid (that's a steal). The sound and build quality of this receiver is very good, and seems to be typical of most Denon components - a step above the mass marketed units. I've been a Denon user for over 10 yrs, and I don't see that changing.

I'm giving a value rating of 4, because Denon components are expensive for the average joe, but I believe you are getting what you pay for.

Strengths:
Build quality. Warm and clean sound. Great 5.1/DTS sound. Input for DVD audio.

Weaknesses:
No component video input. No multi-room output. Of course, the newer models have those features.

Similar Products Used:
None. My last receiver was a 10 yr old Denon unit - which included 5 yrs of heavy abuse at college (and I still have it).

Price Paid:  $249.00 from ubid

Summary:
Great sound, till I hooked up the back speakers-Snap, Crackle, Pop in the front
What happened?

Strengths:
Great all around sound

Weaknesses:
Hard to hook up.

Price Paid:  $289.00 from ubid

Summary:
This is a review for DENON AVR-981.
And I am the first one =^..^=

I got it from ubid. This unit is classified as grade B product. But it looks flawless and sounds perfectly.

The quality of sound is very impressive, just like my another DENON amplifier but with more features in it (such as tuner, DTS, and 5 Channels). It sounds very clear and warn; more detail can be heard from the same picec of music compares to my previous sony receiver.

And it is a perfect match to my little mission 700 speakers; Unlike most of receivers on the market, the sound it outputs is accurate and well balanced, not too artificial or too much bass (SONY).

It's a solid and powerful receiver, I recommend this receiver to the people who are looking for upgrading their current entry model unit to a decent, smooth and honest receiver. Really, I can tell the differences; and it takes you to another level of music =^..^=

I am really happy with this DENON receiver.

Strengths:
clear sound, more detail, and it looks gorgeous.

Weaknesses:
The buttons and controls on the face panel; too complicate.

Similar Products Used:
SONY STR-DE345 (previous one)
ONKYO TX-SV373 (only tried once but I don't like its sound, herefore, it just sits in the box and collects dust)
DENON PMA-390 (my first amp, I really like it)