Summary: It is an old hifi but still serve me well thru the years, I even use it to power a pair of Modus16, the amplifier got all the power and the base really comes out well. Also it proves the standard speakers are below average.
The DSP is another nice touch to the system, but somehow the remote control is poorly design and very hard to select/change "function" between the Amp and DSP .... still the system deserves a 4 star rating.
Strengths: Good amplifier, with ample power and quality is way above the other mini-hifi
Weaknesses: Firstly, speakers are very average but still better than Sony. Same as other Denon product, base is a bit artificial so have to keep the DSP in "flat" setting most of the time. Another weekpoint is that the tape drive mechanism will mal-function quite easily so I can see no new design with the flat-lying anymore.
Similar Products Used: JVC, Sony
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Rating Reviewed by: Steve Dunning(Unregistered User)
(Audio Enthusiast)
Review Date December 11, 2000
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for More than 1 year
Visitors rate this review 5.00 of 5,
1.00 votes
Review 2 of 3
, from Auckland, New Zealand
Price Paid:
$1500.00
from MTV Sound
Summary: After owning his product for over 5 years, I still have to say that I have yet to find anything similar to replace it. The sound quality is still fantastic even when comparing it to a new Onkyo stereo. And against Sony, Pioneer or any other common stereo brand, it simply stands way in front. For pure musical pleasure, Denon is the way to go and the D-85 certainly lives up to their standard even afer 5 years. I could still highly recommend this stereo to music lovers.
Strengths: Excellent sound quality, understated looks, small and powerful
Weaknesses: No Dolby Digital
Similar Products Used: Pioneer, Kenwood and Sony of similar price ranges
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Rating Reviewed by: Theeranat(Unregistered User)
( a Casual Listener)
Review Date March 17, 1998
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Visitors rate this review 5.00 of 5,
2.00 votes
Review 3 of 3
Summary: I am not quite so sure that this Denon D-85 is a mini or not. I should consider it as a Compo system with a very good sound quality. I used to listen to other brand i.e. Sony, Pioneer, etc. All of them can not match the Denon (comparing to those models with the same price leaque). I recommend this compo system for a casual listeners who want about-hi-end sound. It deserves to get 4 speaker points due to its good sound quality, design, price point. The only minus is there is no dsp.
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4 of 5
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