Denon AVR-891 7.1 Channel 135W A/V 1.4 3D-Ready Receiver - Black
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #69389 in Consumer Electronics
- Color: Black
- Brand: Denon
- Model: AVR-891
- Dimensions: 17.10" h x
6.70" w x
15.00" l,
26.00 pounds
Features
- Denon AVR-891 7.2 surround sound receiver delivers 105 watts x 7 channels
- Video conversion is accomplished using a premium Anchor Bay Technologies (ABT-2015) chip set featuring 10-bit processing
- 2 component video inputs, seven analog inputs, and multi-zone / multi-source capability
- Anchor Bay ABT-2015 advanced analog and digital video 1080p/24fps/60fps upconversion and deinterlacing with multi-cadence detection
- Audyssey MultEQ automatic room acoustic measuring and correction system, Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ audio processing
Product Description
Denon AVR-891 7.1 135W A/V 1.4 3D-Ready Receiver
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
118 of 122 people found the following review helpful.
It's a keeper, but last year's might be the one you buy
By WDH
As an amateur reviewer who finds himself reviewing a number of products, I am always torn as to how I should perceive the value of equipment relative to the MSRP or the price I paid. Some manufacturers use MSRP's as quick value engines in allowing retailers to show significant savings below the MSRP. This issue recently resurfaced in conjunction with a planned review of the Denon AVR891, which I recently purchased at a significant discount.The Denon AVR891 retails for $799, putting it in what I would consider in the thick of mid-level receivers. Its primary competitors are the Onkyo TX NR708 at $899, the Pioneer VSX-1120 at $749, what I presume will be the Yamaha RX-V767, and its first cousin in the Marantz SR5005 at $799. To preface the Denon's place in this caste of receivers one must ask what should $800 buy in an AV receiver today. First and foremost, it must provide a reasonable number (greater than five) HDMI v1.4 inputs. HDMI has rapidly (and often painfully) become the single cable solution for high definition audio and video. An $800 receiver should provide not only analogue upconversion to HDMI, but also scaling and deinterlacing generally from a brand-name chip (ie Farjouda, ABT, Marvell, etc). An $800 receiver should provide flexibility in incorporating multiple zones, presence speaker configurations, and auto-calibration software. Advertised and delivered power should represent adequate muscle to push speakers at reference levels. Ipod, Internet, and Blutooth connectivity round out the modern featureset while legacy input and connectivity are rapidly fading as we move more and more to a truly digital realm.In that space, the Denon AVR891 nicely checks most boxes. It provides six, rear-mounted HDMI v1.4 inputs and some of the best video deinterlacing and scaling chips out there in the ABT2015 (it does fail to provide noise reduction which the Marvell chip might bring). The 891 (and its CI sister the 2311) offer two zone playback although the 891 lacks pre-outs as the 2311 is intended for more serious enthusiasts who might rely on a secondary amplifier. Like its predecessor, the 891 offers Dolby PLIIz height processing (although they share speaker terminals with the surround backs/zone 2). The only seven speaker binding posts is a bit more limiting than the rivals from Pioneer, Onkyo and Marantz (I similarly dinged the 791 for its lack of simultaneous speaker configuration). In real world use, this would prevent you from configuring a 7.1 setup and then switching to a 5.1 plus zone 2 arrangement if you wanted. While I do not know the popularity of wide setups in home theatres, the 891 lacks Audyssey DSX wide processing (you have to move up to the $1,000 AVR991 for audyssey dsx), which is also a bit behind the competitive curve set largely by Onkyo and Pioneer.The AVR891 has a convenient and easily accessible USB port on the front of the unit for quick playback from an Iphone or Ipod. This plays catch up to Pioneer, who pushed IPod Connectivity last year and has now taken it a step higher and implemented control of the receiver by an Iphone (or computer in the case of the 1120). Onkyo and Pioneer also have internet-based streaming connectivity, Onkyo wearing the Yellow Jersey in bringing Pandora streaming to the receiver itself.In respects of legacy inputs, the lower end Denon AVRs experienced a pruning in 2010 in reducing not only analogue audio, but also analogue (component) inputs. The 891 has two component inputs, which is double the rather Spartan AVR791. The AVR891 does maintain two s-video inputs, but dropped the zone 2 pre-outs as mentioned earlier.Now that the AVR891's relative position in the marketplace has been set, I want to comment on the audio, and to the a lesser extent, video capabilities. I have owned two Denon AVR2310cis in the past and found the AVR891's setup very familiar and uniquely Denon in its layout. Best I can tell, the setup menus have not changed year over year, nor has the industry-leading osd lain over video. In my humble opinion, maintains its position of one of the slickest OSDs out there. Moreover, I failed to notice any of the picture quality degradation some OSDs can create (as witnessed in the Onkyo TX SR608). For someone with concealed setups hidden behind cabinet doors, I found myself very smug with the AVR891's ability to display volume, source, codec, and video info onscreen immediately compared to Pioneer VSX-9140TXH or Marantz SR6004 that preferred a more mystery or "you guess" approach.I have overall positive feelings about Denon's well-needed redesign of the factory remote. Last year's space taser was as confusing as it was non-ergonomic. It looked like it came from the dashboard of a Pontiac in the Hertz lot. Denon has simplified the remote and taken a conservative, traditional approach with a nice glow-in-the dark buttons that are somewhat visible in the dark. That said, I have three complaints about the remote. Firstly, for $800 I should get a learning remote without a doubt. The $550 Pioneer VSX-1020 has a learning remote. Secondly, while the gui remote programming menu is slick, it is desparately lacking preset codes. If you have an Oppo blu ray player, you're out of luck for example. Thirdly, the remote lacks a "display" or "info" button. While this might seem trivial, I use this button frequently on other remotes - whether it's to see more about the program from my cable box or where I am in a movie.As I have said before, I find the ABT2010/5 chipset as one of the best performing chips in synthetic deinterlacing tests. Its film cadence recognition is accurate and quick. To this day, it remains the best I have tested, though I reserve the right to change my opinion when I test the Marvell chip in the new Pioneer VSX-1120 that might bring more to the table in respects of noise reduction. Either way, the video processing in the Denon is excellent and it remains one of the few chipsets I would recommend enabling for non 1080p sources (although its benefit for native high def (1080i) is minimal). I am a huge believer of letting sources or displays do the heavy lifting and finding a receiver that only passes video unmolested (might suggest why I have used Marantz and Pioneer units most recently). Best I can tell, the Denon does not molest video signals.In respects of audio performance, the AVR891 is a great experience. It has adequate power to push normal speakers well beyond comfortable listening levels. I did notice the similar greater surround presence after running Audyssey with the Denon than I did with both my Marantz SR6004 and MCACC in the Pioneer. I mentioned this in my review of the 791 and remember anecdotally noticing it with my previous 2310s. This is by no means a complaint, just an anecdote as to the character of the sound stage the Denon seems to create. While I did not have the 791 side by side for my review, I feel confident in saying there is not a significant (or even noticeable) sound difference between the two in my humble opinion. While I did not open up both boxes and inspect caps and power supplies, I would reckon the 891 is fueled by a larger power supply, but has an identical amp section and dacs to the 791, but that is just my conjecture. I also do not feel there was much difference from the 2310, but that should be taken with a grain of salt as more time has passed. In respects of heat, the receiver runs warm, but nothing dramatic like Onkyos of prior years that served as small space heaters after an hour's use. That said, the Denon is a little warmer than the Pioneers, which might be a product of the amplification class design.I have spent a little over two weeks with the 891 and have really enjoyed and am happy to say it will find a permanent - well as permanent as my AV fetish will allow - in my home. Its lines are tasteful and its osd is slick and ideal for my bedroom setup that has a wall-mounted plasma distantly arranged from the receiver. Its performance has been bulletproof and without any hiccup I have found...this is a very nice package overall.That said, it does lack what I would consider game-changing value in one particular feature or another. To a larger extent, it's a re-release of the 890 or 2310 with HDMI v1.4 and a USB port. I realize that's not fair in the greater picture of technology advancements and planned obsolescence, but the frugal Scandinavian in me has to point the value disparity in the $800 AVR891 and its heavily discounted predecessor AVR890/2310ci. Unless a 3D display is being unloaded from the UPS truck, I would hesitate to steer folks beyond the incredible value a 2310ci, 890 or even 3310ci presents right now. While I know this model year dilemma hits every summer, I feel the price disparity might be too much to push my recommendation to the 891, even though in every way it's a great receiver.
37 of 37 people found the following review helpful.
JUNE 2011 Bang for Buck review
By mark twain
JUNE 2011In my opinion, this receiver is the Denon to buy. This review is for the buyer who wants the best bang for their buck, sticking around a couple of hundred dollars.2012 MODELS:I did not choose the 2012 models. AVR 1312, 1612, 1712, 1912, 2112, 2312, 3312. (the 12 in the number is the year. The first two numbers 13,16,17 represent the quality level. Example: 1312 < 1612. Better quality, more features). All 2012 models have some sort of wireless wifi ether something connectivity. If you want to controll or connect via smartphone or something like that, look at the 2012. The 2011 don't have that. I'm not ready for all that wireless stuff, however it is wave of the future so perhaps......2011 MODELS:Each of these models has two versions, often very similar. All of these models have HDMI 1.4a so they can do 3D, deep color, etc. Here are my quick views and their current amazon price. NOTE b/c they are 1 year old models, sometimes a better product is actually cheaper than a worse product. It just depends on the sellers.AVR-391...$200 No no no no no no. This model does not have Denon's automatic speaker setup Audyssey. It will NOT automatically adjust your speaker levels or EQ them. You want automatic setup (at least I love it)AVR-591...$270 5.1 set. avr 1611 is better for only 10 dollars more. no brainerAVR-1611...$280 7.1 set. 10 dollars more than avr 591 no brainer 75 watts per channelAVR-791... $420 The 791 and 1911 are a step up b/c they are 90W per channel and have video scaling. These will upscale your low res content into 1080p. The 791 and 1911 are basically the same.AVR-1911.. $400 Same system as 791 but 1911 has HD radio and zone 2 preouts and is cheaper. But why buy a 1911 when you can buy the 891 for same priceAVR-891....$400 All of the 791/1911 adds power boost 105W per channel. Better upconversion processing chip. plug for 2nd subwoofer. Better system than the 791 or 1911 for the same priceAVR-2311....$550 Basically it's a 891 but 150$ more expensive :(AVR-991....$700 Don't even care what it is, too expensiveAVR-3311....$800 Same model level as avr911 also too expensive2010 MODELSVery few 2010 models offer any real savings over the 2011 models. Perhaps the AVR 1910. It's 100$ cheaper than the 1911 (look into it). But, I didn't want to go back to the 2010WHY I BOUGHT A AVR-891AVR-1611 seems the best bang for buck. 7.1 enough watts of power, all for 280$, and my PS3 can upconver my loser 480p DVD's. But, I had some extra money, so I wanted more power. So why not the 791/1911? NO WAY 891 is the same price and better. The 891 is a huge improvement over the 1611 for only 120$ extra dollars. Worth it to me.The 2011 891 (400$) is the same model as this year's 2312 (850$) It's basically the same sound function without the ethernet cable and airplay wifi stuff, for half the price.DO I LIKE IT?I'm not an audiophile, but I like gaming and movies and surround sound. I like this system. I hooked the system up to a 100$ 5.1 set of Yamaha speakers. Even with horriblly cheap speakers, the system can get painfully loud and seems clear and punchy. Pretty ez setup, horrible manual but the internet has people who have written instructions in plain English. System easily recognizes the the multi-channel surround of my computer, and PS3. System easily runs my computer video to the tv. **THIS SYSTEM WILL ALSO PLAY YOUR ANALOG VCR OR DVD AND UPCONVERT THE SIGNAL OUT THROUGH THE HDMI. OTHER REVIEWS ARE NOT CORRECT WHEN THEY SAY IT CAN'T**. It all comes out of one HDMI. It is doing everything I want. Buy again, yes. Feel like I got a deal steal? Oh yea.FINAL THOUGHTS7.1 surround, 105w per channel, video processing if needed. The same sound quaility of this year's 850$ Denon receiver for 400$ minus a couple of wifi airplay features. I love it. Sometimes I feel like I spend too many hours researching purchases, but boy am I happy with the final results. Further, I can not wait to buy actual quality speakers and see what this baby can do.
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful.Very very good product
By M. S. Prager
The Denon AVR891 is a very very good AV receiver and has a vast array of amazing features. It is also an outstanding value. I purchased it primarily because of the overall excellent sound quality, Audessey room equalization feature and Denon's reputation for quality. I was not disappointed. I have a unusually shaped room and this has led to a lot of wasted time trying various speaker locations over the years. To set up Audessey I followed the simple instructions and speakers were matched to the room easily and quickly. Tips: Don't position the microphone less than a foot of soft surfaces. Attach the microphone with a rubber band to a yardstick and attach the yardstick to the tripod top using a spring clamp. Allows you to position the microphone at seated ear level.Thoughts on features that are important to me: The remote control is mostly logical but is not illuminated. The Surround Simulation button doesn't remember it's last setting forcing you to cycle through all choices to select the desired mode but since the receiver automatically selects the proper surround mode, this is a minor but annoying bug. Some, but not all, buttons glow in the dark. I especially like the 3 Quick Select buttons. This make the receiver much more family friendly. The overlay on-screen menu when using the HDMI output is very good. Lower priced Denon receivers' menus do not use the overlay type menu. The equivalent front panel menu is just barely adequate as the details of some less-important menu choices do not display.I like the lighted front panel display indicators that show the present surround mode, input signal configuration and speaker configuration. With some practice they can be recognized from a distance. It would have been more useful if these indicators were included in the on-screen display and visible as soon as the Menu button was pressed.I like the fact that the receiver doesn't seem to generate a lot of heat when the volume is low or at zero. Presumably when playing at high volumes it will get just as hot as any other receiver with similar output power.I had a few questions about receiver functions other than Audessey. Denon's customer service is one of the best I have encountered. Quick, knowledgeable, honest and polite. Bravo!Things I didn't like: I downgraded my rating by one star primarily for one reason: the user manual. Let me be clear, the engineering of this receiver is excellent; it has many modes with some very cool features designed into it and won't let you make the wrong setting. But when you have a question, finding the answer is in the manual may require an extensive time consuming search. In general what is missing is a brief explanation of the modes and features. The English translation could be much better. While you can download the manual and read it before purchase, when you've actually got the receiver in front of you and you're trying to make it do something it's really frustrating and a big time waster.I would also comment negatively on the incredibly hard to read non-illuminated legends on the front panel. These are labels on buttons and knobs that you will (fortunately) almost never have to use these; Denon could have executed this much better. If there is a plus side to this situation it would be that the front panel is exceptionally clean looking and free of clutter when the receiver is off.I can't say that I like the front panel volume control either. It has to be turned too many times to make small volume changes. Again, you'll probably never use it and the control on the remote works fine.Well there you have it. It is a great sounding receiver made more enjoyable by the great price but it takes time to learn it and feel comfortable and confident using it. When all is said and done I recommend it.
Specification Of Denon AVR-891 7.1 Channel 135W A/V 1.4 3D-Ready Receiver - Black
Denon AVR-891 7.1 135W A/V 1.4 3D-Ready Receiver What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item? Sewell Direct SW-29863-12 Deadbolt Banana Plugs, 12-Pair 4 ...
Denon AVR-891 7.1 Channel 135W A/V 1.4 3D-Ready Receiver - Black
Denon AVR-891 7.2 surround sound receiver delivers 105 watts x 7 channels; Video conversion is accomplished using a premium Anchor Bay Technologies (ABT-2015) chip ...
DENON AVR-891 7.1 Channel 105W A/V 1.4 3D-Ready Receiver ...
Denon AVR-891 7.2 surround sound receiver delivers 105 ... Get extra protection for your DENON AVR-891 7.1 Channel 105W A/V 1.4 3D-Ready Receiver with a ... Black ...
Denon AVR-891 7.1 Channel 135W A/V 1.4 3D-Ready Receiver Black ...
Denon AVR-891 7.1 135W A/V 1.4 3D-Ready Receiver. Product Details Denon AVR-891 7.2 multichannel audio receiver delivers 105 watts by 7 channels
A/V Solutions | A/V Receivers, Home Theater Systems | Denon
... in two rooms at once with Denon's 5.1 receivers, 7.2 receivers and A/V ... 7.1 Channel 3D Pass Through and ... Receiver; HDMI 1.4a 4In/1Out 3D Ready;
DENON AVR 891 7 1 Channel 135W V 1 4 3D Ready Receiver | eBay
Find best value and selection for your DENON AVR 891 7 1 Channel 135W V 1 4 3D Ready ... DENON AVR-E400 7.1 CHANNEL/CH A/V AV ... 7.1 Channel 135 Watt Receiver ...
TodaySale.info: Denon AVR-891 7.1 Channel 135W A/V 1.4 3D-Ready ...
Cheap Denon AVR-891 7.1 Channel 135W A/V 1.4 3D-Ready Receiver - Black Product By: Denon. ... Denon AVR-891 7.1 Channel 135W A/V 1.4 3D-Ready Receiver - Black ...
Denon AVR-891 7.1 Channel 135W A/V 1.4 3D-Ready Receiver - Black ...
Denon AVR-891 7.1 Channel 135W A/V 1.4 3D-Ready Receiver - Black... Check Prices, Denon AVR-891 7.1 Channel 135W A/V 1.4 3D-Ready Receiver - Black Reviews You can ...
Denon AVR-891 7.1 Channel 135W A/V 1.4 3D-Ready Receiver - Black ...
Pros: Accurate Controls, Audyssey Auto Setup, Good Power Output, Great Sound Quality, Ipod connection, Lots of connections, Runs Cool
Denon avr 891 71 channel 135 w av 14 3d-ready receiver - black
Denon AVR-891 7.1 Channel 135W A/V 1.4 3D-Ready Receiver - Black
0 comments:
Post a Comment