Denon AVR-1909 user reviews

5.0 stars

"Great receiver for the price" on September 2, 2008 by Jeff M1

Pros: 3 HDMI Inputs
Two zone capabilities
Audysey dynamic equilization
Audysey speaker callibration

Cons: Setup User Interface

Summary: After doing months of research, I chose Denon, mainly for the Audysey dynamic equalization. It works great! When I watch a TV show, the commercial volume stays the same--no more annoying jumps in volume when the commercials appear. Soft passages are as easy to hear as loud passages. There are different levels of equalization (that you can set), and you can turn it off when you're listening to music if you want to.

The automatic speaker calibration made a huge difference. It comes with a mic that you place in six different locations in the room while it goes ahead and tests levels. Once it is done, it sets parameters that adjust speaker levels to give you the best sound. It worked great for me.

The only con--and it's a minor one for me--is that the setup UI is text-based, and there is no direct IP access. Both of these problems don't exist in the more expensive Denon receivers.

Bottom line: my wife was skeptical about setting up a home theater in our family room. After one evening of watching a dvd through the Denon 1909, she's a convert! (Now I have to work on getting her to agree to a good blu-ray dvd player).

5.0 stars

"Allows your AV equipment to give you what they meant to" on December 3, 2008 by aburtonco

Pros: Video Upscaling to 1080P
HDMI Repeating
3 HDMI Inputs

Cons: A little Pricey
Remote
Instruction Manual
3 HDMI Inputs

Summary: I had originally purchased the Denon AVR-1709, (you can read that review also), but after finding out what the 1909 offers over the 1709, I had to make the exchange.

There are 3 features that were worth the cost difference to me.

1. HDMI Repeating - With the 1909 you don't have to use a separate digital audio cable (coaxial or optical digital) to hear the audio from your digital sources through your speakers. The price for those cables alone, greatly decreases the price difference between the two receivers. (Not to mention only HDMI cables support the new Loss-less audio formats)

2. Video Up-scaling - When I got the 1909 hooked up to my 46" Samsung LCD TV, I immediately noticed a difference in the picture being sent from my satellite receiver. The 1909 automatically upscales all video (analog and digital, from all sources) to 1080p! I am not an expert, but I don't know of any satellite or cable that transmits higher than 1080i. From my research, what makes the video so amazing is the Faroudja DCDi Video Processor, (not available in the 1709). The difference is definitely noticeable, and worth it.

3. Loss-less Audio Processing - Dolby Digital plus, Dolby Digital True HD, DTS HD, DTS HD Master Audio are audio formats on Blu-Ray disks. Obviously you can still here audio from you Blu-Ray movies, but not the loss-less audio formats. I was doubtful as to how much of a difference I would actually notice, but after hearing these formats, (not processed on the 1709 and other less expensive receivers), the difference is purely amazing!

If you are not picky about your audio or video quality, then the cost difference is not for you, (please remember that once you buy the digital audio cables, you've come a lot closer to the cost of the 1909). But if you are like me, and you really pay attention to the quality of your audio and video, then don't hesitate to purchase this receiver. If you have spent the money on quality AV products like your TVs and Blu-Ray players, don't do yourself a disservice by getting a receiver that limits their capabilities.

The AVR-1909 is AWESOME, it is worth every penny! I recommend this product!

Updated on Dec 27, 2008

I am fairly new to the video & audiophile community. That being said, I try to research as much as I can. So after your response to my review, I did a little more.

I went to Onkyo's website and learned that there are at least 2 different Faroujda DCDi processors. One that up-converts to 1080i, & another to 1080p. The Onkyo TX-SR606 up-converts to 1080i to the Denon's 1080p. I could be wrong, but I'll assume that they are utilizing two different video processors. Which might explain the difference in video quality.

I have my receiver connected to a Samsung LN-T4669f tv (1080p, 120hz & auto motion plus), with a Sony PS3 (for blu-ray), and an XBOX 360 for games and DVDs. Not the most expensive equipment, but quality just the same. And this receiver outputs the audio & video through beautifully.

I can't speak for the Onkyo. But as for the Denon, it's audio and video capabilities have completely satisfied this picky owner.

4.5 stars

"Great Receiver" on September 21, 2008 by Stratus5ss

Pros: Audyssey Sound Processing
Faroudja DCDi video processing / Upconversion
3 HDMI Inputs
Great features you will actually use

Cons: Archaic On-Screen Set Up Program
Poorly written manual
Denon has some great deals on higher level, higher build quality discontinued models (ie. AVR-988)

Summary: Once you get your setup figured out, you will love the sound, features and overall quality of this unit.

5.0 stars

"A wonderful Home Cinema amplifier, really the business." on October 23, 2011 by Audiophile1971

Pros: Warm and engaging sound, easy to use. Clearly laid out remote.

Cons: none to speak of.

Summary: I've previously owned Onkyo, Sony and Pioneer. Sony are so bland sounding, Onkyo's are too power consuming, and the pioneer sounds bright and tinny. This is rich and velvety - a joy for music and movies. Picked one up on eBay for the bargain price of £200, so really happy (considering the slightly newer model costs £500+!)