Denon AVR-391 user reviews

Pros + Exceptional Sound Quality
+ Plenty of Power for small-medium sized rooms
+ Strong Bass
+ Does HDMI 1.4a, 3D, etc.
+ Low THD
+ Pre-Outs for 7.1 Surround Speakers
+ Excellent for Gaming and Movies
+ Restorer helps with music playback quality

Cons + Remote Control can be more user-friendly.
+ No Audyessy EQ
+ No Screen UI Overlay

Summary I picked up the Denon HT-391XP 2 weeks ago which is comprised of the Denon AVR-391 A/V Receiver, and the Denon SYS-391 5.1 Speaker Set. The speaker set is comprised of two 2-channel front speakers, one 2-channel center speaker, two surround full-range speakers, and a down-firing powered subwoofer rated at 100W.

I am using this system for my bedroom, which is 11x14 and is square shaped. I have it hooked up to my PC via HDMI, in which my system outputs in either TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Multi LPCM, and the traditional stereo depending on my source (i.e. blu-ray, music, games, etc). The system automatically switches between each depending on the source, but in order to get multi-channel stereo (stereo to output to all 5 speakers), you need to manually push it to multi-chan stereo mode. Other than that, it works like a charm.

The sound quality is phenomenal. Because my initial intentions were to use this in my bedroom (11x14) in size, I opted to with the AVR-391 instead of the higher end models, thinking that the power would have been dumbed down in this model. How wrong I was. This beast packs a wicked punch. So far, I have cranked it up to about 30% on the S/W and about 40% on the volume and its already way too loud for my needs. Its loud and retains the excellent audio properties of the source, no static, no distortions, no popping. Nadda. Mind you, my room is acoustically optimized, hard wood floors, minimal furnishings, etc, I believe my statement would hold true for other settings as well.

The one thing that I'd say could be a con is that the AVR-391, unlike its older siblings, does not have the Audyessy Multi-EQ calibration feature. For smaller, simpler rooms, I'd say this isn't a big deal, but if you plan on using this in a larger theatre-sized room, it may come in handy, which unfortunately, this does not. However, for the price, I'd say its good value with what it comes with. I got the matching Denon SYS-391 speakers as a set, which totalled $439 with the receiver. Without the speakers, it comes to about $250, so for the additional $190, you get a decent 5.1 speaker set.

Anyway, if you're on a budget, but looking for excellent sound quality coming from entry-level HTIB, I would highly recommend the AVR-391 receiver and the accompanying SYS-391 5.1 speaker set from Denon. You will not be disappointed! :)

Pros Thought behind the gift - otherwise nothing !!!

Cons I spent an hour with Best Buy's Geek Squad trying to fet the subwoofer to work (no luck). Unit will not respond to remote, or the controls on the unit..Called Geek Squad when unit would not shut off at all.

Summary Total piece of CRAP as far as i"m concerned..Geek Squad said that a 'hard reset' was necessary. That means pulling the plug. I don't think so.

Pros I bought this unit for my basement surround system for Christmas 2010 from Bestbuy for $200. Three weeks into Jan '11, I finally hooked it up using all HDMI cables. I have a Cable box, DVR, and Blu-ray hooked up to it. Installation was a breeze!

Cons After about 10 minutes the unit completely freezes up. It stops responding to the remote control as well as the buttons on the receiver even the power button no longer works. The only way to resolve this is to pull the power cord. I'm taking it back.

Summary I'm taking it back to Bestbuy today and try another unit. If this problem happens in the new unit I will be returning it and going back to a Sony or Panasonic receiver which have worked flawlessly for me. Will follow -up on the success/failure of the new unit.

Pros Sounds great when it works

Cons I had 1st AVR-391 two weeks and it failed to function (frozen). Sent it off took two months for them to send me a replacement. I recieved it and it also failed to function (frozen). Now fighting to send it back to upgrade to a AVR-1610.

Summary Do not purchase. I have a AVR-1610 and it works great for a yr and a half. Should have bought another 1610. The 391 has firmware issues per Denon. Not sure why they sent a second one without fixing the firmware issue. The model has had many other consumers complain about the Freezing issue. Love Denon AVR's hate the 391.