Product Description
The AVR-886S is the best value mid-range A/V receiver, with eleven key refinements to improve both sound quality and ease-of-use.The AVR-886S features the Fast Auto Setup, high-end DSP decoding and seven 100 watt amplifiers with high current output devices. A brand-new DSP is the heart of the AVR-886S, and all surround processing is carried out at 96kHz - resulting in more detailed and better surround fields.
Amazon.com Review
The word "muscular" was the first thing that came to mind as we unpacked the Denon AVR-886S XM-Ready 7.1-Channel Home Theater A/V Receiver. It wasn't its hefty 29-pound mass that gave us that impression, but rather it was its overall build. This Denon is one solid receiver. Fortunately, the AVR-886S offers sound that lives up to its physical attributes. Overall we found it to be an agile mid-range receiver that's priced and built to please any home-theater enthusiast.
Twin Drive Rectifier design reproduces deep basses as well as sudden bursts of sound from percussion or other musical instruments.
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A large extruded aluminum heatsink dissipates temperatures uniformly and ensures optimum channel performance.
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The included microphone makes the speaker configuration a breeze.
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The optional XM Connect and Play antenna turns the AVR-886S into a satellite receiver.
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Solid to the Core
Denon has designed the chassis that supports the AVR-886S's transformer to absorb any vibration its 700 total watts of power generates. The highly rigid frame houses and secures the unit's extra-large transformer solidly to the chassis. A thick layer of cushioning material surrounding the transformer's core minimizes any interference and helps to produce a faithful reproduction of the original sound source. Denon has also thrown in a large aluminum extruded heatsink that's designed to dissipate the receiver's heat uniformly, ensuring that all seven channels respond with equal performance. Add to this the unit's serious, but still sleek-looking, brushed-aluminum casing and controls, and one can easily see why "muscular" is the operative word here.
Agility at its Best
But having muscles doesn't mean that the AVR-886S can't move with the best of them. We set up the receiver in a relatively small room and connected a full range of audio and video sources. The AVR-886S is equipped with a fairly straightforward auto setup function that's designed to customize the sound levels for optimum performance in any room. With the included microphone placed at listening level, and with the system's 32-bit floating point digital signal processor automatically analyzing and adjusting the speaker configuration to the room, we were able to scroll through and complete our set-up in just a few minutes. And the option of letting us adjust the settings on our TV display made it even easier.
Take a closer look at the AVR-886S's back panel. |
While the AVR-886S processes all the popular formats you'd expect (Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital, and more) as well as the standard DTS modes (6.1 DTS-ES Discrete, DTS-ES Matrix, DTS Neo:6, Cinema 6.1/5.1, and DTS 96/24 5.1 for DVD-Video Processing), Denon has added a few of its own sound-mode touches. The unit's on-board processing offers several creative algorithms customized for specific sources. We tested several rock CDs with the "rock arena" mode, for instance, a jazz CD with the "jazz club" mode, and even a home-made VHS tape we had laying around in the system's "mono movie" mode. Each mode can be quickly accessed through the remote.
The "rock mode," in particular, added new depth to CDs we've been listening to for years. While the AVR-886S has a "personal memory plus" feature that automatically activates the mode you've previously used for each source, so that you don't have to constantly readjust the settings, it doesn't distinguish between, say, a Miles Davis and Rolling Stones CD, making the feature only partially useful. But it was nice not to have to reset the modes every time we dropped in a DVD.
Other features included in the processing package are Wide-Range Play Capability for DVD-audio and super audio CD, and Denon's Cinema Equalizer processing. These features contributed to a fabulous sonic experience as we cranked up the volume during the battle scenes in the last two Star Wars installments. The fact that the unit's power amp circuits are designed for a wide frequency response from 10 Hz to 100 kHz didn't hurt, either.
Satellite Radio: The Future is Here
Another feature that sets the AVR-886S apart from others in its class is its XM Satellite Radio capability. By connecting the optional XM Connect and Play antenna and activating an XM Satellite Radio subscription (both sold separately), the receiver suddenly becomes a conduit for truly incredible, commercial-free radio. And of course, if you really need those commercials, the AVR-886S also offers AM/FM bands with manual and automatic tuning, along with 56 AM/FM/XM memory presets that make finding your favorite station a breeze.
Any criticism we had of the AVR-886S fell more into the category of quibbles than complaints. The receiver features a pair of rear-panel AC power outlets for additional components, but turning the receiver into standby-by mode shuts off the power to the components, which means that whenever we left our disk in the DVD carousel after our movie was over (which was just about every time!), we had to power up the entire system the next morning just to eject the disc. And while the multi-function remote is designed to work seamlessly with the receiver, it loses some functionality with our other non-Denon components.
Other nice touches that are worth mentioning include the digitally regulated volume control that offers .5 dB increment adjustments; three sets of component video inputs, each with RCA terminals; and Denon's "5 Channel/7 Channel Stereo Mode," which allowed for a "surround sound experience" from standard two-channel sources, such as CDs or stereo radio.
Pros:
- Solid engineering and design for robust, vibration-free sound
- Easy speaker and room customization set up
- Several unique sound modes
Cons:
- Standby mode shuts off power to rear-panel AC power outlets
- Multi-function remote has limited capability as a universal
- Personal memory plus feature offers limited functionality with CD listening
What's in the Box
AVR-886S receiver, remote control unit (RC-1004), 2 AA batteries, AM antenna, FM antenna, omnidirectional microphone, operating instructions, warranty, and service station list.
Product Description
The AVR-2106 is the best value mid-range A/V receiver, with eleven key refinements to improve both sound quality and ease-of-use. The AVR-2106 features new Fast Auto Setup, high-end DSP decoding and seven 125 watt amplifiers with high current output devices. A brand-new DSP is the heart of the AVR-2106, and all surround processing is carried out at 96kHz - resulting in more detailed and better surround fields. All audio DACs are 24bit/192 kHz devices, which deliver cleaner clearer audio.
Customer Reviews:
Great BANG for the buck!!!!!!.......2007-11-15
I've just upgraded from an Onkyo TXSR-602 receiver, which I moved to my bedroom(HT in the making)to this Denon AVR 2106. What can I say..... 100 watts@ 8ohms(rms power)!!!!! I have the Denon hooked up to an 11 speaker HT system in my bonus room. I have Front L/R, Cntr, Surround L/R, Surrround Back L/R and four powered subwoofers (Yep 4 subwoofers and a total of eight 12's). My front ch speakers have two 12" woofers each (with a mid bass and twtr) and are 4ohms (other 5 surround speakers are 8ohms) and the Denon has no problem with them. So it really rocks upstairs. After I hooked it up I watched "300" in order to fine tune the sound for movies and everything was shacking on the shelves. Now I just need to get me either a PS3 or an Xbox 360 for game time. I have a PS2 currently and it now has new life for the moment. There are so many options to choose from when setting up the receiver. I have all video inputs connected to a Samsung 61" DLP and all sound connected to the Denon via fiber optic.
Features:
Dolby D, Dolby D EX, Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS, DTS ES, DTS ES Discrete/Matrix 6.1, DTS NEo 6 Surround, DTS 96/24 and a host of other Denon specialized Surround modes. Cinema EQ, Room EQ, Auto setup mic ( My Onkyo had it also). A new subwoofer mode (LFE Normal and LFE + Main (subwoofer (s) simultaneously play the low freq signal range of the channels set to "Large" + the LFE channel sigals. It also has more xover freq settings than my Onkyo did. Video upconversion, rename input functions. It's just an awesome receiver. The only thing missing is HDMI switching. Below is the spec sheet from the Denon website.
GENERAL
Power Output: Watts Per Channel
* Amplifier Output Details
* 125 Watts - 6 Ohm - THD 0.7 % - 7 channel(s) ( Surround)
* 100 Watts - 8 Ohm - THD 0.08 % - 7 channel(s) ( Surround)
* Dynamic power (Front L/R)
* 120 Watts x 2 @ 8ohms
* 170 Watts x 2 @ 4ohms
* 200 Watts x 2 @ 2ohms
Weight: In Pounds 26.8
Width (inches) 17.1
Height (inches) 6.7
Depth (inches) 16.4
SOUND MODES
Processor(s) - Bit Depth and Type 32-bit Floating Point
Dolby Pro Logic IIx - with Cinema, Music, Game Modes
Dolby Digital Surround EX Decoding
DTS ES Discrete 6.1 Decoding
DTS ES Matrix 6.1 Decoding
DTS Neo:6 Stereo-to-Surround Cinema and Music Modes
DTS 96/24 5.1 for DVD-Video Processing
Audio Signal Delay (Sync. Audio with Video signal) - By source
Pure Direct/Direct/Stereo Modes on Digital/Analog inputs
Video Game Mode
Mono Movie Surround Mode
Rock Arena Surround Mode
Matrix Surround Mode
Jazz Club Surround Mode
Virtual Surround Mode - For 2 Speakers/Headphones
Multi-Channel Stereo Mode 5/6/7
DSP Effect Modes 7
Auto Surround Mode (Analog or Digital Input Type)
Active Center Channel In All Surround Modes
CONNECTIVITY
True 24-bit/96-kHz Digital Input Capability
True 24-bit/192-kHz Digital Input Capability (Denon Link & 1394)
Assignable Digital Inputs
Digital Inputs: Coaxial 2
Digital Inputs: Optical 4
Digital Outputs: Optical 1
Analog Audio Inputs, Incl. Tuner 10
Phono Input MM type
Source Function Renaming
Analog Record Outputs 3
Front Panel A/V Inputs w/Cover * Composite and S-Video * with Optical
Video Conversion -Composite to S-Video to Component
Video Conversion - Composite to S-Video to Composite
Composite Video Inputs 5
Composite Video Outputs 3
S-Video Inputs 5
S-Video Outputs 2 plus Mon
Component Video Inputs x Bandwidth - *Assignable *3 x 100MHz
Component Video Outputs 1
6-Ch. External Analog Input
Banana Plug Speaker Terminals, All Channels
Cinema EQ
Front A/B Speaker Selector
56 Station Auto-Preset Memory Tuning
XM Satellite Radio 'Connect and Play' Ready - with optional antenna
Direct Function (Tone Bypass)
Volume Control Un-muting
Selectable Muting Levels (Full/-40/-20) Single Level
Video Select Control
RS-232 Port - Third Party Remote Controllers
IR Serial Remote In/Out terminals
+12v Trigger Output - Assignable 2/25mA
Multi-Source/Multi-Zone (*Uses REC OUT) 2S/3Z*
Pre-amp Outputs for Multi-Zone
Multi-Zone Pre-Amp Outputs - Selectable Output Levels Fixed Only
Discrete Remote Power On/Off, Source Selection and Volume for Main and Second/Third* Zones
Assignable Amplifier Configuration of Surround Back Channels with Volume
Speaker Time-Delay and Level Controls: L/R, Sub, C, Surr. L/R, Surround Back
Pre-Amp Outputs All (8)
COMPONENT TECHNOLOGY
Equal Power Amplifiers 7 ch
Low Impedance Drive Capability
High-Current/Discrete Amplifiers
Independent Power Supplies
Toroidal Power Transformer
Dolby Digital, DTS and DSP Modes - Analog Devices, Hammerhead SHARC
24-bit/192-kHz DACs - Analog Devices AD-1837
Analog-to-Digital Conversion - Bit Depth/Sampling Rate 24-bit/96kHz
Variable High/Low Pass Crossover Points (12/24dB) 40/60/80/100/120/150/200/250
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
Front Panel A/B Speaker Selector
Auto Setup Calibration
Auto/Manual Room Equalization
Auto Setup Microphone Included/Type Y/Mold DM-S205
Dual Surround Mode Spkr. Selector
Icon-Based On-Screen Display
Front Panel System Setup Control
Personal Memory Plus
System Setup/Surround Parameters Lockout
Relay-Controlled Protection Circuits
Microprocessor User Re-set
Detachable Power Cord
Pre-programmed (10 Devices) Glow Key Remote Control with Punch Through Commands Y/RC-1016
Wow.......2006-02-27
I upgraded my aging Kenwood amp for this Denon and the difference was night and day. Here is a list of things I love about the 2106:
- the On screen display
- the sound
- the fact I can change the names of the sources (no more VCR-2, now I can rename it to Xbox)
- how it looks
- its a denon
- the features
- the auto setup and mic
What do I hate? I REALLY hate the remote.
Product Description
BLACK FINISH CORNER TV STAND (ACCOMMODATES MOST 30"TVs). WITH 3 AUDIO SHELVES, 40 CD RACK HOLDER AND EASY GLIDE CASTERS.
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