Customer Reviews

Denon AVR-988 7.1-Channel Multizone Home Theater Receiver

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

This was a strong performing receiver at $1200. Now it is an amazing value. Why?
Pros
1) Clean high current power- in the end, the most important thing. Strip away all the bells and whistles and "features" and listen to it. Many receivers brag about 100 watts of power and yet sound thin. Denon is known for amplifier quality. This Denon receiver was designed for the $1200 instead of the $500 price point and has the parts quality that reflects it (good power supply, shielding, and separate circuit boards for Digital, Analog Video and Analog Audio) The receiver has 110 watts for 7 channels and will drive your speakers for better bass and clarity.

2) 1080P Upconversion- there is two types of upconversion. In other words, what are you doing to a VCR or other analog video signal to make it HDMI? Some receivers "Transcode", which means they convert from regular composite video, S-Video, or Component video to HDMI. This is done for convenience. You get all of your sources on one HDMI cable going into the TV, but don't expect any improvement in video quality. The other way of conversion is called upconversion or "scaling." Now you are taking a 480i signal and converting it to 1080i or 1080P. The quality of that process varies widely. Some upconverters make the image look horrible. Some only upconvert to 1080i. Denon uses a Faroudja FLi2310 video processor that provides video scaling up to 1080p resolution. On other words, it makes your old stuff look good. Not as good as true HD source material, but it is a significant improvement.

3) Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio- decodes them both.

4) Multi-Zone/Multi-Source: Use 5 of the channels for home theater and the 2 other channels to power a second zone (like speakers for an outdoor deck) with a different source. So you can watch movies in the family room and still have a CD playing outside. The second zone can be fed from the coax digital or optical digital input (rather than only analog), something that many other multi-source receivers can't do.

5) Auto Setup: Many people buy a receiver and never bother to set it up to compensate for their room and speakers. I prefer to set up a receiver manually for inputs, speaker size and distance and it can make a huge difference in sound quality. Denon makes setup easy. Once you plug in the microphone, the receiver automatically detects and enters in auto-setup mode. The Audyssey Multi EQ XT can be setup for 8 favorite listening setups...you can calibrate it for a couple watching movies vs a group watching a football game. There is a large difference among auto EQs, and Audyssey does a good job.

6) Auto Lipsync- Have you noticed the image not match up with the sound? Rather than put up with that movie experience, the Denon receiver will allow you to correct for the delays between the video and audio processing.

7) Shh...don't tell anyone, but this receiver is very, very close in performance to Denon's AVR 2808. Just less expensive!
8) Yes, it even still has a phono input.
9) Music restorer- Playing an iPod? Use this to make compressed audio sources sound less worse.

Drawback
Although it will convert other inputs to HDMI, it only has two HDMI inputs. For those who want more HDMI inputs, add a HDMI switcher box. One of the best reviewed ones is the Oppo. It works with Tivo, Comcast cable boxes, and with Denon receivers.
OPPO HM-31 Certified HDMI 1.3 and 1080p Switch

Excellent music and video capabilities including the latest HD formats, and 1080p conversion is real (works well).
Denon is known for faithful reproduction of music and usually the cornerstone of low end /budget audiophile systems. I tried these with Martin Logan Aeon i Speakers and they sound fine (considering Martin Logans require amps to drive large currents at 2 to 4 ohms, but still not enough - while the sound quality is fine - no additional noises/artifacts, the volume tends to be low with martin logans); so I am forced to use other (Polk) speakers with these too for the most part (in 5 channel mode instead of stereo for classical music) in most situations (that and the bad docs/remote/gui setup is why I am giving 4 stars!)
Pros: 1. analog conversion all the way to HDMI 1080p
2. downward conversion to svhs/analog for multizones
3. Excellent connectivity to networked music (ASD-1r/3w/3n docs - optional) and ipods
4. easy setup for room
5. Preamp output available
Cons:
1. Still bad/complicated remote! (and bad documentation too).
2. Only 2 HDMI inputs?

Didn't test on screen menu feature on this yet (one year old Denon 588 didn't have that)
Overall it is a good product especially compared to the similar 2808 that sells for $1000 upwards. Both are similar featured (except that 2808 supports 3 zone/3 source compared to 2 zone/2 source for 988 model; and 2808 also has a simple second remote that is good; the rest of the amp is exactly the same as 988, just costs more!).Considering the price and features, this model is a steal right now!
Update/Caveat: If your speakers are 6 ohms or higher, then this receiver is great! So decide carefully taking all the components in to consideration. For my case, I am adding a good stereo amp (Class D) to drive the martin logans using the pre out for zone 2 as the input for the stereo amp.
UPDATE: Looks like Denon has introduced new models AVR-989 and 2809Cl with just 2 differences (115W instead of 110W per ch. and 4 HDMI inputs - they listened to the reviewers/users and increased the number of HDMI inputs)! That's the reason that these are getting discounted right now; if you don't care about more than 2 HDMI inputs, this is the best sale ever.
I have used Marantz, harmon kardon and sony in the past (never used Onkyo but reading reviews I stayed away from it because of power/burn out issues) and all of them have had troubles with power - usually gets heated a lot more than denons, sometimes protection circuit kicks in and turns off those receivers in my setup (goes to power efficiency of Denons, that they are able to give better wattage without wasting extra power).

This receiver is fully customizable to my media room. This thing lets you assign the HDMI inputs to your devices and Label them on the display. (I also setup the XBox and labeled the HDP2 inputs XBox 360. Just don't forget to select, in the setup,analog sound.) Plus this Denon has a mic that you plug in the front to set up your speakers. It will decode most sound codecs and transmit them to your speakers with class. The video, analog to digital 1080p, scaling works great. If you are smart enough to hook up the wires in the back, you are smart enough to customize the setup features. :) I love it.

I have been using the Denon AVR-988 for a month now. Excellent sound, build quality and aesthetics. Reviewers before have covered many points, so I'll just address the following:

- Shipping experience: I had opted for next-day delivery. The receiver arrived as promised in original factory packaging. There were a couple of nicks and dents in the box, but nothing significant.

- Hook up: Didn't take too long to set up the system. I see many comments on the user manual being complicated etc, but if you have dealt with any A/V receiver before, there isn't a whole lot different here. In fact, you probably don't need the manual at all to hook up your components.

- Audessey set up: The first time you need to consult the manual is to figure out how to start the Audessey auto set up. Specifically, you just need to know how to get your On-Screen menu display going, and after this, you can just follow the instructions. The system can take up to 8 measurements, but I needed only 3. This took a few minutes.

- Remote: As with most receivers today, the remote is cryptic and requires some figuring out. Especially, the 988 remote has a hidden set of buttons in the back, where some of the useful functions are kept (why put it in the back?) Also, it has a weird slider switch mechanism to select components to control other components like CD, which is odd. The remote could have been better, but this is no big deal considering many other positives.

Overall, I'd suggest that people don't get put off by prior comments on set up and complexity. Even if you're not familiar with A/V receivers, this is just a one-time effort.

- Build: Solid build quality in terms of weight of the unit, and the feel of it as you lift it and operate it. Note that this unit is made in Japan, not in China or Malaysia (unusual nowadays to find such products).

- Aesthetics: Very nice to look at, buttons are hidden under a flap, and the display is clear and functional (no jazzy colored lights). Of course, like all receivers, you have to go up close to read the volume level, active channels, but looks good overall.

- Sound: I have a 3.1 set up (don't like to run wires for rear speakers), and the sound quality from both stereo and 5.1 sources is crystal clear, nuanced, with tight bass. You don't have to jack up the volume too much (I mostly listen at -40 DB, the receiver goes up to +18DB). Some DVDs require me to raise the volume to about -25DB, that's the max I have gone so far in a medium sized room. Receiver automatically determines the type of source (Stereo, digital, etc), and plays it accordingly. Audessey automatically sets the tone controls, but there is also bass and treble settings you can manually adjust (plus levels of all 7.1 channels). Overall, extremely pleased with the sound. Pleasure to watch movies like Matrix with both great instrumental sound and effects, or listen to music.

- Running it for hours: I sometimes have it on for several hours, and the unit just barely gets warm. Compare this to Onkyo heating/flaming issues, and this is another reason to consider buying this unit.

In summary, as someone said before, this is a $1200 unit selling for less than half the price. It's not much different from the new 989 or 2809, at half the price! Great value, IMO, and I recommend 988 whole-heartedly.

This Av receiver is really an incredible piece of engineering. Sophisticated is a good word for it. The Audessey calibration did a great job of setting my speakers in my HT. I'm running with Mirage FRX7 fronts, FRXc Center, FRX5 surrounds, and FRXs8 subwoofer. The Denon powers these with great detail and tons of headroom.
After shopping round for quite awhile now, the discovery of the Denon at half price, free shipping, was too good to pass up and boy am I glad I didn't.
The manual is a bit daunting. For someone relatively new to HT it will take some time to get a handle on, but one could just use the auto setup and be on their way.
Also noteworthy is that after being on for probably 6 or so hours I noticed the unit was barely warm. This is a good thing as I know heat is the biggest culprit in electronics failures.
Buy this unit, you will not regret it!!!

Denon AVR-988 is a fully loaded receiver. 1080P upconversion is real. I am connecting PS3 via HDMI "8m ~ 33ft 400 Series Cable", XBOX 360 via THX Certified Component Cable and have it upconverted to 1080P, Dish Network FTA receiver via Component cable THX1000 Series and upconverted to 1080P.



Now what is interested is the picture quality of the FTA Receiver (ViewSat Ultra) on 112" Fixed Projection Screen. The picture is really beautiful. I am sitting about 10 feet away from 112" and using Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080UB (top of the line 1080P HDMI v. 1.3). I connected the receiver directly to the projector and the picture just didn't look as good. So this receiver upconverts signals to higher resolution (of course not close to HD sharpness).



Also, I connected all devices through Fiber Optic Cables except for PS3 HDMI. Two things I noticed:



1- To get the True HD sound set up your PS3 to Linear PCM and NOT Bit Stream. This is because the PS3 decodes the raw HD Sound internally `using complicated mathematical equation' and then sends it to the Denon receiver in Linear Code Pulses (Linear PCM stand for Linear Pulse Code Modulation) so you end up with True Uncompressed sound but with no little light indicator on the front display of your Denon Reciever . So go to set up on PS3 (I think BD AUDIO) and set it up to PCM Linear; and then set the Denon to either Direct or Pure Direct (Pure Direct since you are using HDMI). Of course nothing will show on the Denon front Display but you are getting HD Sounds and to prove it PRESS DISPLAY on the PS3 remote and it will show Dolby Digital HD or DTS HD or Multi Channel PCM. Now to get the Denon Front display show HD SOUNDS you need a Blu-ray player and does bit streaming which means the raw material/sound is sent purely to the receiver so it can decode it internally (of course using a complicated mathematic equation) and then output as Dolby True HD or DTS-HD and that's when the Light Indicator will light up. Which one is better Linear PCM from PS3 or Bit Streaming to the receiver? Not sure, but it all depends on the system that does the decoding. I mean we don't have super ears to distinguish the difference (maybe there is/maybe there isn't) but the point is you are GETTING Dolby True HD/DTS HD sound. Maybe once Blu-ray players get cheaper, then you upgrade or at least try it yourself and see if it makes a world of difference or not.



One thing I remember reading through online forums (don't remember which one it was) that someone has the PS3, which sends Linear PCM, and his friend got the Panasonic Blu-ray Player DMP-BD30K, which Bit Streams, and they both have the Denon AVR-2808, which an equivalent same exact model as Denon AVR-988 except of the extra remote for the 2nd zone and three sources/zones instead of two for the AVR-988, the person was asking how in the world the sound coming from the PS3 (Linear PCM) to the Denon is the same to the sound from the Bit Streaming player. Therefore, in the end I do believe that it really doesn't matter if you are using a Bit Streaming Player or Linear PCM as the bottom line this Denon AVR-988 receiver handles the HD Sound beautifully.



Now let's get to the second thing that I noticed:



2- For the XBOX 360 (connected through Fiber Optic Cable) when I press Direct (note: pure direct won't work as it is connected through Component and have it upconverted to 1080P which means the Video Processor needs to be working and what Pure Direct does is Turns off all video AND audio circuits for optimum pure signal from the source - HDMI just passes from source to the projector) the Denon front display is off (Typical) and I get 2-CH Clear totally Uncompressed sound that is coming from the Front L/R speakers. No surprise for two reasons:



A) Xbox 360 is connected to the receiver via Fiber Optic Cable which doesn't have enough Bandwidth to carry up to 7.1 of uncompressed audio in forms of either bits or codes.

B) DIRECT mode is ON, which means no audio processing is working in the receiver.



Now you are probably wondering what if I get an Xbox 360 with HDMI output, will I get Linear PCM sent to the receiver or will it Bit Stream?



The answer is NEITHER. Why? Because the Xbox 360 or "Microsoft" doesn't have a built-in decoder and it just doesn't have the firmware or update to make it produce Dolby-HD or DTS-HD. Note: Sony didn't have it few months ago; but they added a firmware which updated the PS3. So, indeed the PS3 is the ultimate in Home Theatre as it makes a great Blu-ray Player and a Game/Entertainment system. Note: there is no benefit of getting HDMI converter for 360 as you will not get HD-Sound.



You can of course get Dolby Digital/DTS through Fiber Optic Cable and that is when the Audio Processing needs to be on in the receiver (i.e don't use Direct mode). When you switch between DIRECT on and off, you will 100% notice the compression difference (DIRECT ON: PURE CLEAR UNCOMPRESSED SOUND) (DIRECT OFF: Compressed Dolby Digital/DTS) now, the original Dolby Digital/DTS isn't the worst thing you hear, but you just need to increase the volume to compensate for the compressing. Also, DTS or always less compressed that Dolby Digital, so choose DTS when you go the DVD menu set-up option. But the thing is, Denon AVR-988 is very close in performance to any High Current Amplifier (when you don't take advantage of the HD Audio and of course 1080P Up-Conversion) like the Harman Kardon Receivers.



The bottom line is:



If you need simplified connection between the receiver and the TV get the Denon AVR-988 as one single HDMI cable from the receiver to the TV will do the job



ALSO



If you have PS3 or any Blu-Ray player and you are into Blu-ray movies, then you owe it to yourself to own a receiver that processes HD Sound with the most updated version of HDMI 1.3. DENON IS A GREAT CHOICE AND WELL KNOWS IN HOME THEATRE WORLD.



Please post your comments or questions as I will be regularly checking my post.



One thing to note is that once you set up the Auto Calibration to account for Room Acoustics, speaker size and distance, you need to increase the subwoofer a little (you can always add a second subwoofer though Y-Adapter cable) you need to FEEEEEEEEEEEEL the low frequency and NOT hear it.



I have 12" DPS Velodyne and it rocks.



I have not tried to Bi-amp my front Polk Audio RTi10 towers yet 'cause the sound is just perfect for me. Maybe I will Bi-Amp as there is two channels not used (5.1 set up only). or maybe i should set it up to 7.1.



My advice is to get the Denon for this price ($650 including the OPPO HD-31 switch with free shipping) as it is a steal right now. I called another Denon Authorized Online Retailer and asked them to price match and they told me that THEY CANNOT as "it is like giving it away".



So ADD IT TO YOUR CART NOW AND ENJOY HD SOUNDS and you will NOT regret it a bit.



Denon Performance vs. Price (this is a steal).



Good luck.

I considered buying the newer model of this receiver, the AVR-989. For me, after comparing the two models and factoring in the excellent price of $533.00 for the 988, I bought this one. This one is 110 watts per channel for a total of 770 watts (7.1 channel). The 989 is slightly hotter with 115 watts per channel. Minor for me. The 989 is capable of powering 3 zones, or 3 different areas in the house if you will. The 988 is a 2 zone receiver. Plenty for me. Some significant technilogical advantages to the 989 over the 988 are 1. the "Audyssey Dynamic Volume Control". This is the capability to automatically control the volume level. so that when commercials come on that are usually loader than the program your watching on television, rather than blasting you with higher volume, it maintains your volume level. 2. An additional 1.3a hdmi input. The 988 has three inputs whereas the 989 has four. I liked the four inputs but I dont need all of them with my current home theater system. If I do need more inputs in the future I will purchase an HDMI switch box like the Oppo HM-31 which has excellent reviews on amazon. 3. The 988 is "XM" ready while the 989 is "XM" and "Sirius" ready. Again minor to me.

My receiver is "Awesome". I am driving the Harmon Kardon HKTS-18 speakers. Some may think this receiver is overkill for these speakers but I am a firm believer that over-amplification is better than being under amplified. That is just a simple fact when putting together any sound system. Simply said, my home theater rocks!! Pure and undistorted in all the ranges, from the highest highs to the accurate hard hitting bass. Cant go wrong with this receiver!

After reading the reviews on the Denon AVR-988, I was compelled to add this unit to my choice of new AV components. Now that I have it installed and completely setup with great speakers (Klipsch Quintet SL), sub woofer (Polk Audio DSW microPro 1000), LCD television (Mitsubishi Diamond Series LT-52246) hanging on a Peerless ST-650 tilting wall mount and a BluRay (Panasonic DMP-BD55K Blu-ray Disc Player), all sitting on a beautiful wall unit (Sanus VF-5023 3-Shelf Wall Hanging), I now have the ultimate sound and video system.
The Denon AVR-988 is very complicated, especially for those guys that refuse to read instructions. But it's complicated because it offers so much. My advice to anyone buying such a high-end wonderful audio unit, after hooking up your components, start at page one of the supplied booklet and read through the entire manual while sitting in front of the unit with all of your remotes and perform a step-by-step instillation and you'll be surprised how easy it really is to get everything up to par in a timely manner.
The Denon AVR-988 is plainly put, one of the absolute best AV units money can buy. It was recently replaced by the AVR-989, only because the 988 came with only 3 HDMI sockets and the 989 was upped to 5. But for what I paid ($540.00) and $3 for 1-Day delivery, it was a steal. The unit is powerful, precise, and beautiful and gives me everything and more of what I would expect in an AV unit. This is far better than even my previous high-dollar Marantz unit I had. Great job Denon, this unit is perfect!!! 5-Stars+!!

This is a very heavy and capable receiver judging by the comparison with my Sony STR-DE197 it is replacing. Its about twice the size and twice the weight which is a good thing since you can't run high current and high power without some size. So it scores very high on power and construction. Now the down side -- it is very very complex. Overly complex. If you love the ipod for its simplicity, this is about 180 degrees the other direction. Lots of switches, menus, plugs etc. Its complex. For my application, I am powering a 5.1 surround sound system in my family room, then for a second zone, I have speakers in the kitchen, dining room, living room and outside.

I got frustrated enough that I boxed it up and was going to ship it back. I started to looking for another high power amplifier (like an onkyo) for my application-- guess what. No one seemed to have figured out how to easily do this. So I unboxed the Denon and started again.

Now I am growing to like it as I figure out some good features. First - the second zone has separate volume controls. Since most of the speakers in the second zone have independent volume controls in the room, the receiver allows you to set the volume for zone 2 and keep it fixed allowing them to be controlled independently in each room.

Second, the 5.1 configuration has a front A and front B L/R speakers. So essentially supports 4 front speakers plus the center channel. For me, this allowed me to connect the family room speakers and kitchen essentially together. Since the rooms are next to each other, have all the speakers on the same system makes sense.

Finally - the system supports an iPOD dock and the remote can run the ipod dock. Cool feature, but extra.

So -- if you have a complex, multi-room set up, this receiver is good. otherwise, you may find it overly complex.

I am very happy with this Denon receiver. It sounds fantastic -- noticably better than my old pioneer receiver. My new home theater system is simply stunning with this Denon receiver perfectly handling the video and sound flawlessly. This receiver will anchor my system for decades to come.

Denon is known for great amps with excellent power handling, and this model has more than enough power to handle my complete home theater experience with clean and accurate sound quality. It has just about every feature you would ever want for future innovations. It's also made in Japan (highest quality) and not an obscure country.

Denon is a premium brand with a known reputation for especially outstanding video processing (A+), excellent sound (A), and overall great performance (A+). This receiver lives up to that high standard. It sounds and looks great.

For home theaters, Denon receivers are especially renowned for the absolute best video processing and great digital audio. The video in my home theater system is outstanding. This receiver handles Dolby TrueHD and many other formats, including Dolby Pro Logic II (must have) and formats of the future. The 1080p upconverting video ability is outstanding and a very valuable feature. Denons can't be beat for overall home theater performance, unless you pay much more.

Some say the Yamahas sound just as good, but are a little cheaper, than Denons. However, Denons definitely have better video processing and are overall better, but cost a little more. The Onkyos are nearly as good overall as the Denons, some say, but are cheaper. (The Onkyo SR606 is a particularly good model.) However, Denons are simply better overall (both sound and video) for a home theater. Onkyos do not sound as good as Denon's, generally speaking, and do not have the outstanding video processing capability of Denon. Onkyos have a reputation for running very hot -- unacceptable to me. I would never buy an Onkyo for that reason. Denons are known for having especially-good heat sinks and amps.

I bought this premium, $1,000+ receiver on sale at Amazon.com for less than $600 -- easily the best offer anywhere on the internet. Buy now! The Denon arrived at my home in perfect condition, brand new. (I think a few refurbished or previously-opened Denons were sold that way at Amazon, but mine was brand new and in perfect condition.) I highly recommend this receiver at this amazing deal.

There are a few minor weaknesses with this Denon receiver. There are two HDMI inputs, which is what I need (one for blu-ray and the other for HD cable), so this was the best choice -- and an incredible deal -- for me. If you must have HDMI inputs, move up to the Denon AVR-2809CI or the Denon AVR-4308CI. Although this receive is ready for XM satellite radio, it cannot decode HD radio. If you want to listen to local HD radio, buy a HD radio decoder, such as the Sony XDRF1HD HD Radio Tuner, and connect it to this receiver. The manual is also confusing, so be ready to take time to read it carefully from the beginning. Hint: If you become lost, back-up to a previous page, because I found two solutions when I realized I had missed a piece of information at a previous page. If your mind cannot handle mild complexity or you do not want to invest four extra hours for set-up, then buy a simple, cheap receiver.

The performance of the Denon is outstanding and is worth a day of your life to get it going. This is a great receiver to anchor a home theater system. It will serve you well for a long time.