Denon AVR890 7.1-Channel Multi-Zone Home Theater Receiver with 1080p HDMI Connectivity

by Denon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 16.3 x 17.1 x 6.7 inches ; 25 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 32 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B002AKKFR6
• Item model number: AVR890
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #27,506 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

From the Manufacturer

The Denon AVR890 7.1-Channel Multi-Zone Home Theater Receiver with 1080p HDMI Connectivity – Superior Technology for Superior Entertainment

For thrilling surround sound, the AVR-890 features the latest high resolution audio decoders, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, and is among the first to incorporate Dolby Pro Logic IIz, which provides a dramatic expansion of the front soundstage by deriving additional front channel height effects. To ensure top audio fidelity, the AVR-890 features Audyssey MultEQ room acoustic

Analog and digital video sources are upconverted via Anchor Bay VRS processing to HD quality (View larger)

measurement and correction which analyzes speaker system characteristics at up to six measurement points and the room’s acoustics, and instantly adjusts multiple parameters for optimum speaker/room matching (measurement microphone included).

Operate the on-screen display with the remote control unit (View larger)

The new AVR-890 was designed for consumers wanting exceptional audio and video performance. Its 7-channel amplifier produces 735-watts of total power (105 per channel), delivering detail and dynamics to music and movie soundtracks. The amplifiers can be configured for 7.1 channel surround sound, or a 5.1 channel system in the 'main' room and power a pair of speakers in a second 'zone'.

Audyssey Dynamic Volume prevents annoying volume jumps due to loud commercials between program breaks, and Audyssey Dynamic EQ ensures a rich, smooth tonal balance at any volume level. For optimum video quality, the AVR-890 features state-of-the-art video processing via Anchor Bay VRS ABT-2010, which provides analog to digital video upconversion as well as HDMI to HDMI upconversion, outputting at up to full 1080p HD (24p/60p). Multiple HD-compatible inputs include five HDMI inputs and two component inputs for maximum HD connectivity.

Dolby Pro Logic IIz Processing

Dolby Pro Logic IIz introduces a new dimension to home theater entertainment through the addition of a pair of front height channels. Compatible with stereo, 5.1 or 7.1 content, Dolby Pro Logic IIz provides enhanced spaciousness, depth and dimension to movies, concert video and video game playback while maintaining the full integrity of the source mix. (Dolby Pro Logic IIz playback requires a separate 2-channel amplifier.)

Audyssey Dynamic Volume constantly monitors the sound source (View larger)

Audyssey Dynamic Volume for Real-Time Volume Adjustment

Audyssey Dynamic Volume constantly monitors the sound sources and adjusts the volume to the optimum level for the particular source being heard without sacrificing dynamic range. The AVR-890 is also equipped with Audyssey MultiEQ which measures the acoustic characteristics of the room to obtain the optimum acoustic effects, and Dynamic ED which reproduces the high and low range with the optimum acoustic effect during low volume levels. Dynamic Volume combines these two functions to achieve maximum performance.

Minimum Signal Path for Clear Audio and Video Signal

The "simple and straight" design concept has been thoroughly implemented in the signal paths to contribute to immaculately clean audio and video playback. Signal paths are as short as possibly to keep signal degradation in the audio and the video circuitry to an absolute minimum.

Direct Mechanical Ground Construction

Vibration-resistant construction has been reviewed to thoroughly suppress the adverse influence of vibration on sound quality. The power transformers, a source of vibration, have been securely mounted on the highly rigid bottom chassis. Direct mounting of cast-iron feet to the radiator in near proximity to each other serves to suppress mutual vibration with the power transformers and other sources of vibration.

Connections for All of Your Entertainment Needs

In addition to enhanced HDMI 1.3a repeating (5 in, 1 out), the AVR890 features 1080p i/p conversion, analog to HDMI upscaling and HDMI to HDMI scaling. Video conversion is accomplished using a premium Anchor Bay Technologies 2010 chip set featuring 10-bit multi-cadence processing. This chip set also provides video noise reduction, picture enhancement, and adjustment capabilities not available on lower priced models. The AVR890 also features component video switching (2 in, 1 out), seven analog inputs, and multi-zone (2) / multi-source (2) capability.

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Choose a Denon A/V Receiver that is Right for You Home Theater System

Denon offers several models of A/V home theater receiver systems, from the entry-level AVR-590 5.1-channel A/V surround receiver to the advanced AVR-990 model 7.1-channel A/V surround receiver. Each A/V receiver has different qualities so you can choose the one that is right for your home and the sound you want. Here's a quick breakdown of the Denon A/V receiver systems.

The Denon AVR-590 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver with 1080p HDMI Connectivity. The AVR-590 is a 5.1-channel A/V surround receiver that includes Dolby’s new Pro Logic IIz decoding. 75 watts per channel x 5 channels. Analog video to HDMI conversion, with 1080p 24Hz/60Hz HDMI pass-through. Audyssey MultEQ automatic room acoustic measuring and correction system. iPod/iPhone compatible via optional Denon iPod/iPhone dock. 3 HDMI inputs, 2 component inputs.

The Denon AVR-790 7.1-Channel Multi-Zone Home Theater Receiver with 1080p HDMI Connectivity. The AVR-790is a 7.1-channel A/V surround receiver that includes Dolby’s new Pro Logic IIz decoding. 90 watts per channel x 7 channels. Anchor Bay VRS advanced analog and digital video upconversion and deinterlacing with 1080p 24Hz/60Hz pass-through. Audyssey MultEQ automatic room acoustic measuring and correction system. Sirius satellite ready. 4 HDMI inputs, 2 component inputs.

The Denon AVR-890 7.1-Channel Multi-Zone Home Theater Receiver with 1080p HDMI Connectivity. The AVR-890is a 7.1-channel A/V surround receiver that includes Dolby’s new Pro Logic IIz decoding. 105 watts per channel x 7 channels. Anchor Bay ABT-2010 advanced analog and digital video 1080p/24fps/60fps upconversion and deinterlacing with multi-cadence detection. Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Audyssey Dynamic EQ. Sirius satellite ready. 5 HDMI inputs, 2 component inputs.

The Denon AVR-990 7.1-Channel Multi-Zone Home Theater Receiver with Networking Capability and 1080p HDMI Connectivity. The AVR-990is a 7.1-channel A/V surround receiver that includes Dolby’s new Pro Logic IIz decoding. 120 watts per channel x 7 channels. Anchor Bay ABT-2010 advanced analog and digital video 1080p/24fps/60fps upconversion and deinterlacing with multi-cadence detection. Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Audyssey Dynamic EQ. Sirius satellite ready. 5 HDMI inputs, 3 component inputs.

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Product Description

The new AVR-890 was designed for consumers wanting exceptional audio and video performance. Its 7-channel amplifier produces 735-watts of total power (105 per channel), delivering detail and dynamics to music and movie soundtracks. The amplifiers can be configured for 7.1 channel surround sound, or a 5.1 channel system in the “main” room and power a pair of speakers in a second “zone”. It’s equipped with 1080p compatible HDMI 1.3a Repeating technology, delivering both audio and video to your HDTV with single HDMI cable. This HDMI connectivity supports the latest generation surround sound formats available on Blu-ray disc, including Dolby TrueHD and DD+, dts-HD and dts-HR. Also included is Dolby Laboratories new Pro Logic IIz Matrix decoding featuring front height effects channels that expands front soundstage. The AVR890 boasts a number of Audyssey technologies. Advanced Audyssey MultEQ analyzes a speaker systems interaction with room acoustics, and then delivers custom tailored correction processing to optimize clarity and tonal balance throughout the listening space. Audyssey Dynamic Volume is an automatic volume-leveling system that tracks audio dynamics to eliminate the irritating volume swings between TV shows and commercials. Audyssey Dynamic EQ is also on board to ensure rich bass and smooth tonal balance at low volume listening levels. In addition to enhanced HDMI 1.3a repeating (5 in, 1 out), the AVR890 features 1080p i/p conversion, analog to HDMI upscaling and HDMI to HDMI scaling. Video conversion is accomplished using a premium Anchor Bay Technologies 2010 chip set featuring 10-bit multi-cadence processing. This chip set also provides video noise reduction, picture enhancement, and adjustment capabilities not available on lower priced models. The AVR890 also features component video switching (2 in, 1 out), seven analog inputs, and multi-zone (2) / multi-source (2) capability.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars nice upgrade, September 18, 2009

By 

OIFV79 (Saint Cloud, MN USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Denon AVR890 7.1-Channel Multi-Zone Home Theater Receiver with 1080p HDMI Connectivity (Electronics)

After a lot of research I decided to go with the Denon AVR890. I recently set up my media room with a HD projector and have a 105" screen and wanted something that could upconvert everything to 1080p. I am extremely satisfied with this AV receiver as I can run just one HDMI cable from the receiver to the projector and it upconverts everything.

A few downsides I have is the price compared to other brands, I think I could have gotten more for the money, but hey it's a denon. No THX, which I used to use to optimize my system. Also not happy with the pre-outs, you cannot use room B Pre-outs and 7.1 surround at the same time (cannot use the back 2 surround speakers when in zone 2 mode). I have no clue why, considering the pre out does not use the built in amp power. It's not nearly as loud as my old Kenwood KRF-X9070D, which I though was 100w x 6 channels, but somehow can also be 130w x 6, which it must have been.

On an upside it doesn't get nearly as hot, and has yet to auto-shut off as the old kenwood would.

Overall, I rated it with 4 stars because it does just what I bought it to do. I am very satisfied with this as a surround receiver, but still plan on using my old kenwood in my basement game room for as my "Stereo" since I cannot use my Infinity SM 155 (15" woofer, 2 4.5" mids, and tweater) speakers the way they were ment to be used with the Denon. (Thats why I wanted the pre outs to work on the denon, because I have 2 separate Kenwood Amps "KMF X9000" which can be bridged to put out 270w each, and the speakers are rated for up to 300w).

Hence, me not being happy about the pre out situation or lack of power.

If I had to do it over again I would still have chosen the Denon AVR 890, as it's a great surround receiver.

RE: Also tried to adjust the front speaker level in the manuel setting which can be adjusted from -12dB to +12dB. I got a lot more volume out of the front speakers when I just wanted to listen to music, but anything over plus 8 the reciever would have distortion / cut out the higher frequencies even with the volume set at -2dB or higher.

I am still learning about this receiver and highly reccomend looking through the user manuel if you never owned a Denon before. Still learning about a lot of features. Also just realized the remote has a cover on the back side with a lot more options.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beware the multi zone claim, December 14, 2010

By 

Philip Knight "Phil Knight" (Denver) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Denon AVR890 7.1-Channel Multi-Zone Home Theater Receiver with 1080p HDMI Connectivity (Electronics)

Great product overall but I was very disappointed to find out the zone 2 can only handle an analog input. This is useless for Apple TV which only has digital outputs. Essentially, the only thing I can list to in zone 2 is the radio. There was no mention of this in the specs I read and it was only when I got to the small print in the instruction manual that I realized. Very disappointing on the part of Denon.

Aside from that, it is a great product. I was just really disappointed with the zone 2 function. There are 5 HDMI inputs, 2 optical inputs - why can zone 2 only work with analog?

3.0 out of 5 stars Great sound, poor user interface, user manual and remote, August 29, 2010

By 

D. Kelly - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Denon AVR890 7.1-Channel Multi-Zone Home Theater Receiver with 1080p HDMI Connectivity (Electronics)

Let me reiterate what the other reviewers have said and add my own lament. I have owned a wide range of stereo equipment over the years and in the past I was very happy with Denon. Recently after about fifteen years of party music and blockbuster explosions my Denon AVR1010 finally died. I was very happy with the unit both in sound quality and features so another Denon was a no brainer. My old remote had about fifty buttons which at first I didn't like but now I miss greatly.

Denon has always been known to print less than stellar instruction manuals but the manual for the 890 is a joke. I have been playing with the unit for a couple of days and I usually can pick up on anything technical in a few hours. I have rewired this thing about seventeen different ways and still have no graphic user interface on my Samsung TV. Perhaps they are incompatible. I also can't turn on my main upper speakers. My front mains, center and surrounds work fine but the others will not respond.

I am saddend and angered by the poorly laid out remote and the user interface on the unit that utilizes a page over system for menue navigation. It is not intuitive and I find myself having to backtrack a lot just to find the function I want. I would love to throw my cell phone at Denons research and developement team to show them how a menue should work.

I think the first company to create a full color led touch screen on their reciever will be able to corner the market until the competition catches up.

To sum up.

Pro's

Excellent sound and power for the price.

Construction seems good although not as solid as my old AVR1010

Cons

Poor manual

Clunky dual sided remote that is missing essential buttons

User interface is about ten years out of date and hard to navigate

Bottom line the unit sounds even better than my old Denon and it cost about half as much.

5 stars for sound quality.

4 stars for construction quality

3 stars for user interface

2 stars for poorly designed remote

1 star for the worthless owners manual

Over all it rates about a three and a half. The good news is it's last years model so I got good deal. I think this will be my last Denon though I will sacrifice a little sound quality for ease of use next time around.