Customer Reviews

Denon DHT-590BA 5.1 Channel Home Theater System with AV Receiver and Boston Acoustics

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Background - I previously had a simple 5.1 system-in-a-box setup. It was not horribly impressive and with limited features. I also had a Harmon/Karden receiver (very old) for music.

Ownership duration at time of review: ~2 weeks

Experience level: I consider myself pro-enthusiast -- I control church sound (16ch band), musical background (so I know what to listen for), Electrical experience in almost all categories, rarely need to touch the manual.

I bought the DHT-590BA after doing a lot of research for the price range (At the time I purchased it was on Amazon Prime). I compared the specs against other systems that had many more inputs or many more 'features' (I.E. Ipod/DVD combo/etc.) but found this does exactly what I need and wanted. I was just about to get FIOS from Verizon and wanted a system that didn't put it to shame. Only reason I didn't upgrade earlier was that I couldn't find a system that was in the price range and with the correct features I required.

Since this is a A/V receiver I wanted to use it as my primary switch instead of the TV. The bonus of having an upconvert to HDMI allowed me to have only one cable running to the TV. With that said the components I have connected are a PS3, Fios HD set-top, a secondary DVR and a mp3 player. All (except mp3 player) are now running via HDMI so I reduced the mass tangle of wires :) The switching capability is fantastic, there are 3 programmable buttons on the front to select the "scene", for instance 1->TV, 2->PS3, 3->Radio. The programming saves seems to save all aspects of the setup, basically the sound level and any other settings are saved.

The speakers that come with this system match very well. After letting the receiver do the auto-setup, with provided setup mic, the sound is well balanced with no delay or echos. The room used is a 15x19 size room. The calibration is dead accurate, when competed it gives a summary of the calculations (distance measurement) which is spot on down to the inch. The provided sub is just right but can bring out unwanted effects. This design with the cone facing downward doesn't work well on carpet -- I used a plywood board under it so the tone isn't muffled or selective like a bandpass box. If placed badly in a room this will give a very loud and uneven sound. I'm sure the calibration would have fixed it but I found a good location before that happened.

The satellite speakers are more of book-shelf type, they are heavy and larger than you expect! The 3" mid-tone cone has much to do with that size/weight but the compromise of this is great sound. I had some issues with the middle speaker since it was bigger than expected so location was more complicated.

Pros:

The best feature about this receiver is that it as up-converting to HDMI. This is a great bonus for standard def or typical Ypbr connections (3-plug video).

Scene programming

AWESOME sound - well balanced after calibration. Can get loud and yet remain in an even tone with minimal distortion.

Auto EQ/volume - Main reason for those loud TV shows. It will attempt to keep the volume the same (compression) if a loud show comes on or if you don't particularly like explosions after cranking the volume to hear what people are saying in a movie.

Keeps its cool (literally) -- After hours being on it is very cold.

Switch ability - toggle between inputs easily though one device.

Calibration - works very well to balance the sound.

Very easy setup - especially with HDMI, I think it took me an hour or two for setup (that includes taking down the older system and wires)

Long enough wires for rear speakers.

Cons:

(small) Bigger than expected speakers

Volume is a bit tricky. It has a predictive volume changer (goes faster the more you press the volume button).

Massive/heavy box (83lbs) -- be warned for those with a small car and not a lot of strength

Not for those 'state of the art' setups -- then again you'll probably be looking at the 4-digit range.

Supplied remote is a joke for controlling all components -- keep it only for the receiver.

Some what on the large side for the receiver -- could be smaller

Must (but understandable) go though setup procedure to get auto eq/volume working

No THX (but DTS works just as well)

Would I recommend this? For anyone who doesn't have good speakers and wants to consolidate the mess of wires YES! Have I recommended this - Already did :)

In summary this works very well for me. The quality and controls are almost perfect (minus volume control). I think that it is well priced and well designed. I feel it works very well and complements Fios and Blue-Ray movies.

Tips:

*If you see those "1000W" systems be warned, that statement is not well founded -- it's like saying a car can go from 0-30 in .5 seconds but has trouble hitting 70. If you read carefully that '1000W' is for a specific tone range which is generally a high pitch. Basically a real 300W system can put that to shame.

*Think about what you currently have and what will be removed by getting this system. Are you going to use all HDMI (if so how many and compare that to the # of HDMI inputs). Are you using a mix of HDMI/component - Make sure the system can up-convert for you. Are you wanting new speakers (if no match the speakers to the receiver -- bigger = more of a receiver).

The best feature on this product must be the auto programming mic that comes with it.

The sound was good at best before we used the microphone. After the amp has done it's test, compared it with what the microphone told it, now the sound is AMAZING :)

I highly recommend.

If you find this review, pat yourself on the back, because for this price, there is no better on the market. (right now)

This package can be beaten, but you have to triple the price. I have used many htib packages before. This one surpasses all of them.

pros:

Sound quality: The speakers are enough to fill a 225 sq/ft space with above normal volume, and top to bottom freq. response to make all but audio files happy.

HDMI conversion-You can use any analog input (composite, or s-vid) and it will upconvert it to HDMI.

Rename inputs, set delays, audyssey, and multiple inputs. You can use this system with a projector and have a realhometheaters.

Cons:

For the price there are none, but an activity based remote would be useful.

I purchased the Denon unit based on recommendations from people I knew as well as online recommendations. The unit was sent as described and arrived within the window provided. It is a very good unit for the price and I would not hesitate to recommed the unit as well as the provider. A+

Good system if you care about sound quality over loudness. Sounds smooth and clear. Very happy I purchased this.

I recently purchased this Denon DHT 590BA home theater system and could not be happier. This was my first true high definition receiver and I was very impressed with how easy it was to set up. One HDMI cable from the receiver to the HDTV and then HDMI cables from my various hi def components (blu ray disc player, HD DVD player and Verizon Fios box) to the receiver. The Fios remote turns on the whole system and the Denon remote is what I use to select the input and sound fields. Despite the small size of the speakers, they are solid, heavy, and deliver rich, full, sound. The subwoofer can be adjusted with a small knob on the back if the bass is too deep. Let me tell you, this baby rocks! Sound effects from movies are nothing short of powerful, and music is so natural and beautiful, you can easliy get lost in this musical paradise. I often listen to my i-pod, which I connect to the receiver with one simple cable. The sound is amazing and fills the entire room. Another plus, is that the speaker wires are included with the package and the length of the wires is very generous, allowing for the satellite speakers to be placed where you want them. This system does not disappoint and will certainly put a smile on your face. It is money well spent and worth every penny. I hope you will get as much pleasure from this system as I do. Enjoy!

This system is fantastic! Ideal for medium size rooms. Has a great sub-woofer that can really rock the house. It is unbelievable especially for the price.

I definitely would recommend it.

I bought this setup at Best Buy almost a year ago when I was looking for a surround sound option to go with my new LCD and XBox 360. I quickly realized that to assemble an a la carte system with stand alone speakers and a receiver, I would be spending well over $1000. So I started looking around at less expensive, but adequate HTIB systems. I have a 1200w 5.1 surround by Panasonic in my basement and it's decent overall, so I was looking at similar systems. A sales clerk then approached me about the Denon receiver with the Boston Acoustics speakers included, floor model display they were selling at a big discount. I think I paid about #350 for everything. I don't know a lot about wattage and ohms and all that audio jargon, so I was a little skeptical of what performance to expect considering the receiver is marketed at 350 total watts. Apparently, wattage isn't a number you can use to compare a legit receiver to a HTIB system. I realized the sales guy was right when the sound and power from this thing blew me away in my living room. My 1200w Panasonic HTIB in the basement isn't even in the same class as this. I have the Panasonic hooked up to my 42" wall mounted LG in a finished basement and used to watch all my movies down there. Now, with the Denon and Boson Acoustics hooked up to the Xbox and 40" LCD in my living room, I never use the theater in the basement. Don't get me wrong, the Panasonic HTIB is adequate and delivers above average sound and power when compared to other similar systems. It just doesn't compare to the Denon and Boston Acoustics combo. I've since moved my kids Wii to the basement theater and that's about all the use it gets.

Overall, I think this setup is very solid. It offers great bang for the buck if you are looking in the $350-$450 price range. Just buy this system and get a standalone DVD/Blu Ray player to go with it or just use your Xbox or PS3. The sound quality and bass power are excellent. If you're in experienced, setup can be tricky, especially if you have multiple components like cable box, game consoles, HD tuner, etc... It's just a matter of knowing your inputs and outputs and then configuring them appropriately in the receiver's menu.

If you are on a smaller budget and can't afford to piece together a system that'll cost you $800 and up, I guarantee you will be amazed with the awesome power and sound quality of this system. HTIB systems are notorious for a variety of problems and most don't deliver the performance they promise. There are a few that are decent like the one I have in my basement, but if possible I would generally try to avoid them. You can read about many more bad experiences than good with most of them. Go with this Denon and Boston Acoustics combo... and thank me later.

Before I bought the Denon DHT-590BA 5.1 Channel Home Theater system, I was using logitech 2.1 speakers for my surround sound pleasure, but onced I got this badboy setup, I can't believe the difference. Its like watching a movie at the theater! I'm telling you, if you want to pay for good quality surround sound then this system right here is a must have! For the price of this system, nothing can beat it.

Pros:

Sound quality, Ease of Setup and Visuals are awesome!

Cons:

Nothing! Why pay double or triple the price for a sound system that sounds exactly like this one?

Took a financial crunch for a few months but the morning I made my decision there were 24 available on Amazon and the afternoon looksie showed 4,I freaked and bought it and now I'm very glad I did and worth the financial struggle that ensued.Was stuck in the vicious cycle of combo theater sets(5 in 5 years)lasers and amplifiers die or sub fades,now I realize this is entry level ala cart and no longer am I so restricted as to what I can and can't do.I haven't stepped into the HDMI world yet and this Denon receiver allows me to have fun still and also allows me too look into my future a little and the Boston Acoustics are great compared to the garbage I've been dealing with,I plan on getting a Polk 12" soon and thats the beauty of ala cart right there.