Denon DRA-685 Multi-Source/Multi-Zone AM/FM Stereo Receiver

by Denon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 16 x 17 x 7 inches ; 22 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 28 pounds
• 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: B0002266AO
• Item model number: DRA-685
• Batteries: 2 AA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #159,177 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description Denon's multiroom-capable DRA-685 AM/FM stereo receiver is engineered to serve as the heart of a 2-channel music system while providing high-fidelity sound and composite-video switching for stereo video sources such as DVD players, digital video recorders, digital satellite systems, cable boxes, and VCRs. Delivering 100 watts per channel x 2 into 8-ohm speakers (from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with no more than .05 percent total harmonic distortion), the DRA-685 provides separates-class audio performance. High-speed, wideband, discrete power transistors provide delicacy and impact, making them well suited to high-quality analog and digital sources.

The multi-room DRA-685 receiver brings all your entertainment components together for high-fidelity sound and video. Take a closer look at the connections.

With two included remotes, controlling the DRA-685 from multiple rooms is a breeze. View larger.

The DRA-685 divides the circuits handling low- and high-level audio signals into separate blocks to minimize the signals' influences on each other. This chassis design, new to the DRA-685, is called Signal Level Divided Construction (SLDC). The resultant output signals are cleaner than before, possessing greater fidelity and clarity.

The Integral System (IS) remote controller (model RC-872) is a pre-programmed remote containing codes for other products from Denon and other manufacturers. In addition to the main remote, the DRA-685 comes with another remote (the RC-873) customized for second-zone multi-room functions. It is equipped with second-zone source selection, recalling preset radio stations, adjusting the volume, and other functions that can be controlled from a second zone.

The DRA-685's multi-source function lets you enjoy two different programs in two different rooms simultaneously via the receiver's A and B speaker outputs (with binding-post terminals for both sets) -- or by feeding the receiver's dedicated second-room preamp outputs to a set of powered speakers or a stand-alone amplifier and speakers. With such a setup, for example, you could listen to the CD player in the main room while another family member listens to the tuner in another part of the home, enjoying variable volume level adjustments via the supplied second-room remote control.

The receiver offers five stereo analog audio inputs, including a phono input for use with your turntable. (The phono input is compatible only with moving-magnet-type phono cartridges.) The back panel sports two tape outputs as well as a set of preamplifier outputs (in the event you decide to use the DRA-685 as a preamp for higher-powered amplifiers) coupled with main inputs (in case you're using the DRA-685 as an amplifier with another, upstream device serving as a preamp).

Use the receiver's IR remote input and output terminals with external remote-control equipment, including IR re-transmitters and IR remote receivers. Other useful features include a loudness function, bass/treble and balance controls, tone defeat, muting from the remote, a motor-driven rotary volume control, last-function memory, and switched AC outlets for powering other components.

What's in the Box
Receiver, two remote controls, remote batteries (two AA, two AAA), FM indoor antenna, AM loop antenna, user's manual, warranty card, and service-station list.

Product Description

AM/FM/FM Stereo Multi-Source/Multi-Zone Stereo Receiver ¿ 100 watts x 2 into 8 ohms, 20Hz - 20kHz, <0.05% THD ¿ 4 ohms stable ¿ Signal Level Divided Construction ¿ Banana-plug compatible speaker terminals ¿ Pre-out and main-in jacks ¿ Motorized analog volume control ¿ Aluminum faceplate construction ¿ Composite Video switching: 3 inputs/2 outputs ¿ Video/audio signal mixing for simulcasts ¿ Discrete Multi-room, Multi-source audio and video outputs for 2 Source, 2 zone control ¿ Independent, remote-controlled volume for second zone ¿ Supplied with Second Zone Remote Control ¿ Discrete Source select ¿ Speaker A/B Selector ¿ Subwoofer preamp output ¿ Phono Input ¿ Tone controls and tone control defeat ¿ Loudness contour ¿ Record out selector ¿ IR Remote input ¿ AM/FM/FM Stereo tuner with 40-station auto preset FM memory

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fine piece of high quality audio hardware., November 28, 2004

By 

Bob Zeidler (Charlton, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Denon DRA-685 Multi-Source/Multi-Zone AM/FM Stereo Receiver (Electronics)

I had actually been searching for a different piece of Denon audio hardware when I ran across this rather new Amazon listing for the Denon DRA-685 receiver, which has been a key component in my "main" audio system for nearly two years now. It is certainly a "keeper," and a receiver whose capabilties and features one can "grow into" over time. A few of the features are quite unique, and I have yet to exploit them.

I am not one who changes audio components at whim, or according to changes in consumer taste. My general tendency is to buy the best that I can afford, and then only when needed. This in fact happened, when my previous integrated amplifier (a Pioneer Elite A-90, a true state-of-the-art behemoth of its time some fifteen years ago) started acting flaky. (It turned out that the problem was minor, and the A-90 is scheduled for future use in a separate system.) Comparison shopping led me to the Denon DRA-685, a robust 2-channel receiver having impressive specs and performance.

While I don't consider myself a "golden ears" type of person, the music I prefer to listen to can, and often does, place a premium on clean power-handling ability. And my loudspeakers, by the nature of their design, require prodigeous bass-handling capability and very tight damping for them to reproduce music - often very complex music - accurately. I could immediately determine that the amplifier section of this Denon unit easily outperformed the A-90 it replaced, despite the latter having twice the rated per-channel power. Even more to my liking, the Denon DRA-685 has a pair of "preamp out/main amp in" jacks, just perfect for my outboard equalizer without my having to tie up the tape monitoring jacks. And it has a tone-defeat button for assuring flattest possible frequency response (save for a one-time-only setting of the outboard equalizer that I utilize for accomodating room acoustics).

The tuner is very sensitive (using just a self-powered indoor antenna), with excellent stereo separation and negligible noise/hiss. Up to 18 separate FM and AM stations can easily be preset and recalled using the buttons provided. Tape-monitoring controls are flexible and straightforward. (I happen to use mine for CD burning of "air checks" off the FM tuner, where the functionality is equally straightforward.) The unit has the usual array of inputs and outputs, as well as a few unusual ones.

Among the unusal ones: Not only is there provision for two sets of speakers, but there is also provision for sending separate signals to these two: It is (or at least seems to be) simple and straightforward to hear signals from CD in one room and tuner in another. This is a feature that I have yet to try.

Also among the unusual ones: Another feature I have yet to try is the unit's ability to feed both audio AND video signals to a video monitor/speaker system, from either a TV or DBS tuner or a DVD player. (Keep in mind, though, that this is not a surround-sound system; just two-channel stereo.) These are just a few of the ways I have yet to grow into the full capabilities of the Denon DRA-685.

Two-channel hardware of this level of performance and quality is increasingly hard to come by these days, what with surround-sound receivers of lesser performance and quality crowding out the market, lest one go to a high-end audio salon and spend a bunch more than for what this Denon unit retails. I've been only delighted since the first day I brought it home, hooked it up, and listened. And that was, as I earlier noted, nearly two years ago.

If you're like me (which is to say that best possible stereo sound is your objective), this is a receiver that will serve your needs - and then some - for years to come.

Bob Zeidler

9 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Caution getting into Denon because of parts availability, December 5, 2005

By 

Gerald Siegel (Mililani Town, HI United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Denon DRA-685 Multi-Source/Multi-Zone AM/FM Stereo Receiver (Electronics)

As a caveat to prospective shoppers of what is one of the high end and costlier brands. Denon had me on a merry chase to get a remote control for an audio product. They have outsourced the parts department to Hermann's in Florida."Sorry sir,your item is discontinued,you would need to buy the whole receiver to get the compatible remote for your deck." Huh? This has a baloney flavor to me that I really do not like. Their HQ didnt seem to know much,frankly. My suggestion is to check out the high end models from Pioneer, Sony and JVC. They make accessories and parts avaiable directly and easily from the company. And no baloney. This is a competitive market and there are goodies aplenty such as inputs and outputs and circuitry goodies to shop for. (Unless the cachet factor is vital to you. In which event, good luck and don't forget the B and W speakers from UK.) Good luck and aloha. Gerry