Customer Reviews

Denon S-101 DVD Home Entertainment System

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

Under entirely different circumstances, I would have agreed wholeheartedly with the two other reviews posted for the Denon S101 DVD Home Theater. While the product works, the picture and sound are wonderful, the units are compact and a joy to look at.

But something has happened after a few months of owning my S101 which is making me rethink my opinion of it as a product and of Denon in general.

First, the remote control died. I tried changing the batteries, but to no avail. Then, one fine day, my unit simply stopped turning on. The little red light ring around the "Power" button would shine, but there was no way of powering up the unit, either by pressing the button or by using the remote control.

I called Denon a couple of times to ask about sending the unit in for inspection and warranty service (remember, I had only owned it for less than half a year). Those phone calls involved my spending some very irksome half hours on hold, listening to tinned Haydn and Vivaldi and automated messages. On a third attempt, I managed to get a real human being by hitting "0". I finally got instructions as to what I had to do to get my S101 looked at.

I spent $75 to send the unit to Denon via UPS for warranty service. The unit was repaired and sent back to me before two weeks were up.

My happiness with this first outcome wouldn't last very long. Next thing you know, the S101 is dead once again. I try e-mailing and calling Denon about it. It takes some doing--days of doing, in fact, for me to get another human being on the phone, who arranges for UPS to pick up the system at my home and promises me satisfaction, apologizing profusely for the many phone calls I had to make and e-mails I had to write to get some service.

That was some five weeks ago.

Since last week I've been trying to reach Denon. I've subjected myself to plenty of baroque music and recorded "All of our representatives are busy" messages. I was given some promises of assitance by the one real person to whom I spoke. But five days into the affair, I'm not hearing anything from Denon. They have my on-the-fritz S101. I want it back. Will they return it, ever? Is a month a reasonable time for anyone to have to wait for warranty service? Shouldn't customer service be more available to customers, given that Denon is a company that enjoys a certain prestige?

All these are questions I'm asking myself as I wait to get my S101 back, or at least to get an explanation as to why it's taking so long.

Lest anyone think this has nothing to do with "reviewing" the actual S101, I think warranty service and user satisfaction need to play a huge part in any real assessment of a piece of consumer electronics.

Caveat emptor, etc.

Meanwhile, I wait for Godot.

This is the last piece of Denon stereo equipment I will ever buy. Bought mine last February. It quit working in July and has been in for repair ever since. They have told the dealer 5-6 different dates for the part ETA. Finally the dealer contacted the rep who then gave them a new replacement part number and requested that they order that. I about went through the roof. This could be the best sounding stereo on the planet but I would never know since it has been in for repair for so long. I have a pretty high level of tolerance and understanding. I have had things break early in ownership before but never have I had such and issue getting something repaired. The sad things is it has been out so long the I finally bought a replacement, if i ever get it back it will go up for sale as I am tired of dealing with the headaches.


Update. I got it back after being in the shop for 6 months. I was bound and determined to sell it after getting it back but for what I would probably get out if it ($300) I might as well keep it as anything in that price range does not sound as good or have the features. My only advise to buyers is to take or send the unit to and Authorized service center if there are any issues. I bought the unit from a big box retail store that is Authorized to sell the units but evidently not and authorized service center so if they need parts they have to go through a 3rd party.

I had been shopping around for a home theater system for a while and finally selected the Denon s 101. I checked out the reviews and saw a few negative ones. Thinking they were just a few people with bad luck I went ahead and bought the system anyway. I was very excited when it arrived and for the first few minutes it sounded amazing. The iPod hookup was a great idea and worked well. Then I put a DVD in. 6 seconds into the disc the screen went black and the system shut down, locking my DVD inside. Nothing could be done to fix it and I had to return the system with my DVD still inside. Buyer beware! Do not buy this system. There is obviously some major design flaw in it somewhere.

I also purchased this unit with the intention that it was trouble free--But what a surprise. I didnt believe others as to it failability and numerous problems--but after 5 monthes it happened to me. This unit failed not only mechanically but the company and its representitives as well. I am sick and tired of retuning this unit {3 times } and getting it back to work for a little while. You would think a respected company would care for its customers and correct things to their satisfaction----DO NOT BUY this unit it only brings TROUBLE

I wanted a simple integrated system for my 2nd tv, a 35" Vizio LCD. I have exclusively used Denon receivers for years, and was excited to see this product. I ordered it and was blown away by the intelligent design and functionality.

First, set-up is a breeze even for a novice. I was glad to see Denon included a high-quality progressive scan DVD player, and that the receiver has hi-def output in the form of component (red, blue, green). It as several aux inputs, and can handle a digital optical or coax input from another source. The heart of the system is actually in the subwoofer, which makes most of the cords stay hidden in the corner.

By far the coolest feature of the unit is its integrated Ipod functionality. Just plug your Ipod in with the included cord, and you will see the familiar Ipod menu screen on your TV. Then, just use the extremely intuitive Denon remote to control you Ipod as you would with the actual Ipod itself (it doesn't have the same wheel, but it is extremely easy to use). In seconds you are jamming to your entire music library without having to do any loading of songs (as with the Bose system).

The remote itself is awesome, as all the necessary buttons are on the front, very large, and in the right place. If you want to monkey with settings, the back opens up for the more technical buttons. This helps avoid the dreaded scenario where a child manages to change all kinds of settings playing the remote control game.

The sounds itself is good, not great. Tons of powerful base, it does very well for the average movie. By no means is it comperable to a true 5.1 soundstage with 5 or 6 speakers, but then that system costs thousands more. I'll put it this way, it sounds better than you would expect.

All in all this is about the best design I have ever seen in computer electronics. The Ipod interface and remote make you wonder why everyone else produces such complex systems.

I have ALWAYS LOVED Denon products, especially their receivers. When I was looking for a bedroom system, I spotted this thing for $500 at the local retailer (which was 50% off). I almost ripped my wallet trying to get my plastic out! I brought it home and it sounded AWESOME after some minor fine tuning. I am an audio nut, so I knew better than to expect surround from 2 speakers, but it was definitely stereo on sterroids. In comparison to everything else, sound was a landslide better (esp better than Bose) Well here I am a year and 35 days later - just barely out of warranty - and I have a blown speaker. After reading all the disastrous reviews, I'm not even going to bother with it. I've changed out the speakers to a pair of old Polk satellites (which seem to survive anything) and life will go on until something else breaks. As of now, I'm FURIOUS with Denon and my days with the main unit working are probably numbered.

My review (as of now) makes more bad reviews than good. Take that as a hint from an audio nut who's worked in the industry for quite a while.
Avoid this product!

I've been thinking about getting an all-in-one system for quite a while and had always wanted a Denon based on their reputation for quality. This system totally fits the bill for my needs. Here's why:

As you can see from the product photos, the design is simple and stylish. Coincidentally it's the same color as my TiVo so fits in nicely. The LCDs are pleasing, non-distracting orange, and when you touch a button it lights up then fades gently. The display is very useful and contrary to the Amazon product description, the unit does actually display the name of the currently playing song from my iPod.

Which brings me to the next point. I'd looked at many systems which hook up to digital music players but it seems that Denon are the only people who do it properly, in that you can do more than just stop and start a song from the stereo, and don't have to keep getting up to adjust the iPod itself. Being able to navigate the iPod on the TV screen makes things so easy - it totally makes sense and I can't believe others haven't done this. The only gripe I have about the whole system though is that the iPod connector port is on the front of the Denon. I understand that they want to make a deal about this ability but it would have been neater to be able to plug the connector cord into the back of the unit. Minor point though.

Sound quality is extremely good, and the whole thing was very easy to set up. I like that the system automatically adjusts itself to surround sound for DVDs or TiVo input, and to regular stereo for the radio, CDs or iPod.

I'm just using a regular old non HDTV so I can't speak for the real high-end picture quality but it seems clear and non-jittery using S-Video.

So far I'm extremely pleased with this system, it's always a good feeling when you find exactly what you're looking for and it even exceeds your expectations.

I purchased this unit in Oct. 2005 and like others, it malfunctioned in July '06 with no sound coming from the unit. I tried to receive service from the local service center listed on Denon's webpage. They took the unit from me and then three weeks later called me to tell me to pick up the unit as they don't repair units not purchased from their store. Why are they listed as a service center?? Strike One. In Aug. sent the unit to Denon's main service center. Like others experience, numerous calls with looong waits to speak to someone resulted in different information each time. Some said it was repaired, some said they didn't know anything and some said they hadn't started to repair it. Lousy lousy service... Strike Two. In late Oct. received a Fax and a phone call saying the unit was damaged upon shipment to them. At this point FedEx would not do anything because a claim could not be filed after 21 days. Many more frustrating conversations with Denon employees and eventually they agreed to fix the unit and repair the damage. Recent calls resulted in different stories again, "No the unit has not been repaired" "No record of any communications" "No, that person no longer works here", blah blah blah. Strike three and beyond. Well, I'm still waiting for resolution and don't expect I'll be satisfied. Whatever you do, take this and the other reviews to heart and DO NOT purchase any Denon products. They do not make a reliable product and worst of all they do not have anything that resembles service to back up their products.

I just received my Denon S-101 from Amazon. Following is my advice if you're considering buying the system:
- This system looks amazing - the design is very modern. The iPod feature works well and the DVD is responsive. However, you are buying an audio system not a piece of art, which takes me to my next point.
- This system audio is very poor. The surround effects are not convincing at all. And when you play music in stereo it doesn't sound natural. I am surprised that Denon put its name on this piece of equipment.

I am returning this system to Amazon tomorrow, it would not last 24 hours in my apartment. I am very disapointed because I was hoping that this would sound like a Denon system worth $1,000 (on sale for $399). But unfortunately, it looks expensive but it sounds cheap.

To replace the Denon S-101, I am buying the Bose CineMate ($400) from he outlet and the Sony DVD ($139). A few bucks more and I'll get an elegant system that sounds clear in my small apartment. Good luck to all of you who are looking for a descent system. Don't give up until both your eyes and ears are convinced.

I bought the Denon S-101 2.1 home theater system to get rid of all the wires my wife didn't like! I thought the system sounded better than the Bose 3-2-1 system and I got a good deal from Best Buy when I bought my 50" panasonic plasama tv.

The S-101 had decent sound, not great, but good. The sub woofer had adjustments but was not earth shaking! After using the system for 13 months the dvd player failed to recognize the dvd's and cd's I was trying to play. I called customer service and they told me to send it to a shop in VA for repairs, and of course the warranty was up and I would have to pay for the shipping and repairs. I was told it could cost as much as to $400.00 to repair. Hell, I could buy a new system for less than that!

I would definitly never buy another Denon home theater system again, or any system with the dvd player integrated in with the speaker system.
If the dvd player fails, your screwed!