Lee, as Jay pointed out, the most significant feature difference between the 08 and 09 Denon models is probably the added Audyssey processing, such as Dynamic EQ, which compensates for frequency and surround levels at lower volumes. Most have found this to be a significant benefit.
Although you don't mention a specific dollar figure, estimating from your 2308 to 2309 price difference comment, it may be that you'd like to budget around $500 for the receiver. If so, I'd suggest that you consider the Onkyo 706 factory refurb now on sale at
ShopOnkyo . By registering for "Club Onkyo", you become eligible for the $489 sale price and a $10 credit, which makes the net cost $479, with free shipping. The 706 received an excellent lab test and review in
Sound&Vision and is comparable overall to the Denon 2309(but includes preouts).
As Randy points out, the Denon 2809 has the more advanced XT version of Audyssey, which is desirable, but the 2809 would appear to be beyond your budget limits. If, however you could get up to the $800-$900 area, an even more fully-featured unit, including the superior Reon video processor, is the Onkyo 876, which has been discussed here recently. The 876 factory refurb is available in that $800-$900 area, for example presently at
eCost , among others.
