Hello all. After Alan recommended the Denon 2309 to me I began to do a good deal of reading about Denon AVR's. I want to establish a surround sound set up primarily and a HT secondarily. I am also thinking of a future purchase that may include a Blue Ray carousal player with sacd and dvd surround capability (if such a player exists...I really haven't researched this yet). In any case there seems to be so many decoding technologies and different modes etc... It is very confusing to me. But I do need an AVR and from my reading Denon is really up there. By the way I plan on purchasing the M60's. I already have a sub. In any case the prices for 2309 compared to sales prices for the older 2308 and other model 09-08 comparisons (e.g. 2809 vs.2808) have great price differences. I am sure they are equivalent performers so the question is...do I need the latest technologies? Is the 2309 that much more advanced over the 2308 to be worth the higher price? I am using this model as an example because I would like a phono input as well. I just would like some opinions to help me decide so your personal point of view, advice and expertise is very welcome....Thanks to you all...Lee

You say you are looking further down the road then I would be looking to the 3808 for it's update/upgradeability, more HDMI inputs, etc. If it is out of your price range then the biggest feature differences, IMO, between the 09 and 08 is the Audyssey advancements with Dynamic volume etc. If you feel these latest Audyssey features are not worth a new 09 then get the 08.

If budget allows, I would at least consider the 2809 over the 2309 series, as it has Audyssey MultEQ XT versus MultEQ.

MultEQ XT, takes up to 8 measurements around the listening area and uses high resolution equalization filters for satellites and subwoofers. This is the most powerful built-in version of MultEQ for receivers.


MultEQ, takes up to 6 room position measurements, and uses mid-level resolution filters for satellites and subwoofers.

They both have Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume.

I am not aware of any Blu-ray carousel that supports SACD. If there is it is probably very expensive. OPPO has released a new Blu-ray that supports SACD, DVD-Audio, internally decodes latest codecs (TrueHD etc), 7.1 analog outs as well as allows firmware updates. This player would offer better value but it is not a carousel type player.

Captain, the 2809 also has pre-outs which might be a consideration for future upgrades. (The 2309 doesn't have these)

I love how easy it is to spend someone elses money!

If people where making me spend money on Axiom speakers, Denon AVR's and Oppo Blu-rays, I would have no problem with that

So when are you going to order a pair of EP-800's?

For me? When the (large) hat gets passed around and is brimming over with Benjamin Franklin's!

Well, the hat part is not mandatory! I am flexible.

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.

My 80GB PS3 does. But I understand they stripped that feature from newer models.

It is not a carousel. Wouldn't that be sweet though on a video game console.

Sorry, I missed your meaning of the word carousel. Us 'young' folks store our mass media electronically so I thought you were just being all retro instead of referring to actual, old fashioned, mechanical disk changers..

Ha, if only I was young enough for that not to be total BS. I just didn't read close enough.

Murph, maybe if you spent more time keeping up with technology, instead of playing your CD turntable.....

Sony makes a BluRay carousel...

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stor...552921665231960

Doesn't look like it supports SACD playback though.

I love my SACD's, but I feel that the format is just about dead. Kind of like laserdisc.

I think it's only a matter of time before SACD's are replaced by high-res audio editions on BlueRay. It certainly has the capacity to store enough data, and lossless DTS and Dolby formats suggest to me that the capability for exquisite sound quality is there too.

Damn needle cartridges always scratchin the CDs because the Arm flies off to the side instead of slowly moving towards the center! I can't get them to work AT ALL!! Not to mention that the hole in the center is way too big so it's wobblin around everywhere. Digital quality my A__ !!!

Wow... you can just tell he had his hat on for that post!