I just replaced my old Denon PMA 860 integrated amp with a new Denon AVR 1909, and I can affirm that the older Denon provided far superior transients. This quality was, and is missed.
The 860 was 80 w/ch and the 1909 is 90 w/ch, which are essentially the same however, the 860 had what probably was a better power supply to run two channels than the 1909 has to run seven channels, this makes a big difference in sound quality, particularly when the music gets to live listening levels.

Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men died to win them.