My experience has been quite thorough and unfortunately, quite disappointing. I read some decent reviews before purchasing and I must say that you cannot believe everything that you read. Sure, compared to other receivers such as those made by JVC or Sanyo, the Denon 2500 is definitely a cut above. But to put it into audiophile class is surely a mistake. For one, the bass is not well extended and is quite boomy on many different tracks that I've listened to. Secondly, the midrange sounds lifeless and dull, maybe even recessed. The biggest problem I have with this receiver is the grainy top end. It's so irritating on my PSB speakers that I cannot listen to it for more than 20 minutes. How do I know it's not the electronics? Swapping a Yamaha RX-V990 cured many of the ills, save for the slightly boomy bass. The Yamaha was much better on surround material as well. Noise levels were low and the center channel output was quite smooth. Sorry, Denon AVR-2500 fans...I guess my 'other' system (McCormack, Classe', Wadia, et al) has spoiled me on the finer points of music.

I concur, William. I had this receiver for a weekend trial. I couldn't pack it up fast enough. I decided to go separates (amp/pre-amp/processor) to get it right. I paid twice as much but in the end it is really worth it. What happened to Denon? I'm seeing more plastic face plates on Denon receivers, cd players & tape decks than the dreck sold at Sam's Club. They used to be decent mid-fi about 10 years ago, but have they ever slipped.

Decent mid-fi receiver until it starting oozing smoke as if it where a Lionel train that I had as a kid. Problem is, the train was 'supposed' to do that. After popping the cover I discovered some burned resistors and wires. A service call was going to run more than the machine was worth and of course, my warranty was out. I decided to go with Marantz after hearing some recommendations and reading a couple reviews. Sound is much better and best of all I haven't been reminded of my Lionel train!

No, thank you. Marantz sounds better in every way.

I bought AVR2500 last year because of not only its quality of sound but the SVHS switching capability, the $399.00 price tag made it an excellent value. I am currently running this receiver with a pair of Phase Tech 5T's in front with a Phase Tech T Center and a Phase Tech Octave Power 10 Sub, with Empire Grenadiers 5000's in the rear. I have found this receiver to be an excellent choice for my home theatre and I am extremely happy with this setup.

Recently took this unit home for a weekend trial. Was not happy at all with this unit. I found the amp section to be severely strained on moderate levels. I kept hearing clipping. This was true in normal stereo and surround modes. If I had the AVSE setting on, forget it. Severe clipping. I cannot recommend this component for this reason mainly. I think it's attractive but underbuilt on the inside.

Wow, I had an AVR 2500, I sold a Yamaha DSP A1000 to get the Denon AVR 2500.I found that in Dolby Prologic I heard things on the soundtrack that I never heard on the Yamaha. The Avr 2500 is a great processer, I highly reccomend it to anyone looking to spend about $ 600.00, I have upgraded to Denon AVR 5600, This processer is in MY Opinion the best in class..., But thats My opinion....

My AVR 2500 has served me well in the 3+ years that I have owned it. I am currently running this receiver with a pair of Paradigm Reference Studio 60's, a LCR 450 center, a pair of JBL Pro III surrounds and a Velodyne Servo 1200 Sub. I have been thoroughly happy with this setup for both music and home theater. My only complaint is with the remote, for some reason it lost the programming of my Toshiba TV and will not accept reprogramming.

You know. I don't know what kind of crack the Marantz-philes are smoking. This receiver obliterates any comparable product from Marantz. German engineering is great in cars, but Japanese beats it in stereos. I just know what sounds good. I also know what the people at the stereo store, who carry both Denon and Marantz said. "Marantz used to be good, but now Denon is the way to go for true high performance." I mean, DEAR LORD!! This thing rocks the house for both music and movies.
I use this receiver to DJ and I've never had any power problems. Whoever these pundits are need to stop hittin' the crack pipe and turn up their BellTones.

~~Nuff said~~

I think Tom and Jeery is trying to ruin the Denon 2500 for reasons only they would know for sure.
I have the joy of listening to this machine for the past three months from the local dealer while waiting for my new Denon to arrive. I have to say I like the 2500 for what it is supposed to do. It's not out there trying to do the jobs of a super high end seperates or a pure amp. It's a receiver, for god's sake, and it does its job pretty well. Many times, I'd have to shut the AVSE mode off somethi mes since the base is TOO much for certain music I listen. I use it to drive a 5 KEF speakers which rated as 6- ohm and never have had problems with its power beyond unreasonable sound level that upset the whole neighborhood.

It does not have DD and that's the reason I am not buying it for me. But, anybody with a reasonable expectation and a sane mind would enjoy this RECEIVER!

I'd give it a four star for its limitations and a five for its work.