I returned a Yamaha DSP-1 after I compared it to the Denon 5700.The 5700 is awesome.

My speakers are JBL TLX-181 and I'm still trying different center-speakers
(not an easy task).
When compared to the Yamaha DSP-A1, the Denon
sounds better and more powerful. Bass is strong and natural (bass control does not need to go beyond 0 dB), but the most important reason to choose it is the Dolby Pro-Logic decoding which sounds just perfect.
The Yamaha, instead, "hisses" during regular dialogues and "S" and T"
sounded unnatural.
The Denon processor has 32 bits compared to 24 bits in the Yamaha
and this difference may be the cause for superior
Dolby decoding, with more natural human voice reproduction and warmer musical
sound.

My advice.... there is not better receiver/amplifier for that money.
I just ordered one from Uncle Stereo.

When listening to some of my old Beatles CDs with the Denon, I even discovered new "hidden" sounds I have never heard before.


Regards,


Edmund.

Up until April 9th, I was the proud owner of a Yamaha DSP A1. I am running my entire system on KLipsch speakers - KLF 30's front, CF4 center, KG3.5 rear, KSW200 sub-woofer. The yamaha, with all it's bells and whistles, does not sonically compare with the 5700. The 5700 offers a much more detailed sound, plus enhanced bass. I felt that the Yamaha colored the sound, taking away some of the dynamics that the studio intended me to hear. This comparison was made with all effects and tone controls turned off. Will I miss the 42 DSP effects? Not really, never used any of them. I believe many of the reviewss are dependent on the speakers of the listenere's system. I find this a great forum to express my opinions, not to slam other people's choices or other vendor's equipment. Feel free to email me with any questions. BTW - my Yamaha DSP A1 and Yamaha TX-950 are only four (4) months old and available for sale! Package deal gets both.

Great power, Awesome sound

Does not display on screen menu when using component video source.

This receiver is the best piece of audio equipment that I've ever owned. The sound quality is incredible. It is very reliable. Never a dull moment when I'm watching movies. And the 5 channel stereo is really great for listing to music. ""I highly recommend this unit"".


***Well worth the price***

Similar Products Used:

Denon AVR 3600

clarity. simplicity. power.

none.

I can't believe the negative reviews of this unit. If you submitted a bad review- you're out of your mind.

I wanted to submit a huge writeup of how incredible my AVR-5700 is, but I've decided just to say that it's the best sound you can get inside of $2500.00. Period. I listened to everything in that price range, and only the Marantz compares in that respect, but the SR-18 didn't have the additional inputs (in fact- nothing on Earth does) which is what gives the AVR-5700 edge.

My AVR-5700 is on and playing music and movies all of the time. It doesn't run hot (how could it? It has a fan! -And since when did heat matter anyway, you hard core audiophile, you.)

Bottom line: it sounds incredible and clean at any volume. Better than anything else this side of $2500.00.

Now mellow out!

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha DSP A-1, Marantz SR-18, Sony 777ES (demo'd)

To be fair with this product, you realy need to say why you bought it in the first place.

I have an audio system which I use to listen to music. It is in its own room. That is the purpose of the system I spent much money to get a great system and that's what it is an audio system.

When I bought the AVR-5700 I was looking for a great audio/video theater system that will reproduce the movie sound in Dolby etc... (I try many other brand B&K, NAD, Pioneer Elite , but not as good as the Denon) And that is what I found with this Denon. It is extremely precise, the decoding is extremely good; you will feel and hear the sound from its intended location...to get a better AVR you will need to spend much much more $$peso amigo. It is not a reference audio system, but it is an outsatnding AVR It will play well with a good CD player. But then again Look at what they put in this machine its pumped up for Video and for that it will rock you world.

Now forget Your best jazz CD to evaluate this AVR (even hooked up to an great CD player) put on either ":Bugs life" or Saving private Ryan. and see the real value of this amp

If you can not afford both a Theater (Audio/Video) and a real Audio system. Be happy and be sure that this Denon is Up there with the best AVR before the real expensive stuff

Devon DVD-5000
Denon AVR-5700
Defenitve BMP-3000
Elite 65 HDTV
Chang Powerconditionner

I have this receiver and I love it. For those of you still on the fence, check out the review in the September 1999 issue of "Stereophile Guide to Home Theater". In fact, the reviewer, Michael Fremer, goes a little overboard describing it. Some excerpts:
"Right out of the box, the Denon's high-frequency performance offers the kind of silky, airy, grain-free sound delivered by better separates. Some receivers sound spongy on the bottom, but the 5700's bass is well controlled, texturally convincing, and rhythmically lithe."

Rhythmically lithe? Wait, it gets better:

"In the all-important midrange, the Denon manages richness and warmth where most other receivers sound somewhat dry and concave. The 5700 coheres the musical event in time and space like no other receiver I've heard."

Coheres the musical event? I guess he really likes the box!

"The Denon seems faster, more precise, and better organized, resembling the awesome sonic capabilities of the ultra-expensive Linn system I reviewed in the February issue of this year."

"The sound from [Chesky's 24/96] discs through the Denon is among the finest digital audio I've heard. You could use the AVR-5700 only as a DAC and it would _still_ be a great value at $2800."

"...Connecting and optimizing the 5700 is pleasantly straightforward -- much easier than, say, the Yamaha DSP-A1."

"The Denon AVR-5700 is easily the best-sounding A/V receiver I've heard."

I agree!

I have now lived with my Denon AVR-5700 for a little over five months now. In a word, AWESOME sound! I previously owned a DSP-A1 for a little over two months. The Denon is sonically much better with my speakers than the Yamaha was. I am a lifelong Klipsch owner, currently running KLF30s, CF4, KSG3.5s, KSW200.
Great sound stage for two channel music, though I use the five channel mode (non-DSP) for parties. DVD movies with DD, DTS are wonderful, like being in the theater. I use a Pioneer Elite DV-09 for DVD and CD. Superb amplifier section, Superb DACs, even the Tuner secion I give high marks to. I can hear things on my CDs that I previously couldn't with the Yamaha. And NO, there is no imaginery cooling fan noise. I have never heard mine at all.

One thing, in my five months of ownership, I still can't find that plastic door that some of you talk about. Mine came with a metal door on the front, but the remote has a plastic door, maybe that's it then.

I would recommend anyone wanting to buy this receiver, audition it at a dealer that sells the same speakers you have. Then, if you decide to buy one, buy it from them! You've taken up their time, extend them that courtesy. It seems many of the non-owners that post here, use price as the final point to rate a system. The point here is, if you want great sound, don't be afraid to spend the money. Enjoy your equipment choice, and don't blast others for their choice.

WOW !Sold my AVR5600 and bought the 5700. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!

Using a new set of Monitor Audio speakers. Silver 9’s in front with Silver Center. Silver 5’s for the rear and Silver Surround on the side. Also have the Monitor Sub Woofer. Video source is a Pioneer DV09 displayed on a Mitsubishi 65” HDTV system.
The two-channel mode has made me go back and listen to a bunch of cd’s again. Sound stage is incredible. I am absolutely pleased with the 5700. I cannot hear a bit of noise, perfectly quiet. Bass response is the most credible that I have experienced. Needless to say, my rating is 5 stars. I must confess that I have been a Denon fan for a long time. I expected and received a SUPIOR product.

And yes, mine has a metal door on the front and not plastic…

I have my 5700 for about a week now and I am very pleased with it. I don't think one can find a better "all-in-one" unit out there. The Yamaha A1 is great but for some reason all those DSP modes just made me sick to my stomach. I have been playing drums for about 15 years and I wanted a few things out of my home stereo, clean power and clarity no matter what the volume. I do believe I got it with the 5700, it just has so much power and does not distort until at least +10 on a scale that goes from -60 to +18, just for reference at -5 just about my whole house begins to shake and I can't even stand the volume past 00. Anyone who plays in a live band will tell you for a drummer to say this is something, I am used to lots of volume. The DSP modes are lacking but I really don't care for dsp anyway and I found that if you actually take the time to set the unit up for your room, the dsp modes are actually very nice. I really can't give this unit enough praise, definitely worth the time to audition it and worth the price. I first went to audition the avr3300 but once I heard the 5700 I couldn't settle for any other denon. In stereo, 5 ch stereo, DD, DTS, prologic - no other unit that I auditioned even came close to the clarity and power of the 5700. I have yet to find anything on the front panel that is made of plastic except for some of the buttons but the door is certainly metal on my unit. The remote isn't as bad as some would have others believe either, it is actually very easy to get to know how to use, and I think ease of use is the most important feature in a remote.
My system is as follows

Denon AVR 5700
Denon DCM 460
Sony DVP-S7700
Polk RT 800 (main)
Polk RT 800 (surround)
Polk CS 400 (center)
Velodyne CT 120
Monster M series cables

So somebody shoot me for getting polk but I like polk speakers, they were just nicer to my ears than the stuff I heard from NHT, B&W, Mirage, Paradigm, and just about evey other speaker company and I think they sound great with the 5700 one thing though about this reciever and speakers, buy some quality surrounds cause the back is just as important as the front in 5 ch stereo!

This receiver is one of the best on the market but has some short commings:1) Cheap front panel
2) useless DSP modes
3) Overrated power amp section

On the other hand it has strengths:
1) Excellent DAC's
2) Good DD/DTS processing
3) Clean preamp

Overall it is one of the best.

Check out: http://www.audioholics.com for technical details on this unit.