Just got my 5700...awesome!! I mean awesome!. Mybe after shelling out $2,000 for a receiver I am not quite objective, but this receiver simply cranks!! Idont think much od the DSP modes (except 5-channel). but the AC3, DTS and THX are incredible.

well matt thats the thing without the yamaha dsp-a1.im so sorry for the unit youve just purchased(DENON avr-5700)is not capable of doing the logic-7 of lexicon dc-1. With yamaha dsp-a1 it is impossible to connect another two side speakers and even timealign the delay of this side speakers, and the question is how......mixing the front effect(not the main channels....remember the unique 7-channel) with the rear effects, and thats the logic-7 of Yamaha DSP-A1.

I've had mine for 2 weeks now, and one word describes the 5700 - AMAZING!!!
Everything sounds so wonderful - CDs, DVDs, DirecTV... Heck - even my old turntable sounds great again!

I was listening to an old Don McLean song I haven't heard in years - Chain Lightning - brought tears to my eyes because it sounded so fresh and new...

The sound totally fills the room even when running in direct mode from a CD.

Don't get me started on the DVD performance. The Eagles' Hell Freezes Over in DTS was incredible.

One note - I found that the 5700 needed a few days of "break in" before it hit its peak. I know solid state stuff should be OK right out of the box, but I swear that the performance drastically improved after a week or so...

This is one incredible unit. It provides sound that is at least head and shoulders above the Yamaha DSP-A1, and two full body lengths above the mediocre AVR-5600. Light footsteps, background whispers, and other faint sounds that are inaudible with my DC-1 + ATI 1505 are clearly audible with this unit. I am currently demo'ing the unit with a setup of NHT 2.9 + AudioCenter-1 + HDP-2 + Hsu TN1225HO.
Surprising as it may be, the unit sounds as good as it looks on paper. Those next-generation SHARC processing chips, and next-generation, sign-magnitude 24-bit/96kHz Burr-Brown DACs (upgrade of same part used Proceed AVP and Theta Casablanca) apparently do make a difference after all.

Too bad it doesn't have logic-7 processing like the Lexicon for use with 7 simultaneous speakers. ;(

Ken

I just listened to a couple Denon units at a local store (ListenUP). I own a Harman/Kardon AVR-75 that I really enjoy except for the terrible remote and bad layout of the front face, but there is also an annoying hiss that this unit emits from my speakers that increases as volume is increased with no input. I spoke with a Harman/Kardon rep and he says this is normal(?). Anyway, I like the remote layout of the Denon better and the layout of the face. Okay, on to my review.
I listened to the Denon AVR-3200 which sounded really good, I mentioned the hiss that comes from my H/K unit, and he nodded his head and said listen to this. He puts the AVR-3200 on a dead input and cranks the volume at which point I could hear that same annoying hiss that my H/K produces. According to H/K and the Denon dealer, this "hiss" is a result of low quality transistor's used in their lower end units, my gosh, lower end, the 3200 and the H/K 75 both retailed for over $1000 when they came out. Then the dealer hooked up a Rotel amp and pre-amp seperates, and to my amazement, you could still hear a hiss (I think it was to the dealers amazement as well), but not as loud as the AVR-3200. The dealer said, "just for kicks, let's hear the AVR-5700" and when he hooked that up and cranked it, you could not hear a thing! I mean this unit was dead quiet at full volume! Then he hooked up the DVD player and a Velodyne FSR15 sub along with B&W front, center and surrounds and the thing just rocked! I think dealers do this to convince you to spend money you don't have, and if you do have it then great because you wouldn't want to buy anything less.

In summary, the Denon AVR-5700 is the quietest, best sounding HT receiver I have heard and is definitely worth the price if you can afford it. Unfortunately, I can not afford it at this time so will have to wait and be content with my H/K AVR-75 or AVR-3200 (if I can find one cheap enough). By the way, for those of you who mention problems with bass in both the H/K and Denon receivers I emplore you to read through your manual and ensure you have your unit set up correctly. I have found that the unti comes from the factory set up for a sub and the font speakers are cut off at about 100hz or so, change this and if you don't have a sub (like me) change the sub setting to "off" and suddenly you will find what you've been looking for...

This is Denon's best receiver by far !! It has 140 watts X 5 and updated DAC's for the potential new audio standard (96KHz/24bit). Although don't hold your breath on this as the audio industry may settle for 192KHz. In such a case the dac's on this unit will soon become obsolete.
Anyways, aside from that, this unit has great overall performance, plenty of power, flexability and upgradability. While the price of $2800 is a bit steep. This product can be had for only $2150 shipped and it makes for an outstanding all in one box solution.

Just wondering how the following receivers/integrated amps stack up against each other: Denon 5700, Marantz SR-18, Yamaha DSP A1, Yamaha 2095?
And what is the best price I can get? By mailorder?

I recently had the opportunity to spend several hours auditioning the B&K AVR 202, Denon 5700, and Yamaha DSP A1. I compared them all using an HDTV 16:9 with Sony 7700 DVD player. For consistency, I stuck with Definitive Technology BP2000TL speakers along with Centers and Surrounds, speakers that I have spent literally hundreds of hours listening to with various front end pieces. While the Def Techs are not the ultimate word in stereophile evaluation, they provide a very well known reference for Home Theater, and that is what this type of receiver is all about. I used a Denon single disc CD player as a reference against the DVD player.
I used a wide variety of music, including cuts from Holly Cole (Train Song, The Briar and the Rose), Diana Krall (Peel Me a Grape), Trilok Gurtu (Cherry Town, Glimpse), Flim and the BB's (On the Avenue, Rokeby Garden), Shania Twain (Don't be Stupid, You're Still the One), The Berlin Philharmonic (MARS from Holst "The Planets"), Vivaldi (Italian Concerto), several cuts from the "Titanic" soundtrack (Never an Absolution, Leaving Port), The Eagles (Hotel California from "Hell Freezes Over). Unfortunately, I had no 24/96 CD's. I also used the Diva Chapter from the "Fifth Element" DVD.

First off, each of these receivers gives top notch performance. That said, I found the dynamics, clarity, power, and function of the AVR 202 and 5700 to be a real, albeit small, step above the Yamaha. If I used soundfield enhancements frequently, however, the Yamaha would probably edge back into the chase, as it's selection is non pareil. My only real complaint with the Yamaha is that, at least to me, the DSP A1 seemed a little thinner, without the fullness and richness that the others provided. I preferred the Denon's 5 channel stereo to all of the Yamaha's enhancements.

In musical play, I found the B&K to be ever so slightly more precise and detailed than the 5700, but the 5700 to be slightly more powerful in the bass region. (No adjustments were made to the BP2000's after levels were set). On Home Theater, using DVD's, however, I found the 5700 to be perhaps more energetic and powerful. I was unable to determine if this was due to enhanced bass or some other phenomenon. Since I was unable to use and 24/96 DVD's or CD's, I cannot guess which would handle the sound better, the Burr-Brown 24/96 DAC's in the 5700 or the pass through from a DVD player of the AVR 202. Center channel performance was clear and strong, with easily understood vocals on either machine. Both easily created a phantom Center with Stereo playback as well. I noted no coloration from either receiver.

Either way, both machines performed admirably on all selections. For my money, I would lean toward the AVR202, especially with its upgradeability functions. It simply sounds more musical to me. However, the already in place 24/96 DAC's in the 5700, plus the additional inputs allowing SACD or DVD Audio in the near future make a strong argument for the Denon. I could happily live with either machine, and if there was a substantial discount on either, would allow that to make the decision for me. i would strongly recommend that anyone considering either receiver, or the DSP A1, audition all in you own home before making a decision.

Good luck!!

B & K is very good, DSP A1 better, 5700 the best!

Excellent Product. However There is nearly A$1500 difference between this and Yamaha DSP A1 ( Retail at A$3450 ). I can't see the difference in performance of these two, which justify that extra dollars for the DENON. There is no doubt that DENON has better and more dynamic Power Amp than YAMAHA. However I can't say the same for 32 Bit Digital Processor in DENON. In fact to me for Concert DVD's especially DTS 24 Bit Yamaha sounds better in 7 channel Live Pop Concert Video DSP Mode. DENON 2 Channel Stereo for CD'd ,VCR etc is a clear winner over Yamaha.I do like Yamaha looks ( especilly the gold version ). I do feel that quality and taste of MUSIC is a personnel choice. Both DENON and Yamaha are outstanding products. Considering the price differnce here in Australia, I recon Yamaha DSP1 is a better buy.