Denon AVR-791 7.1 Channel A/V Home Theater Multi-Source / Multi-Zone Receiver with HDMI 1.4a supporting 1080p and 3D (Black)

Denon AVR-791 7.1 Channel A/V Home Theater Multi-Source / Multi-Zone Receiver with HDMI 1.4a supporting 1080p and 3D (Black) Review

Denon AVR-791 7.1 Channel A/V Home Theater Multi-Source / Multi-Zone Receiver with HDMI 1.4a supporting 1080p and 3D (Black) Feature

• 7.1-channel home theater receiver/amplifier with 630 watts of total power (7 x 90W)
• 3D-enabled HDMI pass-through technology (HDMI 1.4a); all sources are up-converted to HDMI
• High-definition audio support--Dolby TruHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and Dolby Pro Logic IIz for front height effects channels
• Audyssey MultEQ dynamic room acoustic correction system with included microphone
• Measures 17-3/32 x 6-47/64 x 15 inches (WxHxD); weighs 22 pounds, 7.8 ounces

Packed with great features that assures a superb 7.1-channel surround sound experience, the Denon AVR-791 supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding and it includes the latest HDMI 1.4a technology, which provides for 3D pass-through capabilities to your HDTV (broadcast and Blu-ray). It also features Dolby Pro Logic IIz, a technology that adds a vertical dimension at the front for a more exciting surround sound experience. Additionally, the AVR-791 features Denon's Audyssey MultEQ and AutoSetup capabilities, and it includes a tower type microphone for more accurate measuring.

The Denon AVR-791 with 5.1-channel surround sound and 3D pass-through capabilities via HDMI (see larger image).

With four HDMI inputs, the AVR-791 can easily accommodate a wide variety of HD sources, including cable or satellite set-top boxes, an HD game console, Blu-ray Disc player, and even an HD camcorder. The remote features discrete input selector buttons for quick source selection and includes dedicated buttons for iPod control with an optional Denon iPod dock.

Key Features

• Fully discrete, identical quality and power for all 7 channels (90 W x 7)
• High-definition audio support--Dolby TruHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
• 3D-enabled HDMI pass-through technology (HDMI 1.4a)
• All sources are up-converted to HDMI (4 HDMI in/1 HDMI out)
• Stable power supply for high-quality sound and picture playback
• Audyssey Dynamic Volume for real-time volume adjustment
• Minimum Signal Path for clear audio and video signal
• Compressed Audio Restorer to enhance digital music files
• Stereo mini jack on front panel lets you connect any portable audio player
• Measures 17-3/32 x 6-47/64 x 15 inches (WxHxD); weighs 22 pounds, 7.8 ounces

HDMI 1.4a Includes 3D Blu-ray Compatibility

Equipped with 4 HDMI inputs, the AVR-791 includes the latest HDMI 1.4a specification, which provides 3D pass-through (Broadcast and Blu-ray) capability, as well as providing Audio Return Channel.

Audio Return Channel

With Audio Return Channel (ARC), you can play back the TV audio in surround sound with a single HDMI cable. Until now, if you wanted to enjoy surround sound from a TV, you needed to use an optical digital or coaxial digital cable to bring sound from the TV to the AV receiver. The AVR-1611's ARC feature helps you keep cable connections neat and out of the way as you build your home theater.

See larger image.

 

High Resolution Surround Sound

For the ultimate surround sound experience, the AVR-791 features the latest high resolution audio decoders, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, formats found on Blu-ray discs. The AVR-791 is also equipped with Dolby Pro Logic IIz, which provides the option of front height effects channels, for a dramatic front soundstage, with Movie, Music and Game modes, breathes new life into your favorite stereo sources.

Quality Discrete Power Amplifier Section

The equal power amp design features 7 discrete power amp circuits, and each channel is rated at 90 watts (8 ohms, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, .08% THD). 2 of the amp channels can be configured for surround back, or front height effects, or they can be assigned for stereo multi-room use.

Easy Setup With Automatic Room Acoustic Correction

Audyssey MultEQ dynamic room acoustic correction system features a microphone (included) to automatically measure the speaker configuration and provide acoustic tailoring for the best surround sound experience. Dynamic Volume helps eliminate jarring volume jumps during commercials, and Dynamic EQ provides a rich tonal balance at any volume level.

Ergonomic Design Promotes Easy Control

With its programmable functions and intuitive button layout, the AVR-791 is designed to maximize ease of use. The front panel is smartly organized, featuring clearly-labeled buttons and onboard controls for volume and source. The AVR-791's remote can sync with other entertainment devices in your home theater, eliminating the need for additional remote controls. It can also be easily programmed with macro functions, giving you more flexibility in controlling your home theater.

Dock Connectivity for iPod and Network Streaming

Network music can be enjoyed via the optional Denon Networked Control Dock.

7-Channel Equal Power

7-Channel Equal Power is a feature used in various Denon amplifiers to connect 7 speakers independently so that separate power amps connected via pre-outs are not required. It allows you to connect the second 'surround back' speaker to complement the surround back speaker for 6.1, straight off the main amplifier without adding a power amplifier to support 7.1 surround formats. Amplifiers with 7-Channel Equal Power have built-in separate internal amplifiers to power each channel independently, thus allowing you to enjoy the same high power output capability per channel, giving a balanced and truly high-impact surround-sound environment.

7-Channel Stereo

Denon's 7-Channel Stereo mode enables top quality normal two channel stereo output from the surround speakers to provide a unique 7 channel stereo option. This mode can be fully utilized from any high quality stereo source via CD, tape, FM-radio or video recorder for dynamic 7-channel output. The 7-channel stereo is available if you have a surround back right speaker connected as well as the surround back left speaker used in 6.1, otherwise you can still experience multi-channel stereo output using a 5-channel-stereo or 6-channel-stereo configuration.

What's in the Box

Denon receiver/amplifier; remote control with batteries; Audyssey microphone; AM/FM antennas; operating instructions

The new AVR-791 is packed with technology and features making it the clear choice for value oriented consumers looking for exceptional performance. Each of its 7-amplifier channels produce 90-watts of power, delivering detail and dynamics to music and movie soundtracks. They can be configured for 7.1 channel surround sound, or drive a 5.1 channel system in the main room and power a pair of speakers in a second “zone”. It’s equipped with 1080p and 3D (all formats) compatible HDMI 1.4a Repeating technology, delivering both audio and video to your HDTV with single HDMI cable. This HDMI connectivity supports the latest generation surround sound formats available on Blu-ray disc, including Dolby TrueHD and DD+, dts-HD and dts-HR. Also included is Dolby Laboratories new Pro Logic IIz Matrix decoding featuring front height effects channels that expands front soundstage. The AVR-791 boasts a number of Audyssey technologies. Advanced Audyssey MultEQ analyzes a speaker systems interaction with room acoustics, and then delivers custom tailored correction processing to optimize clarity and tonal balance throughout the listening space. Audyssey Dynamic Volume is an automatic volume-leveling system that tracks audio dynamics to eliminate the irritating volume swings between TV shows and commercials. Audyssey Dynamic EQ is also on board to ensure rich bass and smooth tonal balance at low volume listening levels. In addition to enhanced HDMI 1.4a repeating (4 in, 1 out), the AVR-791 is the least expensive receiver in the Denon lineup to feature 1080p i/p conversion, analog to HDMI upscaling and HDMI to HDMI scaling. Video conversion is accomplished using a premium Anchor Bay Technologies chip set featuring 10-bit processing. The AVR-791 also features 2 component video inputs, seven analog inputs, and multi-zone / multi-source capability. A front-panel USB input allows quick and easy connection for iPod/iPhone, Flash Drives and HDD with command and control functionality.