Help with Denon's AVR model numbers

OpticalSerenity

I have a Denon AVR-1706 right now, and have been very happy with it. I'm looking to upgrade in the near future, and took a look at their line up.

What is the difference between their three digit lineup and their four digit lineup?

For example, the AVR-887 looks pretty good, adds 10 more watts per channel, and upconversion to HDMI out.

I've noticed that stores like Circuit city carry the 3 digit, and others carry 4 digit.

tia

cfrizz

The 3 digit ones are carried in stores like Circuit City & the 4 digit ones are carried in stores like Tweeter.

OpticalSerenity

Are the 3 digit ones inferior in any way to the 4 digit ones?

fireshoes

I haven't looked into it too much recently, but IIRC the 3# line uses a less conservative power rating, more like the big box brands. It also seemed like they scaled back some features that aren't used as much by average joe, like 12v triggers or some 2nd zone options. Otherwise good quality like a regular Denon.

Sansui

OpticalSerenity wrote:

Are the 3 digit ones inferior in any way to the 4 digit ones?

There seems to be a few differences between the three digit and four digit models but it seems to be only with some of the features. This last weekend I compared two "like" models. The main power ratings are exactly the same.

Go to page two in this section of the forum (message titled: Denon AVR-887 / AVR-2307CI Questions) for an example.

I found three differences with the two models and left a message here asking for some explanation. Of the 37 that viewed my message no one responded. If you do what I did and leave a message you probably won't get any replies either.

Were you able to compare your Denon to an Onkyo? I have an Onkyo (with no pre outs) and am curious if there are any differences in the sound output between the two (if any).

PSOVLSK

Go to the Denon website and you can compare the 3 digit and 4 digit models side by side. The only problem is that I didn't see a 1706 model, but the ones I compared were identical according to the specs.

I know that Yamaha has different models numbers for the big box stores and the only difference between the AVR's is a minor cosmetic one as far as I could tell.