Great beginner system
Written: Jan 28 '03 (Updated Jul 31 '04)
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Pros: Great sound, low price, easy setup
Cons: No Svideo switching
The Bottom Line: If you don't need Svideo switching and you want to spend the least amount of money for great sound, buy this receiver!
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| fragster's Full Review: Denon AVR-1403 5.1 Channels Receiver |
Like the previous review, I spent a lot of time on my decision, researching all options. I had decided to purchase the Yamaha V630 which costs $399. The salesman asked if I had looked at the Denon which I hadn't (I considered Denon too rich for my blood). He showed me this new entry model and I was blown away. It had more features that I would use for less money (I paid $269 on sale at Ultimate Electronics). It doesn't have Svideo switching but it does have the front mounted video/stereo inputs I wanted, which was the reason I was going to get the V630 even though it cost more than I wanted to spend.
My wife and I listened to the 1403 and V630 many times and thought the 1403 sounded better than the Yamaha even though I was already in love with the Yamaha. That clinched it for me. Took it home and have not been disappointed.
The remote has tiny buttons and a lot of them as it tries to be a "do everything" remote. It does a reasonable job as the previous review mentioned. Will probably replace it with a better unit later.
I'm using the receiver with two Infiniti EntraTwo's and a Polk PSW-350 sub and both are rocking in my opinion. I picked up the Polk at Fry's for $150. It is an awesome little 10" and will definitely fill up my 16 x 20 living room. I haven't purchased satellites or a center yet but I'm still more than impressed with this receiver.
The biggest test to me is that you don't have to turn this system up loud to hear everything clearly. It's true what they say about good quality receivers that only put out 70 or so watts--you will never miss the other 30.
The ability to set the volume on individual channels is also a boon if your setup requires irregular placement of speakers, too.
7/31/2004 - UPDATE
Well I must say I'm disappointed in that the unit went belly up. After a week of turning itself off and not coming on for hours, it will no longer power on. Also, the remote had died several months ago (I have 3 children, go figure). Fortunately it has a 2 year warranty. I took it back to the dealer and they are shipping it in for repairs. For the record, I did use a quality surge protector with it and we don't push the unit hard at all with volume, etc. The worst we are guilty of is leaving it on overnight a few times.
I'll let you know how the repairs go when I get it back.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 269
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Epinions.com ID:
fragster
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Location: Arlington, TX
Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
Network manager and family man. Love PC games and family time.
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