Seperates?? We don't need no stinking seperates!!
Written: Sep 14 '99 (Updated Jun 23 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Accurate Sound w/ Stereo and 5.1 encoded sources
Cons: Limited Bass Control
The Bottom Line: Good buy
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| Everclear22's Full Review: Denon AVR-5700 5.1 Channels Receiver |
If you want a Home Theater you need a way to take the sound from your source and drive it to 5 speakers (6 if you have a subwoofer). There are two basic ways to do this. The first is to have a pre-amp that decodes the encoded signal (Dolby ProLogic[DLP], Dolby Digital[DD], or DTS) and then sends the 5 seperate channels to an amplifier that drives the speakers. This is known as using 'seperates' (a seperate component for processing and amplification).
The second method is to use a receiver that both processes the encoded signal and amplifies the channels and outputs directly to the speakers. Generally speaking 'audiophiles' recommend seperates for superior quality (I actually use seperates but that is not the point of this review). As you would expect, seperates cost significantly more than a receiver, are more difficult to setup and take up additional space. For these reasons (and others) most consumers tend to go with the receiver option.
It is currently late September '99 (I state this because this particular area of technology changes rapidly and some of what I say may no longer apply in 4-6 months). Right now if you are looking for a great 'receiver' (no seperates) there are two general choices, the Denon 5700 and the Marantz SR-18. Both systems cost roughly the same and both are at the top of their fields.
The Denon 5700 is a very capable system and offers DTS, DD and DPL decoding. It has easy to use controls and granular options on sound control (for example bass). The sound is more than adequate for most speakers costing less than $1500 a pair and you will join a very long list of consumers who own and are happy with this product.
The Marantz flat out sounds better. It is also easy to use and has solid controls, but lacks the granular options on bass control particularly in 'stereo' mode. Stereo mode is used for audio sources such as CDs that only drive the 2 front speakers (and the subwoofer). The only way to get the Marantz to drive the subwoofer in stereo mode is by setting the speakers to small which means you MAY NOT be using the front speakers full dynamic range if you have 'tower' speakers.
That said the Marantz simply produces a better sound than the Denon in both 5.1 modes and stereo modes. You will take fuller advantage of more expensive speakers in 5.1 mode with the Marantz. The Marantz has more than adequate bass control options in 5.1 mode including the ability to crossover at 100hz or 80 hz (THX standard).
If you absolutely, postively require bass control with stereo go with the Denon 5700. If you will use the receiver primarily for Home Theater (5.1) or simply want the better receiver, go with the Marantz SR-18. You will have one of the best sounding systems you can get w/o going with seperates.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Everclear22
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Reviews written: 13
Trusted by: 10 members
About Me:
An HT enthusiast who has spent much time (and money) bringing the theater experience home.
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