Denon AVR-2807

Features of Denon AVR-2807

The Denon AVR-2807 is a seven-times-110-watt receiver offering a full selection of Dolby, DTS, and proprietary surround modes. Connectivity options will fulfill the needs of even the most complex home-theater installations: You get a total of seven A/V inputs with S-Video. High-def sources are also well-served: three inputs can be toggled to accept component video, and two more can handle HDMI. Even better, any of the analog sources (composite-, component-, or S-Video) can be converted to component or HDMI output at 480i or 480p resolution. The 480p progressive-scan option is particularly important because it maximizes compatibility with HDTVs; many older models can't accept a 480i video signal via HDMI.

Digital audio connections are abundant: five optical (including one front-panel jack) and two coaxial inputs, as well as two optical outputs. Analog audio inputs include stereo phono and CD inputs as well as a set for 7.1-channel analog sources such as SACD, DVD-Audio, Blu-ray, or HD-DVD. The 7.1-channel preamplifier outputs can be hooked up to an external power amplifier if you outgrow the internal amps. Multizone provisions include video and stereo audio, 12-volt triggers, and infrared in and out. An RS-232 port rounds out the AVR-2807's back panel.

We were happy to see the AVR-2807 is XM Satellite Radio ready; all you need is an XM Passport or an XM Connect-and-Play Home Kit and a $12.95-per-month XM subscription. But XM's new HD Surround channels will be only in stereo. That's hardly a reason to skip the AVR-2807--as of April 2006, there are only two XM surround stations. But it's worth noting that the Pioneer VSX-816 and the Onkyo TX-SR504 sport XM HD Surround, and they're $299 A/V receivers.

No, you won't find an Ethernet port, streaming network audio, or the HDMI upscaling features of the AVR-4306--but the AVR-2807 is a full $900 cheaper than that model. The AVR-2807 is also the first Denon receiver that's compatible with the company's optional iPod dock, which is available in white or black. Aside from the cutesy name--the iDock--it comes with all of the necessary connecting cables and a selection of five adapters to accommodate virtually all dockable iPods, including the Nano. Unlike the much cheaper Apple version, the Denon iPod dock lets you control your iPod with the Denon's receiver remote and displays a crude but functional facsimile of the iPod's menu on your TV screen. It also sends your iPod's photo and video content to your TV--but to do so, the TV menu system is disabled, leaving you inexplicably limited to maneuvering on the player's tiny screen, which is all but worthless if you're 10 feet away on the sofa.