Denon AVR-1612 5.1 3D Home Theater Receiver + $25 Crutchfield Gift Card $200 + Free Shipping

Quote from m109rider : was on here yesterday for $137 shipped.

That was the Denon AVR-1312. This is the AVR-1612.

Quote from puddnhead : Did you just see it in this other thread & repost it? It's fine you created a new thread, but you should give credit.

at least someone picked up on it. ty for the recognition.

On a side note..... i cant decide what receiver to get.

I like this receiver. It's an upgrade from the AVR-1312 that is getting love for $140 this week.

From AVS Forum:

Stepping up from the 1312 to the 1612 adds:
* Audyssey MultEQ, Dynamic EQ, and Dynamic Volume, superior processors apparently
* Front panel USB port for connected iPod, iPhone, etc.
* HDMI-CEC (allows for control connection between TV and AVR, standby passthrough, and ARC / audio return channel)
* Dolby PLIIz (if you expand to 7.1, the extra two speakers can be "height" speakers instead of "surround back")
* A superior remote control which can be programmed to control other devices (using preset codes), and has dedicated [Movie], [Music], [Game], and [Direct] buttons for controlling surround modes
* More flexible setup menus including:
--- An "Information" section of the GUI to check audio input signal, HDMI status, etc.
--- The ability to rename inputs and delete unused sources
* Three different "Restorer" modes for compressed music (vs. just one generic mode on the 1312).

Too bad Crutchfield is one of the few places that charges tax in VA, and IMO the gift card is pretty much useless because their stuff is typically closer to retail price than most online stores, although their customer service is apparently top notch.

Good price. I believe there are only a few on ebay, and they are all going for $250+. I would consider upgrading my current receiver, but people seem to feel that all you need is a decent receiver, and to spend the extra money on speakers. If anyone else disagrees, let me know.

I had always been taught in the past that the amplifier supplying the clean power is more important than the speakers.

P.S. Only thing I don't like about the unit is that it doesn't have B front speakers, but I barely use those.

Coupon 3A825 will get you $20 off your order, if you want a straight discount immediately.

Quote from mog_pj : I am re-posting this from the other thread... any help would be appreciated: Between the Denon AVR-1612 and Pioneer VSX-821 which do you guys recommend/like more? (I am planning on pairing it with a set of JBL CS6100BG 6-Piece Home Theater Speaker System)

People will always tell you to listen to them yourselves, but I'm too lazy to go to Best Buy and be hounded by some salespeople.

All things equal, I would pick a Denon because IMO they are a superior brand that focuses on 1 thing, home audio. They have a particular sound to them that a lot of people like.

I believe the Pioneer will have some more bells and whistles. Take a look at the features and see if they matter to you. The lower line Pioneers were reviewed badly for HDMI handshaking issues, not sure about this one in particular.

Denon still has some users reporting handshake issues, but I believe it is less abundant. Has more to do with the technology than the product.

I believe off the top of my head the Pioneer you speak of has A+B speaker switching and comes with it's own ipod interface cable. It also on paper produces more wattage (at higher THD levels), but apparently Denon is very conservative with their ratings. I think I just read somewhere that this unit has no component ins or outs. Probably phasing out that kind of stuff.

i was ready to order but the $20 off coupon doesnt work

Quote from dbzeigler : Coupon 3A825 will get you $20 off your order, if you want a straight discount immediately.

Coupon expired on April 30th.

Bought it! Ugh, now to figure out how to get rid of my 1312 that I got from Woot a month ago...

Quote from aznnp77 : * Dolby PLIIz (if you expand to 7.1, the extra two speakers can be "height" speakers instead of "surround back") P.S. Only thing I don't like about the unit is that it doesn't have B front speakers, but I barely use those.

Does that mean that you can't use this one with say a pair of outdoor speakers? Thanks

Quote from quikie : i was ready to order but the $20 off coupon doesnt work

Try this one, 3A171 $20 off $100 when you pay with Visa card [Exp. 02/28]

It says it was expired on 02/28, but I tried 5 minutes ago, it did work!

Quote from eroico : Try this one, 3A171 $20 off $100 when you pay with Visa card [Exp. 02/28] It says it was expired on 02/28, but I tried 5 minutes ago, it did work!

Thanks! reped

Quote from eroico : Try this one, 3A171 $20 off $100 when you pay with Visa card [Exp. 02/28] It says it was expired on 02/28, but I tried 5 minutes ago, it did work!

Thanks! That code worked and I saw it right before clicking submit order

Quote from IrkoBisha : Does that mean that you can't use this one with say a pair of outdoor speakers? Thanks

No, not unless the outdoor speakers are your primary fronts. There are only terminals for 5 speakers and a sub.

Quote from sjsd : Cheaper Denons aren't built by Denon. I think they outsource it to Sherwood. So do not expect the same level of build/quality. And, as a former Denon AV receiver owner who went through a warranty claim/repair, I think their service totally sucks. To be fair, cheaper receivers of other brands like Yamaha may also feature cheaper components but their service/support is much better.

Denon's lineup is split between China and Japan manufacturing, with the Japan units moving higher up in the line each year. Fact is most of them (33xx and under now, I think) are built in China and have been for some time. It's not a new thing, nor it is odd for the given price points.

My .02 but the bigger problem is ALL AVR's are getting cheaper each year right now. Lower end models are being offered to hit the low price points, and parts you can't see or touch are getting cheaper and smaller each year to make room for margins and cost savings. But this is not a problem exclusive to Denon, and their overall quality is still as good or better than any other mainstream AVR maker. Biggest problem with AVR's is they ALL seem to have a few flukes or flaws, and on occasion one particular maker (whole line) or model (specific) could be a real turd for one year. Reports about the xx12 models have been pretty good overall, no glaring problems.

Also in terms of service the few times I've used Boston or Denon service it's been fine. Get an RMA number, ship it back, get it fixed. I had a Boston speaker back in 8 business days from when it arrived to Boston, and a Denon 3310 back from them in 5 (yes, five) business days from when it arrived to them. I'd prefer no issues at all but can't complain about either service result. I've read a lot of horror stories about 2 month lead times carrying in to a local small authorized repair dealer, which is not what I do. Just ship the thing off to the main service hub if you have issues, and can't take it back where you bought it.