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Nice power, good channel seperation, great sound. If you have a lot of devices going to this device that use optical or HDMI you may run out of inputs. When using the reciever to switch HDMI video, the picture seems too saturated or altered or something. Maybe there is a setting on the device that could elimiate this, or maybe I could adjust my TV (1080p plasma) to compensate, but after watching a bit of TV I plugged the HDMI cable directly to the TV instead of going through this reciever.
In summary, this is an excellent AVR for listening to Audio CDs and Movies. The sound quality is excellent and crystal clear with power to spare. I installed the Denon AVR-988 in my home theater system approximately one month ago. Also, the set up right out the box was very easy for me and I am by no means an expert when it comes to audio-visual equipment. Prior to buying this unit, I read most of the reviewers' comments on this site which convinced me to buy it. Another selling point was of course the price; I got this unit from Amazon in February 2009 for less than $500. The user's manual was not difficult at all to understand; I found it to be very logically written and helpful.I would recommend the Denon AVR-988 to anyone looking to buy a quality AVR for their home theater system; make sure that you couple it with a high quality speaker system (including a subwoofer). Great AVR.
Denon really came through with this receiver. I have no complaint but praises only for my Denon. Before I decide on AVR 988, I tested AVR989 (2009 model) for any difference.
I am glad to have AVR 988 instead Onkyo. AVR 988 was bargain ($500USD) from Amazon and from web dealers. I was contemplating between OnkyoTS SR 806 and Denon AVR 988.
Only difference between AVR 988 from AVR 989 is number of HDMI port inputs. This unit has plenty of power to rock the whole house while watching movies and network connected Ipod (ASD-3n) is best toy ever made by any audio companies. AVR 988 has digital audio correction which really improves audio quality of mp3 files and CDs and my composit DVD output to stunning 1080P.
I have AVR 988 for about 4 month now. This unit is solid Japanese built high end unit.
Like in "The Godfather" Amazon made an offer on a $1200 MSRP "Denon 988" audio-video receiver (AVR) for $540 US delivered that I "could not refuse".I have owned for 2 months and am very pleased; excellent sound, plenty of power, and lots of control settings for the user. I do not notice any change when passing DVD video through the AVR vs. The included remote is just odd, it works, but is a very odd design (buttons on back and front)--not intuitive at all. It might be a bit daunting if this is your first AVR, you are techno-phobic, or have not set-up an AVR in many years. The Denon 2808 (sister product, same inards and specs) has a better remote if you need it. Denon's manuals are disjoint as many others have pointed out, but the on-screen menu is relatively logical (text, not GUI). The cost of this level of control is more complexity. direct to the TV (a good thing).
Very impressed with the Audessy multi-point EQ feature, large improvement in sound when it uses the included mic to "learn" your room/speakers and adjust accordingly. SACD DSD bitstream over HDMI is amazing, the best sound I have found. I use a Harmony 880 to control the entire system, so this was not an issue for me. Definitely recommend with minor caveats listed above (hence 4 vs 5 stars).
This is my first AV receiver and so a lot of research went into it before the purchase. Next is Bach - "Concerto for 4 Harpsichords, BWV 1065" with ascending notes. But is is definitely not so complex that you need a rocket scientist to figure this one out. For the lack of cables I had to connect the DVD player using a composite cable. Now I believe AVR-988 was a very very good choice. I got the receiver for $533 from Amazon.As everyone commented the remote is a bit different and manual could have been better. I am using this receiver for more than a month now. Next great feature in the receiver is the video up scaling capability.
AVR 988 is no longer available in most stores. In Stereo mode the music sounded really good. But when AVR 989 comes to this price range ($500-$650) dont miss it. Once every thing is hooked up I started with the freeway chasing scene in "Matrix Reloaded". I was looking for great sound, lot of AV connections, compatability with the latest formats like Dolby True HD etc. The video quality after upscaling from Composite to Component is great.
I have connected the receiver to Polk RM 6880 (Polk RM 10 + Subwoofer) package. I could not believe how good it sounded. All in all this is the ideal mid level receiver for me.
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