DLS sub and Onkyo vs Denon

[mkempton]

I have been lurking for a couple months and guess it's time to come out. I finally bought a DVD player when I got SW:Ep1 for Christmas. (I was holding off since I don't buy movies much anymore and didn't think my 25" Daewoo w/ coax-in would notice any effects of a sharper picture!) I decided to upgrade the ProLogic w/ the blown center channel amp. I quickly settled on the Onkyo 494, since I have little money to spend but would like a quality component over more features. Since the tax refund will be more than expected, I am considering the 595, but at that point, I decided I have to look at the Denon 1802. I have read all I can on them and still can't decide. It seems like personal preference once you get past the crappy remote vs. extra video in and audio pre-out. Is there something glaring that I don't see? I guess I have to hear them somewhere. (My other choice was H/K, but I've heard some negatives about quality that scared me off.)

I was going to use my current speakers for now until I ran across the $230 JBL NSP-1 (http://www.us.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=90048408&loc=111) w/ free shipping at buy.com. In looking for a sub, I just happen to notice the DLS 10 (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&PartNumber=300-630&DID=7) at Parts Express. I can't find any reviews on it online. Has anyone here heard one? Probably too good to be true, but I thought I'd ask around anyhow.

Anyhow, thanks to everyone who makes this site possible. It's renewed my interest in home theater.

[svadas]

I don't know a thing about it, but heck for $99 it looks like it's worth more than that.

[Master J]

For an entry level sub, it looks like a decent value spec and price wise. I have never listened to this sub, but it's maker is Dayton Lodspeakers (hence DLS).

It only goes down to 30hz, but that should be sufficient for most of your needs, and you can't really ask for more for 100 bucks.

If you get this sub, please post back your thougt. If it is half decent, I might pick one up for my secondary setup.

J

[PlumPeach]

I also looked at the Denon 1802 but because of some supposed issues with Dolby Digital on a few discs I decided to step up to the 2802. All I can say is WOW!! This is one awesome receiver! I've played several DVDs in DTS, and they pratically brought the house down. Of course I'm noticing a big difference because I've gone from a Sony Prologic receiver to this amazing Denon 2802 Digital. If you can afford the upgrade, I say go for it.

[mkempton]

Originally posted by PlumPeach
I also looked at the Denon 1802 but because of some supposed issues with Dolby Digital on a few discs I decided to step up to the 2802.

What problems with DD does the 1802 have and why do they work on the 2802? That one's way out of my price range. . .

Does the 494/595 have this Dolby problem?

[PlumPeach]

I have heard there are some audio dropout problems with the Denon 1802 when playing the Dolby Digital tracks on Jurassic Park and Pearl Harbor. There also might be other discs that cause a problem. Does anyone have the full details or has anyone experienced this themselves?

BTW I paid $675 for the Denon 2802 at Nebraska Furniture Mart in Omaha. Yes, it was pricy but after hooking it up to my system, I don't regret the purchase at all.

[skar]

Originally posted by mkempton


What problems with DD does the 1802 have and why do they work on the 2802?

Just a theory. The Denon 1802 and below are made at a different factory then the Denon 2802 and above. The jump from the 1802 to the 2802 is quite large IMO.

[jumbojp]

I'm not familiar with the audio dropout problem on the 1802. I was recently in the market for a Denon receiver also, but focused mainly on the 2802 and 3802 models.

If you can swing it the Denon 2802 is a solid choice. They list for $800 I think, but my local dealer was easily talked into selling me one for $625! I wasn't planning on buying one at that time but thought I had better get it in case he changed his mind;)

You can get them online for about $575 shipped( http://i4digital.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=i4digital&Product_Code=105014 ), but those places are not "Authorized" dealers and the chance you take trying to get Denon to validate the warranty(they probably won't) is not worth the few extra dollars. Also if there is a problem and you do get the company to except a return most of the time YOU have to pay for shipping instead of just being able to take it in for service. This applies to all dealers and not just Denon. If you can get it locally for anywhereclose to the online price take it and run! IMHO:)

Another brand you may want to look at is Marantz. They have the 4200 and 5200 models in you price range that are very nice receivers.

BTW, If you get the DLS sub let us know how it goes. I have shopped at Parts Express many times and they have some really good deals and I am hoping this is one:)

[PlumPeach]

I found information about the Dolby Digital problems on the Denon 1802 at the Home Theater Spot. Check this link:
Home Theater Spot: Denon 1802 Problem (http://www.hometheaterspot.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=61&t=000307)

[TheKobra]

I found a better price on the 2802. LINKY (http://shop.store.yahoo.com/y3kdigital/denavavrecre1.html)

[jumbojp]

Originally posted by TheKobra
I found a better price on the 2802. LINKY (http://shop.store.yahoo.com/y3kdigital/denavavrecre1.html)

At least they are straight forward about the warranty!

Copied right from the 2802 page:

Denon products sold at discount prices on the internet do not come with the manufacturer's standard warranty. It is recommended that you purchase a 3 yr. parts and labor warranty available below.

The 3 year warranty they have is through them and is $60!

[bn64]

I bought that DLS sub from Parts Express about a month or so ago and I'm extremely happy with it! I paid a bit over $100 after shipping and have been smiling ever since getting it.

It is currently mixed in with HTD Level TWO speakers all the way around and a Kenwood VR505 receiver. The sub or any of the other equipment has yet to fail me! I'm no audiophile by any means, just wanted some HT gear to feel like I'm at the movies when watching DVD's. My DLS is placed in the corner of my 12x12 (approx.) room and can really do some wall shaking!

I hope this helps out but again remember I'm not a professional HT guy! Feel free to e-mail or post any other questions about that sub!

Thanks
Brent