Denon AVR-789 630-Watt 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver (Discontinued by Manufacturer) Review

Denon AVR-789 630-Watt 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

  • 7.1 channel home theater receiver
  • 90 Watts per channel
  • 3 HDMI v1.3a inputs, 3 component inputs, 3 composite inputs, and 3 S-Video inputs
  • Audyssey Dynamic EQ, MultEQ, and Dynamic Volume
  • 7-Channel Equal Power ensures highly balanced output

Product Description

Equipped with the latest video and audio processing functions, the AVR-789 brings high performance surround sound and extensive video flexibility at a truly affordable price. For the ultimate audio experience, the AVR-789 features Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding to handle the explosive soundtracks found on many of today’s advanced Blu-ray high definition discs, along with Dolby Digital Plus and DTS ES 6.1 surround decoding functions. The video section includes Faroudja’s renowned DCDi processing and upconversion to provide near-HD picture quality from conventional sources such as cable, satellite and DVD, while at the same time providing a single video output connection to your HDTV. In addition, the video section features the latest specification HDMI v1.3a signal handling, with three inputs capable of handling Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks as well as uncompressed LPCM multi-channel sources. Setup and operation are a snap, aided by Denon’s enhanced icon-based on screen display that also features a screen saver. To eliminate jarring shifts in volume between TV shows and commercials, the AVR-789 features Audyssey Dynamic Volume automatic volume-leveling system, as well as Audyssey Dynamic EQ to ensure rich bass and smooth tonal balance, even at low volume levels. Audyssey MultEQ in-room acoustic optimization and enhanced multimedia connectivity are just a few of the many additional advanced features that the AVR-789 offers.

From the Manufacturer

From the Manufacturer

Denon AVR-789: 7.1 CH/5.1+2 CH Independent Zone Home Theater Receiver

The Denon AVR-789 delivers power and performance and is ready to take on HD video sources with its HDMI v1.3a capabilities that support deep color video signals and digital surround audio signals. This makes setup and operation a snap for the beginner or expert user. Attention to audio detail and accuracy has been improved with the addition of Audyssey MultEQ processing, assuring audio room balance even with difficult acoustical conditions. Dolby Digital and dts Digital signals are masterfully decoded and reproduced, yielding a stunning surround sound presence like never before.


The Denon AVR-789 provides a host of connections and features

High-Quality Construction and Features for Improved Acoustic Accuracy
The Denon AVR-789 is made from high-quality components to ensure excellent audio and video quality. The straightforward design philosophy of the “minimum signal path” has been implemented to provide immaculately clean audio and video playback. Signal paths are as short as possible to keep signal degradation in the audio and video circuitry to an absolute minimum. The AVR-789 includes a robust power source for each capacitor block for a stable supply of current. This, along with a separate dedicated CPU transformer, produces a clear circuit that prevents unwanted signal noise from affecting the sound.

The AVR-789 features 7-Channel Equal Power, which allows owners to connect up to 7 speakers independently and offers a 7.1 home theater solution without the need for additional amplifiers. Built-in separate internal amplifiers independently provide each channel with 90 Watts of power. This lets you enjoy the same high power output capability per channel, and gives a balanced and truly high-impact surround-sound environment.

The sound from movie sources recorded in Dolby Digital, dts, or other formats emphasizes high-frequency range due to a theater’s front speakers being placed behind the movie screen. If this sound is reproduced in the home theater without correction, the high-frequency range can be too strong. The Denon AVR-789’s Cinema Equalizer corrects these high-frequency components so that the sound is clearer and easier to listen to.

The Audyssey MultEQ acoustic measuring and correction system takes the guesswork out of equalization setup. Using the included calibration microphone, it analyzes the audio characteristics of your speaker system and your listening environment at up to 6 locations. This ensures a custom tailored sound for top audio fidelity. In addition, the AVR-789 is among the first to feature Audyssey’s remarkable Dynamic Volume processing, which eliminates irritating jumps in volume between TV shows and commercials.


The Denon AVR-789 features Audyssey processing

Connectivity is King
The versatile AVR-789 provides excellent audio and video signal processing and switching flexibility, and is fully equipped to handle even the most sophisticated home theater setups. The video section features three HDMI v1.3a inputs with one output, which can accommodate 1080p resolution and also handle high definition multi-channel LPCM, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks. In addition, the AVR-789 comes with 3 component video inputs, 3 composite video inputs with 2 outputs, 3 S-Video inputs with 2 outputs, 8 analog audio inputs (including tuner), 2 coaxial digital inputs, and 2 optical digital inputs with 1 output.

For standard definition sources such as DVD, the on-board Faroudja DCDi video processing and upconversion system provides near-HD picture quality. DCDi is a specialized video processing developed by Faroudja that involves advanced algorithms to remove the jagged edges that appear when standard interlaced video is viewed on progressive scan displays. DCDi converts standard interlaced signals into progressive scan signals in order to eliminate the staircasing effect that conventional upconverters can introduce to diagonal edges.

The Denon AVR-789 also offers XM Satellite Radio capability, providing subscribers with enhanced features over traditional radio receivers. An optional plug and play XM antenna and service contract is required to activate the XM Radio feature. Additionally, the AVR-789 is equipped with Neural Surround, the format chosen by XM Radio to power their new XM HD surround programming. Neural Surround provides the rich envelopment and discrete image detail of surround sound in a format that is 100% compatible with stereo audio. With superior spectral resolution and channel separation, Neural Surround draws the brain’s attention to sonic details in musical instruments, vocals, and ambience that are typically masked by other playback systems. This allows the listener to fully experience the richness and subtleties in recorded performance as never before.

Multiple Decoders Provide Excellent Compatibility
Denon’s advanced surround sound decoding section is powered by a high-precision 32-bit floating point DSP processor. This provides breathtaking surround sound quality from virtually any source. The AVR-789 is also packed with the biggest names in audio decoding, ensuring that you will hear movies, music, and games exactly the way their creators intended.

Dolby Digital is the multi-channel digital signal format developed by Dolby Laboratories. It consists of up to 5.1 channels—front left, front right, center, surround left, surround right, and an additional channel exclusively reserved for additional deep bass sound effects. The signals within each channel are distinct from the others, allowing pinpoint sound imaging and tremendous dynamic range from the most powerful sound effects to the quietest, softest sounds. The Dolby Pro Logic IIx format expands on Dolby Digital by decoding audio signals recorded on up to 7.1 playback channels. 7.1-channel audio builds upon the 5.1 setup by adding two rear surround speakers for even greater audio imaging. Dolby Pro Logic IIx also allows 5.1-channel audio sources to be played in up to 7.1 channels.

dts Digital Surround (also called simply dts) is a multi-channel digital signal format developed by Digital Theater Systems. Like Dolby Digital, it is a 5.1-channel surround sound format that is available as an optional soundtrack on many DVDs. The primary advantage of dts is that it offers higher data rates, leading many home theater enthusiasts to claim the sound quality for movie or music audio tracks to be closer to the original master recordings. This receiver is also equipped with the dts 96/24 format, which provides even higher quality 5.1 channel sound playback. The dts-ES Extended Surround decoder improves the 360-degree surround impression by adding a Surround Back channel, for a total of 6.1 channels. Finally, the dts Neo:6 surround decoder converts conventional 2-channel signals to 6.1-channel surround playback by applying them to the high-precision digital matrix decoder used for dts-ES Matrix 6.1.

State of the Art Solutions for Superior Quality
Not only is the AVR-789 versatile and powerful, but Denon has made it easy to use with many convenient features. Setup and operation are a snap, aided by an enhanced icon-based on-screen display that also features a screen saver. The Personal Memory Plus function allows the receiver to store surround modes, the level setting for all speakers, and the delay time to further customize the sound source. With the push of a button, the receiver will be tuned to the source of choice and the perfect preset settings will be activated. Additionally, the optional Denon ASD-11R iPod docking station is compatible with the AVR-789. It provides direct charging, iPod control, and playback of audio and video content, dependent with each device’s capabilities.


Technical Specifications

  • Weight: 25.4 lbs
  • Width: 17.1 inches
  • Height: 6.7 inches
  • Depth: 14.9 inches
  • Output: 90 Watts per channel
  • Dolby Digital Surround EX Decoding: Yes
  • dts ES Discrete 6.1 Decoding: Yes
  • dts ES Matrix 6.1 Decoding: Yes
  • dts Neo:6 Stereo-to-Surround Cinema and Music Modes: Yes
  • dts 96/24 5.1 for DVD-Video Processing: Yes
  • Assignable Digital Inputs: 4
  • Digital Inputs: Coaxial: 2
  • Digital Inputs: Optical: 2
  • Digital Outputs: Optical: 1
  • Digital to Analog REC Out: Yes
  • Analog Audio Inputs, Incl. Tuner: 8
  • Analog Record Outputs: 2
  • Composite Video Inputs: 3
  • Composite Video Outputs: 2
  • S-Video Inputs: 3
  • S-Video Outputs: 2
  • Component Video Inputs x Bandwidth: 3 x 60 MHz (Assignable)
  • Station Auto-Preset Memory Tuning: 56
  • HDMI 1.3a Inputs: 3
  • HDMI 1.3a Outputs: 1



Choosing a Denon A/V Receiver for Your Home Theater System

Denon offers several models of A/V receiver systems, from the entry-level AVR-589 5.1 channel receiver system to the advanced AVR-989 7.1 channel receiver system. Which A/V receiver system you choose depends on how much you’re willing to spend and which features you prioritize in a home theater environment. Here’s a quick breakdown of the Denon A/V receiver systems.

  • The AVR-589 is a 5.1 A/V home theater receiver that features the latest high definition video connectivity, including dual HDMI v1.3a inputs and an HDMI output that provides up to 1080p resolution pass-through. Powered by Denon’s DDSC-HD discrete surround decoding technology, the AVR-589 features a precision 32-bit floating point DSP processor for optimum surround sound fidelity, a technology normally only found on much more expensive components. Each of the five Equal Power amplifier channels put out 75 Watts of power, and is capable of driving the widest variety of home theater speaker systems. It also features 2 component video inputs, 4 composite video inputs with 2 outputs, 3 S-Video inputs with 2 outputs, 8 analog audio inputs (including tuner), 2 coaxial digital inputs, and 2 optical digital inputs.
  • The AVR-689 is a 7.1 A/V home theater receiver that incorporates the latest surround sound decoding technologies, along with sophisticated video signal handling and upconversion that allows both HDMI video inputs as well as providing component video output. The surround section features the same precision 32-bit floating point DSP technology found on Denon’s top-line models. It includes the addition of Audyssey MultEQ and Dynamic Volume processing. Each of the seven Equal Power amplifier channels put out 80 Watts of power. The video section features three HDMI v1.3a inputs with 1 output, 3 component video inputs, 4 composite video inputs with 2 outputs, 3 S-Video inputs with 2 outputs, 8 analog audio inputs (including tuner), 2 coaxial digital inputs, and 2 optical digital inputs.
  • The AVR-789 is a 7.1 A/V home theater receiver that features 3 HDMI v1.3a inputs, 1080p upscaling, and a 32-bit floating point DSP processor. It includes the addition of Audyssey MultEQ and Dynamic Volume processing. Each of the seven Equal Power amplifier channels put out 90 Watts of power, and can drive the widest variety of home theater speaker systems. In addition, the AVR-789 comes with 3 component video inputs, 3 composite video inputs with 2 outputs, 3 S-Video inputs with 2 outputs, 8 analog audio inputs (including tuner), 2 coaxial digital inputs, and 2 optical digital inputs with 1 output.
  • The AVR-889 is a 7.1 A/V home theater receiver that features 4 HDMI v1.3a inputs, 1080p upscaling, and a 32-bit floating point DSP processor. It includes the addition of Audyssey MultEQ and Dynamic Volume processing. Each of the seven Equal Power amplifier channels put out 100 Watts of power, and can drive sophisticated home theater speaker systems. In addition, the AVR-889 comes with 3 component video inputs, 4 composite video inputs with 2 outputs, 4 S-Video inputs with 2 outputs, 9 analog audio inputs (including tuner), 2 coaxial digital inputs, and 2 optical digital inputs with 1 output.
  • The AVR-989 is a 7.1 A/V home theater receiver that features 4 HDMI v1.3a inputs, 1080p upscaling, and a 32-bit floating point DSP processor. It also includes the addition of Audyssey’s Dynamic Volume processing. This feature works together with the Dynamic EQ that automatically adjusts equalizer settings to optimize the dynamic range. Each of the seven Equal Power amplifier channels produces 115 Watts of output, and can drive sophisticated home theater speaker systems. In addition, the AVR-989 comes with 3 component video inputs, 7 composite video inputs with 3 outputs, 7 S-Video inputs with 3 outputs, 10 analog audio inputs (including tuner), 3 coaxial digital inputs, and 3 optical digital inputs with 2 outputs.

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