Anyone read anything about the new Denon HTIB systems that are just now coming out. I think there are two models the S 101 and S 301.

I read the review on Audioholics and wondered if anyone had any more detail?

Thanks

Chuck

http://blog.denon.com/s301_101/archives/2005/07/press_release.html#more

Thanks

Looks good.

Better specs than the new sony 2.1 system.

Bump!

Pardon my ignorance, but what does "Bump" mean?
Many thanks.

Old threads drop down the list w/o any activity. Some one will "bump" a thread because they want more people to look at it, and comment.

Many thanks!
I too am trying to research the DAV-X1 and the Denon - both have not quite yet made landfall in the UK (at least to the extent of there being any reviews available!).

No problem. Welcome to the forum.

In case you didn't see it, there is a thread with a list of the one/few box devices that might lead you to a few others to consider. There are lots of them. Depending on the application, I'd look at the Yamaha and the KEF as other contenders, albiet with slightly higher MSRP's (though street prices may vary).

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5340289&&#post5340289

Many thanks!
I'd love the Kef - but the fact my TV and speakers will be in a corner with the sofa at the same end of the room, might not be so great for a system such as this that relies upon "bouncing" sound off equi-distantly located side walls, perhaps?

I have a corner set up with the Binaura. I looked hard at the Yamaha - they recomend the 3 beam configuration for corner set ups. Thus some of the benefits of the tech is muted.

In that set-up the Denon may be the best of the lot, as a pure 2.1 system (and virtual dolby that can be turned on). This is mostly based on reputation and specs, as I haven't seen much in the way of reviews yet.

I could've sworn I saw a Denon 7.1 HTIB at BB last weekend for $1599. Not set up, but in the box. I was in a rush and didn't have time to check it out. Is there such a beast? Mebbe it said 2.1. Regardless, might be something my bro-in-law would be interested in.

I'm not sure what we will end up doing, but what is interesting about the Denon S-301 is the Faroudja chip in the DVD player and the iPod interface. You could rip your music (lots of it) down to an iPod and use the Denon remote to control it. Plus, if the downmix to 2.1 works well you could have a decnt system for music, TV and movies in a small space at a reasonable price.

About what you saw at Best Buys, I'll check that out. The $1599 should be the S-301 system. I believe the S-101 is $1099 or $999.

My concern is the limited number of inputs (two I think). It has a DVD player, but it you wanted to interface SAT TV , VHS and say an old Laser it appears you can only input two devices.

Plus the inputs appear to be limited to composite and S-Video.

In my case we could run the component out (if we do HDTV) for the video directly to the display and use the Denon for the audio signal (digital input) and switch an input on the display at the same time as the Denon.

Anyway, something to consider.

Chuck

On paper, Ipod apart, the Sony DAV-X1 seems to compare v.favourably with the S101 - does anybody know anything about the Sony, please?

I went by BB yesterday and they did have the S-301 set up and I was ale to demo it.

Interestly I also went to some AV stores and looked at alternatives in terms of price and function.

It initially looks like Denon may have a winner with this product. While more costly than offerings from Yamaha and Sony it sports better components and potentially better performance than offerinsg from those other two.

We listened to some music and movie sound tracks and it sounded pretty good. Keep in mind this is not a high end systsem, ut for the money it performend well. The sub was a bit muddy on some music we heard by on the movies was tight.

It has a HDMI out port, a couple of digital in ports and two sets of analog in ports.

Our issue will be how to get D* to be controlled by the unit. The new MPEG4 unit D* is coming out with will be something we will consider.

Worst case I will have to run a seperate cable directly to the TV for the D* and then run one for the Denon, if we do this.

The unit upconverts video and has component out. Although the manager I spoke with (who said he was trained on this unit) said the HDMI port put out 1080i and upconverted all video inputs to that res.

I was confused about this since he said the HDMI port contained both audio and video signals.

There is a DB25 cable that connects from the S-301 to the back of the sub. The two speakers are then connected from the sub via what looks like a USB cable interface. To use your own wire you would remove the zip cord from this interface and insert your own wire.

If the speakers are driven from the sub cabling then the HDMI cable comment does not make sense. What I hope, is that I heard him wrong and that the HDMI is video only. That way I could take the component out of a D* HD receiver and run it separately to the monitor and take audio out into the S-301.

Lastly the unit sports a Faroudja DCDI chip for video and a iPOD interface on the front.

We also listened to the tuner and it was acceptable.

I am thinking about this unit.

Chuck

Sony DAV-X1: No surround whatsoever! : (

Just bought t and the sound does not even "fill" my small room.

Too expensive system for what it offers

I've just unpacked the S-301, run it through a handful of tests, and made a few observations that I hope people will find helpful.

- The DVD picture quality is flat-out fantastic, and the high point of the system. My wife and I were shocked at the difference in appearance between this system and our previous DVD player. While I can’t speak to the quality of the S-101, I’ve got to believe that the S-301’s Faroudja processing is a difference-maker. It handled the frenetic speed of the massive and complicated combat scenes in Return of the King without any hint of artifacting. The lush colors of Amelie were recreated in glorious detail. I can't speak highly enough of the transfer quality.

- Each speaker consists of two mid-ranges and one tweeter. Be aware that the speakers stand a whopping 16” high, which some will find counter-intuitive since many pains were taken to make the main unit compact, like the Bose 3-2-1. My wife would have preferred the smaller Bose-style speakers. The sound is bright and clear. Those that want to hear grungy rock (ala Klipsch) may be disappointed. But, since many listeners will be spending a majority of their time hearing spoken voice from TV and DVD, it’s a worthwhile tradeoff.

- When I unpacked the subwoofer, I was pleasantly surprised with its heft. The subwoofer is surprisingly meaty, easily powering through LOTR battle scenes and Beck’s new album with solid earthy tones.

- The 2.1 system is designed to simulate surround sound, including DTS. Two front speakers will never equal five speakers, but the system does an adequate job of creating a center-speaker sound field. Rear sounds is fairly non-existent.

- There are three digital audio inputs, two coaxial and one optical. Denon made a major blunder here, because the one optical input cannot be mapped to a video input. In my experience, many more consumer electronics have digital optical outs than coax. This was nearly a deal-breaker to me. Is there such a thing as an optical-to-coaxial cable?

- Also disappointing is the lack of hi-def inputs. Would it have killed Denon to allow video pass through of a component signal?

There you have it. I hope you found this helpful.

It's been a few months since anyone posted on this thread so I'm curious what others think of the S101 system now that it's been out a while. I'm thinking about picking this up.

One quick and easy question (maybe dumb). Can the speakers be turned on it's side to lay flat or do they need to stand up for proper sound? I have limited space in a bookshelf and there is not enough room between shelves to accommodate 16" speakers.

I bought the 301 last month. It is used as a bedroom surround sound system so there hasn't been the hardcore tweaking and critiquing as I normally would do. As far as sound goes, I thought the yamaha ysp-1 was better at the "creation" of surround sound and overall sounded better. But I wanted a dvd player integrated system with upconversion and the denon looked and sounded better than the sony.

I had the same question about lying the speakers on their side in another thread and didn't get much of a response. I didn't know if that would screw up the "physics" of dolby virtual speaker and make a big difference. Well, it didn't make a huge audible difference. Visually, you can tell since the speakers are like 16 inches tall and they are sitting on top of a 6 ft armoire, that leaves them close to 7 1/2 ft. off the ground which you can hear on the soundstage. Best set up is to mount them to the wall at eye/ear level I think but then you have to figure out what to do with the speaker wires if you don't want to cut holes. That's a project for me for after the holidays.

I know this is an old thread, but I would like to bump it, especially since some more Denon users will probably be out there as a result of today's sale at an unnamed one-day sales site.

Anyway, I just got my in a nice deal at BB for an open-box unit. The NIB units are already $200 off (at least in the DC/Balto. area), but with a further 15% off for open-box, I bit. I'd like to know about any other Denon setup experiences (especially the S-301).

I'm using a 32-inch Panasonic tube, but really got the Denon to connect to my new Panasonic HDTV 600 model (whenever they decide to start selling them!) with the HDMI.

Anybody else have strong opinions on the S-301?

I've decided that the price/performance ratios of flat-panel HDTVs (which are really my only options given space limitations) haven't quite reached levels I find acceptable. So I'm going to invest in an audio setup first.

Initially, it'll just be a music system. But in 6-12 months, I expect to have an HDTV and an Xbox 360 as well.

I'm in a very small room now, but I can foresee myself moving to a larger space within 2 years. I'd like whatever system I invest in now to serve as a music system in my current small bedroom, then as an HTIB setup when I get an HDTV, then as a bridge until I build a real 5.1 system down the road.

Given its simplicity, performance, versatility, and style, the Denon S-301 seems like my best option. Any thoughts?

If you're looking for a two speaker HT system, KEF (KIT 100) gets great reviews and is comparatively priced with Denon.

Anybody else have strong opinions on the S-301?

I've decided that the price/performance ratios of flat-panel HDTVs (which are really my only options given space limitations) haven't quite reached levels I find acceptable. So I'm going to invest in an audio setup first.

Initially, it'll just be a music system. But in 6-12 months, I expect to have an HDTV and an Xbox 360 as well.

I'm in a very small room now, but I can foresee myself moving to a larger space within 2 years. I'd like whatever system I invest in now to serve as a music system in my current small bedroom, then as an HTIB setup when I get an HDTV, then as a bridge until I build a real 5.1 system down the road.

Given its simplicity, performance, versatility, and style, the Denon S-301 seems like my best option. Any thoughts?
I got my S-301 a week or so ago, and have just been setting up the features, and cables to my old TV. The reasons I got it were because of its GREAT reviews (see CNET), and because I could only have a 2.1 system in my room. I, too, am getting an HDTV, but don't have it yet -- waiting for the Panny 600 series to come out. It sounds great, so far, but I'm really looking forward to using it for HD - audio and video. Should be a while until I get that chance, though, since the 600s may not be out until late April.

mcgurgd: I was looking at that too, but haven't seen reviews as favorable as those of the S-301.

JKirkmd: Have you had a chance to test the system with music?

Is this an exclusive forum for 2.1 setups? If not, is there one? I apologize if this has been asked before.

JKirkmd: Have you had a chance to test the system with music?

The music is great! But, frankly, I think it will really shine in the Dolby 5.1, since it's virtual surround, even on 2-channel, sounds fantastic. Watching analog TV, using the setup with the virtual surround gives such a good experience. I can't wait to have HD, and and HDTV, to watch! DVDs sound beautiful, too I'm not a real audiophile, so what I hear is more "beauty in the ears of the beholder," rather than and technical details.

There are plenty of threads talking about 5.1 systems, but I'm glad there is so much discussion about 2.1 systems, here. I would have liked the Bose small speakers, but the Denon had so much better reviews, that I had to get it. Tried to get it on a well-known auction site, but ended up getting it at BB as an open-box item. No problems in that regard, though.

I saw it at BB the other day. I wonder whether they have any open boxes, or how much wiggle room there is if not.

I saw it at BB the other day. I wonder whether they have any open boxes, or how much wiggle room there is if not.
Keith...see my PM.

If anyone is looking to justify buying the Denon S-301, I recommend checking out CNET's review, here. (http://reviews.cnet.com/Denon_S_301/4505-6740_7-31556197.html)
They are not liberal with their ratings, but this one gets an "Excellent" with the bottom line: "With its abundant feature set, great sound quality, eye-catching design, and superlative ease of use, iPod-friendly Denon S-301 2.1 home-theater system is the best we've reviewed so far."

Anyone with the Denon S-301 experiencing problems with video via HDMI? The user reviews at Cnet suggest that this is a relatively widespread problem.

If I had more space, I would just build a component system--but my room is so small that I can't imagine a setup with more than 2.1 speakers.

Anyone with the Denon S-301 experiencing problems with video via HDMI? The user reviews at Cnet suggest that this is a relatively widespread problem.

If I had more space, I would just build a component system--but my room is so small that I can't imagine a setup with more than 2.1 speakers.
I have had no problems with the video via HDMI. None of the problem as indicated in the personal (not the official CNET) review ("It will play a DVD with not problems but another DVD has a video drop out. Screen goes black for a few seconds but sound stays.") Looks gorgeous...consistently.

I just purchased the S-301 to put in my bedroom. The main issue I am facing is the legnth of the d-sub25 cable linking the system with the sub. I need to place the sub about 25 ft. away. Can I do this? Will I lose any sound quality?

THanks
~Carl

I just purchased the S-301 to put in my bedroom. The main issue I am facing is the legnth of the d-sub25 cable linking the system with the sub. I need to place the sub about 25 ft. away. Can I do this? Will I lose any sound quality?

THanks
~Carl
Denon has "extension" cables on their web page...here is the 10 meter one:
http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3021.asp

Thanks. I didn't see that on the web site. Seems expensive. I wonder if it is a "normal" DB-25 cable? If so, I can get one of equal length for a lot less money.

~Carl

Thanks. I didn't see that on the web site. Seems expensive. I wonder if it is a "normal" DB-25 cable? If so, I can get one of equal length for a lot less money.

~Carl
Not sure about that. I do know that the Denon ends are molded just right to fit neatly with the Denon, rather than the usual straight DB-25. I haven't had time to check out specs on the Denon cable, though.

Picked up the S-301 and the Sony KDL-V32XBR1 yesterday. Haven't had much time to play around with it, but so far can't get any video to the display via HDMI. Anybody have any ideas?

Picked up the S-301 and the Sony KDL-V32XBR1 yesterday. Haven't had much time to play around with it, but so far can't get any video to the display via HDMI. Anybody have any ideas?
Check your input settings on your display. On my NEC, it has 2 HDMIs, plus component, etc. and you need to specify which one you're viewing. My Denon was pretty much plug-and-play, with the HDMI out, going to one of those HDMI slots...worked fine for me.

I got the HDMI out working. The picture really is incredible. But I'm having the same issue so many others are: the image is dropped for 2-4 seconds at random intervals when viewing DVDs via the HDMI out.

I'm going to contact them, but from what I've seen posted elsewhere, this is a problem that Denon still hasn't solved.

Just an update--I spoke with their technical support today about the dropped picture during DVD playback via HDMI.

They told me they've got "6 or 7 of their top engineers working 24-hour shifts" on the problem. I had to laugh...

Question regarding the ipod interface... does it actually display the album art, etc on the tv screen? It seems like it doesn't. But I wanted to make sure...

Question regarding the ipod interface... does it actually display the album art, etc on the tv screen? It seems like it doesn't. But I wanted to make sure...

I don't have an iPod, but my girlfriend does. I'll test that over the next few days and let you know. Judging from the manual, though, I'd say it doesn't display album art.

Pardon my ignorance, but can the S-301 be used exclusively as an audio only system?
I downloaded the user's manual, and the set-up menus are done with a DVD through the TV.
Can I bypass the TV set-up and just use it as a good small bedroom stereo?
As an alternative, I notice Denon also offers microsystems exclusively for audio.
Should I just forget about the S-301 and go with one of their audio microsystems instead?

Thank you.

I haven't tried it, but I have a feeling that the in-console display could be difficult to use for some of the more advanced settings.

However, I'd say that you might be overpaying if you have no intention of using the system as a home theater setup. Don't get me wrong--the speakers are really incredible--but you'd also be paying for an upscaling DVD player. You might consider a dedicated audio receiver and a few good components if you aren't interested in the video capabilities of the S-301.

I haven't tried it, but I have a feeling that the in-console display could be difficult to use for some of the more advanced settings.

However, I'd say that you might be overpaying if you have no intention of using the system as a home theater setup. Don't get me wrong--the speakers are really incredible--but you'd also be paying for an upscaling DVD player. You might consider a dedicated audio receiver and a few good components if you aren't interested in the video capabilities of the S-301.
Agree - it seems to be overkill (and over paying) for "just" an audio system. It will work fine as a CD player, right out of the box. Just hook up all the components, and start playing a CD. However, there is so much more, with the DVD, virtual surround, and all the additional connections, that you could do just as well with a good set of stereo speakers if you're not going to use it for HT.

Question for KeithA - do you know if there would be a problem with laying the speakers on their side, so they will fit into an existing space-challenged arrangement? I am having cabinets made, and would like to keep the dimensions down, rather than standing up the speakers on a shelf, and having to change the current design.

Question for KeithA - do you know if there would be a problem with laying the speakers on their side, so they will fit into an existing space-challenged arrangement? I am having cabinets made, and would like to keep the dimensions down, rather than standing up the speakers on a shelf, and having to change the current design.

The speakers are well built, so I can't imagine any physical damage resulting from arranging the speakers this way. But I'm sure that the virtual surround and even some stereo effects would be negatively affected by re-orienting the speakers.

Personally, the virtual surround effect never did that much for me. I'd experiment with it to see whether you personally notice anything. It's also probably worth a call to Denon.

Well KeithA and JKirkmd, I ordered the Denon D-F 101 S microsystem for $699 from Crutchfield which is meant for audio only. I agree that the S 301 would be wasting my money when I just need a compact audio setup. It delivers 35 watts x 2. Plenty of power for a small bedroom.
It will replace a Bose Lifestyle 20 cube system that I have had nothing but trouble with (electrical problems) since I got it 8 years ago.
Thankfully it finally went completely dead.
Looking forward to stepping up to Denon quality!
Thanks for your inputs (no pun intended)!

The speakers are well built, so I can't imagine any physical damage resulting from arranging the speakers this way. But I'm sure that the virtual surround and even some stereo effects would be negatively affected by re-orienting the speakers.

Personally, the virtual surround effect never did that much for me. I'd experiment with it to see whether you personally notice anything. It's also probably worth a call to Denon.
Keith...took your advice and called Denon. The CSR said there is no adverse affect of laying speakers on their sides, and that the stereo/virtual surround sound would not be impacted. Now, I need to figure out a way to stabilize them on the shelf...perhaps drill new holes in the existing stands?

I could've sworn I saw a Denon 7.1 HTIB at BB last weekend for $1599. Not set up, but in the box. I was in a rush and didn't have time to check it out. Is there such a beast? Mebbe it said 2.1. Regardless, might be something my bro-in-law would be interested in.

I believe I saw Denon 7.1 channel setup at BB and sound was harsh-it lacked smoothness.

My son is the owner so please bare with me on the specifics. He has had the S301 since this past Christmas'05. He has it connected to a 32" Sharp LCD tv using HDMI cable (Monster).
The past week he has started to have vertical streaks while viewing dvd's. The streaks are also present even before the dvd is loaded( Blue screen ). When he uses a Sony dvd player no problem shows up. Any comments? All suggestions appreciated.

There is now 21 reviews of the s-301 on cnet.com. 6 of them highlight the hdmi problem. As one of the folks who started one of these threads in the dvd player forum, I would have to say that denon rolled out a lemon. 6 out of 21 would be a recall type percentage. They need to get on the ball and figure this out. Otherwise, I won't buy anything from them anymore.

we just got the s301 last weekend and already have experienced the hdmi video blanking problem. the salesman who sold us the unit has already replaced it with a new one but the same thing happened again. this must be a rampant problem with the s301. a new unit is getting shipped to us today - our 3rd. we'll let you know what happens.
we're going to try using the component part to see if that fixes the issue and use hdmi for the satellite tv.

For me, the HDMI problem only arises on certain DVDs, and then only for 5 seconds or so once or twice in the course of a typical viewing. It's a nuisance, but not a deal-breaker.

More disconcerting was my call to Denon support. They told me they had "7 of their best engineers" working on the problem "24 hours a day," and that a fix for the problem should be available soon.

I would have vastly preferred hearing "We can't do anything about it" than such an absurd and obviously false line of BS.

Has anyone tried to connect other speakers to the Denon S-301?

Is anyone using an S301 with the hdmi output and NOT experiencing these intermittent dropouts? I've been waiting to buy this unit as it seems like exactly what I need for a room where I can't put rear speakers but this hdmi problem is preventing me from feeling comfortable with this purchase.

I have had no problems with the video via HDMI. None of the problem as indicated in the personal (not the official CNET) review ("It will play a DVD with not problems but another DVD has a video drop out. Screen goes black for a few seconds but sound stays.") Looks gorgeous...consistently.

Sorry, JKirkmd, I missed your post before posting mine. I'd still like to hear from others having success with this unit.

I guess no one likes the Denon S series...I got one at Frys for $550, I like the sound quality...I know its not a true surround sound system but it does the job well...I think they are still on sale if anyone wants one.

Now I need to find a universal remote that will work with it, any recomendations?

Not sure if anybody is still paying attention to this system, but I have a few updates.

First, I got a chance to use the iPod functionality. Album art is not displayed, but the user interface is a scaled-down version of the iPod's own navigation system.

I'm still experiencing the temporary loss of picture via HDMI out on some DVDs. I just checked Denon's USA web site, and they still haven't offered a firmware update or even acknowledged the problem. I'll probably call/write next week.

As far as universal remotes go, I'm no expert, but I've got the Logitech Harmony Xbox 360 universal remote, and I couldn't be happier with it. Setup is a bit of a chore, but once you're set up, it simplifies operating my entire system (Denon S-301, Sony KDL-V32XBR1, Comcast Motorola HD Cable Box, and Xbox 360). MSRP is about $130.

I am about to embark on my first big screen HD TV purchase, and I am seriously considering the Denon 2.1 system to complement the TV...It seems as if there has been a fix being provided for the HDMI issue on DVD play back...I saw someone on CNET report that they shipped it in for fix and back out for free and it worked fine!

Any ideas on where I can get a good price for this system? It seems as if it should be dropping in price by now, especially considering the hdmi issue...

Thanks for any help!

Is there really a fix?!? The HDMI playback issue is the only thing holding me back from pulling the trigger on the S-301!! If anyone has any experience with this, please share!

Due to this problem - I am thinking about going for the S-101 instead - I'm assuming that there isn't any problem with this unit as far as DVD playback?

Anyone ever hear anything further on this issue?

Does anyone think there will be a newly released replacement model to the S-301's and 101's???

It feels like it should be about that time...but who knows...

Aside from the confounding HDMI/video issue, does anybody else have a problem in getting the subtitles up when watching a DVD? I can't seem to get the subtitles on display, although it works fine with my cablebox...

I simply click on the the subtitle option on the back of my remote in the "advanced features" section. It tells me that the option is not found. Can anybody shed some light, or have had the same experience? The manual (poorly written) does not offer any guidance, other than what I have done.

Aside from the confounding HDMI/video issue, does anybody else have a problem in getting the subtitles up when watching a DVD? I can't seem to get the subtitles on display, although it works fine with my cablebox...

I simply click on the the subtitle option on the back of my remote in the "advanced features" section. It tells me that the option is not found. Can anybody shed some light, or have had the same experience? The manual (poorly written) does not offer any guidance, other than what I have done.

What happens for me is, a lot of times, the DVDs disable that button and you have to go through their menu to set up the audio track and subtitles. Unless you're on your PC and your software ignores that "feature" of the DVD, there's no way around it. :(

Thanks BR, that helps. What's interesting is that virtually no DVD i run on my Denon allows me to play the subtitles, whereas if i use my PS2 as a DVD player (yes, I occasionally do), by clicking on the L3 button, I can get the subtitles every time.

Great forum, folks. I'm considering buying the 301 for our small living room. We don't watch many movies and it's not well set up space for home theatre, so I like the systems small footprint and faux 5.1 capabilities (based on reviews I've read, I haven't listened to it personally).

One question to owners of the system: Does wall mounting the speakers diminish the sound quality? I'd like to wall mount them along with my LCD tv....

hey guys...im interested in this system but can the speakers be mounted on a stand? i think that they come w/bookshelf stands, right? but i'm thinking of buying separate speakers stands to put them on is that possible?

also, how does this compare to the s101? i'm thinking about that system as well because i'll be getting an oppo 981 so i'll be using that for the dvd player and just use the denon for the sound...

thanks.

iGroove,

Looks like you are now looking for system number 3. What was wrong with the 321 for your purposes? I would love to hear more about your comparison of FullStageHD and 321.

hey...u stalking me??? just kidding! :)

i still have the bose 321 (just got it last thursday) and i thought i was happy with it...then i went to circuit city yesterday and they had the denon s-101 playing the star wars episode III and i was taken by how good the surround sound was...so i started doing some research on the denon. the denon has gotten pretty consistent good reviews the only flaw being that it's expensive.

the bose sounds OK i watched 3 movies on it last night (saw, rent, and minority report) with a friend and i really didn't notice any surround effects at all...my friend was a little underwhelmed with the bose...i hope that i have it connected correctly.

plus i read that the denon has DBS, dolby virtual speaker technology and the bose has their own propietary technology but at least dolby has been around for a while and is well known...so i'm thinking that maybe the denon might be better than the bose! so i think that the bose will probably go back and i'm gonna try the denon...probably the 101 but i wish i could get the 301 but its like 1399! yikes!

still between the fullstageHD and the bose just on sound alone, i would give the fullstagehd the edge.

LOL,...not stalking. Just following you very closely.

I have just been paying attention to all the threads here trying to see what everyone has to say. Have you checked out the Philips hts6500 or the Sherwood vr-670. They are on the less expensive end of things. Did you notice surround effects with the fullstageHD? You are becoming a valuable resource as you are essentially demoing everything so thats good for me. Hope the Denon works out better than the bose. I personally have only heard the 321 so far out of the 2.1-1.1 systems. I thought it sounded pretty good in Sams but that wasnt necessarily a good enviornment. My deal is i really have no desire for another component on the entertainment center. On the other hand the wife still wants a am/fm tuner so I may end up needing to go the 2.1 route just for a tuner. Still leaning fullstageHD right now though.

hey guys...so the saga of my sound system i think is over! i got the denon s-101 last friday and set it up...so far i'm impressed by the denon's sound, a lot more full bodied than the bose 321 and way cheaper, too!

the ipod connection is also really convenient...it grabs the ipod interface and puts it on your tv and you can browse your ipod library, very convenient. the interface is where they skimped tho...really basic looking...otherwise, it's a really nice system, well built, attractive mayb even...wait for it...sexy? yes, sexy!

i havent watched a full on movie yet (im waiting to receive the Oppo 981HD which iwill connect to the denon via optical) but did try Star Wars III and it sounded pretty good w/the dolby virtual speaker system! definitely better than bose 321.

my only *minor* gripes are that there are no color choices. would have preferred black but the silver is nice, too. also, they should have put the ipod port in the back or added one in the back as it doesn't look too neat when a white cord is coming out of the front of the unit.

i would have preferred the higher end model with more features, S-301, but couldn't stomach the higher price...plus, for my purposes, since i wont really be using the built in dvd player but just mostly for awesome audio, it made more sense to go for the less expensive model which can be had at a reasonable price on amazon...defintely a great bang for the buck! originally this unit sold twice as much at 1k but its selling for 500 bones on amazon!

before this experience never really thought about denon but now i think denon rocks!

i'm sure no one is checking this thread anymore, but...

i just got an open box s-301 and it is stuck in demo mode. I've tried reading through the manual, but I can't figure out how to get out of demo mode. any help would be great since tech support at denon isn't back until monday morning.

thanks,

shane.

nevermind, i found it. unplug it, hold in "eject" and "function" and plug it back in. that resets it.

shane.

Can anyone comment on how the sound is with the Denon S-301 when you are watching TV(HD-Digital-Analog channels), and not a DVD? It seems many of these HTIB systems give good sound for DVDs only. I am looking for good sound especially on HD channels and sporting events.

Also, if newer built S-301 models don't have the HDMI video problem, is this unit four hundred and fifty dollars better then the Sony Dav-x1? I would be using these HTIB in a 12 x 13 room.

Thanks

What do you guys think of the sound quality between the Denon S-301 and the bose 3-2-1?? Is it almost similar? Cause I find the 3-2-1 sounds good for me...

If anyone is looking for S-101 Circuit City has them on Clearance (less than 200 for me, new in box)
RabidBunny

Just got this for my office-it is actually quite good. Obviously not "true 5.1" but does do a very convincing job of surrond. I have it set up in a office 10 x 15' and it sounds excellent. Music dvds and cds are amazing, this was replacing a logitech 5500 system that I was using for both a 32" LCD,DVD.Xbox 360 and computer.(wanted 5.1 back for computer games) The sound is surprising-(deap, full) for just 2 small speakers and a sub. The up-conversion is also very good, easily beating a panasonic I had there before. HD DVD Transformers on the 360 add-on was incredible-you'd swear the sound was comming from much larger speakers and it had nice clean bass.

I am a true audiophile and have two other systems (Def Tech Mythos 7.1 with a velodyne SPLR sub and a Paradigm Studio series 6.1 system) which blows away this but for this application and size of room it more than fit's the bill. This BTW blows up the Bose 321 systems.

Quick comment on S-101 sound. I hooked this up in my basement play area (my wife uses it for yoga videos, my son to play + dance). My wife commented on how good it sounded (was using her ipod). I think it sounds very good for the setup and can fill the room well. Also the connectivity is very good (wish it had component input, but all the digital audio in is great).
Rabid Bunny