*Official* Denon AVR 2309CI/889 Thread - Page 30

Current Set-Up:
1) Oppo 981 connected to Sony KDS 55A2020 via HDMI and to Yamaha RX-V995 via optical.
2) D* HDDVR connected to Sony KDS 55A2020 via HDMI and to Yamaha RX-V995 via optical.

I want to keep the option of watching TV without using the 2309 (easier for the kids). So, I plan to:

1) Oppo 981 connected Denon 2309 via HDMI (Denon HDMI out to Sony KDS 55A2020 via HDMI). *Picture and Sound covered*
2) New Panansonic Blu Ray 35K connected Denon 2309 via HDMI (Denon HDMI out to Sony KDS 55A2020 via HDMI). *Picture and Sound covered*

Here's where I am confused on what to do:

I could have the D* HDDVR connected to Sony KDS 55A2020 via HDMI and to Denon 2309 via optical. This covers the issue of not having to use the Denon to watch TV via the HDDVR. Am I losing anything in picture or souns quality doing it this way over directly connecting the HDDVR to the Denon as with the other equipment?
We do order D* movies or other programming and use the Yamaha for 5.1surround sound.
I checked into Monoprices 1X2 Powered HDMI Splitter, but from the customer reviews I read, I cannot run the HDDVR into the Splitter and then one output to the Sony and the other to the Denon. It seesm that the output to an AVR will not work.

Any pros/cons? Since this is a new receiver, I want to try to get the maximum in picture and sound out of it.

Thanks!

FYI:

As of noon EST today, the 6th Avenue Discount Code ( AFLAUD25 ) still seems to apply toward receiving a 33% discount on at least the AVR-2309ci Denon receiver.

Best price on the AVR-2809 (989) appears to be about $300 more ...from an unauthorized dealer.

Amazon still appears to offer best overall price (including shipping) for the AVR-988 (2808).

The 2309 seems to again be "in stock" at 6th Ave source.

Good Luck.

you will not lose anything with this setup. Sat/cable TV uses standard Dolby Digital 5.1 which can transmit fine over optical, HDMI wouldn't give you an advantage there other than not having to switch two sources (i.e. the AVR would do the switching).

Just in case you weren't aware, the new '09 Denons can pass through HDMI audio and video to your TV even when in standby mode. do some searches on the "HDMI Control" in this thread and the 1909/789 thread. When HDMI control is on, then you turn the receiver off (i.e standby), it will pass through the last source that was selected before you powered down the receiver.

Thanks Batpig for confirming that for me. I did not know about the pass through capability on the Denon while it is off. I'll test out both setups and see what is easiest to work with.

[quote=batpig;15254637]

Just in case you weren't aware, the new '09 Denons can pass through HDMI audio and video to your TV even when in standby mode. ... When HDMI control is on, then you turn the receiver off (i.e standby), it will pass through the last source that was selected before you powered down the receiver.[/QUOTE]

Really? I did not know this!

But this info is good to know, now that you have mentioned it. This flexibility is great for the wife or anyone who just wants to catch the TV weather or news (through TV speakers) and could care less about cranking on the receiver for 5.1, 7.1, or advanced sound tracks.

Thanks!

Hi all,

I will be getting my 2309 tomorrow so I'm studying the manual and have a few questions:

1) How do I decide what color space to use, YCbCr? or RGB? what is the difference between these two settings?
1a) If RGB is used, then what is the difference between Normal and Enhanced?
The recvr will be hooked to a Sony KDS-60A3000 display via HDMI.

2) In the Audio Setup menu, I have a Question regarding EQ Preset:
2a) Should I even touch these if AUTO SETUP was used?
2b) if so, how should I set the options for:
"EQ Customize":
Manual: used vs not used
the three Audyssey options... used vs not used
"Direct Mode" Use MultEQ vs Do not use MultEQ

I would very much appreciate your help with these previous questions. I am still having trouble understanding which parameters are automatically adjusted by the auto setup and which ones still need to beconfigured manually after running Auto setup.

Thank you for your help

1) in general, leave the HDMI settings on their defaults. YCbCr color space, standard RGB range, and Auto for resolution, and things will work fine. Pretty much all HDMI video devices will be utilizing YCbCr. RGB output would be for a DVI display or some other non-standard setup. The only control I would even mess with would be the "FULL/NORMAL" aspect control for upscaled 480i sources, this is on FULL by default but you may prefer to not have the Denon stretch 480i signals to 16:9.

2) The USED/NOT USED selection for the "EQ Customize" menu just lets you delete certain EQ curves that you don't ever use, so that when you hit the "ROOM EQ" button to cycle through your options, you don't have to cycle through all five if, say, you only ever use two or three of them. (actually a pretty cool feature that they added for the '09 models)

The "Direct Mode" is just a preference thing, allowing you to disable Audyssey automatically when you listen to 2-channel music in DIRECT/PURE DIRECT modes if you so desire. A lot of "purists" are OK with utilizing Audyssey for TV and Movies, but when they sit down for some critical 2-channel listening they want to shut off all unnecessary processing and put their receiver in DIRECT or PURE DIRECT mode. This setting allows you to set that up as the default, so you don't have to constantly toggle Audyssey on and off every time you switch between critical 2-channel listening and normal surround sound.

I have the Denon AVR-889. I have Klipsch Icon VF-35 floor speakers in front, center is Klipsch Icon VC-25, with Kenwood Sub and Polk Audio T-15's as rear surround speakers. I set it up using Audyssey Auto with tripod. I have all audio hooked up through optical cables (Cable Box and X Box). I am using premium Monster speaker cables. After setup as suggested by many on this site I changed all speakers to small the crossover to 80Hz for all speakers except sub. The problem is that all speakers are distorting voices (frequency) to sound like a weird gargle. I can still hear the voices but a low distortion is very obvious. It sounds absolutely horrible. Usually I am running Dolby Pro-logic II or the alternative DTS setting while watching TV. I even noticed it while in dolby digital playing a game for the X Box 360. The distortion is happening with both settings and no matter where I set the crossover for the speakers. Can some one PLEASE give me some suggestions to straiten this out because the system should be sounding good and right now is terrible.

try resetting the microprocessor (instructions in the manual) and re-do Audyssey. I doubt it has anything to do with the crossovers.

WOW Mr. Batpig, you´re da man! Thank you very much for a very thorough and clear answer.


Does this mean that I should use RGB setting for the input from the PC source? (My PC will be conected to the Denon via DVI/HDMI converter and will be used mainly to display photos on the TV via the Denon).

well, I don't think you'd want to have to change the setting every time. it's really setting the OUTPUT color space, and it should have no problem converting from RGB input to YCbCr output. It's more about matching with your display I believe, than it is about matching input source.

However, I do not run a PC source at all so someone else may need to chime in if I am mis-stating things.

I recently purchased the 2309CI and everything seems to be working correctly, except for my cable box. It is a Scientific American HD box (no DVR) from BrightHouse. I have it hooked up to my Haier 42" plasma (it sucks, I know) via HDMI. It intermittently drops the entire signal for a second or two. None of the other inputs (Wii on component and HD-DVD player on HDMI) have this behavior. Any ideas?

Edit: I'm an idiot. Should have searched the thread.

I have a wide gamut, deep color TV and feed it from a cable box and a HTPC using HDMI cables. Does the 889 pass through HDMI without regard to the color space or gamut settings? What is the purpose of the CMYK subtractive color space? I thought CMYK was for printing and RGB additive color space was for monitors and TVs. If the 889 gets in the processing loop, can I individually set and remember all four HDMI inputs?

the 889 will only pass through HDMI signals, there will be no processing.

you are confusing the RGB/CMYK color spaces (used in computer monitors/printers) with the RGB/YCbCr video transport formats. The 889 cannot actually change the color space of the signal, that will only be done at the source or at the display.

All current Denons are full HDMI 1.3 compliant so you should have no worries about passing anything through.

Thank you very much for "unconfusing" me. Your response was most helpful.

I picked up my Denon last week, took less then an hour to be up and running with 4 HDMI devices all working correctly. I love the amp.

I haven't made it through the user manual yet (later tonight), but coming form an Onkyo805 I'm accustomed to seeing many cinema modes (THX Cinema, DTS Neo 6, Mutlichannel, etc) that allow the use of DTS-MA, DTS-HD, DD+, etc. When I'm watching blu-ray through PS3 the only viable option that come up when I cycle through the DSP modes is Multichannel Input, does this allow DTS-MA and the other blu-ray sound formats? Are there any others that do?

Thanks,

time to read the AVR FAQ, it's your PS3 not the receiver.

Hi Batpig thanks for the tip. I tried this and it seemed to work for a short period of time. I discovered that the distortion only happens when I am in Dolby Pro Logic II or the similar DTS setting and less present in Matrix setting. When it is in Dolby Digital it sounds great. I think it might just be the unit since after resetting it worked for a few minutes then back to way it was. I will probably get it serviced or get a replacement. Thanks for your suggestion.

I'm debating 1909 vs 2309 and I'm leaning towards the 2309 for the 4th HDMI input (not for the extra power) but how does the heat output compare between both units when used at the same relatively low level. I've read the 1909 is relatively cool compared to other brands, is it the same for the 2309?

If the last source is a component source, will it work ?

no, HDMI passthrough only

they are almost identical receivers, so I doubt there will be much difference. My 888 (same as 2308) runs cool and it's even in an enclosed, wooden AV console. After hours of use, I can open the door and feel around the top of the unit, and there is nowhere that is too uncomfortably hot to place my palm on. If only my stupid 8300HD dvr would learn how to run that cool

My 2309 arrived yesterday, but I can't have it till X-mas. It will replace my Onyko 705. I will have to be content with reading the menu.

I have the 889 which is the same as the 2309 and it is always only slightly warm to the touch. Amazing. I'm stacking 2 components on top of it, covering the top vent, but they're on an open shelf, not enclosed.

Help...I also posted this over in the 1909 thread:

I can get a refurbished 2309 (Denon authorized site with a 90 day warranty) for the same price (around $450) as a brand new 1909 (Denon authorized site with a 2yr warranty) for the same price. I'm using a 1909 for the home theater and this second receiver could be for the bedroom or traded out to the home theater (Audyssey DV and DEq is a must have).
I'm not knowledgeable enough to make a decision. I don't need the 4 HDMI inputs on the 2309; the 3 on the 1909 are enough if that's any help. I've compared the specs and can't see any significant differences (one site says there are 8 measured Audyssey points but the Denon site says 6). Any ideas and thoughts will be most appreciated.
Thanks

You already own a 1909 and like it? You don't need 4 HDMI inputs? The new receiver is going into the bedroom? Refurbished 2309 or brand new 1909? My vote - get the 1909.

I am having Audyssey troubles with my LFE. I cross-posted this in the Official Audyssey thread, but no dice, so I thought I would try here:

System is as follows:
Denon 889
KEF Q series speakers (Q35 front x2, Q95C and Q15 x4 surrounds)
HSU VTF HO with Turbo Subwoofer (set in ME mode) with gain at about 9 o'clock

I followed the guide earlier in this thread and Ran Audyssey using all six positions, calc'ed, and saved settings. I tweaked the speaker settings so that they were all set to "Small" (the AVR initially had them set to "large"), and I raised the main speaker crossover from 60 to 80 Hz. All speaker and subwoofer levels came in at reasonable numbers (speakers ranged from -3.5 to -5; and the sub was set at -8).

I watched some movies and listening to music with Audyssey MutliQ engaged (dynamicEQ and dynamic volume off), and it seemed that the sub was running way too hot, overpowering all the other channels. I tried switching to the "flat" curve, and this tamed some of the bass, but it was still noticeably hot. Using "manual" or turning Audyssey off brought bass down to reasonable levels.

I just picked up the new Denon AVR last week, and I was looking forward to using Audyssey to tame some of my room's nasty modes. Until last week, I was using a 5 year old H/K AVR325 receiver and I have had lots of experience setting surround speaker levels with AVIA and a radioshack analog SPL meter. After running Audyssey for a second time and still noticing an overload of bass, I tried some of the AVIA test tones, and sure enough, both the "Audyssey" and "flat" settings has my meter reading 10+ db's higher for the subwoofer than any of the other speaker channels. Setting Audyssey to "manual" or completely disengaging the MultEQ brings AVIA test tones for the sub back to within 2db's of the other channels.

Is my Denon defective, or does this seem normal? A lot of other posts in this thread indicate that people had experience with Audyssey setting their subs too low and losing impact. My situation seems to tbe the opposite. Any ideas? Thanks.

The 2309 has slightly more power-that usually doesn't make a whole lot of difference unless you're pushing it, say, with your 1909. AAFAIK it also has additional SQ processing capability, particularly on FR/FL which can improve SQ quite a bit for listening to stereo music if your front speakers are pretty good- you may hear additional clarity, dynamics, etc. So if you buy that one, use it for your HT, not bedroom. You'll likely be happy with either.
Here's one of batpig's prior comments:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...0#post14729440

I ran the audyssey setup on my 2309 and have been tweeking a little bit just wondering what anyone suggest on how to get more mid and a little more highs. Ive set every speaker to small and my crossover setting came out 40hz fronts,120hz center 80hz surrounds 80hzLFE. I turned up the level on the center a bit because it was to low but i have no idea on what to tweek to acheive this. My other question is about my sub i've read the threads on sub settings for audyssey set up and follewed the to the tee but can't find anything on what the highpass crossover should be set on, mine has a 80hz to 100hz setting? Any help would be appreciated.