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Denon 1513 vs 1613...

post #1 of 18
12/7/12 at 7:52pm
Thread Starter 
So I am comparing the 1513 to the 1613 using this chart...

http://usa.denon.com/US/Product/Pages/productcomparision.aspx?pIDs=AVR1513(DenonNA)|AVR1613(DenonNA)|AVR1713(DenonNA)|AVR1913(DenonNA)&catID=AVReceivers(DenonNA)

It seems like the only differences I MIGHT care about are -

1.) It uses spring clips. Is this a huge deal? My current AVR uses spring clips, and the wires have never 'fallen out'. Is there a sound quality difference between spring clips and binding posts? Or is it a matter of simply not tripping over your speaker wires and having them come loose?

2.) Audyssey setup. What is this anyway? Isn't it just a way to automatically configure your speakers? Can't I do this manually with the 1513? Assuming I dont mind spending time monkeying with setting manually (which I DONT mind doing), what am I missing here?

And I think that's it. For 150 bucks difference all I would be getting is a bunch of crappy internet radio, network support, and other stuff I will NEVER use (I am hooking this thing up directly to my PC via optical). All I care about is SOUND QUALITY (for my 4x Polk Monitor 60s, and a decent sub & center), so is there any reason to go 1613 over the 1513?

Thanks for any advice!

*or perhaps is there a different avr you would recommend in the 200 price range?

*oh also, all the xx13 Denons carry audio over HDMI right? My last Onkyo was 'hdmi pass through' only, which meant I had to run a separate optical cable in ADDITION to a HDMI cable when hooking up my PS3. I wont have to do this with the xx13's right?
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post #2 of 18
12/7/12 at 8:03pm
1. Spring clips vs binding post is up to you but I use banana plugs on my speaker terminals which is very convenient. Cant use those with spring clips.

2. Audyssey makes a big difference because it calibrates your speakers and sub to the room. I would get the 1613 over the 1513 just for that feature.

3. if you don't care about the networking features on the AVR 1613 then get a AVR 1612 refurb for $199. It still has Audyssey MultEQ room calibration which the 1513 doesn't offer.
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/DENAVR1612/DENON-AVR-1612-5.1-Channel-A/V-Home-Theater-Receiver/1.html
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post #3 of 18
12/7/12 at 8:13pm
Thread Starter 
But as for SOUND QUALITY, is there a difference between spring clips and binding posts and banana clips? Or is it a matter of 'oh **** my cat tripped on the wire and now its coming loose'? Again I have NEVER had problems with my current avr spring clips 'falling out'. I put them in 3 years ago, and havent had to touch them since.

And my question about Audyssey was - Can't I just manually configure things myself? Is that ALL Audyssey does? It doesnt actually do anything after the initial setup? I mean as long as I have the same calibration options, just in manual form, I dont really care. Having a program auto calibrate my speakers is NOT worth 150 dollars to me (assuming I can just do it myself).
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post #4 of 18
12/8/12 at 5:06am
How speakers are connected, whether spring clips or binding posts will not affect sound quality. Binding posts are more durable and less likely to make an intermittent contact. They also will accommodate heavier wire.

As for Audyssey, you cannot EASILY do it yourself. Audyssey does thousands of corrections. I could do some of it myself since I have an Omnimic and miniDSPs with separate amps but that is not simple and would never be as good as Audyssey XT32.
Edited by Theresa - 12/8/12 at 5:49am
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post #5 of 18
12/9/12 at 9:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by avsforumun View Post

2.) Audyssey setup. What is this anyway? Isn't it just a way to automatically configure your speakers? Can't I do this manually with the 1513? Assuming I dont mind spending time monkeying with setting manually (which I DONT mind doing), what am I missing here?

Note that the 1513 doesn't even include a Manual EQ setting (only 1613 and higher models) which if available would only approximate a very crude representation of the capability of Audyssey without the use of professional EQ equipment. Some folks confuse setting the speaker LARGE/SMALL, crossover, distance, and trim settings that can be done on all models by the user to be part of the EQ process. In fact even on Audyssey models these settings are not made by Audyssey, but rather by the AVR itself and do not impact the Audyssey filter process. If you just want to simply improve the audio from your TV speakers the 1513 can do this; however, if you want even better audio quality, upgrade to the 1613. Doing so you also gain the Dyn EQ (improved audio at lower volumes) and Dyn Vol (reduces impact of loud explosions and obnoxious TV commericals) features as well.

Review post #2 in the Denon AVR-XX13 Owner's thread linked in my sig for a comparison of the various models.
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post #6 of 18
12/9/12 at 3:08pm
Thread Starter 
Ok thanks so you can confirm that there IS indeed some 'sound quality' I will be loosing if I skip Audyssey? There is no way to configure a 1513 to sound the same as a 1613? The manual config options just DONT EXIST in a 1513?

I guess that means I have to go 1613 then... unless there is another brand/model you guys would recommend (again I am trying to drive 4x Polk Monitor 60's, in a pretty small room 12x12).
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post #7 of 18
12/9/12 at 3:12pm
The 1612 I recommended in post #2 would do what you want for the same $199 price as the 1513.
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post #8 of 18
12/9/12 at 3:29pm
+1
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post #9 of 18
12/10/12 at 8:53pm
Thread Starter 
I have had terrible luck with refurbished products. I would much rather get something new (different model) or find a 1613 on sale...
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post #10 of 18
12/11/12 at 2:55am
You may be able to find the 1612 brand new on clearance at your local Best Buy, HH Gregg, or other Hi FI stores in your area. Also give AVS Sales and Electronics Expo a call (as well as the other authorized Denon resellers listed on Denon's website).
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post #11 of 18
12/11/12 at 7:18am
Quote:
Originally Posted by avsforumun View Post

Ok thanks so you can confirm that there IS indeed some 'sound quality' I will be loosing if I skip Audyssey? There is no way to configure a 1513 to sound the same as a 1613? The manual config options just DONT EXIST in a 1513?

I guess that means I have to go 1613 then... unless there is another brand/model you guys would recommend (again I am trying to drive 4x Polk Monitor 60's, in a pretty small room 12x12).

- yes...
- no...
- even if it did, it wouldn't get you anywhere close to what audyssey does... the crude graphic equalizers available on higher models border on worse than worthless...

i hope you have a sub too...

personally, i would avoid spring clips like the plague... not because of "sound quality" (it won't make a difference)... but because they break way too easily, and it can be impossible on some of them to get any decently sized wire into them...
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post #12 of 18
12/18/12 at 7:14pm
Thread Starter 
Looks like I can get a Onkyo TX-NR509 for 179 free shipping, how does that one compare to the Denon 1613?
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post #13 of 18
12/19/12 at 2:45am
It uses the most basic version of Audyssey 2EQ which cannot EQ the sub in addition to having 1/2 as many speaker filter control points as the Audyssey MultEQ used in the 1613. Decide which is more important ... features (Onkyo) or better sound (Denon) and go from there.
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post #14 of 18
12/19/12 at 10:14am
Thread Starter 
Better sound > features. So guess I will continue to wait for the 1613 to go on sale. Maybe after new years I can find it for 200ish.. best buy had a short sale on the 1713 for 200, but I didnt snag it in time frown.gif
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post #15 of 18
12/19/12 at 5:13pm
Try giving AVS Sales and Electronics Expo a "call" to see what kind of deal they can offer.
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post #16 of 18
2/26/13 at 7:38am
I have purchased the Denon 1513. I have it all hooked up and have went into the system settings menu to adjust the speaker level, and distance. After being turned off for several hours the level goes back to zereo but the distances are all saved. Does anyone have any suggestions?
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post #17 of 18
2/26/13 at 7:44am
Everyone recommended at 16xx series and yet you bought a 15xx. Why? Audyssey would have the biggest impact on your experience (for entry level AVRs). I doubt many would disagree.
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post #18 of 18
2/26/13 at 7:49am
I bought an open box for $75.00 off ebay. Very tight budgett!
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