The AVR-2807 is one of the latest in a wide range of Denon multichannel amps and receivers that seems to cover just about every possible requirement at almost every price level. Making a choice is just a matter of choosing an appropriate feature set and deciding how much you want to pay.
Denon has this type of hierarchical design pat. What it has done is to design a small number of basic mainframes which are then customised using a number of ‘bolt-on' features, often proprietary. As a result, they tend to share not only many of their fundamental features, but performance levels tend to be a fairly common factor too, with comparably priced models sounding broadly similar. And so it is in this case.
The AVR-2807 is a 7.1-channel receiver which can be run in a 5.1-channel configuration, with two channels devoted to a second zone and the possibility of biamplifying – see Practical Tip below. Compared to its direct predecessor, the AVR-2805, the model adds analogue video upconversion (but not signal upscaling), Audyssey MultEQ calibration, and iPod compatibility (using the Denon branded iPod ASD-1R dock). An additional component monitor output means that in multiroom systems, two high-quality outputs are available. It's worth noting that the HDMI interface won't work reliably at ranges longer than 10m, which is soon used up when cabling around walls.
HDMI connectivity, which the whole industry has been getting be
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hind in a big way, is one of the key elements of the AVR-2807 story. The HDMI sub-system has two inputs, so you can connect two sources, a DVD/HD DVD/Blu-ray player and a future HD Foxtel box, for example. There's only one output but that's what you'll need to deliver pictures to your HD Ready screen. Even if the input to the Denon comes from an analogue source – composite, S-video or component – the signal can be sent to the screen in digital form via HDMI. The standard used here will also stream stereo or digital multichannel audio (depending on disc format).
Interestingly, the AVR-2807 can handle Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 and 7.1 from HD DVD via HDMI when converted to PCM. Apparently, most receivers with HDMI v.1.1 can do 5.1 in PCM via HDMI. Denon models from the AVR-2807 upwards can also do 7.1 channels.
HDMI is increasingly making the wiring of even a complicated AV system tidier and cheaper. Perhaps the day when HDMI can substitute for all the familiar audio and video connectors is not that far away.
Another important feature built into the AVR-2807 is the Audyssey MultEQ process which uses a microphone (supplied) and a largely-automatic setup routine designed to tune the system for best results, taking room acoustics and speaker parameters into account. A lot could be said about the MultEQ process, but the important point is that at its current stage of development, it has the effect of making textures in the bass and midrange easier to follow, and the whole system more coherent. The signature of individu
al speakers also tends to be suppressed in favour of a more coherent, enveloping feel, and for those who don't trust the level of automation, settings can be reviewed and tweaked by ear. The best of both worlds, then.
For the reasons given earlier, performance was unlikely to offer any major surprises, and, sure enough, it is largely familiar fare.
In common with other recent Denon models, which use the latest DDSC-D surround sound processing chip, multichannel decoding here is fluid and responsive. With firmer, more expansive image-placement, the surround sound performance from Dolby and DTS films has a tendency to be very solid and lifelike. Audyssey MultEQ has a part to play here too. For reasons that are not entirely clear to me, this has the effect of cleaning up the bass, which, even with stereo recordings, tends to sound more open and less box-bound, to an extent refocusing the centre of attention on the midband. The model is a top-notch power layer. Our Tech Labs measured the power output at an impressive 140W per channel with five channels driven.
Conclusion
There's no doubt that Denon's AVR-2807 offers a wide range of functionality. It can be considered an excellent all-rounder which sounds clean, open and in control. But it's also a rather conservative receiver. It lacks the networkable features that are offered by some rival brands and the company's own models. Whether this affects the AVR-2807's commercial appeal, only time will tell.
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Denon AVR-2807 ¦$2199¦ 
¦ www.audioproducts.com.au
For: Many of the features are iPod compatible.
Against: Complicated interface; no THX; no network functionality.
Conclusion: An excellent all rounder; but lacks some features.
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