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Strengths: Sound quality. Many inputs and outputs including S-Video, Optical, Coax, etc. Good sub, center and rear. HDMI available on DVD player.
Weaknesses: Sound will be better with good matching front speakers.
Summary: I purchased this HTIB (Home Theater in a Box) from circuit city when there was price mistake for $320 OTD. Setup was very easy with included easy setup guide. I've been using another cheap HTIB in which the DVD player was integrated in the receiver. I could feel significant improvement over my crappy HTIB when I played "Saving Private Ryan". The surround was more real and bass was way better. I plugged the receiver into noise-filtering UPS, and there was absolutely zero white-noise. Upconverting and progressive DVD player with HDMI output matched well with my 32" LCD TV. Picture quality was absolutely great with HDMI and sound was clear with optical. I was thinking of buying Harman-Kardon for my next upgrade, but I'm now really happy with this DENON set for much less expenses. However, I felt that front side speakers were little bit overwhelmed by front center speakers. After reading through the manual, I found out that the receiver's default setting for front speakers was set to "large". I had to change the setting to "small" since obviously the kit comes with small front speakers. After changing setting, front surround sounded well balanced. I think it will sound better with bigger speakers like tall boy or at least bookshelf-type speakers the for front SR. Remote was well labeled and intuitive, but most of setting related controls are located on the back of the remote. You have to open the back to control numerous settings. Often used volume controls and switching between different instruments are located on the top for less cluttered design, but I still think that it's quite annoying to open the back for sound setting change. The front panel is old-school black finished, typical receiver looking, which I prefer over fancy futuristic design. It feel much more classic and luxurious. Receiver is quite deep than other device, so keep in mind the dimension before you purchase cabinet. Speaker connectors on the receiver support both bare wire and banana plug. There is 4 stage dimmer setting for front display (bright-medium - low - off). Overall, I'm really satisfied with this product at the price that I spend ($320). It typically goes around $500. I believe it will perform much better with better speakers, but stock speakers do a good job too.
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