Is Denon trying to compete with Bose??

[Smokey]

As I am sure, you all have seen the Bose 3-2-1 DVD HT System ($999) which utilize surround digital processing circuitry for surround sound w/only 2 speakers.



So now Denon just released a HT system ($700-800) which utilize Dolby Virtual Surround Processing using only tow speakers.



Both systems use two speakers to imitate surround sound effects, and have identical components (two speakers/sub/DVD player/amplifier). The only difference is that Denon publish specifications (power rating, frequency response, etc..) for their system, but Bose' specifications is nowhere to be found. And Denon cost about $300-200 less.

Guess which system would buy if I was in the market for this type a system?

[Woochifer]

Smoke, let's not give Bose too much credit here. The virtual surround feature on their 3-2-1 system comes with EVERY 5.1 product on the market. The difference is that they included it on a two-channel system that does not allow you to eventually upgrade to 5.1!

Actually Denon's been selling that integrated system series for years now. The main difference is that they keep changing the speakers that come with that particular series. I know that they sold a 5.1 version of this model last year for around the same price as the 3-2-1, as did Yamaha. Seems to me that Denon's basically dumbing down that model to sell something similar to the 3-2-1 for less money. I would hope that they kept the 5.1 speaker outputs so that if someone wants to upgrade the speakers, they have that option. Unlike the Bose model, the Denon and Yamaha integrated systems have the amp built into the receiver (where it should be) rather than the bass module, which allows for users to upgrade and swap out the speakers. The 3-2-1 is a completely closed loop system with proprietary connectors and zero upgrade options for the speakers.

[Smokey]

Thanks for info Wooch.

I looked it up in Denon web site (D-M51DVS), and it doesn't say if this system can be upgraded to 5.1 or not. I am assuming it doesn't since it only specify output power for two channels.

http://www.usa.denon.com/catalog/products.asp?l=2&c=16

The 3-2-1 is a completely closed loop system with proprietary connectors and zero upgrade options for the speakers.

So if one of the components breaks, it will make the whole system obsolete. What a concept!

[Woochifer]

So if one of the components breaks, it will make the whole system obsolete. What a concept!

Even worse, if you decide to upgrade the speakers, you MUST keep the Bose bass module because that's where the amp is located! And because of this design, you're stuck with the control unit and can't upgrade. If you decide that you're tired of virtual surround and want the real thing, the only upgrade path is to buy a whole new system.

[Smokey]

Sears have their 3-2-1 system setup with one of the television. I guess it is alright for small system such as in the office or patio, but I don't think it will qualify as full fledge main system setup, especially for music

[AVMASTER]

Thanks for info Wooch.

I looked it up in Denon web site (D-M51DVS), and it doesn't say if this system can be upgraded to 5.1 or not. I am assuming it doesn't since it only specify output power for two channels.

http://www.usa.denon.com/catalog/products.asp?l=2&c=16



So if one of the components breaks, it will make the whole system obsolete. What a concept!

the Denon system can be upgraded to 5.1 with an additional amp; it has the processing for 5.1 and can be purchased without speakers, with bookshelf speakers, or with sub/sat

[Smokey]

the Denon system can be upgraded to 5.1 with an additional amp; it has the processing for 5.1 and can be purchased without speakers, with bookshelf speakers, or with sub/sat

IMO it would have made a better business sense to include 5.1 capability with the two speaker system. With addition of an amp, it would drive of that system to over $1000, which might not make it a good bargain

[AVMASTER]

IMO it would have made a better business sense to include 5.1 capability with the two speaker system. With addition of an amp, it would drive of that system to over $1000, which might not make it a good bargain

the Denon system can similate a surround effect in a small room just like the Bose, Kef or Nakamichi but unlike the others you can add a center channel and surrounds with a multi channel amp. We install the Denon system with a 42" Sony projected lcd in a small
basement family room because the customer didn't want additional speakers in the room but wanted to have a home theater effect when watching dvds. After a week passes he has us upgrade the system to 5.1 with a Teac 3 channel amp and 3 Pinnacle Quantum plasma speakers because he could not hear the voices very well , a total well over $1800.
I'd have to agree with you Smokey but guess what my customer originally asked for:
Bose 321