Denon AVR1611 query

[sgeorge]

A friend is selling a Denon 1611 for 14K, seemed like a good deal to me. Just wanted to know from you experts on whether this is a good buy. Is there something seriously lacking in the 1611 that would make me want to go for a 1612 or one of the newer models ?
I have a small HT area 10x12 ft . Haven't decided on 5.1 speakers for this yet any help on that also is much appreciated.
Mostly movies, music is not a big criterion.

 

[corElement]

14k is a good deal if all the ports and screen is functioning properly. More over you must test it for a while at his place to see if the circuits are functioning properly and not overheating etc. I know a lot of reports of 16xx systems boards frying.

 

[yahoo0212]

Its a very good deal ... Go for it.. Except airplay there arent any great features in the 1612. if you are not looking for airplay go for 1611 itself.

 

[anuragn]

A friend is selling a Denon 1611 for 14K, seemed like a good deal to me. Just wanted to know from you experts on whether this is a good buy. Is there something seriously lacking in the 1611 that would make me want to go for a 1612 or one of the newer models ?
I have a small HT area 10x12 ft . Haven't decided on 5.1 speakers for this yet any help on that also is much appreciated.
Mostly movies, music is not a big criterion.

Nothing seriously lacking, but you will miss the USB port.

 

[sgeorge]

Thanks for all the replies guys, guess i will go for it. This is a new AVR, has never been used. So i guess its fine.

 

[avink]

if its a new one than its a steal ..go for it. I have been using 1610(almost similar) for couple of years now and v satisfied.

 

[yahoo0212]

Thanks for all the replies guys, guess i will go for it. This is a new AVR, has never been used. So i guess its fine.

if its a new one than its a steal ..go for it. I have been using 1610(almost similar) for couple of years now and v satisfied.

You should make a deal before someone else grabs it.. !! lol :lol: New 1611 for 14k is a steal

 

[saj2001ind]

Its a very good deal ... Go for it.. Except airplay there arent any great features in the 1612. if you are not looking for airplay go for 1611 itself.

there is no networking and hence no airplay in 1612...but yeah on screen display is the biggest difference between 1611 and 1612

 

[baijuxavior]

Both 1612 and 1611 are similar in features. Both don't have networking features. 1612 has a USB port for music playback. Both have GUI, but that of 1611 is a basic text based one. But there is really one useful feature in 1611 which is missing in 1612 - upconversion of analog video to HDMI. This means you need to connect only an HDMI cable to the TV even for analog video inputs. Very useful if you have non HDMI video sources like old DVD player, SD DTH etc.

 

[saj2001ind]

Both 1612 and 1611 are similar in features. Both don't have networking features. 1612 has a USB port for music playback. Both have GUI, but that of 1611 is a basic text based one. But there is really one useful feature in 1611 which is missing in 1612 - upconversion of analog video to HDMI. This means you need to connect only an HDMI cable to the TV even for analog video inputs. Very useful if you have non HDMI video sources like old DVD player, SD DTH etc.

I dont think 1611 has GUI overlay over HDMI on TV, saw it once in a friend's place

 

[baijuxavior]

It has no overlay GUI, but has a basic text based one.

 

[anuragn]

One point based on my personal experience with 1611:
Dont worry too much about HDMI upconversion of analogue video inputs because analogue to HDMI upconversion is just horrible. I have tried connecting Tata sky > 1611 anaolgue in > HDMI out > TV HDMI in. Finally, connected Tata sky directly to TV and am enjoying better PQ.

 

[saj2001ind]

One point based on my personal experience with 1611:
Dont worry too much about HDMI upconversion of analogue video inputs because analogue to HDMI upconversion is just horrible. I have tried connecting Tata sky > 1611 anaolgue in > HDMI out > TV HDMI in. Finally, connected Tata sky directly to TV and am enjoying better PQ.

I would support this view, let only ur TV do the video conversion/processing, AVR should pass untouched/unmessed video to TV only audio it should process

 

[sgeorge]

Thanks for the quick responses, i've gone ahead and bought it.

What are the suggestions for the following to go with this. Budget is 25K and i can pick only one option below:

1) 5.1 Speaker kit

2) Pair of good bookshelves and a center speaker (I'm not bothered about the surround effect at the moment, i'd like the dialoges to be extremely clear thats the priority, hence this option). I can upgrade later with a couple of surround speakers later

 

[baijuxavior]

If you upgrade later, then 2nd option is recommended. For 5.1 consider Boston Acoustics SoundWare XS 5.1

 

[sgeorge]

Baiju, I'm all for the second option too. What would you recommend for decent bookshelves+center at a budget of 25K

 

[sub]

Hi

If your budget it going to be around 25k stretch it a little bit to around 30k and go for 5.1 Tower and powered sub setup.

Regards

sub

 

[anuragn]

Baiju, I'm all for the second option too. What would you recommend for decent bookshelves+center at a budget of 25K

Also consider Wharfedale 10.1 (or 10.2) & with wharfedale center. Should fit in your budget of 25K.
I suuport your view that you are not bothered about surround effect as of now. Even I have invested in Wharf 10.1 pair and left the surrounds as a future upgrade option.
While there are many good bookshelves in this range, but take care that the center & surrounds (in future) are also of the same brand.