Denon AVR-790

Denon AVR-790

The capability to upconvert analog video sources has become standard on midrange receivers, but the feature is rarely well-implemented, with poor image quality being the norm. Denon's latest midrange model, the AVR-790, is a standout in this regard, offering up the best upconverted image quality out of all the receivers we've tested in 2009. It also delivers a solid midrange AV receiver feature set with four HDMI inputs, second zone functionality, 7.1 analog inputs, and onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Our disappointments were mostly on the design side, with the AVR-790 having a difficult double-sided remote, annoying back-panel design, and a text-based onscreen display (vs. a graphical user interface). Also, its $550 price is on the high end for a midrange receiver and we thought that the sound quality was only average next to competitors. The Denon is a solid choice if you expect to integrate a lot of analog video sources into your home theater or need some less common connectivity options, like switched-AC outlets or full 7.1 analog inputs. On the other hand, competing receivers offer more features for less money--often with better sound quality--and will be a better option for most buyers.