Delivering high-power, state-of-the-art surround sound at a price suited to modest budgets, the AVR-1506 provides 7 channels of discrete amplification to drive all the primary speakers in a 7.1 surround sound system.You will never be at a loss for creative surround algorithms, irrespective of your listening source. The receiver's onboard surround processing includes Dolby Digital Surround EX, DTS 6.1, and Dolby Pro Logic IIx (for cinema, music, and games).The AVR-1506 owes its high sound quality to premium digital-audio technologies like 24-bit/192 kHz high-resolution DACs that ensure premium playback sound from all 7 channels. If you are not listening in true surround sound at first, the receiver offers virtual surround for use with 2-speaker setups.Surround yourself with the sensational three-dimensional sound field of the AVR-1506.Customer Review: Denon Confuses, But It's All There.
The Denon AVR-1506 is a beautiful-looking 7.1 surround receiver, albeit a little confusing. I replaced my Sony STR-DE997 7.1 receiver with the silver Denon unit just this week. I've had the AVR-1506 in my home for a few days now, and can sum up the good & bad quite easily. I tested this receiver with B&W DM603 front speakers, DM601 rear speakers, and the CC6 centre channel, all bi-wired with Monster Cable. Upon unpacking it, the first thing I noticed was the horrible remote. They really need to take a lesson from someone like Sony, or Pioneer. Button colours are horrendous to say the least, and button functions don't make much sense, considering this receiver is supposed to be the brains behind your entire system. To confuse you, Denon decided you must press 4 on the number pad for DVD input, and 5 for TV. These are PRIMARY functions and as such, should have their own button. They should not be piggy-backing on the number pad. What's great about the Denon is most certainly the sound, at least in 2-channel stereo. Although it's only rated at 75 watts per channel, the power rating is different from the standard manufacturers. And 75 watts is quite adequate, except in the case of the centre channel. I'm not sure if the centre channel receives a full 75 watts, or if there is something wrong with it, but it cannot power my B&W CC6 in Dolby Digital. Sound is very muffled, and I strained to hear voices. However, in dts mode, the centre channel works properly. (Also, with my Sony 5.1 system powering the same speakers, sound is flawless.) Other than the centre channel mystery, sound from the other speakers is quite excellent. Bass is obvious, but not unnatural. Additionally, bass, treble and the LFE (low frequency effect) can be adjusted individually for each setting. In 2-channel stereo mode, the sound was so beautiful and perfect, the Denon kept temping me to turn up the volume even louder. As for video, the Denon does a superb job, especially in comparison to the Sony 7.1 receiver that preceded it. It may interest some that, sadly, there is only one optical input. On the plus side, all the customizable surround features you would expect are there; Speaker size and distance from the listening position, individual speaker volume levels, and even room size. In terms of quality, the Denon AVR-1506 is probably the best bang for your buck. It's one of the cheapest 7.1 receivers on the market (around $450 CDN), if you can get by with one optical input.
Surround Speaker Systems
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