Sir Raptor, just like you I made a shortlist...my choices are the 706 & 1909.
My requirements are as follows;
1. With Pre-outs (all channels)
2. Audessy Dynamic Volume & Eq
3. atleast 75 or higher watts
I hope you can make a detailed review of the 1909.
This will be my first setup so I want to get it right the first time, mid level setup would be just right.
Im planning to get the Dali Ikon 6 but what are you using for center?
TIA
I'll try my best to write a review after I completed my setup, probably next week - i've been out of town this week and did not have a chance to properly setup my gears. My review would be basically a comparison with my previous receivers/amplifiers - i've used a kenwood (integrated stereo amp pa), a pioneer, and two onkyo's for the past 15 years or probably more.
Regarding your requirements, the Denon 1909 meets your requirements 2&3, but not the first one. Denon 1909's pre-out is only for the sub-woofer ... just wondering why you need the pre-outs for all channels as you mentioned that this is only your first setup - in my case, I used to have separates (during the kenwood days) and I must admit that that was the best setup that I had in terms of stereo music sound quality, but the AV Receivers I've used so far had been sufficient all-rounders (music, radio, and movies) delivering superb quality in medium sized room.
By the way, I'm using Dali Concept 6 floor standers for my fronts and planning to buy the Concept Center speaker ... initially I'll be using my old Infinity Video-1 center speaker and another old pair of Bose model 100 rear speakers... I do not have a subwoofer yet - sold my Velodyne VX-10 a few months back to another pdvd member (back then, I was thinking that I do not need a sub-woofer since I seldom use my AVR for HT ...now that I have a new AVR, i'm itching to get another one
)