The problem with dialogue intelligibility is not entirely your system fault. The movie industry has not done a good job in their soundtracks. You need to get the best center channel you can afford, ideally matching your l+r speakers. Most modern AVRs will allow you to raise the level of just the center channel, you just might need to dig into the menu to find that setting. As far as comparing the new cheap Costco unit to your current one, only you can tell and as @fuzztone said, you can always return it. Good luck.
Comparing Denon Tuners to new
Hi folks. I'm having a delema as to weather to update one of my Denon products. Currently I have a Denon DRA-385 no remote in storage, a AVR-4800 no remote (trying to use sofabaton), and a AVR-2312CI. The 4800 and 2312 are running 7.1 systems for movies and are occasionally used for music as well. I am no audiofile pro. I have always disliked the overly complicated set up with these older units.
My main system, 2312, has been terrible when it comes to volume control for movies. Setting the volume to able to hear the actors speaking makes the loud movie track (ie swelling music, explosions, action, etc.) WAY too loud. So I sit there with my hand on the volume control, jockeying it up and down constantly through out the show. I am running it through Defiinitive Tech. speakers all the way around except for the Velodine sub.
Considering purchasing a s760h from Costco ($400.00 with coupon) to replace one or both. I know I'd be replacing a medium to flagship unit with a entry level. The pros being, hopefully easier set up/operation, blue tooth and other options available now. The cons being less power and possibly quality? Any opinions are appreciated.