I don't know about those models, but I do own an Onkyo TX-SR605, which can be bought on the www for around $400.
I haven't used the Audyssey EQ because my room acoustics are excellent. I've made all the adjustments manually and it sounds great.
But what I wish to convey is that the sound quality of this unit is sensational in view of its price. That is to say it competes favorably with purist high-end amps and preamps in sound quality (and I've heard plenty of those and own a few myself).
I feel no need or compulsion to add a tube preamp or a better amp section, or anything of the sort. This thing sounds great just the way it is. It kind of freaks me out how close it comes to my 2-channel (much more expensive) purist systems for such a cheap price. And the multi-channel surround modes are marvelously enjoyable.
If I were to be extremely critical I could say that the upper midrange sounds just slightly thin compared to my expensive gear but I'm using cheapo cables on the Onkyo and it's really just starting to break in. Its midrange smoothness, excellent bass articulation and crystalline extended highs cannot be denied, ignored, or otherwise swept under the rug. For those just getting into this hobby, buying the Onkyo and some competent speakers would be a great start in my view.
Sorry I cannot compare to the Denon. I'm sure they are very good too but do cost a bit more for the same performance level as the Onkyo according to my research.
I haven't used the Audyssey EQ because my room acoustics are excellent. I've made all the adjustments manually and it sounds great.
But what I wish to convey is that the sound quality of this unit is sensational in view of its price. That is to say it competes favorably with purist high-end amps and preamps in sound quality (and I've heard plenty of those and own a few myself).
I feel no need or compulsion to add a tube preamp or a better amp section, or anything of the sort. This thing sounds great just the way it is. It kind of freaks me out how close it comes to my 2-channel (much more expensive) purist systems for such a cheap price. And the multi-channel surround modes are marvelously enjoyable.
If I were to be extremely critical I could say that the upper midrange sounds just slightly thin compared to my expensive gear but I'm using cheapo cables on the Onkyo and it's really just starting to break in. Its midrange smoothness, excellent bass articulation and crystalline extended highs cannot be denied, ignored, or otherwise swept under the rug. For those just getting into this hobby, buying the Onkyo and some competent speakers would be a great start in my view.
Sorry I cannot compare to the Denon. I'm sure they are very good too but do cost a bit more for the same performance level as the Onkyo according to my research.