I completely agree Ken, as I say in the review I think Denon went too far in simplifying the remote. I think the remotes that come with their lower-end AVRs are ideal with the right combination of buttons and an ergonomic layout. I also think dropping the onscreen display is a shame because once again you are really forced to use the HEOS App to do anything with the HEOS AVR.Greetings, Mr Withers! As you know, I have no problem with traditional looking and performing AVRs and I don't mind, indeed I delight in, lots of loudspeakers. Further, with the way that I have wired connections between my various rooms I have no need for the HEOS system, so I'm emphatically not the target market for this new machine, but I don't doubt that it will appeal to many people. I do think however that it is a mistake that the remote control is so basic, because that forces people to use the app, and I'm not convinced (I'm happy to be proved wrong!) that the people who are looking for a simplified AV experience overlap completely with people who are willing to use their smartphone apps all the time, but we'll see.
The remote I don't think is much of an issue because ARC handles all that side of things now. I very rarely touch my amp's remote.
I think you are refering to HDMI CEC? This would have less control than the HEOS receiver's own remote and will only facilitate the most basic of function common to the limited commands covered by HDMI CEC. This wouldn't include any commands specific to the receiver. ARC is a subset feature of HDMI CEC that allows return audio via an HDMI connection between a suitably enabled TV and an AV receiver.
Yes I'm sure that's it, I get the two mixed up.
Whatever it is that's controlling things, my TV's remote can turn my amp on and off, change inputs, and change volume. It doesn't work 100% of the time, but it works well enough to negate the need for my amp's remote.
So what happens if you want to engage a different upmixing mode or want to disengage such modes and put the receiver in pure direct mode? These functions cannot be controlled via HDMI CEC.
How about the HEOS functionality, how would you control this via HDMI CEC?
I don't disagree with your comments dante01 and as you point out you're looking at an outlay of around £1,600 for the HEOS AVR, HEOS Sub and two HEOS 1 HS2 speakers (although I'm sure retailers will do package deals) plus, of course, the wired front speakers. However I think it's fair to say that you would need five speakers and a subwoofer for any AVR that you buy, assuming you don't already have them. But as you say, it's a lifestyle product that isn't intended for enthusiasts.I think it should also be noted that if purchasing this to fullfill its primary function then you've also the additional cost of the Heos enabled wireless speakers to factor into the equation. Yeah, sure it can be used to power wired speakers, but who in their right mind is going to spent close to £800 on an 5.1 AV receiver if only wanting to use passive wired speakers? The HEOS1 HS2 speaker sell for about £150 apiece and the HEOS Sub sell for about £540. If truly wanting an HEOS wireless 5.1 setup then you are talking about having t spend just over £2K on the setup.
You are basically looking at having to spend as much if not more on the entire setup as you'd be paying for a flagship AV receiver. Its a lifestyle product marketed towards those not that interested in home theatre and more concerned with the convenience irrespective of financial cost, but then again, what about all the power cables that will be required for the speakers????
I don't disagree with your comments dante01 and as you point out you're looking at an outlay of around £1,600 for the HEOS AVR, HEOS Sub and two HEOS 1 HS2 speakers (although I'm sure retailers will do package deals) plus, of course, the wired front speakers. However I think it's fair to say that you would need five speakers and a subwoofer for any AVR that you buy, assuming you don't already have them. But as you say, it's a lifestyle product that isn't intended for enthusiasts.
It looks like they are trying to play catch up to Yamaha and losing the battle.
Butt-ugly design and poorly implimented tech.
Still no YPAO set up either and too few connection options. I didn't see if it has Atmos or not either.
I can't believe all this talk about the remote. Doesn't everyone has a Logitech Harmony? And if not then why not?
You do realize that wireless can be easily added to any system, so why not go for the best sound and build with that? If you are talking about soundstage accuracy, this Denon isn't worth buying at all.Yamaha haven't a multichannel wireless AV receiver and their MusicCast system is currently stereo only. MusicCast is more popular than HEOS though, but Denon aren't playing catch up to Yamaha when it comes to offering a multichannel surroubd wireless AV receiver.
You do realize that wireless can be easily added to any system, so why not go for the best sound and build with that? If you are talking about soundstage accuracy, this Denon isn't worth buying at all.
If it's only claim to fame is it's wireless, it has a long way to go to catch up.
Wireless speakers are not really wireless...yet.
They still need wires to get the power to the speaker. Someday soon, hopefully, they will address this with built in Li battery packs and wireless charging of those batteries so there will not be ANY wires running to the speakers anymore.
Until then, wireless speakers are just speakers with different wires.
I certainly don't have a Logitech Harmony, because I prefer to use individual remote controls, see towards the bottom right corner of my avatar, which is the seating in my parlour. So I have nine remotes in the parlour, six in the kitchen, seven in my bedroom and five in the front bedroom. In my case I'd have to buy four Harmonys, one for each room. I'm not sure how much they cost, about £100? But I won't be getting one. Besides, I like the look of each room's remote controls all clustered together!I can't believe all this talk about the remote. Doesn't everyone has a Logitech Harmony? And if not then why not?