This sounds like a great receiver to buy. I downloaded the specs some ago. It has a built-in video processor, and it now has THX certification. This is one of those companies I thought would never get involved with THX. But, here it is, I would say buy it and enjoy it!!
Everyone else: I read the specs on the Z9 and really fell in love with it (especially with the THX ultra). But I am wondering if anyone's listened to it (Especially with B&W DM series speakers).
I picked one up about 2 weeks ago and have found it to be nothing short but an amazing and powerful unit. I upgraded from a Yamaha DSP-A1 and am very impressed with it. Set-up is fairly simple if you know the terminology. For the price I asume you do. I'm sure you will be as impressed as I am. It is the best sounding unit Yamaha has produced to date. I follow them and Denon as a hobby and have always favored Yamaha.
In sort if the price is right I say go for it and enjoy it. It's one hell of a piece.
I picked it up for $3,650 at a local authorized dealer. Good prices for it can be found!
Like Werner, I like Yamaha and Denon Receivers. At first, I had a hard time finding speakers that would give the Yammie a good sound. I listened to Klipsch, Mirage, Polk. None of those three gave me the sonic balance or quality I was looking for (However, the Denon/Polk/Velodyne combo did, but that was several years ago).
I had given up on Yamaha until I listened to a set of B&Ws. Those speakers gave me exactly what I was looking for in sonic quality and balance.
However, since I decided on speakers, the receiver's still up in the air. I like the Z9 because of the THX certification and more power. But I also like the Z1 because it can be gotten at a halfway decent price.
Considering that I will be moving in the not too distant future, I might wait until I get into my new digs before making a final decision.
BTW, I took my fiancee with me to check out the Z1/B&W combo and she loves it since she likes jazz and old school R&B. I also threw some of my "normal" music at it and the combo handled that very well (Jason Reynolds knows what my "normal" music is).
I currently have the DSP-A1 and am considering an upgrade to the Z9. Aside from the additional features it has, can you give any specific comments as to how the Z9 compares with CD/SACD.
It it night and day better than the A1 with music? Since you have owned both units any other comments you may have are welcome.