Like nearly every other mainstream AV receiver, the Denon AVR-E400 is a huge metal box. It looks a little more pedestrian than some older Denon models, which had subtly curved front panels, but its relatively uncluttered front panel is more tasteful than most. While I'd say the aesthetics of the AVR-E400 are better
than those of the brutish Onkyo TX-NR626, it's really splitting hairs between what are ultimately unsightly additions to your living room. If you want something that looks nicer, look at Marantz's NR1403 or a compact integrated amplifier.
Denon uses the same redesigned remote from last year and it's the best clicker we've seen included with an AV receiver. Instead of an indecipherable mass of buttons, the remote is logically laid out: source buttons at the top, big volume buttons, a directional pad, and not much else. That last part is the most important; the remote doesn't try to control other TVs or offer one-button access to every setting, which makes it much simpler to use. I'm not sure any AV receiver remote will be easy enough for guests to pick up and use right away -- you'll need to spring for a universal remote for that -- but the AVR-E400's makes a darn good effort.
What it offers:
Denon's AVR-E400 makes some progress simplifying the arduous AV receiver setup process, but it lacks convenient wireless features you'd expect at this price.
The advantage:
The Denon AVR-E400 has made some real strides in making AV receivers easier to use, with an onscreen Setup Assistant, push-in speaker connectors, and a simpler remote. Its six HDMI inputs should be enough for nearly all home theaters, plus it has a respectable suite of streaming-audio services, including AirPlay, DLNA, Pandora, Spotify, and Internet radio. The AVR-E400 also offers the same solid sound quality we've come to expect from Denon.
The unfavorable:
There's no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, which both offer a lot of convenience and are available on the less expensive Onkyo TX-NR626. The step-down AVR-E300 is also a better value for most buyers and includes all the new ease-of-use features. And the AVR-E400's bulky design is hard to overlook when Marantz's NR1403 is nearly half the size.
The price:
$539.90 to $599.99
Denon uses the same redesigned remote from last year and it's the best clicker we've seen included with an AV receiver. Instead of an indecipherable mass of buttons, the remote is logically laid out: source buttons at the top, big volume buttons, a directional pad, and not much else. That last part is the most important; the remote doesn't try to control other TVs or offer one-button access to every setting, which makes it much simpler to use. I'm not sure any AV receiver remote will be easy enough for guests to pick up and use right away -- you'll need to spring for a universal remote for that -- but the AVR-E400's makes a darn good effort.
What it offers:
Denon's AVR-E400 makes some progress simplifying the arduous AV receiver setup process, but it lacks convenient wireless features you'd expect at this price.
The advantage:
The Denon AVR-E400 has made some real strides in making AV receivers easier to use, with an onscreen Setup Assistant, push-in speaker connectors, and a simpler remote. Its six HDMI inputs should be enough for nearly all home theaters, plus it has a respectable suite of streaming-audio services, including AirPlay, DLNA, Pandora, Spotify, and Internet radio. The AVR-E400 also offers the same solid sound quality we've come to expect from Denon.
The unfavorable:
There's no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, which both offer a lot of convenience and are available on the less expensive Onkyo TX-NR626. The step-down AVR-E300 is also a better value for most buyers and includes all the new ease-of-use features. And the AVR-E400's bulky design is hard to overlook when Marantz's NR1403 is nearly half the size.
The price:
$539.90 to $599.99
