Comments on: Denon S-301 DVD Home Entertainment System

By: David B. Lewis

David B. Lewis — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 09:53:18 +0000

I purchased this unit back in 2005. I was quite happy with the setup and the sound. A great home theatre system; even though it is only a 2.1 system.

I have had what I consider two (2) major issues which are obvious factory defaults:

1. When viewing DVD's the screen will go blank for about 5 seconds about every 30 minutes. This should not happen and is not overly annoying... but for a system which cost you $1,600... Should this happen?

2. Late last year the CD player became inoperable. When audio cd's are inserted, the time stamp should be displayed... instead all i get are zero's... and no CD will play.

I have researched these issues and have found them to be quite common by other s-301 owners

This unit has been discontinued and updated with another unit..

I have called Denon several times and have received nothing but a run around.... so I will recommend to all:

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Support is nonexistent.

By: S. Brown

S. Brown — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 07:59:54 +0000

These units apparently have a fatal flaw in them. Many owners have had the units for a period of time – usually longer than the warranty only to find out there is a problem that eventually prevents the unit from playing CD’s. No support for something that was just plain poorly designed. This is my 4 and last Denon product.

By: Kevin J. Martin

Kevin J. Martin — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 05:17:13 +0000

I have had numerous surround sound systems. Recently bought a vacation home that’s rather small. Not much room for a lot of speakers and/or wires. Set the system up tonight. I was blown AWAY by the quality! I am going to replace my system at my Primary home with this system ASAP. If you can’t afford this system, steal the money from your Mother. She will forgive you when she sees the smile on your face.

Doc

By: H. Bansal

H. Bansal — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 04:54:18 +0000

I wanted something compact but powerful. This fitted the bill perfectly. Debated about Bose 321 series also, but after listing to the sound & comparing inputs, outputs & functions… there was no comparison. The USB connector in the front just ROCKS !!! the reviewer below is right about there being just 1 optical input. Make sure your components have digital coax output. Connected the philips DVP 642 to this system using s-video & digital co-ax & evrything is just perfect. Excellent DVD playback on Denon & Divx playback on my philips. Also, got 24 months interest free from best buy !!! the system was $1399, so thats like $50 a month. Awesome deal.

The best HTIB(home theater in a box) I have used to date. A bit pricy but well worth it.

By: George Young

George Young — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 03:01:34 +0000

Similar to others I experienced the intermittent loss of the DVD signal. This occurred with 2 different units. Denon support was difficult to contact and the retailer (Vanns) would do nothing more than take the return. I won’t buy Denon or from Vanns again.