Denon AVR-981 User manual

Outstandingsurroundsound,withDolbyDigitalandDTSdecoding
■Equal Power Discrete Power Amplifier
Front 135 W + 135 W (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.7 % THD)
Center 135 W (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.7 % THD)
Surround 135 W + 135 W (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.7 % THD)
All five power amplifier channels feature discrete power output devices,
and all five amplifier channels provide equal power. Each channel is
rated at 135 watts, into 8 ohms, from 1 kHz, with no more than 0.7 %
THD. A hallmark of Denon A/V component design, the equal power
amplifier provides outstandingly accurate reproduction of motion picture
soundtracks and multi-channel music programs.
■DDSC-Digital (Dynamic Discrete Surround Circuit-Digital)
Since surround signals are all processed in the digital domain, the
AVR-981 is equipped with a newly-developed, sophisticated, high-per-
formance DSP circuit for the Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic, dts
decoders, and Surround Simulator. The D/A converters feature high
resolution designs for all the Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R, and
Subwoofer channels. This combination of DSP and D/A converters
works to bring out the tremendous potential of Dolby Digital and dts
sound. In addition, high resolution A/D converters have been incorporated
for the Dolby Pro Logic decoder. The high sound quality of New
DDSC-Digital is due in part to the high-grade signal processing of the
24-bit, 96-kHz Digital Interface Receiver (DIR). The AVR-981 not only
allows digital signals input from DVD and other advanced media to
pass directly to the DIR, it also processes them while preserving their
integrity so that even the most delicate nuances of the music, reflecting
the emotions of the artists, are passed unfettered to the dual digital
signal processor (DSP).
■Dolby Digital and DTS Decoder
Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic decoding functions are performed in the
digital domain for excellent dynamic range and crystal clear reproduction.
Digital Theater Systems decoding provides thrilling movie and music
multi-channel surround sound.
■Separate Current Supplies for Circuits
The AVR-981 is equipped with a main transformer featuring independent 5-
winding outputs, and a dedicated transformer for the microprocessor, to
completely separate the power amplifier, audio, digital, video, and display
circuits. This construction reduces noise interference among the circuits
and ensures a clean, transparent sound.
AVR-981
Dolby Digital and DTS A/V Receiver
NEW MODEL INFORMATION
Featuring the latest in Dolby Digital and DTS decoding technology, the AVR-981 provides outstanding home theater surround
sound performance. At the heart of the AVR-981 is Denon's Dynamic Discrete Surround Circuit - Digital technology, incorporating
high-performance DSP chip and advanced A/D and D/A converters. This configuration provides superior listening results with virtually
any home theater or music source.
The AVR-981 also features 6-Channel external input, for connection to DVD-Audio and SACD formats. A high quality, discrete
power output section provides a total system power of 675 watts. Full 24-bit, 96-kHz D/A converters on all 6 channels provide
transparent reproduction of multi-channel music and motion picture soundtracks with outstanding dynamic range and superb low
level resolution. Outstanding surround sound with Dolby Digital and DTS decoding is finally possible at an affordable price.
The AVR-981's remote controller features an easy-to-use layout where most frequently used buttons are provided in different
colors and shapes for easy recognition while your eyes are focused on the screen. The buttons also employ Self-illuminated GLO-
KEY technology for easy operation in the dark.

■Hefty Power Transformer for Stable Supply of Power
A power transformer has been connected in the power section where it is
combined with a rectifier diode and a large block capacitor to ensure a
large, stable supply of electrical current. Accordingly, the AVR-981 boasts
high output power of 135 W for each of the 5 channels.
■Stable Speaker Drive
In the AVR-981, the circuitry through which current flows to drive the
speakers has been incorporated onto a single board between the rectifier
circuit of the power source and the speaker terminals. A new phase
correction circuit has also been adopted, eliminating the need for an
output coil. Since this configuration allows the power transistor to drive
the speakers directly, there is no loss of power to any of the channels.
The sound that you hear is thus extremely stable as well as powerful.
■Front (L,R) A/B Speaker Switching
■96kHz, 24-bit Audio D/A Converters
■6-Channel External Input For DVD-Audio and SACD
■Outputs for System Upgrading
(Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R, Subwoofer)
■Video Select Switch
This function lets you select video sources independently of the audio
sources.
■All-channel Level Control
■Binding Post Speaker Terminals for All Channels
■Icon-based On-Screen Display
The AVR-981 provides an On-Screen Display (OSD) featuring icons (pictor-
ial representations) to let you easily monitor the current operating status.
■Personal Memory Plus
The handy Personal Memory Plus function allows you to store the surround
mode, the level settings for all speakers, as well as the delay time, to
further customize the sound source. Simply push any source button
and it will instantly display the settings stored for that source.
■Multi-function Remote Controller
• Self-illuminated GLO-KEY Remote Controller with Easy
Recognition Layout
• System Call Function to execute up to 10 successive pre-assigned
commands at the single touch of a button
• Pre-Memory and Programming Function for non-DENON components
■Frequency Synthesis Tuning
• 40-Station AM/FM Random Preset Memory Tuning
• Auto Preset Memory
■Other Features
• Cinema Equalizer
• Music Surround Modes Including 5-channel Stereo
• “S” and Composite Video Switching
• Tone Control
• 2 Switched AC Outlets
■Input/Output Terminals For Every A/V System
• Audio Inputs
3 Digital (Optical) Input ............ OPTICAL x 3
1 Digital (Coaxial) Input ........... COAXIAL x 1
9 Analog Inputs ....................... PHONO, CD, TUNER, DVD, VDP,
TV/DBS, VCR-1, VCR-2/V-AUX,
CDR/TAPE
6 Analog EXT. Inputs ............... FRONT L/R, CENTER,
SURROUND L/R, SUBWOOFER
• Audio Outputs
6 Analog Pre Outputs .............. FRONT L/R, CENTER,
SURROUND L/R, SUBWOOFER
3 Analog Rec Outputs ............. VCR-1, VCR-2/V-AUX, CDR/TAPE
• Video Inputs
5 S-Video Inputs ...................... DVD, VDP, TV/DBS, VCR-1,
VCR-2/V-AUX
5 Composite Inputs ................. DVD, VDP, TV/DBS, VCR-1,
VCR-2/V-AUX
• Video Outputs
3 S-Video Outputs ................... VCR-1, VCR-2/V-AUX, MONITOR
3 Composite Outputs ............... VCR-1, VCR-2/V-AUX, MONITOR
Specifications
■Power Amplifier Section
Rated output *THD figures are power amp stage values.
Front.................................................... 135W+135 W(6 ohms,1 kHz,0.7 %THD)
90W +90 W (8ohms, 20Hz -20 kHz,0.05 %THD)
Center................................................. 135 W (6 ohms,1kHz, 0.7% THD)
90W (8 ohms,20 Hz- 20kHz, 0.05% THD)
Surround............................................ 135 W+ 135W(6 ohms,1 kHz,0.7 %THD)
90W +90 W (8ohms, 20Hz -20 kHz,0.05 %THD)
■Preamplifier Section
Input sensitivity/Impedance
PHONO(MM)....................... 2.5 mV/47 kohms
CD, DVD, VDP, TV/DBS, VCR-1, VCR-2/V-AUX, CDR/TAPE,
FRONT L/R, CENTER, SURROUND L/R,
SUBWOOFER..................... 200 mV/47 kohms
Output level/Load Impedance
FRONT L/R, CENTER, SURROUND L/R,
SUBWOOFER..................... 1.2 V/10 kohms
VCR-1, VCR-2/V.AUX,
CDR/TAPE, ........................ 200 mV/47 kohms
Frequency response................ 10 Hz - 100 kHz (+1, -3 dB)
RIAA deviation......................... ±1 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
Tone control ............................ Treble: ±10 dB at 10 kHz
Bass: ±10 dB at 100 Hz
■FM Section
Tuning frequency range .......... 87.50 - 107.90 MHz
Usable sensitivity..................... 1.0 µV (11.2 dBf)
■AM Section
Tuning frequency range .......... 520 - 1710 kHz
Usable sensitivity..................... 18 µV
■General
Power supply........................... AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Power consumption................. 5.0 A
Dimensions.............................. 434 (W) x 171 (H) x 416 (D) mm
17.1” (W) x 6.7” (H) x 16.4” (D)
Weight ..................................... 11.5 kg, 25.4 lbs
DENON ELECTRONICS NIPPON COLUMBIA CO., LTD.
DIVISION OF DENON CORPORATION (USA) 14-14, AKASAKA 4-CHOME, MINATO-KU, TOKYO 107-8011, JAPAN
19 CHAPIN ROAD, P.O. BOX 867, PINE BROOK, NJ 07058-9777 USA www.denon.co.jp
TEL: [phone] www.del.denon.com
DENON CANADA INC.
17 DENISON STREET, MARKHAM ONTARIO, CANADA L3R 1B5
TEL: [phone]
12500900 A Printed in Japan
NEW MODEL INFORMATION
AVR-981
*Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
*“Dolby”, “Dolby Digital”, “Pro Logic”, and the double-D device are registered trademarks of
Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
*DTS is registered trademarks of DTS Technology.