I don't know about the features involved with such gear, but the persons that will buy these Denons will invariably want everything in one box, 2-ch sq, multi-ch sq, all the latest HT, stream LAC, AAC Lossless, WMA Lossless, WAV, Pro Audyssey, 6x HDMI 1.3 1080p switching, DD TrueHD, DD Plus, DTS-HD, and DTS-HD-MA, THX Ultra 2 Plus, fully balanced....
Hey, I dont need all this that's for sure, but I think some of you might not realize what it does offer.
Pricing Ive read for other "higher-end", new Simaudio will be 10k, the new Classe will be 15-20k, new Krell $18,500, and new Meridian perhaps 20-25k.
The Denon pre is coming in at 60 lbs, more than most receivers with a multi-ch amp section.
The amp Ive read will do 500w x5 at 4 ohms when bridged.
Again, this is totally overkill for myself, but for those who want the "best" without spending 20k.... maybe its not such a "ridiculous, stupid" thing after all. -jostenmeat