How does 'yester-years' Denon AVC 8500H(A) compare to today's 'stars'?

[Brambo67]

All,

As prices are dropping for Denon's previous AVR of the year, the 8500, I'm interested in your opinion if you, like me, think it's becoming great value. Indeed, no Dirac but AKM or (HA) ESS DAC's, great sound, a lot of power etc. etc. How does it compare to the new Denons, Sony's and Onkyo's? Worthwhile considering or focus on the 'new stuff'?

 

[Golfx]

You have to mentally balance price with quality and features. If you can afford it the new Denon A1H will test as good or better and has newer features. You will not hear a difference between the two. But will you be happy with the 8500 or will you always want the newer one and say what if?