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On test

DVD home cinema system G Approx price: 400

Denon DHT-M330DV

Denons latest one-box solution is a micro DVD system. Its certainly dinky, but has it got what it takes to shine in the living-room? David Smith gives it an audition
enon has some stiff competition in the all-in-one market not least from itself.The DHT-500SD is an excellent and elegant system that garnered a Best Buy badge when we looked at it last October. Now Denon has come up with a new one-box solution.The 400 DHT-M330DV is a micro DVD surround-sound system comprising the DVD-M330 DVD player,AVR-M330 receiver and SYS-M330 sub/sat speaker system.
and S-video socket.There is no provision for HDMI or DVI signals. Digital audio is handled by a pair of optical outputs and there is stereo audio back-up as well. The absence of six-channel outputs confirms that there is no DVD-Audio or SACD compatibility, but Denon has stated clearly that at this sort of price they consider them to be unnecessary extras. You do get playback for WMA, MP3 and JPEG files, however.
The presentation is always a little edgy and occasionally verges on the screechy
It is a 5.1-channel set-up out of the box, but is upgradeable for 6.1- or 7.1-channel sound and is aimed primarily at small-room installations (possibly as second installations in bedrooms). The AVR-M330 carries six channels of amplification at 20W per channel.This is decidedly modest compared to other systems around this price, but again we would remind you that this is a set-up aimed at small-room use. There are three optical digital audio inputs (shame there is no electrical option as well), for piping in sound, along with stereo support for two inputs and one output.There are also three pre-out sockets, one for an active subwoofer (if the one supplied does not satisfy you) and two for surround back channels.You would need to provide the extra amplification needed for these extra channels as well. Speaker sockets are colour-coded plugs, matching the plugs on the ends of the supplied speaker cables.

looks & features

The design of this two-deck system is faintly retro and it certainly stands out from the plethora of combined DVD player/receiver boxes weve seen lately.The two main units are each 210mm wide and 70mm high, making them much squatter than were used to. Its a pleasing design. The DVD-M330 has some basic disc transport controls on the fascia, but it remains mostly uncluttered. Connections at the rear include component video outputs for PAL and NTSC progressive scan, alongside an RGB-capable Scart
Decoding formats cover Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, DTS Neo:6, Pro-Logic IIx, Dolby Virtual Stereo and Dolby Headphone.There is also a single, rather lonely, DSP mode.The AM/FM RDS tuner wraps things up. On to the speakers and for the first time the budget nature of the system begins to show. Where the more expensive DHT-500SD is graced by beautiful wooden speaker cabinets, the satellites here are small and plasticky, although they are finished in a quite pleasant faux brushed aluminium. Each satellite is packed with a 57mm mid-range cone and a 25mm super-high range tweeter. Power handling is rated at 30W, with peak power handling a rather optimistic 80W.The centre is identical, except for the fact that it carries an extra 57mm woofer and is horizontally aligned.The subwoofer is compact at 210(w) x 322(h) x 304(d)mm, carrying a 160mm cone and claiming a frequency response of 30Hz-240Hz. Each speaker has spring-clip cable connectors.

Details

FEATURES
HDMI/DVI output: no/no Prog-scan output: yes DVD-A/SACD: no/no Audio formats: DD EX/DTS-ES/DPL IIx/DTS Neo:6; Virtual Surround/Dolby Headphone; Hall Sats power: 5 x 20W Sub power: 20W Dimensions: DVD-M330: 210(w) x 70(h) x 317(d)mm; AVR-M330: 210(w) x 70(h) x 325(d)mm Weight: DVD-M330: 2.1kg; AVR-M330: 3.9kg Other features: AM/FM RDS tuner; 16x zoom; MP3/WMA/JPEG playback; slow motion; repeat playback; 100x high-speed search

ease of use

Were always wary of labelling a system as being less than easy to use. Its so often a case of needing to familiarise yourself with the controls over a respectable period of time. Even so, it must be said that this is a rather tricky system to get to grips with. The remote control is the problem.Admittedly it has a lot to do,but it is festooned with buttons,

SOCKETS

DVD-M330: component video output; RGB Scart output; S-video output; composite video output; 2 optical digital audio outputs; stereo audio output; system connector AVR-M330: Front: headphone socket Rear: 3 optical digital audio inputs; 2 stereo audio inputs; stereo audio output; subwoofer pre-out; 2 surround back pre-outs; speaker plug connectors; AM/FM aerial connections; system connector

CONTACT

200 www.denon.co.uk

Key connections

Component video outputs
For progressive scan signals
Colour-coded plug sockets

For speaker cables

The Scart is RGB capable the next best option after component
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Also Consider >>

PHILIPS MX6000I Add DiVX playback, network capability and superior power output subtract prog scan Reviewed: Feb 05
JVC TH-SW9 Not quite as good a picture, but slightly better sound, plus wireless rear speakers Reviewed: Dec 04

Remote

Too many buttons with multiple functions for real ease of use - but youll get used to it
set to DVD.This blights an otherwise user-friendly set-up procedure.
Looks ##### Layout ##### Labelling ##### many with multiple functions.The biggest issue is with the function controls at the centre of the remote. There are two of them and you have to have them correctly aligned before you can do whatever it is you want to do.For instance,in order to access some of the DVD controls (such as initial set-up) you need to have both function controls

performance

The performance of the DHT-M330DV falls into two distinct categories. The picture is excellent,the sound is average. To start with the good news, the image is dynamic, detailed and beautifully presented. Colour rendition is accurate, with cartoon material looking saturated and luxurious, while live action is naturalistic and believable. The picture is obviously best on a progressive scan-capable monitor, but we also loved the RGB Scart feed to a conventional TV.This means that the DVD-M330 earns top marks. The AVR-M330 does not, but that is more than likely due to the limitations of the speaker system it is paired with. Certainly there are no issues with the steering of sound effects and you get the impression of an enveloping soundstage. But the satellites are unable to present the information with which

they are provided with any real depth.The presentation is always a little edgy and occasionally verges on the screechy. Dialogue, in particular, causes problems, especially at higher volumes, where a slight but noticeable crackle can be discerned. Push this system close to its maximum volume setting and the effect becomes uncomfortable. The subwoofer puts in a game effort, with some effective bass, but it struggles to mesh convincingly with the satellites, leaving you with a fractured soundstage.
The two-deck system has a certain retro charm and the speakers boast a pleasing design

Ratings

WHATS GOOD

Picture; looks; features

WHATS BAD
Remote; average sound; no electrical digital audio input

conclusion

This system is aimed at small-room installations and it is probably up to the task in these circumstances, as long as the volume dial is treated with respect.There is severe doubt, however, about its ability to step into a bigger arena and still deliver a quality performance.The SYS-M330 speaker system supplied just does not seem to be capable of stepping out of its weight class I

Fact file

Picture Sound Features Ease of use Value
##### ##### ##### ##### #####
I PAL/NTSC progressive scan I 5.1 surround sound system I 6.1/7.1 upgradable I 20W per channel I DD EX/DTS-ES decoding

OVERALL VERDICT

In the right setting this system could be just the ticket but dont ask too much of it
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Group Test # Systems

The matching amplifier and DVD units
Speakers use colourcoded connections
Audio and video out sockets are standard

DHT-M330DV, 450

Denons all-new DHT-M330DV micro DVD system is split into separate amplifier and DVD player units, allowing each component to concentrate on its specific duties. The twin-box design also provides flexible placement options, and the two units can either be placed on top of one another or side-by-side. The partnering speaker package is a just as easy on the eye, and the compact satellite speakers are housed in silver-coloured MDF cabinets with matching silver speaker grilles. The systems subwoofer is a passive model, meaning that theres no built-in amplifier. Despite the systems compact dimensions, it manages to cram in all the latest home cinema technologies, and is among the more sophisticated systems in this group test. Denon has long been one of the main proponents of 6.1 surround sound home cinema systems, and the DHT-M330DV can easily be upgraded to a 6.1 or even 7.1 surround via an add-on amplifier. Dolby Digital EX and DTS ES processing is already on-board to take care of 6.1 soundtracks as well as conventional Dolby Digital and DTS decoding for 5.1 soundtracks. Dolby Pro-Logic IIx takes care of stereo TV signals and CDs, and cleverly converts them into a 5.1 surround sound experience. Picture connections are very impressive, providing component video sockets as well as an RGB Scart and S-video and composite video connections. have a tendency to look a little over-cooked. Theres also some noticeable picture noise, and the Denon exhibits some graininess during low-lit indoor sequences. Surround sound is a cut above the norm, and the five tiny satellites put in a good performance. Dialogue is amazingly clear through the centre speaker, and you wont miss a word of Kirsten Dunsts breathless dialogue. Action effects are full of detail, and the subwoofer is a potent performer that fills the room with sound. Our only criticism concerns the slightly brash effects the chase through the streets of NY is hard going on sensitive ears, sounding harsh and abrasive at times.

TEST SCENE

SPIDER-MAN 2
Colours are extremely vibrant, but skin-tones appear pinker then usual, giving Kurten Dunsts usually pale complexion a rosy glow

RATINGS

Style Ease of use Features Picture Sound Value Overall ####$ ####$ ##### ###$$ ####$ ###$$ ####$

Sound performance

Musically, the Denon puts in a respectable performance, with Duran Durans Astronaut album producing an upbeat and tuneful sound. Placement of the sub is critical for integrated sound, but there are no major grumbles. The DHT-M330DV home cinema system may be Denons most affordable model to date, but it continues with the brands tradition for fine build quality, future-proof features and great performance. A worthy model for any home cinema shortlist. I

AT A GLANCE

I FEATURES
Dolby Digital EX, DTS ES, DTS Discrete, Dolby Pro-Logic IIx Dolby Virtual Speaker Dolby Headphone PAL progressive scan FM/AM tuner Composite video out 2 x digital in (optical & coaxial) 1 x optical digital out FM/AM antenna

Over-cooked

Denons progressive scan mode (via component video sockets only) delivers the best images while watching Spider-Man 2, and pictures show incredible detail on the door to the storage room as Spideys alter ego, Peter Parker, makes the pizza delivery. Black levels are particularly strong and the Denon copes well with the darkness as Spider-Man swings above Manhattans night time skyline. Colours are rich, but reds

WHC VERDICT

A flexible home cinema system equipped with all the latest features and connections. There are some performance flaws, but these are minor considering the price

I CONNECTIONS

Component video out RGB Scart S-video out

CONTACT INFO

www.denon.co.uk 01234 741200

WHC March 2005 47