For great hi-fi sound and on a budget, look no further than Denon's DRA-29 AM/FM receiver. The component is engineered to serve as the heart of a 2-channel music system while providing convenient composite-video switching for stereo video sources such as DVD players, digital video recorders, digital satellite systems, cable boxes, and VCRs. The receiver pumps 50 watts per channel x 2 into 8 ohm speakers (from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with .08 percent total harmonic distortion) and offers 2 sets of binding-post speaker terminals for powering 2 sets of speakers simultaneously.

The DRA-295 divides the circuits handling low- and high-level audio signals into separate blocks to minimize the signals' influences on each other. This chassis design, new to the DRA-295, is called Signal Level Divided Construction (SLDC). The resultant output signals are cleaner than before, possessing greater fidelity and clarity.

The receiver offers 5 stereo analog audio inputs, and the back panel sports 2 tape outputs. There's also a set of stereo (left/right RCA) preamplifier outputs, which may be used with a stand-alone audio amplifier for higher-power sound or for music enjoyment in another room. Use the receiver's remote input and output jacks to hook up external remote-control equipment, including IR re-transmitters and IR remote receivers (such as Denon's separately available RC-616, 617S, 617W, or 618 IR devices) so you can operate the DRA-295 with its supplied remote control, even if the receiver is in another room.

The PLL FM/AM tuner offers 40 station presets for one-button tuning to your favorite radio stations; auto preset memory scans for stations so you don't have to manually program all 40. Other useful features include bass and treble tone controls, tone defeat, muting from the remote, a motor-driven rotary volume control, last-function memory, and switched AC outlets for powering other components.

What's in the Box
Receiver, 2 remote controls, remote batteries (2 AA, 2 AAA), FM indoor antenna, AM loop antenna, a user's manual, a warranty card, and a service-station list.