I found the results using Direct mode can be amazingly different with different speakers connected and based on the crossover setting selected in Audyssey.
When I had my Sierra Towers setup they sound 100% better with Dynamic EQ and an 80Hz crossover to my dual HSU subs. When I would use Direct mode for playback they would sound flat in comparison. But once I setup Dynamic EQ and the dual subs were crossed over at 80Hz. The sound was amazing.
In contrast, when I setup my Revel F328Be with the Denon 4700 in Direct mode it was the reverse. I loved the Direct mode sound as it offered a HUGE fat sound even without my subs. When I engaged Audyssey it tamed some of the lower end of the F328Be and elevated highs 2dB over 5K so the FR was less of a wedge (with a slant down from 30Hz to 20KHz) and made the FR flatter in comparison. I love being able to select the curve I'm in the mood for by switching between Direct and Stereo modes with Dynamic EQ off.
This is the thing about the Denon 3700/4700... there are a ton of options. Dynamic EQ, Audyssey custom curves, flat versus custom - it's all up to you. If you don't read English and don't have access to a user manual in your native tongue it can be quite difficult to understand all the options. If when I got my Denon 4500 a year ago, I only put it in Direct or Pure/Direct mode and listened, I would be disappointed if I didn't know about the various options. But now that I understand how to configure the settings I can make it sound any way I want it.
It's probably hard to understand this if you haven't been exposed to the learning curve or don't want to mess with it. If that's the case I would stay with my Hegel H90. Turn it on and that's the majority of options besides connecting the Mac via USB.
As you said before, sometimes we have to let it go, I am taking your advice as it is getting crazier and crazier.