The high current amplifier on this is incredible. This was replacing a 1998 Denon AVR 2700, and the warmth and power that it added to my speakers was wonderful. The 5-channel/7-channel stereo option is definitely a smoother way to listen to music if you have a large room and home theatre set-up, Pro-logic or any other modes just doesn't sound right. The component video switching is also helpful because I have HDTV and a progressive DVD player. I can't imagine any other receiver at that price to perform at such a high level.

Everyone talks about the remote as a weakness, and I have to agree, but when you're spending such money on this fine machinery, you have to consider paying a little extra for a better universal remote, I recommend the Pronto.

Overall, when I connect this to my Energy surround sound speaker, I am thoroughly impressed with it's capability. It's the most versatile receiver I have ever seen. If you can find it below a grand, I would go ahead and grab it. I also recommend using banana plugs and good speaker wires, I noticed a big difference in the clarity of the sound by buying those things. I also recommend a good power conditioner, not a power surge protector, but a conditioner. Monster has the MPHTS1000, which does a real good job of taking out a lot of ambient noise that's created when you have a lot of equipment back there. This a great piece of machinery, and you've got to take advantage of what it has to offer...

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I have used an AVR 2700, and a Yamaha RXV2095.

Great warm sound, solid construction, great surround experience in both DTS and DD 5.1, great control flexibility, clean sound reproduction.

Cannot see volume level on the AVR display from 15 feet away and cannot see it on TV monitor either. Manual could be better organized from an engineering/design perspective

I have been recearching AVR receivers for over 3 months and have auditioned both HK and various models of ONKYO including not-once-but-many-times-mentioned here 787. 787 is a very nice unit, but it was very bright for my Klipsch speakers; that is why I got the Denon. Just to clarify myself - 787 is a great unit and has all those wonderful options, but not for my existing speakers, so people, if you are still debating in between the two, get them and audition them both for your existing setup.
The unit fit really well with my Klipsch Forte's, Klipsch KLF C7 center and Klipsch S3 surrounds. I used Tara Labs interconnects and speaker cables. The source was Panasonic DVD RV30 player using both digital and analog output. The unit is very warm, the frequency responce is great, instrument separation is wonderful and 5.1 simulated surround stereo is an interesting experience. Virtual sound modes are also great. Live Pink Floyd's Pulse was absolutely great with Rock Arena setting. When I tested unit with different movies I was stunned with the reality of the sound reproduction. Matrix was GREAT. Having Forte's I do not think I need a sub, unless I want to have my neighbors shoot me. Overall I am very pleased with the unit.
As for remote - yes, I agree that the backlit function is totally useless, the LCD is useless, and remote needs some time to learn. Manual could be organized in a better fasion.
And please does anyone know whether you can have volume level displayed on the monitor screen?
Bottom line - great value for the dollar.

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Onkyo 676, Onkyo 787, Harman Kardon AVR 65

very good value

back surround hookups, some remote functions

After researching A/V receivers for several months, it took me about 5 minutes to realize that this piece of equipment is a gem. This receiver outperforms every $1000 receiver on the market including some THX certified. I'm not planning to buy a THX certified sofa, so there was no reason to get a THX receiver. I could go on all day listing all of the features that make this piece worth the money, but there are 158 other people that will tell you about it below. The only thing that I don't like about the 3801 is the multichannel terminals also doubling for the rear surround speakers. You can't use them both at the same time. The remote isn't as bad as some say it is; although you really can only use about 4 buttons for learning functions, and the backlight is useless. My advice to anyone is to buy an All For One Cinema 7 anyway. Definately read the manual from front to back. There is alot of information in there that will solve some confusion. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me.

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pioneer elite 26

Amazing sounding receiver

FOUND A PROBLEM! Turns out this will NOT work with my Pioneer DV-606 DVD Player. Verified by Denon service center in LA. They are working on the issue, but so far looks like I am the first person to find this compatibility issue.

Compatibility issue with Pioneer CV-606 DVD Player.

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Denon AVR-3200

very good sound,loud enough to satisfy my room

Denon products are very expensive in Canada(that sucks)and by going online you are taking a chance with such a big product.Remote but i have a pronto.

I enjoy this receiver,every day very much.Plenty of power with fairly tight bass to boot.I own paradigm speakers and it drives them with ease to very loud levels.I highly recommend this receiver.

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Onkyo

-Pre outs on all channels including surround back
-9channels! A+B Surround speaker setup + Surround Back
-DTS-ES Discrete Surround back channels
-Above average musicality for a HT reciever
-Good sets of ins/outs S-Video etc.. 3x optical ins
-User friendly HT configuration, delay and +/-12db on all channels
-Video Component improves picture quality
-Gold finish

-Single Coax input
-not THX certified
-gain control under average on low output
-Junk DSP modes
-hmmm

I have a hard time writing a review about this unit so ill leave it blank. I aint got a 7channel setup so i feel kinda left out on this even with owning the unit.
I will get a pair of matching speakers for this reciever and will then give it a decent review.
So, Strength and Weaknesses and the Stars is all im able to give it at this time.

I have a pair of Infinty Kappa 8.2, 6.2 and a Kappa Video so going for an extra pair is not going to be easy.


email me if you got any suggestions...

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Yamaha, Pioneer and HarmannKardon.

Sounds really great!

Difficult in setting up. It already had to go into the repair shop. The control unit had to be replaced.

Well I'm really happy that everyone has had no problems with there unit. It's to early for me to mark it, since it's been only a couple of months that we've owned it. Not counting the time that's its been in the shop. Don't use it that often, maybe whenever we buy a DVD player we can appreciate it a bit better. We honestly did have a hard time setting this unit up and programming it. Wish us good luck.

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Marantz 4270 Had this unit for over 25 years and had no problems with it at all.

It's Denon. Solid, quality

Buy it at http://www.YourInsider.com for the best price. This baby is awesome! The 6.1 channels are great. The universal remote is easy too. I feel this is a great buy for the $$.

powerful - great remote - clean sound

This unit is priced right for what you are getting. a full 7 chjannel powered amplifier - dolby digital, dts.I am rather new to this market, so needles to say, setup was quite intimidating. However, once you get started with the start-up screen, its quite intuitive and self explanatory. The directions regarding hook ups are confusing, unles you have experience. I previously had a Denon PMA 920--quite old. The 3801 is not as strong, but it is cleaner. For the price, I really dont know how you can beat it though. The remote, its really not as bad as everyone says in my opinion.

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onkyo - pioneer

Excellent quality, wonderful theater reproduction, more options than are necessary, dts 6.1 es, excellent audio!

Have not used the remote to its full potential!

After a thorough review of listening to Denon, Sony ES, Onkyo, Yamaha and Pioneer receivers around the 1K price tag! I purchased the AVR 3801 for a employee discount price too low to publish. I was wanting to update my current system to the latest technology, not knowing I was buying the finest piece of audio craftmanship I would own since my Klipsch Belles back in the 80's. As others have explained, the manual could lead to some problems. For those that get too excited to concentrate on an instruction manual when purchasing a new "toy", download the manual from Denon's website prior to your purchase and study the features of this elaborate piece of equipment. The remote was a problem being a little complicated at first, but it's a far improvement over my previous equipment. And for the power output, maybe people should buy more efficient speakers if they have to use the volume level above "0"!!! Good grief! It took me a while to figure out why i was not getting OSD due to my stupidity with the video monitor cable. After that problem was resolved with my son who works for Soundtrack, no other problems were encountered with the set up.

I was looking for a receiver that could perform multiple functions! Quit looking, found it! The unit performs above my expectations for home theater, Dolby Digital, dts-es 6.1 ! Rented "Dinosaur," "Toy Story 2" and Fantasisia 2000 for the kids! Blew dad away! Sound quality is unreal with distinct separation and realization. LFE + main worked my Klipsch KSW 150 subwoofer! May have to upgrade that next. My Klipsch KLF 20's with spikes through the carpet, KSB 3.1 side surrounds and the SS-1 surround backs worked incredibly well with this receiver.

As for music, the receiver does not fall down! Unreal sound reproduction with a broad soundstage. No brightness noticed even with horn type speakers from flat settings. From piano solos of Jim Brickman to ripping guitar of Stevie Ray Vaughn, vocals of Sarah McClachlin and Dido, and instrumentation of Pat Metheny the receiver produces the audible quality of a receiver twice the price. The 7-channel stereo feature is O.K. when entertaining guests when your up and around, but I prefer the traditional stereo when focusing on music listening.

Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my first Denon purchase. It comes highly recommended for audiophiles and theater lovers alike!

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Pioneer