excellent power & reproduction

Manual sucks. Remote not great.

System:

Denon 3801
Pioneer DVD & Sony CD Changer
Klipsch KLF-20 Fronts
Klipsch C7 Center
Klipsch KSW12 Subwoofer
Polk R8 (old fronts) surrounds

Love this receiver. Setting it up took a hile, since the user-manual is frikkin undecipherable. Looks like a direct Japanese-English translation.

But once it was up & running, very happy with it.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo 515

Does everything I want, sounds great

Manual sucks, I feel sorry for the beginner who tries to set this up.

I upgraded from a Denon AVR85 (1700) mainly to get DTS, the bigger amps, the SHARC processing, true analog bypass, and the better remote. At $850 from an authorized dealer (with full warranty!), I did as well as I could in my area, though I've seen some people getting them for around $700 or less.

It's a great receiver. One need only scan the previous 300+ posts to understand this. I'm going to address a slightly different issue, for those debating between this and the 3802. I'll assume the price difference is $350, which I think is pretty fair.

With the 3802 you get DPLII. If you must have this mode, then there is no debate. You also get some worthless crossover freq adustments, and a few more watts/channel due to an upgraded power supply.

However, if you use this receiver for music listening also, I strongly argue your $350 saved on the 3801 is better spent toward a decent slightly used 2 (or 3) channel amp. This will do many things for your system. 1) Your 2 channel stereo performance will be very superior to the Denon's internal amp 2) Your multi-channel will be better since the Denon's power supply is relieved of the burden of the main 2 (or 3) channels. 3) You will be further ahead in a quest for true separates, as now you have some of the amp channels. When you later upgrade to separates, you can take your separate amps and move them to rear or surround duty.

Similar Products Used:

Denon AVR 85

EVERY THING IT DOES BUT NEO 6

IF ANY THERE ALL TRIVIAL

I ALREADY POSTED A REVIEW I JUST WANT TO COMMENT ABOUT THIS 3802 THING NONE OF THESE STEREO TO MULTI SCEAMS REALY DO THAT MUCH FOR ME OR ANY ONE ELSE I'VE SPOKEN TOO AND I KNOW A LOT OF AUDIOPHILES .IT APPEARS TO ME THAT THEY ARE JUST TRING TO KEEP UP WITH THE JONSES BECAUSE THEIR IS'NT SOMUCH AS A COSMETIC CHANGE,AND AS FOR THAT EXTRA 5W IN POWER AND THAT 1.1 POUNDS OF WT. DIFFRENCE-IT TAKES A LOT MORE THAN 5W TO EVEN HEAR A TRUE DIFFERENCE IN OUT PUT SO DONT GET ALL TANGLED UP IN THE HYPE ACUALY I'M KIND OF DISAPOINTED AT DENON, THEY DON'T USEUALLY PULL STUNTS LIKE THIS, KINDA UNEXPECTED FROM A SO CALLED HIGH END COMPANY.
SO MY THAUTS ARE AS FOLLOWS IF IT RETAILS FOR THE SAME PRICE AS THE 3801 (WITCH IS ONLY 7 MONTHS OLD) WHEN IT FIRST DROPED BUT IT HAS DOLBY II MORE POWER AND SOME OTHER JUST AS MINOR THINGS. CORNERS HAD TO BE CUT. WHATS THAT OLD BUT SO TRUE SAYING YOU DON'T GET ANYTHING FOR FREE SO KEEP THAT IN MIND WHILE YOUR THINKING ABOUT TRADING,SELLING,OR SAVING. (PLEAS EXCUSE SOME OF MY SPELLING I'M IN A RUSH BUT I JUST HAD TO REMOVE SOME OF THE WOOL FROM OVER MY AUDIO BROTHERS & SISTERS EYES. REMEMBER 1.1 POUNDS LIGHTER. PEACE!!!!!

Similar Products Used:

NONE

Greate performance, separate amp zone

Noted below

I have used the 3801 for 2 weeks now and am very happy with it. I tried and returned an Onkyo 676 (lack of second source) and a Denon 3300 (it was an open box and had an overheating problem).

Overall, I am very happy with the unit. The feature that set it apart from the rest for me is the ability to take 2 of the 7 amplified channels and route them to a second zone (my kitchen). This is what I will focus on here, as I feel that everyone else are covering the rest of the bases.

This amp has 7 separate amplified channels. It allows you to route a second source past the DSP through 2 of the channels and out to a second zone. It is the only sub-$1200 receiver that does this. If you want your child to watch a movie in dolby digital 5.1 in one room and route a cd or fm-radio to another room, this amp will do it. However, there are a few gotcha's:

1) If you want stereo in a second zone, you can't have dolby 7.1 in the primary zone. This is because you give 2 amp channels to your second zone.
2) You assign 2 channels to the second zone in "setup mode". Don't expect your wife (oops... the other "casual" listener in your house) to be able to change this assignment without grief. Do it once and live with it.
3) You cannot enable "multi" MODE from the remote. This is available from the front panel only. (What were they thinking?)
4) You cannot adjust the second-zone (kitchen) VOLUME from the front panel. This is available from the remote only. (Again... What were they thinking?)
4) You may not select a digital audio source to the multi-zone. This is because the the guys that laid out the circuit tried to economize and did not provide enough switching to separate the DSP (digital) channels from the record-out channels from the second zone channels. Since you cannot record a digital signal to an audio recording medium, and that you can't use surround on 2 channels, they felt they were justified. (I'm guessing here.) The outcome of this follows:
a) When you record, (i.e. select a recout source) that source is played in the second zone. This means that you may have to listen Oprah when our wife is recording it. (!!!)
b) When you record, you turn multi-zone off and vice-versa. Take a walk to the receiver each time!
c) If you want to listen to a cd in zone 2 from your DVD player, and you use the digital output from the DVD player (which you must for dolby digital), then you must take the analog output from the DVD player and route it to another input on the receiver (I use the "Phono" input for this purpose.)


Despite this long diatribe, I am more than pleased with this unit. However, my wife is very confused about how to make it work properly. It does it all, but if you want to use the second zone capability, expect some gotchas and undesirable button - pushing.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo 676, Denon 3300

Gold finish, DTS-ES fully supported (Matrix, Neo:6 and Discrete), 6.1 surround(for THX EX discs), 7 Channels of amplification, strong power, Remote

Heavy, especially the left side(must be the power supply), backlight(illumination) function of the remote, Writing in the manual is very small lacking expository explanations(download it from http://del.denon.com/catalog/pdfs/AVR3801DFU.pdf),

Unfortunately i had paid much more than everyone else that bought this product in the US, but Australia is in a small rut and the current economical situation seems to be getting worse. Anyway i have come here to tell you how great this product is.
Denon has always been a commendable name and it deserves all its accolades. I wanted a receiver that could play DTS-ES(inclusing discrete) and Dolby Digital EX dvds. My only choice was the 3801. There was the 5801; top of the range poduct nearly twice as much with a little more power and thx-ex. But i didn't need the thx certification. There are many great receivers without it. Look at Onkyos; TX-DS787 it has THX certification but no DTS-ES discrete and thats one reason why i ruled it out. I know it has a better remote and backlight function but thats no reason to get it. Also Denons 3801 has great aesthetics with a gold champagne look which is very enticing adding that bit of class to it's looks as opposed to Onkyos 787 looking like a 70's tape deck.
I have 2 front speakers(6 ohms 125W), a centre(6ohms 150w), 4 surrounds(8ohms 110w). They are Accusound speakers(www.asm.com.au) Delta series they make these speakers exclusively for one shop; Harvey Norman. One important thing to note with this receiver is that if you want 4 surrounds (2 for sides and 2 for Back surround, you need to have your speakers rated at 8ohms for the surrounds) and for the fronts and centre they must be rated at 6ohms. Having this setup will ensure that the protector circuit will not activate.
7 Channel stereo mode is great for watching tv if you want a spatial effect(expanded feeling) 5ch mode is similar but the Back surround dont get used. Prologic or DTS Neo:6 i beleive use only the fronts and a centre the dialogue is more localized and i don't notice any difference between those 2 modes just mentioned. The DSPs are pretty good eg mono for mono movies gives them a sense of expansion. Normal stereo is Good but i never use it. DTS-ES is great if you have a dvd collection. DTS-ES discrete discs are the best such as Gladiator and Chicken run. DTS-ES matrix discs such as Terminator 2: Ultimate edition and Dolby digital EX disc such as The World is not enough and Fight Club are great. DTS discs such as Saving private Ryan and Dolby Digital are very good.
This receiver is definately one of the best receivers i have seen. I truly recommend it for anyone who doesn't want to pay twice as much for the 5801. Its among the best and among the latest in playing the latest soundtracks. A great buy.

FOR THE IDIOT BELOW: GO AND GET YOUR EARS CHECKED!!!. IF you want to look at specs then look at other receivers that claim to have twice the power with ultra high distortion. The Denon AVR-3801 has STRONG, CLEAN POWER!! It is a high quality product.
To answer some of your questions:
Q
Why should I have to reassign my rear channels to use multi-source, then I can't use surround ex (what a big friggin joke!!)

A
The use of multiroom at this day and age is for typically having a 5.1 setup in one room and 2ch for another room eg stereo. If you really wanted to use 2 rooms and you want Surround EX, then you get 2 of these babies

Q
The remote is a mess.

A
No, actually it's not that bad, it replaces my VCR, DVD and TV remotes most of the time. If you wanted a true remote you would get the Philips Pronto in colour which will be coming out later

Q
The highs sound as screatchy as a train coming to a halt.

A
You are supposed to use the Cinema eq function in the surround parameters


Q
The bass is terrible

A
Get a subwoofer or press tone control and increase the bass to 12 dB

Similar Products Used:

None. Currently Denon AVR-3801 and AVR-5801 are the only receivers that suport DTS-ES FULLY that have 7 channels of amplification! ie No external amplifier needs to be bought

Gold finish, DTS-ES fully supported (Matrix, Neo:6 and Discrete), 6.1 surround(for THX EX discs), 7 Channels of amplification, strong power, Remote

Heavy, especially the left side(must be the power supply), backlight(illumination) function of the remote, Writing in the manual is very small lacking expository explanations(download it from http://del.denon.com/catalog/pdfs/AVR3801DFU.pdf),

Unfortunately i had paid much more than everyone else that bought this product in the US, but Australia is in a small rut and the current economical situation seems to be getting worse. Anyway i have come here to tell you how great this product is.
Denon has always been a commendable name and it deserves all its accolades. I wanted a receiver that could play DTS-ES(inclusing discrete) and Dolby Digital EX dvds. My only choice was the 3801. There was the 5801; top of the range poduct nearly twice as much with a little more power and thx-ex. But i didn't need the thx certification. There are many great receivers without it. Look at Onkyos; TX-DS787 it has THX certification but no DTS-ES discrete and thats one reason why i ruled it out. I know it has a better remote and backlight function but thats no reason to get it. Also Denons 3801 has great aesthetics with a gold champagne look which is very enticing adding that bit of class to it's looks as opposed to Onkyos 787 looking like a 70's tape deck.
I have 2 front speakers(6 ohms 125W), a centre(6ohms 150w), 4 surrounds(8ohms 110w). They are Accusound speakers(www.asm.com.au) Delta series they make these speakers exclusively for one shop; Harvey Norman. One important thing to note with this receiver is that if you want 4 surrounds (2 for sides and 2 for Back surround, you need to have your speakers rated at 8ohms for the surrounds) and for the fronts and centre they must be rated at 6ohms. Having this setup will ensure that the protector circuit will not activate.
7 Channel stereo mode is great for watching tv if you want a spatial effect(expanded feeling) 5ch mode is similar but the Back surround dont get used. Prologic or DTS Neo:6 i beleive use only the fronts and a centre the dialogue is more localized and i don't notice any difference between those 2 modes just mentioned. The DSPs are pretty good eg mono for mono movies gives them a sense of expansion. Normal stereo is Good but i never use it. DTS-ES is great if you have a dvd collection. DTS-ES discrete discs are the best such as Gladiator and Chicken run. DTS-ES matrix discs such as Terminator 2: Ultimate edition and Dolby digital EX disc such as The World is not enough and Fight Club are great. DTS discs such as Saving private Ryan and Dolby Digital are very good.
This receiver is definately one of the best receivers i have seen. I truly recommend it for anyone who doesn't want to pay twice as much for the 5801. Its among the best and among the latest in playing the latest soundtracks. A great buy.

FOR THE IDIOT BELOW: GO AND GET YOUR EARS CHECKED!!!. IF you want to look at specs then look at other receivers that claim to have twice the power with ultra high distortion. The Denon AVR-3801 has STRONG, CLEAN POWER!! It is a high quality product.
To answer some of your questions:
Q
Why should I have to reassign my rear channels to use multi-source, then I can't use surround ex (what a big friggin joke!!)

A
The use of multiroom at this day and age is for typically having a 5.1 setup in one room and 2ch for another room eg stereo. If you really wanted to use 2 rooms and you want Surround EX, then you get 2 of these babies

Q
The remote is a mess.

A
No, actually it's not that bad, it replaces my VCR, DVD and TV remotes most of the time. If you wanted a true remote you would get the Philips Pronto in colour which will be coming out later

Q
The highs sound as screatchy as a train coming to a halt.

A
You are supposed to use the Cinema eq function in the surround parameters


Q
The bass is terrible

A
Get a subwoofer or press tone control and increase the bass to 12 dB

Similar Products Used:

None. Currently Denon AVR-3801 and AVR-5801 are the only receivers that suport DTS-ES FULLY that have 7 channels of amplification! ie No external amplifier needs to be bought

lots

remote

Great receiver.If you have power issues go with the 5800 and stop complaining.My room is 25x20 and it provides great clean sound with no harshness,and at loud volumes.Speakers will make a difference,so be carefull chosing.bright speakers may make it sound harsh.

Really as good as this receiver is,what do you expect for $1000,quality of seperates?give me a break.Bye an external amp and you will be rockin.


My system

Denon 3801
Rotel1095
Sony mini disk
Sony 530dvd
Kenwood EQ
Yamaha cd575
Hitachi hi-fi vcr
Sony playstation 2
Dreamcast
SPEAKERS
Monitor 9V.2
Monitor 3 V.2
CC 370
2xAtoms(ex speakers)
PW2200 subwoofer

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha

flexibility of input switching and individual settings for various listening modes. Future-proofing by support of 7.1 encodings.

somewhat steep learning curve for the non-technically-inclined, particularly with remote. Manual is pretty darned bad.

Superb flexibility of switching inputs as well as tailoring of channel balance for each listening mode. For instance, the default setting for Dolby Pro Logic and Neo-C didn't bring out the center channel enough relative to the surrounds in my setup; so I tailored the channel balance and saved that without affecting balance in other modes.

I like to listen to music in Direct mode; so the fancier DSP modes in other receivers weren't important to me. Also THX didn't matter in my decision. The 3801 works beautifully with my Def Tech speakers.

I had to take one star away for the learning curve, manual and my being forced to teach the remote (key by key!) how to control my commonplace Sony Wega TV and Toshiba SD2300 DVD player since none of Denon's codes worked for them!

I tend to buy future-proof gear as much as possible and keep it for 5-10 years. IMHO, the pure audio quality of receivers hasn't changed much for many years. DSP I don't care much about except to process home theatre encodings. Therefore, what I cared about was future-proofing against newer encoding schemes and the 3801 with its 7 discrete amps and 7 channel decoder inputs does the trick here....or so I hope unless a 7+ channel scheme is cooked up :-)

As for online retailers, try Acoustic Sound Design if you're tired of the NY dealers, as I was after 2 weeks of their lying about availability.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer Elite VSX-37TX and Onkyo 787 - only in showroom

Features

Extremely limited availability of ES discrete software

For those of you who are buying this receiver on the basis that it has ES discrete capabilities is ridiculous. That would be like living in the middle of the desert and buying a fishing boat. With only 2 titles available with ES discrete (Gladiator and Chicken Run) I personally don't see how some of you are sporting-a-woody because of this surround format. The problem with ES discrete to begin with is that it goes against the goal of trying to eliminate localization. When sound is panning around the room you should not be able to hear it right at the location of the speaker. It should be diffused, to make it sound like your in the environment, not looking at it. The ES matrix and Surround EX achieve a better end result. Almost any professional reviewer who has listened to both formats will tell you the same thing, and in some instances they could not tell the difference.

With that out of the way, I'm going to return my Denon for the Onkyo 787. A far better sounding product.

One more thing. For those of you who post multiple reviews, you must be insecure about your purchase to try to boost the ratings to make yourself feel better about seeing a 4.6 instead of a 4.56. Well, have fun posting your multiple "5" reviews again. BOOM!!!!!!!!!!Take this "1" in the rear discrete channel!

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo,Yamaha

It's apparently extemely controversial, and it create a wonderful listenin environment with the proper speakers and placement

Doesn't sound too good with KLH, RCA, or Radio Shack but the Denon bashing trend followers probably sounds great with the speakers I've listed since I'm certain they are insecure, opinionated and hateful as only lower socio-econic types can be.

I'm from Michigan, a place where one resigns oneself to an existence of dubious quality. Ther is only so much one can hope for in MIchigan, and a good chance to offer a negative, unsolicited opinion based on nothing but hate is one of the things one hopes to do in places like Michigan.

I left because Michigan is ranked 48th in the nation in regards to levels of education. Anybody with ambition, moxy and a creative mind will leave Michigan as soon as they can.

I was born in Detroit and know the cities the Denon bashers live in.

Detoit is just pathetic, Novi and other suburbs are even worse.

This Denon, to my ears and to the ears of my friends (people with alot of positive, productive things to do in Life),is a wonderful, pleasing piece of equipment. But then again we are not easily seduced by a subjective and spurious pursuit of aural perfection from a $800.00 reciever. We know happiness and fullfillment cannot be found in a Denon or Onkyo reciever.

To those who are thinking about Denon: I think it's great.
Check out the posts for all the Onkyo amd Denon products before you make a decision about quality, becuse Onkyo sure has had some problems with quality.