Tremendous flexibility and capabilities

Don't know yet

Ok, so I haven't received it yet but I just ordered my entire home theater setup today and I'm like a kid in a candy store!! Less than two weeks and everything should be hooked up, though!!!

Denon AVR-3801 to drive everything
Panasonic CT-34WX50 16:9 widescreen TV
Pioneer DV-37 Elite 3:2 pulldown Progressive-scan DVD player
Denon DCM-370 HDCD 5-carousel CD player
Definitive Tech Speakers:
BP2006TL x 2 (also has two 125w 8" subs)
C/L/R 2300 center/sub
UIWBP/A x 2 in-ceiling surrounds
BPX x 2 surround backs

(this room is fully open on the left-hand side, but enclosed on the other three sides, creating a difficult listening environment)

And what am I replacing?
Toshiba 26" TV (about a decade old)
Toshiba SD2006 1st generation DVD player
Aiwa 3-disc ministereo

This is my first real system since I used to be into car stereos...back then I had the pioneer kex-m900 head unit and optical input from the 6-disc changer (this was the first DSP and optical unit for a car stereo at the time), 100w Soundstream class-A amp (160w @ 2 ohms), 500w Soundstream MC-500, two pair of SoundStream SS510 separates (5"/1"), two SoundStream SS-12 subs (12"), and 1/0 power cable running from the 160 amp wrangler alternator to the diesel truck battery that resided in the trunk of that car.

Comments/Suggestions?

I am psyched!!! Based on reviews, I anticipate I will be ecstatic with this system (of course, it won't be difficult to beat what I'm replacing!) Can others suggest the various cables/adaptors I am likely to need for the various connections? As I mentioned, I have been out of audio for quite a few years and, as a result, am not up to speed on the various requirements. I know the 3801 has only one coax input, but do not believe that should present a problem with the above components. I'll also be connecting my handycam from time to time, but that can use s-video for the connection.

Finally, I base my ratings on the bargain I believe this system represents for its quality and features, and the overall rating on the rave reviews it has received from not less than 50 reviewers and posters.

Ross

Similar Products Used:

nothing in the same league

Clarity, power, all 6 channels powered with ease. Matches Mirage speakers very well.

Manual sucks, remote (minor quibbles), one coaxial input, thats about it for weaknesses.

The improvement from dolby surround to digital and dts is so incredible it may color my review; however, this receiver is great and the power is tremendous. Blows Sony away, sorry Sony. I used to have to jack up the trebble and bass all the way. With this receiver they are pretty much left flat. It powers all six channels and the difference the rear surrounds make in movies like gladiator and the patriot is incredible. Dont underestimate this as i first did. Music is clear. Mirage speakers match Denon so well its scary. I have the Mirage OM-10, OM-C2, OM-R2 and Energy xls-10 sub...get them!! The Mirage OM-10's are being closed out.

As others have explained, the manual is poorly written and does not highlight the major things everyone needs to know. I spent hours trying to figure out why i was not getting digital sound from my dvd at first (one f@&#!! button). I have spent lots of time also trying to determine whether to set front speakers to large or small, to use LFE and Main or just LFE, etc., but this is a matter of personal preferences i guess. The DSP modes are pretty useless to me so i am glad there are only a few. I still cant figure out when i should use widescreen or matrix as they dont sound any better to me with pro-logic sources. Suggestions accepted. I find myself continually referring back to the manual to try and figure out what something does. You will end up reading the same paragraph over and over trying to figure out what they just said.

The remote is tricky and seems better suited for a left-handed person (channel changer is on left side). It does, however, do about everything i could want and has replaced all my other remotes. But its difficult to explain to the wifey. Do yourself a favor and set up macros with the call keys and number keys.

I compared this receiver to the 4800 and to a few more expensive Pioneer Elites and could tell only minor audible differences. But this one powers the rear surrounds while with the 4800 and some elites you needed a separate amplifier.

All in all, i am impressed. As for crazy eddie's, they delivered the goods at a great price but their customer service is poor (they did not bother to tell me their were delays and make you stay on hold for long periods of time, no tracking on website), the item was seven days late and their was no padding inside the double box. It looked like it rolled down the runway, so i was nervous at first. The price was great though and it works perfect so i wont slam them too hard.

Similar Products Used:

Sony ES, Denon 4800, Pioneer TX

All the great features of a HT system with a reasonable price

Without THX cerified

I just got these system few weeks ago .
Once i bought it i led it run for 24 hrs and it just feel a little bit warm and not as those guys mentioned which it will overheat all rubbish???????

I using NHT speaker A great speaker but cost a bit more


VT1.2
Superone
2 Swpi
Supercentre
Pionner DVD737

It provide great and clear sound