Deep Rich Full sound Plenty of reserve Power Excellent DSP options/tweaks Superb DSP processing

50 Mhz bandwidth on the Video section thus not enough for progressive DVD pass through

This is for a 4802R and the price paid included 5 year extended warranty. I did a lot of research on this and the Marantz 8300 and Pioneer Elite 45Tx and a little on the HK 7200. I pretty much ruled out the HK due to reading too many people having problmes with them and additionally I could not find oen to listen to. The Marantz had to be scratched also becasue none of the dealers had any of their recievers in sotck to listen to (even the older 7300 or 8200). That left Pioneer and the 2 Denons (3803 and 4802R). The Pioneer was out of stock since it is being discontinued, but they had a 43TX, which while not a totally fair comparison at least woudl let me hear a Pioneer. I had set all receivers to defaults, flat tone, flat speaker volumes and then adjusted each so that they sounds to be the same volume on the same things. The Pioneer faired well, but could not hold its own againt the 2 Denons. Then I spent an hour comparing the 2 Denons. I heard nothing but raves on both for DSP processing for DVDs so I instead concentrated on music, 2 channel and DTS. It was very close the 380 being newer seems to have a slightly cleaner high end and was solid through the entire range. The 4802 was full and rich in the mids and lows and was only a tad behind the 3803 at the high end. I was concerned about music because I have seen mixed reviews where people say the Denon is very "processed" and "bright". I did not find this to be the case, and considering I would be pairing the receiver with Klipsh Ref-35 setup I did not wnat the top end too blown out. I kept switching back and forth to the point where sometimes I forgot which receiver I was listening too. That was a big complimenet to the 3803 as it held it's own. The thing that sealed the deal was DTS. For some reason the 3803 seems strained or fell a little flat, while the 4802R seems to come alive and be full and rich across the board. Sure I could have probably tweaked the 3803 to get darn close to the 4802R, but then I would be tweaking each on everything and probably still be there! Ultimatley I think the 3803 is a great receiver and if my budget did not allow for the 4802R I would have gladly taken the 3803. As my budget allowed me to get the 4802R I felt the extra depth, richness and fullness it brought to the game were worth it. I did not care much about THX, it just happens to have it. After getting it home and setting it up I was ready to hear it at home. Well it was a little dauntling at firts, but it was quick learning how to use it. I spent over 8 hours the first day mostly listening to all sorts of music, 2 channel, DTS , DVD-A and SACD (on my Denon 2900) and all I can say is WOW!!! Freaking AWESOME! I listend to everything from Classical to rock, pop and some Jazz. It made my speakers come to life (I only had a Onkyo HTR-500 before)! Compared to the System ina box Onkyo reciver it repalced it was astounding. The Center and rears were alive and full, something the Onkyo never really did well at all. I did manage to watch one movie (Tomb Raider) so far and the Dobly Digital processing was great. Those that think the Klipsch and Denon products are bright, I disagree! I actually find the Klipsch very accurate, crisp and clean while the Denon is very neutral. I suspect the 3803 would have sound a tad cleaner on my Klipsch, but I find the 4802R and the Klipsch to be a great match. I would whole heartedly and strongly recommend both the Denon 4802R and Klipsch Ref-35 systems to anyone. I love the new remote, the bad press the original 4802 got on the remote would have been a big negative if that were still the remote. I was not looking for a PDA style remote, I like my tried and true traditional remotes, all 8 of them.....

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo Pioneer

SOUND (Stereo and Movie) AMP Looks Remote RS232 Port (Dont anticipate using it anyway) THX Post processing

I am used to seeing a little graphic showing the inputs in little boxes. That would have been nice :(

Right of the bad, let me confirm what other posts say. This is an awesome device. I was looking to buy a high quality receiver that will fit my budget of 2000$. I had the following options. 1. Denon 4802 2. Pioneer elite 47TX 3. Marantx 9200 4. Outlaw 950/7100 Seperates. Each of the above listed components are high performers, but when I paired them with my speakers, (Paradigm Monitor 7s) , The Denon had the best match. The 2 channel music performance is superb. I had read about "seperation" , "imaging", "detail", But Now I what they mean. My old CDs have never sounded better. The sound stage is huge and I can see different instruments suspended in space. The pure audio mode shuts off all circuitry and delivers crystal clear sound. PLII is fine if you like to watch TV in 5 channel mode (I dont). I did not have a chance to test 7.1 channel movie..(I have only a 5.1 setup), But the 5.1 performance is nothing short of incredible! The bass is superb, The mid range and high freq components are clear and free of any muddle. This receiver comes with two sets of 6 channel analog inputs for DVD audio and SACD players. No Component video Upconversion can be an issue for some, but I dont care a lot about it. THX post processing is great. No doubt about it. Lots and Lots of power. This receiver drives my speakers effortlessly and without distortions to whatever volume I push it to. So, If you are planning to buy one setup without going to seperates then I will whole heartedly recommend this receiver. You will NOT be unhappy with this one for sure. A Lot has been said about the remote, I for one have no issues with it. It is perfectly functional.

Similar Products Used:

JVC 8010 Auditioned Pioneer Elite 47TX (Superb), HK AVR 8000 (Very good..A bit bright )

Makes my Cerwin Vega's sing again. I'll be able to live with them another year, before upgrading. Warm sound. I like my music loud! Not taxing on the ears. Neo 6 is great! 7.1 is great! 5.1 Stereo makes regular DD sound better than the DD surround mode. THX Post Processing/EX is not exaggerated!

Second Tape input/Tape 2 Monitor. For all this money, 1 more analog rec in/out would be nice. I'm using VCR 3 for Tape 2 in/out. If I buy a CD recorder, it has to go into Tape 1. Then I'm out 1 Cass Deck & I will never buy a dual deck! So for all you people who said to many inputs/outputs to use up....you better buy more equipment!

Well I just read through all 58 reviews & most of you feel the same way I do! This is an awsome machine! I'm not going to bore you with all of the specs because you can go to Denon's web site & read 'em. Just go buy it! Spend the extra money & get it from a authorized dealer. Look @ what I paid, not bad. You can save $100 & buy it from some shady web site or off e-bay but read some past reviews. You can get screwed out of alot of money! Just go buy it! My system: Denon 4802 NAD 533 TRNTBL Nak DR-10 CS Denon DRM-740 CS Denon DCM-380 HD/CD Sony DVM-400D DVD (upgrading to the Denon DVD-2900 DVD/Audio/Video/SACD, comes out in May) 2 JVC 3800's S-VHS Sony 32" Wega Cerwin Vega E 310's Fronts & E76c Center Definitive Technology - Pro Sub 200, BPX rear & BP1.2 sides. Sony Digital Cable Box For those people who gave negative reviews because of using 4 ohm speakers. You should have done your reasearch! This receiver is only rated down to 6 ohms! Some "audiophiles"!?

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo 545 - Great machine, still work's! It's going into the bedroom.

Digital decoding, musical soundstage, and true 7.1 capability.

No on screen menu while in component video.

I have recently upgraded from a 5 year old Denon AVR-3600. I upgraded the reciever after upgrading my speakers, monitor, and DVD player. This reciever is great. I use it for a 60/40 mix of movies/music. The greatest difference between this and my 3600 is the difference in decoding quality. Before, the Attack of the Clones sounded good. Now it sounds unbelievable. It also has a much better soundstage for music. Some people don't like the remote but my roommates and I took to it like ducks to water. I am not brand loyal. I buy whatever sounds the best within my budget. I shopped around for about 5 months before I decided on this reciever and I can say it was a great purchase. If your interested in a mid-level reciever, I suggest you go to Tweeter or a similar store and test this one out. Current System: Denon AVR-4802 Denon DVD-2800 MK II mains B&W 604 s3 center B$W 600 LCR rears x 2 B&W 600 s3 sub Rel Strata III

Similar Products Used:

Denon AVR-3600

Crystal clear and distortion free. Solid. Enough power to handle what you give it. Home theater and THX post processing is amazing. Tremendous versatility. Expansion port for future upgradability.

Some complain about the remote. I have gotten used to it, and although it wouldn't be my first choice, I do not think of it as a weakness. My wife, however, is intimidated by it and won't even touch it (perhaps this is a "strength").

Simply put, the Denon 4802 is amazing. After purchasing Polk Audio RM7600 speaker system last summer, I made the argument to my wife that since we had invested in a good home theater speaker system, we needed a quality receiver to bring out the best in our system. Amazingly, she agreed and "allowed" me last November to upgrade from my previous receiver (others may want to try this strategy). Since then, it has made all the difference in the world. Although not cheap, once you hear the system, you know where the extra money is spent, and it is well worth it. On a different note, I have read other reviews that state that this unit has more power, at 125 watts per channel, than is necessary for the needs of the average person. Although it is true that I rarely blast my neighboors out (just knowing I can is cool), the extra power is nice to have in that there is absolutely no noticeable distortion or brightness to sound, whether music or home theater, at any tolerable listening levels. The sound is incredibily solid and clear. Like so many others have stated, I am hearing stuff in music and movies that I did not previously knew existed. The extra power also adds a comfort level that I know this system can handle whatever I give it, unlike my previous home theater reciever. It is important to note, however, that I do live in a house, as opposed to an apartment, condo, duplex, etc. For those that do live in such immediate close proximity to others, 125 watts per channel would probably be overkill. In that instance, I would recommend the 3802 or 3803, despite the loss of THX Ultra Certification (which, I might add, is incredible, but maybe not in regard to the difference of price between the units, and particularly if on a budget). To summarize, it has met, and to be honest, well exceeded my expectations. I strongly, strongly recommend the 4802 to anyone interested.

Similar Products Used:

Although I have owned other home theater receivers in my life, none are similar to this one. The 4802 is in another league. I do not see owning another reciever for a long, long time.

Bang for the buck.

i wish that this model came with the remote docking station. I had to buy it separately.

I bought this receiver to replace the Denon 5800 that I was using. I needed the component swithing capability in my home theater. I considered getting the 5802, but had found that this unit had plenty of power for what I wanted. I am running a 7.1 configuration with this receiver in a 16' wide by 29' deep theater. This thing performs awesome, with plenty of power to spare.

Similar Products Used:

Marantz, Yamaha

to many to mention: enjoy 5/7 channel stereo. ( I still like 2 channel stereo, 5/7 good for change. Pure direct Mode, and direct mode. Multi zones I listened to a few tv's in pro logic 2, Interesting concept.

I hate that remote control. Manual

Hello Everyone, Where can I begin. Everyone enjoys quality sound in music, movies, etc... You will not be dissappointed with the AVR-4802. It has has a lot of bells and whistles, inputs a galour... It is an impressive machine. It meets and exceed most preamps, a/v's, amps; wheres you would pay thousands more. The music/sound, is natural, warm, crisp and precise. When I listend to dvd audio for example Eric Clapton's Reptile & Ride with king ( bb king); I could not beleive what I was hearing. On the classical side: Bach Magnificat, The Choir of Kings College, Cambridge, I felt I was at the Cathrederal. I can go on on forever. Regular cd's I used Led Zeppelin Remastered CD's. I found it more open and spacious. Movies: Gladiator, Explosive; I watched several movies in doby digital & DTS format. This receiver delivers; it is trule a giant. Denon never let its customers ( Like Rotel)down. You already heard all this. I will end it hear. I was about to purchase a preamp Processor, and it will give more than the 4802; but it would costly, to have what the 4802 has. I am happy that I purchased this Machine, adn I am certain you will also. Equipment used: 4802 as a preamp: Denon DVD-1600 ( great machine/Sharp image. Previously I had a panasonic rp-91) Rotel HDCD Player: RCD-951 Technics CD Player: SL-PD787 ( upgrading in near future) Cassette Deck: Pioneer CTW616DR(don't use as much. Technics Equalizer: ( do not use anymore) JVC VHS. Monster Power: HTS-3500 3 Rotel Amps: 1 for the center;1 for the front speakers; & 1 for the rear speakers. Sub: B/W Speakers: 3 pairs of c-8's; 2 for front ( second pair use for music; quad mode. In the near future I will use for 6.1 7.1 connection.) 3rd pair for the rear.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer Eilte vsx 45tx reciever; Regular Pioneer,906S. (I own) Rotel RSP 1066 Processor; Others I tried.

-Penty of surround sound modes -Overall balanced sound (using Pinnacle AV650 speakers, with Polk PSW650 sub) -Remembers mode you set for each source -Plenty of digital inputs -Remote is not as bad as others said in this forum (though I wouldn't buy it if I didn't get it with the reciever)

-Reciever controls don't show up in component -Denon states that warranty is not valid if dealer

I had it for more than one week now. Very nice reciever. My previous Yamaha reciever (6 year old, 2 channel) sounded dead compared to this.

Sound. This receiver offers tone that's as close as you're going to get to audiophile without spending 2-3x as much. The 125w x 7 (8 ohms) is plenty of power, and this amp drives my Monitor Audio Silver series speaker system effortlessly without a hint of distortion at volume levels that are louder than what I'd ever ordinarily listen to. In other words, lots of headroom. The sound fields that Denon offers are outstanding, and the overall sound imaging is noticeably more spatial and 3D than my previous unit, a Sony DA555ES. I've added two surround speakers to create a 7.1 speaker setup, and the improved surround sound is dramatic. The remote is fine, except that it puzzles me why these companies can't seem to come up with a display that has adequate contrast (my Sony also suffered from a hard to read display, the Denon's is better but not what I expected). Other than that, the remote seems fairly useable; I have it running my receiver, dvd player and television. I'm still working on the cd changer. I won't even attempt to program in my cable TV box.

The Sony had much better control over EQ parameters (the Denon seems to have treble and bass and that's about it) and more sound fields, although I'd have to give the edge in that latter category to the Denon since they sound so much better. The Sony also allowed on-the-fly adjustment of surround levels; the Denon has adjustable parameters for this, but so far I haven't quite figured out how to access them from the remote. The owner's manual (like many owner's manual) is hurting: if there is a way to hook up a second set of stereo speakers (for another room, a feature EVERY receiver I've ever owned had had) I have yet to figure it out. It wouldn't be going too far to say the manual sucks, I think it does. But most manuals are pretty lame, so that's not unusual. Overall the strengths of this product far outweigh any weaknesses and most listeners will find the real reward in how this unit SOUNDS, and that's what it's mainly about in my view. That other stuff is much less important.

First of all two corrections: the AVR 4802 is a 2002 model, for some reason the website only offered me 1995-2001 as choices. Secondly, I don't know where they get this $1750 list price from, as far as I know, the list is $2500, and many authorized dealers (like Crutchfield) won't budge off that price. Be careful to buy from an authorized dealer or Denon won't honor the warranty. Overall: about the best 'bang for the buck' of any of the AV receivers out there today. I researched this thoroughly and the finalists were essentially this unit and a Marantz model that was more expensive (can't recall the exact model number).

Similar Products Used:

Sony DA555ES Receiver

THX and DTS ES processing is great. Overall sound reproduction is very clean. Home theater viewing is truly a pleasure with this piece of gear.

None yet.

The Denon 4802 is one impressive AV receiver. DTS and THX processing is excellent. Excellent for both home theater and CD listening. Pure progessive scan delivers a clean, crisp picture.

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Yamaha 630