At first I was not going to respond to Bob's follow-up, on an account of because it is blatantly a result of misguided anger and frustration arising from unresolved deepseeded childhood issues. Then I looked at the time and realized-- hey I have a couple minutes to burn, what the heck...

First off, I respect Roy's arguement as it is the only one I see valid. Secondly, I only take into account Roy's response because he doesn't sound like a sniveling little baby (Bob).

TO ROY: Sorry about the caps, my first time posting on the internet so I'm not too savy with the "rules". I was only presenting facts that others may have overlooked (such as inflated power ratings). At $4000, no I didn't buy this receiver, I assume that the buyer is pretty much hellbent on audiophile sound. Taking that into account, I see it as-- money isn't an issue. That being said, seperates deliver extrordinarily remarkable gains in fidelity over integrated receivers. Besides that, power is much less a struggle as the power amp doesn't need to fight for it with the pre/pro. The specs on the receiver may not state the RMS power to be 170 by 7, but it is MOST CERTAINLY IMPLIED that way (and don't think for a second that that wasn't intentional). I see this as an insult to me, the consumer, and this makes me distrust the company. My philosophy is that the hardcore, top dog, bad boys of the industry just make the product, they don't need to "push" them. Of course it is easy to spot that I use Levinson gear. I don't think that there is even a case to argue that receivers can beat seperates. You may sleep better at night knowing that THX looked at your receiver, but know that "looking" at it also includes licensing the label, which means royalty fees, which is passed down to you the consumer. Simply put, you are paying extra for THX to stamp its name on the receiver. For this reason, I respect Yamaha, as they do not see it fair to pass such a burden onto me-- despite the fact that I know for sure that Yamaha receivers can outperform certain THX receivers across the board.

TO BOB: DENON ENVY???? Did I hear you right? Hmm, Levinson, Denon? Levinson, Denon? Levinson, Denon? You're right! I'd much rather have a Denon Receiver over my Levinson 334 and Krell 250P. Get a clue, I'm the idiot? I wouldn't put the 5800 in the same room as my system. Shoddy power amp theories? Have you been in the guts of your receiver? If you knew a thing about electrical engineering, it wouldn't take much more than a half-wit to show that this receiver cannot pump out 170 by 7 watts, while powering a processor. And my "juvenile attempt to lower the rating"? You seem to be the juvenile here if that is how you see it. Such a thing wouldn't have crossed my mind in a thousand years, yet you yourself seem grossly obsessed with it. My ratings, FYI reflected my honest opinion of the receiver's monetary value. If I was trying to kill your precious rating, wouldn't it sound logical to give it "one-star" across the board? "Go play in traffic" Was that supposed to be funny by chance? Bob, I pity you and your cheaply manufactured shakespearian old english imitations.

TO EVERYONE ELSE: Sorry that you were forced to read this little response to Bob and Roy, as there isn't much in it that adds to the 5800 itself. My purpose was to inform, not to slander. If you didn't see it that way, take a look at Bob, is that who you want to be like?? All in all, the 5800 isn't a bad piece of equipment, at least it isn't a Sony or Pioneer receiver. If I HAD to buy a receiver for 4 grand, the 5800 would be game, but for 4 grand, seperates are a very attractive alternative. Once again I apologize, Enjoy the music!


THX CERTIFICATION IS 85% MARKETING, 15% BENCHMARKING.

Absolutely everything

None

Perfection in a box. Flawless sonically. I have owned , repaired , and listened to hundreds of receivers. Nothing is close to the 5800. Best receiver in the world by a wide margin.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo989, Yamaha RXV1, Marantz SR18, B&K202

Everything.......

None

This is a followup to my previous review. With my system I find that using the Digital (Toslink) for DVD movies is outstanding. I prefer using coax from my DVD player to the 5800 CD input for music. The music sounds fuller, smoother with more pleasing highs and an enhanced bass.
A good friend came over to hear the 5800. He has separates (Acuras/Lexicon) and has a very good ear for music. He brought over some mobile fidelity cd's and Jurasic Park in DTS. Jurasic park sounded great, I have a rear center channel and the 5800 used it well. He was impressed with the 5800 musically also.
All I can comment on is how my system sounds with music and with coax it takes your breath away. The 5800 drives my Snell's with no problem. The full range and sound stage is excellent. Digital input makes the music sound anticeptic, too clean...the highs have too much edge and the bass gets slightly clipped. We did a digital to coax comparison just switching the 5800 on input. There is a very noticable difference.
My DVD player is a Yamaha 996 (New Model) and my main speakers are Snell D's. If possible try the 5800 at home to see how it matches up with your system. Over time I have become more convinced I made the right choice.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha DSP-A3090

Great on Surround Sound Material

2 Channel Stereo

This is a update to my first review of the Denon 5800.Having played movies for the first week I owned the unit,I was very Impressed with the surround seperation and DTS DVD movies..BUT when I listened to music in direct 2 channel mode, there seemed to be something missing, the depth of the instruments being played seemed flat...I then stopped by my local Audio Store to listen to the 5800 with different speaker combinations, thinking that it just may be my speakers.This is where I first listened to the Denon and I thought the unit sounded good...BUT there was a new Receiver sitting by the 5800.It was a B&K AVR307, so I thought I would take a listen to the B&K. This is when the whole ballgame changed.... as soon as I Listened to the AVR307, the depth and low end punch on my cd,s were OUTSTANDING!!!.The sound in 2 channel mode blew away the denon 5800 in back and forth comparisons on every music selection I made. The surround sound was just as good and clear as the Denon. I was so knocked out by the B&K that I rushed home and boxed my denon up and returned the unit to the place of purchase.I now have the depth and punch that I was missing. I'm not saying the Denon is a bad unit, in fact if I had not listened to a side by side comparison with the B&K I still would own the Denon.The surround sound on the Denon was very clean, and so is the B&K. Both units are THX EX Ultra rated and at the top of there classes, But at 200.00 cheaper and far better 2 channel sound the B&K is at the TOP of THE Class!!! DO yourself a favor if you are in the market for a top end receiver, compare these units against each other and listen for yourself, I think you will be amazed at what you here.....I WAS!!!

Surround settings, Video and Audio (digital) inputs

Remote you can not sceen the screen properly and will not program some remotes functions.

I had 2 5700 and replace one with the 5800. In surround mode I cant really tell the difference in sound compared to the 5700.
In the audio mode using the digital input and in direct mode I have found the the 5700 has a cleaner and more detailed sound. They both have AL24 on the left & right channels but the 5700 used Burr Brown DA converters I dont know if this is the reason but the 5700 sounds better on music. The 5800 sounds flat.
I dont use the built in amps for the front channels so it is not the amp giving the different sound.
Bryston 4B ST Front speakers
Bryston 4NRB for 2x12" NHT sub
Paradign Studio 100 front
Paradign Studio center
Paradign Studio 20 rear

Similar Products Used:

Denon 3600 and still use a 5700 in the bedroom.

7 channels of 170 watt power, DTS ES, etc.

Nothing at all

Before deciding on the 5800 I thought I wanted separates. A Lexicon DC-2 list price is $4000.00 and then I would need 7 channel amplification which would consist 1 five channel and a 2 channel amp which would cost over $2000.00. I then reviewed what the 5800 offered at almost half the price. The 5800 offers so many advanced features, lots of clean power and a great remote. So after much review I ordered the 5800. The $3800.00 price tag is higher than the majority of recievers on the market, but if this is what your looking for only you can put a price on your enjoyment.
I left the unit on for 36 hours to burn it in. I have never heard the fan no matter what I use it for. There is absolutely no hiss or noise from this unit.
The pure direct does a great job. I find the 5800 so clean that I crank the volume to drive my Snells loud and listen to see how good the CD is laid down. The 5800 will show a poor recording. A good recording like DCC's and Mobile fidelity CD's make you want to sit and enjoy.
I rented the Haunting in DTS ES the other day and my house shook. I am running 5 speakers right now, I'd like to get a set of dipoles for the sides to really see what the DTS ES can do. With 5 speakers there is a well balanced soundfield once you have it set up for your room. Take the time to setup the system and tinker with it to suit your likes.
I like that the fibre optics inputs are assignable and there are 8 of them. RF input for your AC-3 laserdisk player, and lots of hookups. You'll have a way to hook any thing to this and still not run out of connections.
If the 5800 fits your needs give it some definite consideration. It is 62 lbs and has specifics on how much space around it you must have for proper cooling so plan accordingly.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha DSP-A3090

Features, setup, Inputs/Outputs, 7 Channel amp

Sound, size, weight, price

Wanted to upgrade from Denon 3300. Had a resonably good 5800 demo in the store so decided to try at home after all the great revs I heard.

Installed home and was initially very dissapointed, decided to let burn in for week. Still same sound, cold highs, boomy low end (even without sub) and washed out mid (voices). Returned for another one, still same annoying sound no matter what mode or setup. Even had the sales guy come in and set it up correctly. After 2 hours of tweeking and showing me how to get the sound "perfect", he declared I had a damn good system, better than the one in the store; I don't get that? Finally, I gave up after 3 weeks of fine tuning the 2nd model and settled on the Marantz SR-18, not great but better.

System consists of Denon DVD, M&K THX5000 speaker system, Kimber interconnects and cables, Toshiba 52". Tested on Saving Provate Ryan DTS, Lost in Space, Armageddon, SuperSpeedway, A Bugs Life,...

Very dissapointed.

Similar Products Used:

Denon 3300, 5700, 4800, Marantz SR-18, SR-19

The Policy states: "Do not post a product review unless you own or have used the product" - notice the "or". If the policy was intended to solicit reviews only from owners, it would not include "or have used the product". Elsewhere, the policy reads: "Post reviews only for products you have used firsthand and write only one review per product." Here, there is no mention of ownership.

People who carefully and critically use the product in a store may not have the same insight as those who purchase and use it for weeks and months, but these people still are entitled to share their opinions and thoughts, as long as they are being honest. If there is an honest reason why someone chose not to buy a product, I for one would be interested to hear about it. Excluding reviews from those who chose not to purchase an item is not in the best interest of perspective buyers. This site is not intended to make people feel good about their recent purchase decisions, but rather to help people make a good decision in the first place.

Quit writing reviews for something you don't own!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After receiving several emails, I have to post that there was a typo in the price I paid. It was supposed to be $3800 instead of $2800. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Unit still exceeding expectations. It will take anything you throw at it and ask for more. Outstanding.