Denon AVR-1801 A/V Receivers

Denon AVR-1801 A/V Receivers 

USER REVIEWS

Showing 71-80 of 114  
[Sep 13, 2000]
Tony Francis
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Clean looks. Plenty of power. Very clean sounding. No hiss or hum. Runs cool.

Weakness:

I don't like the remote that much; it's impossible to use in a dark room. Not much else.

After my terrible experience with the Sony, it’s easy to talk about a good sounding receiver. This unit sounds great. I was pretty ignorant about what 75w/channel is versus 100w/channel. Let me tell you that what one vendor tells you is 100watts per channel may be true, but only if that’s the only channel outputting at any given time. At first I wasn’t interested in this receiver because I didn’t think it had enough power. Then I heard it playing in a huge showroom. It sounds really good. It sounds better at my house.

I like movies and music loud, but I haven’t turned this unit above 0 (volume from –60 – +18). The bass rocks and the sound is clear. I like the different surround modes.

The only thing I don’t like about this unit is the remote. I always watch movies in the dark. The remote isn’t backlit, so there’s no way to see any of the buttons. I haven’t memorized where the buttons are by feel yet, so I have to turn on the light. Other than that, I have nothing but praise for this unit.

I seem to have paid more for this model than most, but I don’t think it was a bad deal and I’d do it again. Because of the experience I had with my Sony, I wanted to be able to return the unit immediately if I didn’t like it. This kept me from buying on Ebay for potentially much less.

I find this unit to be comparable to my Yamaha. That unit failed last year and was an older model. It’s hard to say now because it’s been awhile, but I think it had a bit of hiss. This unit has none, unless you put your ear inside the speaker.

I think this would be a great receiver for someone starting a new system. I went in wanting another Yamaha. I’m glad I couldn’t find one. My salesman said that the Yamaha’s you find at Best Buy and the Denon’s you find at Sears are knock-offs. He said they both carry the brand name but that they use inferior parts. I can’t verify this and have seen nothing to support it (although I haven’t checked) but you may want to look into it if you're considering buying at either. I had planned to buy the Yamaha HTR-5250 but Best Buy was out of them. I’m glad. I love the Denon.
Thanks for the great reviews

Similar Products Used:

Sony STR-DE545 (I've reviewed this sorry unit previously)
Yamaha RX-V1050

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Dec 18, 2000]
Mike
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

power even with 70 watts RMS. style. Dolby Digital, dts, stays cool even with running for hours.

Weakness:

the remote, no pre-outs for surround to matrix dolby digital EX or dtsES yourself.

I first purchased the Yamaha RX-V596 to compliment my Pioneer Elite DV-05. At first I was pleased with the sound even with its brightness to it. But I took it back when I found that the auto switching (dts, DD, or Analog)had a considerable delay (annoying to me)that would distract from layer switches on DVD.
I hesitated to take the Denon home but with the warm sound that it generates, I dont regret it any bit. I thought I couldn't have my Mission 700 & 701 speakers sound so good!
Thankfully it switches the format a lot quicker than the Yamaha.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha RX-V596

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Dec 18, 2000]
MOE
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

everything

Weakness:

no pre outs for surrounds

this is to offset the last review. first of all, the guy is not reviewing the correct receiver. second, JVC???????????? this guy is a pro? well, my Denon has performed without a flaw. I was a Yamaha guy for years. I owned the Yamaha rxv496, 795a and tried the 596. All good units. Denon kicks their butts in overall musical quality. in my opinion, the last reviewer didnt do something right if his JVC sounded better. everyone has an opinion but please, JVC????

Similar Products Used:

yamaha pioneer elite

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Feb 16, 2001]
Steve
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Simple design,5 Channel Stereo, DTS/DD and CD sound

Weakness:

You guessed it! Remote

After enduring the Technics for two years, my local Technics/Denon dealer gave me a decent trade and I got myself a quality receiver again. The technics was OK as an entry into DVD and 6 channel sound but for music it sucked and it ran hot enough to help heat my basement on these long Canadian winter nights.
I also looked at getting Yamaha as I have had good luck with them, but I was unable to get a good trade and I really liked the looks and quality of the Denon. The Denon matches nicely to my Paradigm HT system. I immediately noticed a difference when listening to music, the midrange was cleared up and the bottom end tighter on my PDR 10. The setup was simple.
What I enjoy most about the unit is its simplicity (other than the crowded remote, which I have sinced replaced with a great radio shack 15-1994 see my review, yes I said Radio Shack). The auto signal detect is awesome as is the 5 channel stereo. I use the 5 channel stereo alot but not all the time depending on the CD, but it is clear and clean not gimmicky at all unlike some other manufacturers. The Digital Sound via DD and DTS is also great. I have not regretted my purchase at all, other than my heating costs have gone up now that my new receiver runs so cool.

Similar Products Used:

Technics SA-x6, Yamaha Pro-logic

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
4
[Apr 30, 2001]
Louis Deppe
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Quality of sound, DTS, 5 Channel Stereo

Weakness:

I agree with most of teh reviews, remote could be a little better. Difficulty in getting remote to work with other non Denon products.

Absolutely awesome receiver, everything I want, need and more. I have connected the amp to my Tannoy MX2 (rear) MX4 (front) MX Centre and MX Sub. Fantastic quality and clarity of sound. The setup is exceptionally easy. It is also quick and easy to fine tune channel volume settings to uniquely suit each recording. With 5 Channel stereo who needs any of the other surround effect the volume of my room is +- 140m3. The sound quality at high volume is exceptional with absolutely no distortion. I am certainly glad that I did not choose any of the other candidates, Yamaha RX 596, Sony Str De 545. I was also very keen on the Marantz SR7000, the Denon in my opinion easily matches up. One thing is for sure my neighbours will be complaining shortly. I am not an expert but in my opinion great AVR.

Similar Products Used:

Aiwa, Sony, Pioneer

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Apr 20, 2001]
Jeff
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Clean sound, 5 channel stereo

Weakness:

remote, spring clips for surrounds, no front av jacks

Current Setup with Denon 1801 receiver:

Mains: Klipsch SF1
Center: Klipsch SC1
Surrounds: Klipsch SS1
Subwoofer: Paradigm PW 2200
DVD: Panasonic A110

There really is no comparison between the Technics I replaced with the Denon 1801. While the Technics played loud, it was almost unbearably harsh. Thankfully, it would quickly get hot and start to cut off. The Denon though rated at 70 watts still plays loud. It does it staying cool and playing cleanly. With the Paradigm sub, there is plenty of bass-enough to rattle the dishes in the cupboards if you so desire. I've yet to decide which I most prefer, the 5 channel or the matrix stereo. Either way, your surrounds will get a good workout and you should be able to fill full of sound a decent sized listening room.

The remote is near useless as a universal remote-it does not have a numeric keypad. How does one quickly from channel 36 to 63 without using numbers? Furthermore, the buttons are very tiny and for whatever reason, the unit is narrower at the front than at the back. I invariably pick it up upside down. I've sinced purchased a RadioShack 7 in one remote. It does well but will not switch the Denon into DVD mode. Since I have to get up to put in the DVD anyway, it's not too much a problem.

The spring clips for the surrounds are functional, but I feel more confident in 5 way binding posts. The lack of front av jacks means I have to keep a cable plugged in to the back and running to the front for quick hookup of video game player/camcorder/vcr when needed. The receiver does look cleaner in the front without the jacks however.

Overall, this is an excellent unit for someone who wants 5 channel dts and doesn't want to break the bank to get it. You get significantly better sound quality than units costing just $150 less and you have the confidence of the Denon label.

Similar Products Used:

Technics SAX 920

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
4
[Jun 10, 2001]
Steve
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Everything.

Weakness:

None

I researched buying a receiver for months, and i finally decided on the Denon 1801. For its price AUD1000, it had more features, better sound than any other brand avaible in Australia.

Dolby 5.1 and DTS both sound awesome. (DTS on Gladitor sounds so much than the Dolby version). It has heaps of power, so don't let the fact that it is only rated at 70 Watts RMS put you off, as it more than enough power for most people.

It has heaps of Inputs and Outputs, including a Phono which is a huge plus. One small let down is that the rear channel speaker connections are the spring loaded type and not binding posts.

The remote control isn't anywhere near as bad as everyone makes it out to be. I can control almost everything with it (TV, VCR & DVD) it is layed out logically. I could think of a few small changes to make to it, ie glowing buttons etc. but it is very easy to pick up and get used to very quickly.

Overall, i think this is an excellent receiver for the price, with heaps of features, it sounds excellent and looks awesome. Also if you have a choice, get the Gold one, it looks heaps better than the black one which looks very plain.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Apr 13, 2001]
Scott
Audio Enthusiast

Weakness:

Remote...yuk! Strange antenna

Don't let the remote stop you from buying the 1801. Plenty of power to push my home theater set-up. I have med. sized bookshelf speakers and would recommend the 2801 if you have large speakers. I replaced an older Pioneer pro-logic receiver. What a difference! Set-up was a breeze. I thought the manual was easy to read. Step by step instructions, doesn't get easier then that. Oh ya, the antenna is a bit odd, but nothing to worry about. All in all, I'm very pleased with my purchase. Great receiver at a great price!

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Apr 18, 2001]
Big Bear
Audio Enthusiast

Weakness:

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Similar Products Used:

Yamaha 592, but it sucks! No bass at all...

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Apr 18, 2001]
Big Bear
Audio Enthusiast

Weakness:

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°¨¤W¥h¶R§a¡AªB¤Í¡I§O¦AÁζY·³¤ë°Õ...

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha 592, but it sucks! No bass at all...

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
Showing 71-80 of 114  

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