Great amp, versatile, good value

remote's a little stingy with the learn functions, but can be worked around.

Wow. I wanted Dolby Digital so I replaced a Sony GX800ES Pro Logic receiver with much trepidation because the Sony had a gorgeous, musical sound. I'd have been happy with sound that was as good but the Denon is subtly but noticably better. Using a 24-bit digital input for the CD player is part of the improvement, but even through the analog inputs the AVR2800 has all of the warmth and power with what I would describe as an added transparency and smoothness without brightness. And Dolby Digital performance is jaw-dropping (haven't been able to try DTS yet). So much for the intangibles. I really am thrilled with the unit and it has transformed my system. And the price is definitely right -- I did the research and I don't think there's a comparable package in this price range (under $600). Too many features to describe here but a few observations:

-the learning remote has some challenges but works great once set up. It uses a sliding switch to select which component you're controlling, and each position on the switch controls an audio and a video component; you select audio or video with another switch. Because it uses the number keys to select inputs, you have to sacrifice numerical entry on at least one audio component if you really do have a CD player AND a MiniDisc player AND a DAT machine. I don't so I just used the MD position to learn extra functions for my CD player. Similarly, I used the VDP (video disc player ?!) position to learn extra functions for my VCR, which was necessary because the only buttons available at the actual VCR position were the basic transport controls (not even TV/VCR! for shame!) The whole setup has me sliding those switches around a little more than I'd like, but when all is said and done the thing does actually control my whole system down to menus, TV picture adjustment, the works (even front speaker switching, a nice touch). And the macros are really fun.

- The manual is a little fuzzy with regard to the Dolby Digital indicator on the receiver's display. The display reads "PRO LOGIC" until a movie with Dolby Digital is actually playing, at which point it changes to "DOLBY D." Hit pause and it's back to "PRO LOGIC." A little confusing at first. Accordingly certain parameters like dynamics compression can't be toggled unless the movie's actually playing, which isn't ideal. The manual also doesn't mention that if the receiver detects a Dolby Digital signal from an input it cancels any DSP Simulation setting you have and defaults to Dolby Digital Surround. This is actually fine most of the time. But there are DVDs of classic films ("High Noon" for example) that output a mono soundtrack in Dolby Digital format (center channel only). It would be nice if you could use a DSP like "Mono Movie" in such a case without having to use the DVD player's analog outputs. Quibbles aside, the receiver is actually much more elegantly designed than it seems from reading the manual. All the information is there but it's laid out in an arbitrary and compartmentalized way. The unit itself is very intuitive.

I took my time choosing this receiver and I've never been happier with a new purchase.

well designed power amp section, loads of multi-channel features, strong looks.

none

Good looks, lots of AV inputs and outputs and a remote, that
after a little effort, does keep you from spending another
90 bucks on a universal replacement! Sound was easy from this receiver, driving my ADS 810's, which love a lot of power. Soon to be moved to the rear and replaced by ar7s.
This receiver is heads above others at its price point,
easy to live with at 580 bucks.

Similar Products Used:

hk receivers.

Integrated features, versatile decoding circuitry

manual

This is my first receiver in a long time. I used to be quite an audiophile (with the empty wallet to match) so I tend to listen with a critical ear. The receiver powers Celestion 5's/Celestion Centre 2 in the front, Rogers LS3/5A's in the rear and a Mission subwoofer. All in all, I like the unit very much. I'm a first time DVD person, so there are many things I'm unfamiliar with, so I pleased I can at least just switch it to Dolby Pro Loic, auto-detect the incoming digital signal, drop a DVD in and go. If I were to use the receiver for mostly music then I'd probably not be so enthusiastic, but it's exciting to play a recently released DVD and get the whole surround experience. Now if only my TV were larger...

It's a Denon...nuff said!

Mine tends to run a little on the warm side.

When I auditioned the receivers for my next purchase, I figured on Sony's DB line winning me over for the simple motivation of price vs value. The Sony STR-DB930 is a helluva receiver. I wound up finding it at several places through Buyingedge.com for around $415 shipped. When I compared it to the Denon AVR-2800 in stereo mode I couldn't find alot of difference as far as tone quality and amplitude. Then the salesman put in Clapton's DTS disc and I fell in love. Mind you, I had never listened, nor even thought about Denon, because they are just too damn expensive. I knew I could buy the Sony over the Net and had no clue about the Denon. When I heard the sales guy say Denon was the best receiver around under $1000, my ears pricked up. Needless to say, I came home and searched for what seemed like months for a Denon dealer I could trust. DO NOT BUY FROM UNCLE'S STEREO. I looked and looked and wanted to buy from Sound Distributors, but they don't take Discover, so that nixed that deal. I lucked upon a place called Sound Professionals. They matched Sound Distributors price of $625 and shipped it double boxed for free. I probably could have haggled a little bit, but I was real nervous about getting a dud, and the guy from Sound Professionals was very courteous and didn't push at all. Most of those guys talk a mile a minute and hang up on if you aren't going to buy right then. I made sure to ask him about the condition of the receiver and he assured me the receiver would be factory fresh. He emailed me the tracking number once it was shipped and I received it on XMAS Eve. If you can imagine a better XMAS present, let me know because I can't. I still haven't completely set it up like I want it, but the sound is incredible. I'm upgrading from a Sony STR-DE615 and the Sony has no business in the same zip code as this receiver. First thing you'll notice is the weight, 28lbs. The thing is a tank, and sing? It sings like a bird. People say that when you upgrade audio equipment, you hear stuff in recordings, that you've never heard before. Oh man, I going to have to listen to everything in my collection, because it's as if the songs are brand new. I think the remote is pretty cool. Its built solidly and the buttons are a big enough for me. The real test will happen tomorrow when it gets pushed through the demands of a 5.1 soundtrack. I'll post an update in a few weeks after I've broken her in. If you haven't been to the Denon site, GO! The opening "Welcome to Denon" voice probably sells at least 100 receivers/day alone. Email me with any ?'s. If you do buy mailorder...go to Audiosurvey.com and check out the reviews of the places to order from. I've heard disaster stories about Joemommacomputer.com also, so be on your toes.

J

Similar Products Used:

Sony STR-DB930, Sony STR-333ES, Denon AVR-1700

none

everything

I posted a review and someone removed it!
Denon has the worst customer service ever!
I wouldent buy anything from them again!
Buyers beware Denon has a pre set limit on repairs and if your repair excedes there limit your unit wont get fixed!
I had blown dsp chips from the time i first pluged this thing in!
If denon had fixed there mistake i would have purchased another receiver in the future but instead i bought a B&K and its the greatest!

Similar Products Used:

b&k Yamaha

The best DTS/5.1 iv ever herd.Style,look.

Romote is hard to learn.

This is my first DTS and I love it.I had a marantz 5.1 and upgraded to this Denon,The Matrix sounded like a hole new movie! I cant say enough about this fine reciever.

Similar Products Used:

Marantz/Pioneer/onkeo

Clear, great detail, solid build.

none so far.

Bought the AVR-2800 at www.joemommacomputer.com for $538 including tax and shipping. Sounding great so far. The detail is really good, i'm hearing things that i've never heard before on many of my CD's. The remote is fine, kinda bulky and very retro looking. Overall very pleased. COuldn't justify spending the extra money on the AVR-3300, and the Yamaha's are way too bright. Didn't try the Onkyo's, too good a deal on the Denon.

price and quality.

Remote takes a little time to get used to.

I put this reciever with a set or Atlantic Technology system 350 speaks and there is no hum or distortion. I can really crank it up and it sounds great. Sounds superb with DVD movies. I like it so far.

Sound, price was pretty good, and all the other things that count

Remote so far seems odd, harder to set up than the Sony, thats about it

Ok, this is my first review of the Denon. I got it today, and I figure I will post an initial feelings review, and then after a month or so I will post an updated review.

This is what I think so far:

Prior to this, I purchased a Sony STR-DB930. It was the WORST purchase of my life. There was a loud hiss coming from all the speakers at any volume. There was a hum from the subwoofer and the speakers. The thing was a piece.

I returned it and ordered the more expensive, but better Denon, a week later it came. This seems like a very good idea. There is no hum, there is no hiss. The sound seems crisper, the subwoofer seems more effective. It took me hours to set everything up and get used to it. (Still not 100% on the remote.)

One thing I haven't gotten yet is FM radio set up yet. Someone please e-mail me and tell me how to set this up. The manual tells you to upen up the coaxial connecter case and put the stripped FM wire in there. That is what I had to do with the Sony, so it sounded easy enough. But the FM wire that it comes with has this "box" thing at the end. It is kind of like a cylinder that covers about half an inch at the end. Do you just slide it in the back of the coaxial connecter case? I tried that and it didn't work. It is probably something simple that I am missing, but any help would be nice.

The other thing that I am not sure if I like is the remote. In the reviews everyone said they hated the remote, but they said the same thing about the Sony's remote and I liked it, so I didn't know if I should believe it. Well I definately see why people hate it. It is ugly, complicated, and overall a pain in the ass. I haven't gotten it set for any of my components except for my Denon DCM-370 CD Changer, but that's because it doesn't need to be set. I have a Proscan TV, a Proscan DVD player, and a Sony VCR. If anyone has gotten the remote set up with Proscan products, tell me how, I haven't figured that out yet either.

Now on to more technical stuff. A lot of inputs, don't use them all, but it's nice to have them. I am using a digital coaxial input for CD player and optical for DVD and I am pleased with the quality of the sound. My first test was the Matrix lobby shooting spree, and it passed that with flying colors. It plays CD's A LOT better than the Sony which is a very good thing. Speakers were easy to set up with the Banana plugs, and they sound great. Fewer Sound Fields than the Sony, but you only need 1 or 2, so big deal. I kind of miss church though, that was a fun field. On Screen Display took me a while to get working, but I got it up and it was easy enough to setup.

That is all I have to say now. So far I am very pleased, but I was the same way with the Sony. Hopefully, this one won't fail me.

Similar Products Used:

Sony STR-DB930

Unit has incredible overall sound quality, ease of setup and interface, expandability.

Lack of bass output or ability to modify bass output, remote useless

Overall I'm very happy with this receiver. I paid $595 at Sound City by mail order, painless purchase, but you better have an idea what you want already because customer service stinks. The units expandablity and setup were excellent, but what's with no surround pre-outs? 3 optical and one coax digital input are more than enough, and 5.1 ext input is almost a necessity at this stage of the game. Most of all, the Dolby Digital sound is excellent. Very clean, with excellent dynamic range and great bass and treble on movie soundtracks. Listening to CDs, however, seems to lack a little in the bass dept. I've tried all kinds of setups, but I think I just need to learn a new way to listen to music. Overall, its a great receiver to use for both movies and music, but movies (DD especially) are definitely it forte. I give it 5 stars for value, but only 4 stars overall. This is mainly due to its bass output and lack of any significant DSP. I won't knock it for the remote because how many people actually use their original receiver remote anyway??