I've had the 2800 for about two weeks now and am very happy. I spent months researching and reading reveiws on the receivers from onkyo, pioneer and sony and I never read anything too bad about denon. So I went with the 2800 and it seems to drive my polk speakers just fine. The only thing that bothers me about this receiver is the lack of buttons on the unit for source selection and so far the pro-logic performance has been underwhelming. On DTS and dolby digital though it can't be beat and the 5ch stereo mode is great also. For only $600 this receiver a bargin. I spent $1100 on my old onkyo and this beats it easy. Five Stars. I wanted to thank all of you for posting reviews and the people who manage this web site, everyone keep up the good work.

Great effect with my NHT 2.9 and 1.5

lock of power

I use this Denon 2800 with my NHT 2.9s (front) and 1.5s (rear). I got great effect both when listening music and watch movie. However, it really get some problem to handle high frequency sound at big volumn. I think it is probably because of lacking of power to drive the power hungery NHT 2.9. Other than that, I really like it. But now I am thinking to upgrade it with something more powerful such as 3300.

Remote.

This is a great unit. The price on Ubid.com was very good. The unit has performed flawlessly since initial hook up. All modes work excellent, easy switching once you get used to the remote. I especially like the 5 channel stereo when watching TV, it is amazing. Overall, my opinion is that nothing compares for this price range.

Similar Products Used:

JVC, Marantz

Good looks, descent sound quality

Very anoying hissing sound on analog Mode (not listenable)

Ever since I got it, there has been a problem with it when using it in Analog mode. The surround speakers hiss a lot making weird noises and don't work properly when using Dolby Pro Logic, 5 channel stereo or certain other DSP modes such as Rock Arena, Video Game, Matrix, etc. The front speakers work fine. The problem is not with my speakers, I checked. Under Digital mode, everything works fine and I have no problem at all. I asked someone who had the same unit than I and he had already had the same problem. He took the unit to get repaired and was told that the Analog Chip was defective. Somehow, I have a bad feeling this is linked with the fact it was refurbished. I hope not. Anyway, can anyone suggest what I should do and has this problem ever occur to you? I know that my warranty is no good in Canada because I bought it in the US. Even if I had to send it to a Denon center in the US, I would have to pay the shipping charges and it would be a hassle doing paperwork for the borders. Does anyone know how much it would cost (in US $) to repair or change the analog chip on the A/V 2800?

Please let me know at freezelan@hotmail.com

Thanks in advance.

Similar Products Used:

none

Fantastic sound in stereo and music modes. Lots of power, no hiss or distortion.

The remote and the manual.

I recently decided to upgrade my receiver to take advantage of Dolby Digital and DTS and traded my old Sony for a new Sony receiver. It was very good in home theatre mode but not great for music listening. After reading this site I came across Denon receivers and auditioned one at my local store. Loved the clean sound, the power and simplicity of the unit. The Sony had more fancy lights and DSP modes but most of them are rarely used and its musical power was weak and created a noticable hiss and an overall hollow sound. Thank you to my fellow Canadians who e-mailed me with the prices you paid. This helped me negotiate a very good deal at an end of year clearance sale. The store took back my Sony receiver no questions asked even though I had already thrown out the box, so I was more than impressed with their service. I believe that this receiver will keep me happy for many years to come.

Similar Products Used:

Sony STR DE 845, SOny STRD 911

Amplification, musicality, Home Theater

Takes some time to get used to control functions

My system consists of a Denon AVR-2800 Receiver ($650), Acoustic Research AR7 Towers ($700), Toshiba SD-2200 DVD ($220), Sony 5 disc CD player and Tara Labs Prism Biwire wire – most of which I’ve owned and used for about one year. I also have a JBL center and AR surrounds. This system replaced a Sony pro-logic based system that I used for 5 years. My main objective for my new system was primarily for music listening and secondarily for HT. Good amplification (not super-expensive) was my primary technical consideration. My music taste varies between alternative rock to well-recorded jazz and occasional strays into other semi-popular genres (I do not listen to classical although I suspect that I will begin to appreciate it more as I reach seniority). I feel that musical taste has a major impact on audio system ratings.

I read reviews on this site for about three months and auditioned several receivers and speakers during that time at local audio stores. I used audioreview to narrow my choice of receivers down to the Denon, Yamaha and Onkyo – all priced about the same. I also considered separates, but after considering price/performance ratios and the kilowatts consumed by big amps, I decided to search for a good integrated amp that wont blow a hole in the wallet.

Honestly, I think any one of the above mentioned receivers would have done a good job of fulfilling my expectations. I chose the Denon because I did not read any major weaknesses outside of the manual and remote (who cares about that anyway) and since my motivation was music listening, neither of those were going to have a negative impact. Also, the price was right (about $650 at BrandsMart USA).

Front, main speaker auditioning proved to be the most interesting aspect of my purchasing research experience. I wanted towers (they tend to use bigger drivers which move more air and have more punch) so I began by listening to B&W’s and Klipsh (if you want to hear a real difference in speakers, this comparison is a great place to start). The B&W’s were nice, warm and neutral sounding while the Klipsh were louder and had a very strong mid-range (great for rock fans). Neither speaker thrilled me - again, it really has to do with taste. The B&W’s sounded a little muddy when played loud and I guessed I would suffer extended listening fatigued from using the Klipsh (my listening room is approx 15 feet wide by 25 long, with high ceilings and carpeted floor - not bad, but I would prefer a wider orientation with the front speakers). Then I listenened to NHT’s - they were by far, superior to my ears (my favorite test CD is anything from Dave Matthews Band). Unfortunately, the NHT’s were beyond my budget ($1,100+) and I didn’t care for the glossy black finish and angular styling (Yuck! The wife would not be pleased!).

Then I serendipitously stumbled upon the Acoustic Research AR Towers. Wow! Very impressive bottom, musical and efficient. What I enjoy the most is the clarity of these speakers coupled with good punch and efficiency. Although these speakers are very efficient they are not fatiguing. I think AR does this by tweaking the frequency response in certain mid-frequencies (400-500 Hz) – you can pseudo-verify this using a good, frequency test CD and a sound level meter, tested outside to eliminate room effects. If there is one draw back to these speakers is that the side-firing woofers need plenty of power (mid-volume+) to get them going (I suppose I may need a sub, a separate amp to drive the woofers or a better room to exploit the bottom end better). However, this apparent weakness only occurs at low volumes (heck, it could be my hearing!?). I welcome suggestions other than the obvious “get a sub dude”. I wired these using the Prism Biwires. My next upgrade is a CD player to replace my current 6 year-old Sony 5 disc. I’m looking forward to more research and auditioning.

Overall, I’m very stoked on my system. I recently played an IMAX documentary named “The Magic of Flight” which is a DTS based film based around the Blue Angels. I was nearly startled out of my seat during one take-off scene…I thought the windows in my room were going to explode!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for price/performance ratio oriented audio enthusiasts!

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha, Onkyo

Lots of clean power, even for big speakers!

Not a lot of basic remote progams; have had to "learn" them all.

I love clean, loud music, and this Denon beautifully powers some 4-ohm 250W speakers. I believe Denon is the best way to go, without spending thousands (and Ovation must feel the same way since they use them in their displays). I am definitely recommending Denon to my friends. One little thing, is I have had to "learn" the remote to use an RCA TV and DVD, and Pioneer CD player. One might think that these would be common, but not so.

This receiver is probably the best unit in the price range OF $600.00. DOLBY DIGITAL, DTS DECODERS ON BOARD. 3 Optical inputs to cover my sat. and dvd player. Plays all 5 speakers in regular listening mode. easy set up for the home theater system as well. I purchased my unit at www.sounddistributors for $625.00 - they have them in stock. It is about time these manufacturers packaged a receiver at the right price!! great job.

I purchased the AVR 2800 from AVI Electronics at a price of $550. So far I have been extremely pleased with the product. Boy does this kick out some serious bass!!
Speakers used were the Polks RM6500.

the price on this receiver is $800.00 not $650.00 or $600.00. A great value receiver, I have looked at everything and think this is the one for home theater.