Everything regarding Music (Sound, Power, Surround Modes) Bass adjustment is not "Boomy" like most are.

Light makes me feel power supply and Heatsinks are undersized. Remote is marginally useful, Horrible Ergonomics.

I have received quite a few emails on various questions, I will try to address them here.

First off, Compared to my Sony ES, the sound is very powerful. The bass is every bit as strong as the sony was. The surround modes are amazing, there is amazing channel seperation, it is hard to keep up with so many sounds coming from each speaker yet the Denon never ceases to stop pounding them out. Sound is very clear, no buzzes, no "noise", nothing -- and I'm running 6-ohm speakers!

As to the ergonomics, they suck. If you are like me and believe that the best signal (video) is to run a cable directly from the device into the TV, then this unit can be a pain. Why? Because whenever you want to adjust ANYTHING, you need to switch to whichever input on your TV that corresponds to the monitor-out of the denon. No surround/tone/channel level settings can be done without hooking this up to your TV and doing it onscreen. This is a big dissapointment because using the button on the remote, the face of the denon will show what the bass/treble, etc... is yet it will not allow you to change them. This makes changing the bass/treble/surround settings a long process (You will get the settings changed by the time the song is over.)

If you want something that is easy to control, get a Sony. I feel they are by far the easiest and "smartest" ergonomically speaking, to use. I have however had many problems sonically with Sony ES in the past, and their current ES line is low on new features such as DTS-ES and DPL-II.

If you want something that (I feel) is sonically the best for your money, and ergonomics is no object, then go with this Denon (Or the 3802 if you got a few more Ben Franklin's sitting around)

If you want something with almost as good quality/features, yet easier to use, then I would suggest the H/K AVR310. (Not the 210, the remote is not a learning type.)

After using this guy for a while, I am going to take the overall down to 4 stars because of the ergonomics. I still love it and recommend it to anyone, for the price it cannot be beat, but if the Denon people would make changing some settings easier (Not requiring to hook up to TV is a good start) I could give it 5 stars.

Similar Products Used:

Sony GX800ES, H/K AVR210

Rated power output is 90 watts, but this is under rated.
Progressive scan feature. Matrix 6.1 decoding. Glow-Key programmable/learning remote features TV, VCR, DVD codes from other manufacturers; Glow in the dark main function keys.

none so far

After shopping around for a receiver for my very 1st home theater setup I narrowed my selection down to either a Yamaha or Denon receiver. I went with the Denon because in my mind they are mid to high end and very reputable. I was not dissapointed. I have the setup in a fairly large room with 23 1/2 foot vaulted ceilings. The receiver is mated to a Klipsch Reference series setup with the following speakers. RB5-2, RC3, RS-3 and a KSW-15 to round it out. After placing the speakers on the floor and hooking them up, I decided on trying MI-2 out first. I was blown away by this setup. I have listened to a few home theaters and for the money, I feel I did pretty well. Anyway to make a long story short this receiver easily runs the above mentioned speakers. It is rated at 90 watts per channel, but seems to put out way more than the rated power output. I can recommend this receiver if you are looking for a mid-high end receiver to complement a home theater.

DPL II, DTS-ES, 6-Channel Power, Sound Quality, Component Video Switching

Same terrible remote as the 2801

I upgraded to this new model from the 2801. My main reasons for upgrading were to gain component video switching and Dolby Pro Logic II. The other benefits of upgrading were getting a 6th channel of power and the accompanying formats (DTS-ES, DTS-NEO, 6-CH Stereo, etc.).

Just the DPL II alone made this upgrade worth the expense. I couldn't believe how much better it sounds than regular DPL. I use this receiver for Home Theater 95% of the time, with about 90% of that being TV/SAT. (The other 10% DVD) My first tastes of DPL II were with U-571 and The Mexican on SAT. U-571 sounded incredible! I don't have a DD capable SAT receiver and there aren't many DD SAT broadcasts anyway, so any improvement over regular DPL was of great interest to me. DPL sounds great! Very similar to DD, in my opinion. If you listen/watch a lot of TV or VHS, you will definitely want DPL II.

I just had to try out the 6.1 capabilities, so I connected a speaker to the rear surround channel and popped in Gladiator, my only DTS-ES DVD. WOW! Now, I am going to have to buy another KEF UNI-Q to match the rest of my system. The rear surround definitely adds depth and fullness to the surround sound.

For the price I paid, I don't believe that this receiver has a rival yet. For what this receiver retails for, the Marantz 7200 might be a good rival. But, for what the 2802 retails for, I could have bought the 3802!

Similar Products Used:

Denon 2801

Amazing power, DTS-ES, Dolby Prologic II, Learning Remote, Component video switching, A&B main speaker terminals

remote only "learns" 26 commands, cover on remote

Ok first off I would not consider myself an audiophile, and I cannot tell the difference between $20 interconnects and $100 interconnects...That said I am a very picky person and I considered everything before I settled on this unit.

Compared to my Sony ES, it is a tad on the light side, which worries me, however this receiver really does have quite a bit of power to it. Impact is very hard when the bass hits, and the treble is breathtaking. DTS is "you are there" realism. Understand this though: anytime you go from Dolby pro logic to DTS, you are going to be amazed. Even so, this model performs very well. I'm real picky about the remote, hence I had the H/K 210 for 5 days before returning it. Yeah I know I can buiy a real nice $200 programmable, but why not just buy a more expensive receiver that already has the universal remote. Anyway the codes for the pre-programmed remote are not very good, but the learning part makes up for it.

I like the digital bass & treble adjustments, it makes changing it from your seating position easy compared to the units where the controls are on the unit only. Manual is confusing, but this guy has alot of bells and whistles, so it isn't an easy task to explain them all.

Tuner is nice, like the 3 optical inputs. The 7.1 pre-outs are nice if you want true DTS-ES via help from another amp.

main point: if you are thinking of spending $600 or $700 on a receiver, you'd be hard pressed to beat this deal.

I strongly recommend DMC Electronics http://www.dmc-electronics.com if you live in SoCal. Got a great deal on a set of PSB's and the Receiver (Lower than anybody else so far)...Plus DMC is an authorized denon dealer so you truelly get the 2 year warantee.

My Current System:
Denon AVR2802 Receiver
PSB Image 6T towers "blemished"
PSB Alpha surrounds
DMC Center channel (Soon to be replaced with a PSB)
JBL PSW-D112 Powered subwoofer
JVC Progressive-Scan 7-disc DVD changer
Samsung DynaFlat 32" HDTV

Similar Products Used:

Older Sony GX800ES, Harman Kardon AVR-210

feature set is the richest of anything near this price - DTS discrete 6.1, DD6.1, PLII, component switching, power for the money, Sound is great

Remote ergonomics, and general control ergonomics.

I use the 2802 with CSW Newton mc300 system - and the sound - particularly with movies is tremendous. The power is more than sufficient in my 25x20 home theater/family room space. I still have to determine whether the component jacks are true HD compatible - the product literature says they are, but the product literature for higher models lists the actual bandwidth 50mhz- while this model does not. Multiple dealers have stated that HD requires 27mhz - while I read in one of the Home theater mags that you really need 33mhz. I am thinking that maybe it has 27mhz. In any case, the only thing I dislike is the incredible poor layout for all the buttons on the remote and the unit itself. Once you figure it out, they work pretty well, but most are counterintuitive. The manual is better than reviews I have seen for other denon products would indicate. I think the poor ergonomics leads to people trash the manual. Once the unit is setup the remote actually works pretty well. I am only giving a 4 star overall due to the ergonomics, but in reality, there is nothing else in this price range right now, that I'd consider. The onkyo 696 can't do 6.1, the marantz 6200 has no component switching and sounds weaker to me, etc... The other companies will announce models that compare feature-wise eventually, but right now this is the one..

Similar Products Used:

Mrantz 7000, yamaha rx-v620, harmon kardon

useful features,quite amp

none that are obvious

As of Nov. 22,2001 I have been using the 2802 for 8 days. I purchased it from Sound Distributors after searching on the net for the best price. I had at first ordered the 2802 from another web site A/V store but decided to cancel my order the next day after not receiving any confirmation of my order via e-mail as expected. After calling the store I was told my order had been processed but the item was not in stock(the web site said it was). After I was told that they did not know why it was not in stock and that I should call back in a couple days I decided to order from my first choice of sites even though it was at a higher price.So my advice is if your going to buy from the net,read the reviews before you decide because the cheapest one could be trouble. I paid about 22% less than buying locally(well worth the wait). After looking at models from brands such as Marantz,Pioneer(Elite),NAD,Integra,Sony,H/K,and Yamaha,I chose the Denon. Most of the models were priced around $800. I made this choice based on several factors. Product features and appearance were first considered. Also considering my past experience with Denon(I have a 5 year old CD player and a 14 year old amp),I knew I could trust its build quality. I also have spent many hours reading consumer and magazine reviews. For $655 I could not find a better receiver that I could see in store and hands on. There might be other companys with models that at least equal the 2802 but finding them for this price would not be easy. As for its performance,comparing it to my outdated VSX-49 would not be fair,I have found the amp to have plenty of clean power for my speakers(mains-B&W 602s2,center-B&W CC6,L.& R. rear-B&W DM 303,center rear-Paradigm Atom). I also am using a Definitive Technology Prosub 200tl and the quality of bass coming from it has improved dramatically compared to the VSX-49.I am using line-level inputs with Audio Quest cables for the sub. Much of the improvement with the sub is most likely due to being able to use the digital output from my DVD player combined with Dolby digital vs. pro-logic. Its signal processing modes are fairly common, Pro Logic,Pro Logic II,Dolby Digital,DTS,DTS-ES. It also has 6 DSP surround modes,half of which are actually useful. It has plenty of surround parameter adjustments for DD/DTS and the DSP surround modes that can all be done on screen. I also like the on screen channel level adjustment that can be done without interrupting the incoming video signal,just showing the superimposed display at the bottom of the screen. Most of the system setup menu adjustments are easy to work with and the remote control has a layout that makes it fun to experiment with all of the variables. I managed to teach the remote all of needed codes for my 5 other remotes, only needing my 2 VCR remotes for VCR-Plus programing and other commands rarely used. Nearly total control of the main unit is possible from the remote. At this time the only thing I would change about the on screen status is to include a master volume display. After 3 or 4 hours of on screen practice I have had no problems with its operation. I only have S-video inputs on my monitor so i cannot comment on its component video switching. Its manual is fair and does require multiple readings. It has 65 pages and has 6 pages explaining speaker setup and all of the digital signal processing circuits and exactly what they do. In conclusion I would recommend this receiver . For only about $100 more than I paid for my VSX-49 a few years ago this receiver has given me much more in value and performance than I expected. For $650+/- its a bargain.....happy hunting.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer Elite VSX-49

6-channel amplification; solid build quality; DPL II; binding posts for all speakers; assignable inputs; Denon reputation for reliability, sound quality, power ratings

Parameters not assigned to input (more on this); that's all

Have owned this piece of electronics for a few weeks so I feel capable of providing a review.

Pluses
The amplifier is an excellent value. 6-channels @ 90wpc with low distortion cannot be beat at this price range. Denon has the reputation of legitimate power ratings ... the 2802 is a legit 90 wpc.

Setup was pretty easy but I have owned Denon receivers in the past. Might be confusing for the first timer but well worth the effort. On-screen setup is the key.

Dolby Pro Logic II is a revelation. Not a big fan of DPL II Cinema but must admit that I haven't used it that much.

DPL II Music, on the other hand, has really opened up those stereo CDs and TV broadcasts. The panorama, width, and depth parameters are great to tweak. Was listening to Sting's Ten Summoners Tales and the soundstage really opened up. It is like the old five-channel stereo but better. The surrounds really get good signals to pass along to the listener.

I recommend you goto www.dolby.com and check out why DPL II is superior to DPL.

Negatives
Cannot assign the surround parameters based on input. For example, I like to bump up the center & surrounds when watching DVDs or TV through DPL II. When playing CDs I drop the center and lower the surrounds.

The 2802 does not let me assign different DPL II parameters to the DVD player and the CD player. Have to redo the channel volumes manually every time.

Neutral
Not a big fan of the remote but it isn't as bad as some make it out to be. Has some glow-in-dark keys, is programmable, and can control my entire HT setup. It's not great but I've seen worse.

Runs a bit warm.

Conclusion
The best value for the $550-800 receiver market. Has all the bells & whistles yet puts out serious amplification.

I highly recommend this product.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo, Yamaha, Sony

Very nice clear sound. Setup is easier if you read the instructions.

None that I've found so far.

Two friends recently purchased this receiver and loved it. I cheated and played around with theirs before I purchased my own. It was well worth the time.
I did a lot of research on upgrading and almost bought the Denon 3802 instead, but this unit has all the power I need for what I use it for.
I love the clear, precise sounds I get from this receiver. It replaced my Sony STRDE 915 and I was amazed the first time I heard it. The Sony was a gift, but I never really liked the sound. Now I know why.
It's a shame, I agree, Eduardo trashed this receiver without any explanation..This is a excellent piece of audio equiptment, and although Onkyo is good also, I couldn't find an Onkyo that compared for the price.
I won't bore you will the techno stuff, but this is a quality piece of audio equipment, well worth the price.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo 797

Versatile. Powerful. Pleasant range and depth. Appears to be a quality build.

Remote. Not bad, but fairly complex, and easy to undo settings by accidentally hitting the wrong button. Not for the technologically challenged.

My 2.5 yr old Sony STR-DE835 just went up in a puff of smoke and massive arching across the mainboard. Not worth fixing, and deemed unreliable. The thing to do seemed to be to move up the ladder of quality a rung or two. Wound up looking at Harmon Kardon, Onkyo, and Denon. Evaluation of features and sound led me to order the Denon. The online ordering was not pleasant, but worth the money saved.
It took 1.5 hours to wire this thing into a Cambridge Soundworks/Yamaha 5.1 speaker system, Panasonic DVD, Sony CD, TEAC cassette, Hitachi VCR, and JVC TV. Used a splitter to route the Reciever "monitor out" into the same TV jack used by the VCR. Make sure the VCR is off. Did pretty good. Powered up and only had to swap the rear surrounds, and those are blindly coming out of the wall! Familiar with delay and level setups, so that went pretty fast. Got the inputs set up, and kicked on "the matrix". Significant difference from the Sony. Tighter, cleaner sound. Kicked over to some AC/DC. Excellant. Tone adjustment works just fine. Some worry abou that, as I was leaving equalizers behind. Kicked over to the VCR. Dolby Pro Logic II is indeed a significant improvement over DPL. Why is that important? Because many older movies available on VHS or new to DVD only have a Stereo or DPL sound track.
Frankly, I usually don't care that much about using any system's remote except for setup, then I put them out of reach of small and large children and buy a universal, like a One For All, that only controls the minimum stuff. 1. Keeps inquisitive little fingers out of where they should not be and 2)Prolongs the life expectancy of that critical system remote.
Again, IMHO, this is not an entry-level receiver. More like a quality mid-level unit. Seems to be expressly for people like me who are serious about sound and capability, but not with a bulging wallet. Parting shot. From what I can tell, retail stores demand and get list price ($799) for this unit. Online the unit demonstrates exceptional value. Let me put it this way. You can't go wrong if you are getting it for less than $600. I may be wrong, but this thing has the feel of something that will be around for the long haul (like my 35 yr old Akai that is still out there playing somewhere.....).

Similar Products Used:

Akai 1010, Sony STR-DE6xx, Sony STR-DE835

Full Featured - DPRO L II, 6.1, True 90W, Incredible sound, Component video switching, Best overall value for the money

None that I have found so far

It was down to this or an ONKYO TX-DS797 after ALOT of research. I always buy Onkyo and never bought a Denon before. The price difference was just too great to pass up. I got it on the web for $550 vs. around $900 for the Onkyo. I purchased the Polk RM6600 speaker package (and use with an existing KLH powered sub I have- for now). I have a Hitachi 53SBX TV (high end, but Analog) a Toshiba DVD with component video and digital audio out and a Sony CD player. The room is about 15x20. I am not dissapointed. The sound is rich and clear. Dolby ProLogic II is a MUST have as most of what I listen to is TV, my kids watch VCR tapes (usually with Dolby Surround only) and occasionally I watch a DVD. (the 6 channel stereo feature is GREAT for audio CD's). I wanted a 6.1 system so as not to be obsolete the day I bought it and I wanted great sound for regular audio CD's. I wanted to spend around $1300 total on the new receiver and speakers and I did. I find many of the comments about power in these reviews ridiculous. 90-100 Watts is PLENTY of power for a moderate size (up to 25x25) room. Very large rooms may require a bit more.

I find it very easy to use (easier than I thought it would be from reading these reviews) and after you play with the various surround options and input sources you pretty much settle on what you like quickly. Then its very simple. Select the source, select the surround mode and you are done. The OSD is not a problem as once you set up your system, you really don't need it very much. Alot of these reviews keep talking about how difficult this set up is and how difficult the manual is--I just don't get it--it's pretty straight forward.

The remote is not as simple as it could be, but I was pleasantly surprised that it worked with some features of ALL of my existing components.

For those out there who are not pure audiophiles (no disrespect) but don't want the 'circuit city specials', who don't buy the very high end and don't have money to burn...I can say this- for the money you can't do better - I know - I've looked at EVERY model in the $400-$1000 range and could not come up with a better deal. Good Luck.