Component quality, powerful AC-3, sweet stereo sound.

Who cares.

I've now been using this product for almost two years, so I feel qualified to make sound judgements on it.

In a word, this unit is excellent in every way except convenience and I/O choices (which is irrelevant in a unit this old.)

First, the stereo mode with the DSP and EQ defeated is pure, clean, sweet and powerful. Best stereo sound I've ever heard from a receiver.

Last, the Dolby Digital has gripping power that's subjectively bigger than the rated 85w.

Similar Products Used:

HK

Simple straightforward AV receiver - plenty of power and heavily constructed.

None that I didn't know of going in.

I think the reviews reflecting confusion over set-up must have come from people who weren't used to using AV receivers. I didn't have any trouble at all, but was used to working menus/on screen displays from my Sherwood.

The quality of bass sent to the sub is much better than my old Sherwood, and there's plenty of 20-20 power to all channels. No fudged specs here.

My situation was this - I had a DVD player that decodes DTS and DD, and wanted a generally better quality of prologic decoding and power, plus the 5 channel stereo I've heard so much about. I use the 6 channel direct inputs and have separate monoblocks to amplify the mains.

I haven't been disappointed in the least. A terrific product on the used market if you don't care about DPLII and have a DVD player that decodes DTS.

This receiver won't be embarrassed on a high-end equipment rack. A nice product. The tuner works fine for me with a set of TV rabbitears (ok, the rabbitears are a little embarrassed on the equipment rack, but what the hell...)

btw: If I lost DTS alltogether it wouldn't ruin my day. Exotic formats are BS (SACD, DVDA, DTS). But Hell Freezes Over by the Eagles makes it worthwhile to have DTS.

My value rating is based on the used market price <$400.

Similar Products Used:

Sherwood RVD 9090R. Teac Prologic receiver.

WOW! Returned a Sony STR-DE915 because I was given the opportunity to take this little gem home to give it a whirl on my system. The set up was simple, options are clearly marked and simple to use, S-Video switching is *almost* as clean as bypassing the receiver, and the sound made the Sony sound like it was a whining 3 year old with a cold. $899 at Uncles Stereo including 3-day shipping. An incredible unit and the remote handles everything but my DSS. I can't say enough. If you are considering comparable models, be sure to listen to the Denon. It has a 5 channel stereo DSP that is simply incredible.
Gee, think I like it?

If you're looking for a home-theatre amplifier with a lot of features (AC-3,6ch i/p..etc..), the AVR3200 is simply unbeatable for the asking price. Not so good with music, but then again, it was built for home-theatre purpose....I have a 'music-only' system with me, so I don't listen to music thru this system.
5-star for an excellent Home-theatre product.

I bought the 3200 after a lot internet research, scoping out reviews, numerous sessions at stores, etc. It offered the right balance for me of cost, sound, and features. I like it a lot. Except that, as others have commented, the manual is a complete joke. (The section on programming the remote to operate other non-Denon components was about as cryptic as it gets.). I got my unit for $899 - a price that seems to be pretty standard at discount audio stores in the NYC area. The main reason I went looking for this receiver is because I wanted to upgrade my system to accomodate Dolby Digital. I was very impressed with that function on this unit.

I would tend to agree with a lot of the negatives reviews if I liked music that was heavily distorted and regurgitated by the DSP circuitry. Instead the sounds emanating from this upgradeable receiver is extremely clean and that's what I like. You will be able to hear nuances from soundtracks that you never heard in a loud and masking amp. The way I see it is that Denon created a receiver that thrives on detail not bass power. If that the case look no further this one is for you. At $699 from J&R you can't beat it.

When I first saw this piece on the showrrom floor, i said there is no way....this can't be correct at $1200.
I managed to let my local dealer give me the piece on loan for a small fee.

I used this with a complete Boston surround set...the VR series...

The fact this piece can run low ohm speakers yet still give plenty of CLEAN current really shocked me! In numerous movie scenes with tons of bass this system held up fine. My only problem with this piece was the manual....a bit tricky but then again some japanese guy probably wrote it...LOL!!!

This piece also carries a dts input on the back panel, thank god!

If you were wondering I also tried the Yamaha 992, Onkyo 838, and the Harman AVR85....

Only the 85 and 838 drove the speakers well....but Onkyo was hard to use and the Harman sounded very thin.

Those who might be torn between going with another reciever and the Denon AVR3200 need look no further. Listen and you'll agree whole heartedly. The sound is a full, enveloping sound, uncommon with units in this price range. Bass is uncommonly full, midrange is uncolored and the highs are strangley etherial. My listening environment is quite small and the Denon allows me to tailor the desired sound at a pinpoint. Imaging is first rate, ample power is at your fingertips, build quality is top-notch, and the five channel stereo aspect is enough to purchase this gem alone. Finally, a receiver gives you the option a cranking it up, even if you, like me, consider cranking Mozart, Beethoven, and Palestrina. The sound, via the 5 channel stereo function puts a smile on my face every listening session. Eyes closed, I can sense a trip to the Atlanta Opera easily when the 5 channel stereo mode is selected. I desired a system to surround me with sound from every angle, demonstrating my reference speakers to the fullest extent. And those of you pondering if 85x5 watts will be sufficient, the reciever can play at ridiculous levels in this mode for, well, ever I suppose, I've yet to stop listening in this format. Full range audio for extended periods of time times five channels should end the argument over the Denon's power supply. Pro-logic is among the best I've encountered and DD is literally stagerring. Those of you, like me who would like the option of DTS, well, Denon shines here too, there is little gem called future expandability--you can add a DTS decoder or other future marvel directly to the system. TRY FINDING THAT ON ANY OTHER RECEIVER!!! The price is very reasonable--I paid $1,199 for mine. I suggest experimenting with mail order, for you can get some serious deals here. There is very little negative to add, even though I'm of the opinion that every product can use some tweaking. The manual presents a struggle for the new audiophile. It assumes that you know why you bought the thing, so you sould know how to implement it in your system. I recommend a serious tutuorial session with the place of purchase. I would prefer a glow remote. Yes, the all important buttons do mysteriously glow, but it's awfully hard to fiddle around in the dark when you have to here that Brahmsian timpani role one more time. While I'm on the remote category, I think it is sufficient, nothing more. It is the same job that is included with other Denon products costing much more, so there is no skimping here. I would also prefer a 4 ohm amplifier function, although I know I'm pressing my luck. Outputs abound. I simply cannot imagine having a device that the Denon AVR3200 cannot currently support.
I hope that all serious audiophiles will consider this receiver if you're in the market. I am disgustingly fickle, frugal, and quick to condemn audio products, even if there reputation alone touts them. Honestly, the Denon AVR3200 is a steal and deserves your audition.

Happy listening

This receiver is AWESOME! price point makes it one of theHOTTEST in the market place. One of the real plus' is the
capability to upgrade beyond Dolby Digital. Another plus
is the learning capacity of the remote along with user
friendliness. Rating is A+

I agree with comments about treble being too pronounced. I didn't find the bass to have any detail. One-note bass tells me that output capability is not what the ratings may suggest. Not bad if you're looking at lower fidelity sound. But that is what you expect from their $300 receiver, not a $1000 uint such as this.