Component video switching, 2 rear speakers hook up, nicely finished

Not a true 7.1 input, only small rear speaker selection, mediocre digital volume control

I was very impressed with the unit the first day I hooked it up. It was a just a tad edgy on the top end and adequate bottom end. Stereo imaging was good but not as pin-pointed as I would like. After two weeks of casual listening, I sat in front of the unit and gave it another round of shake down. The edginess disappears and in its place some impressingly smooth top end. The bass has certainly tightened up somewhat but a receiver will always be a reciever. If you want it to sound like a seperate, buy a seperate, but at CAD$1500.00 it doesn't get much better than this. Also, if I may add, my unit is made in Japan. I was told the earlier versions were all made in Japan. The display unit at Kennedy Hi Fi (where I purchased mine) was made in Japan as well.
In all fairness to the Yamaha (which I think to be a great unit at its price range)they are similar in a lot of areas. The Yamaha, for almost three hundred dollars (Canadian) less, it does offer less. You do get what you paid for.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha RX-V995

A very warm and musical receiver! No background noise or hum. Music and movies sound great even at high volume levels. 5 channel stereo and direct mode. Component video switching is a plus. Support for 2 different pairs of surround speakers adds to the unit’s flexibility.

Quality control seems to have slipped with this unit. Remote is a bit too wide.

After considering many units, including the Onkyo 777 and Sony DB-930 and a Pioneer ELITE unit, I decided to go with the Denon AVR-3300. I must say that this is one of the finest receivers I've ever heard, it even beats many separates. My first unit had a bad power supply, so I had to wait awhile to get a replacement. I'm happy to say that my replacement unit is working flawlessly.

Before the Denon, I'd been using a Jolida tube amp. I was a bit worried that I'd be giving up that tube warmth with the Denon. Fortunately that is hardly the case. This unit has just as much warmth as my tube amp had plus the noise level is absolute zero. I can't believe that there is no background hum or hiss. Another thing is that you can crank this unit up and not get that horrible distortion many receivers produce.

I've tested several movies including Saving Private Ryan DTS and Dobly D., Dark City, Fifth Element, etc. All have been reproduced with great clarity and shattering dynamics. Anyone who says this unit does not produce enough bass either has the wrong speakers or does not know what they're talking about. The 3300 makes my Klipsch Cornwalls shake the room. Music wise, the 3300 is just as skilled. Classical, jazz, or rock, the Denon handles the dynamics and detail with aplomb. I really like the direct mode, which bypasses the tone controls of the 3300. The 5 channel mode is also a worthy option and particularly great on acoustic music.

Other than the seemingly higher than normal number of defective units, the AVR-3300 is the best home theater buy for under $1000. Considering the quality control problems surrounding this unit, I'd recommend a local dealer for purchase. Unless you save +$200 on the unit only buy from a local dealer. If problems arise, you'll have an easier and cheaper time dealing with it.

In closing, the Denon is an excellent unit worth every cent of the $999 price tag. Even if you have to wait a few weeks for one to come in stock. You're home theater will thank you for it!

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo 777, Sony DB-930

Everything constructively positive you'll read in these reviews...very clean sound, **5.1 channel output, and versatile.

I agree, the manual is pretty lame, still would like digital output for future use (but not critical)

This is a 7-month ownership follow-up (see previous posts 11/99 & 1/00 for my detailed review/opinions.)

I consider, for my needs, the Denon AVR 3300 an outstanding investment that I hope to enjoy for several years. So far, the 3300 continues to perform flawlesly. I use it 65% for music and 35% video/home theater (DVD and VHS). I am planning to buy a unified remote control within the next 6-months, therefore the so-so remote control is not a major issue with me. I'm not sure I follow the occassional comments made by some others about the fan & overheating. I have not had any fan noise. Although the unit runs fairly warm, I wouldn't characterize it as abnormal. (It is always common sense to keep amplifier equipment in well ventilated areas.)

For the curious, I'm connected to the following:

Speakers: Boston Acoustics: old Subsat-7 w/passive sub woofer(front), newly acquired CR-6(rear)& CR-2 (center); Klipsch KSW 12 powered sub. After reading many expert deliberations (here and elsewhere), I opted to go with Home Depot 12 ga. speaker wire - great price and it sounds quite good. (I'm using large gauge coax cable for sub woofer.)

DVD: Toshiba SD3109, coax connection to Denon (it's cheaper & I heard as good or better than optical connection.

TV: Toshiba 32" w/composite inputs for DVD.

CD Player: Sony CDP-C345 5-disc changer, only has analog output.

This is my opinion & commentary, and I'm sticking to it!

Happy Hunting, and remember--let your ears and budget be your guide, not what others tell you to buy!!!

Power, clean warm sound, will make a nice processer in the future

To date , this has been the best receiver I have owned. I am happy with the Denon. The Yamaha's are also very good, but Denon gives me a warm sound I like. The power reserves in the 3300 are great, I am pushing PSB Goldi's, and C-6 center with no problems. Even with 4ohm speakers the Denon will not shut down. I dont have any overheating problems. Playing music at -10 and movies at -12, sounds clear and the bass is where it should be. I also have a contact name and # for anyone interested in PSB speakers, you can email me on this, Shipped from Canada, you get the benifit of the US exchange rate, as well as a internet discount, 5 year wart.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha 793, 795, 992, 995

Sound, ease of set-up

Remote is the only thing I can think of

I posted a review on 3/30 of this year with only having the unit a week. Still no fan noise. Heat output is not any greater than other receivers I have had. I listed the model year as 1999 but since I bought it in March of this year I may have gotten a 2000 model.

This receiver has given me nothing but joy. As I said in an earlier post the set-up was easy. I didn't find the manual all that confusing (but again I had set-up the VR-209, Kenwood 1090-try figuring out those remotes! and the Pioneer VSX-D608. The only thing I can say somewhat negative about the receiver is the Surround Mode off satellite-but I have a feeling that has more to do with the original signal than the receiver's processing of it. I would have no hesitation of recommending this receiver.

I use this product about 80% HT and 20% music. Seems to reproduce movie soundtracks with more punch (both DD and DTS) than music (although The End of the Innocence DTS CD - Don Henley-rocked the house this weekend.)

I have now seen the light with DTS - it does sound different from DD. Not necessarily better - but again I think that has a lot to do with the mix

Bottom line with Denon AVR-3300. I love it!

Similar Products Used:

Kenwood VR-209, Kenwood 1090VR, Pioneer VSX-608

Build Quality, Upgradeble,Lots of inputs,Sound Quality,Power, Price

hmmmmm.......None really....well maybe no digital out...but who cares I can go directly from one source to the recorder...

Okay I'm a college student and just spent a huge chunk of my financial loan on a whole A/V system. I did tons of research on the receivers out there, and the Denon was just awesome compared to the other brands in the same price range. I love the five channel stereo mode, It's great for the weekend parties, but if your a true music lover regular two channel is amazing. I listen to everything from classical to DMX at all sorts of volume level and this receiver just does a tremendous job. The front layout is very simple to understand and use. I have yet to look through the manual to figure out the features. The remote I find very easy and convienient to use I have all my IR equipment programmed into it. I have this receiver running practically 24/7 and have yet to experience any fan noise, but I did purchase a five year service agreement just in case. oohh...I probably have one of the worst ventilation for it also. Hands down I give this receiver five stars for value and performance. I love everything about it!!!
just for the sake of it.....
I have a pair of Energy A5+2 for my mains, Energy AC300 for my center, Energy Exl16 for my rears, and the Energy Encore sub.... All hooked up to the receiver....see my review for these speakers....for my sources I have a Denon DCM370 cd player, Sony Dvpc650D dvd player, you can see my reviews on these equipment too..

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha, Sony ES, HK, Onkyo,

great stereo sound
great DTS and Dolby Digital sound
tons of inputs/outputs
build quality

none

I'm still completely satisfied with this receiver. The 3300 sounds superb in all modes, whether it be music or movies. The lack of any backround noise is truly amazing, and the amount of inputs and outputs, means I'll be keeping this Denon for many years to come. This receiver is a steal at a grand!
As for the few people who have problems with this unit, stop be a bunch of idiots, and buy your stereo equipment LOCALLY at an AUTHORIZED DEALER you know and trust, that has a thirty day return policy. It seems to me that the people who have had problems are the ones that purchased them mail order or over the internet. God only knows how poorly they were treated, or if they are actually grey market goods. Don't be cheap-shell out a few more dollars and buy it at a reputable dealer, and you won't be getting defective units!!! Remember the old addage-if the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Ciao!

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha 995a
Onkyo TX-DS 777

Sound quality,features,etc.

Remote,And just recently the High pitched Sound that Drove me nuts last nite.

There's so much to be said about this unit.Some good,some bad and most of what has already been said.So i don't think I'll be adding much more to the Already good and bad reviews I've found here today.I have been a dedicated Denon fan since Curtco's Home Theater Magazine Review back in 1995 on the Denon AVR-2500.After thier A/V Reciever showdown back in May of "95".In which Denon blew,Nakamichi,Poineer,sony,and yamaha out of the water. up to this point i had owned a few recievers,none of them delivered what was discribed or expected for $1000.00.So after reading the review,i decided to haul back yet another reciever to where it was purchesed from and get my money back.I then went a hunting for a Denon AVR-2500.I found myself at the mercey of Tweeter ect. as far as price competiting since they were the only one's who carried Denon products for miles.And on top of it all they we're all out of 2500's.And so i ended up listening to the 2500 there (which sounded to good to be true at the time) But purchased the 2800 which is the same unit less the tuner. Needless to say it sounded way better when i got it home. and By my ears it was the only true prologic reciever I had Auditioned to date or at the time.So when it was time to get with the times and update my components,I waited a bit.
I let all my friends (unknowing becoming my ginnypigs) Upgrade there recievers,i even helped out a bit with hooking the stuff up. well I listened to about five different set-ups but none of them with a Denon,but all around $1000.00 mark.And i have to say none of which grabed me by the boo-boo sort of speaking.And so i went on my way back to tweeter after all these years to see just what Denon sounded like now a days for around $1000.00. Well after listening to the Denon AVR-3300 for a while and watching a DVD for a bit threw a Denon DVM-3700. I was blown out of my seat and found myself hunting down a salesman to purchase Both units.After a few infractions of the local traffic laws to get the stuff home, I had it set up (less the optical cable) in about an hour.And it was and still is to date the badest combination I've ever heard.And up until lastnite I had no complaints..., but now i do. Nothing major.., but here they are pertaining to the Denon AVR-3300.

DRAW-BACKS.

The remote for starters could have been better, had it been made with a backlit LCD display. And someone forgot to add a video input select button.What i mean by that is sometimes i like to surf the web but listen to different music sources,like CD and Cassettes at the same time. well if you wanna listen to one thing but watch another your gonna have to get out of your seat and dial the video source in yourself.Denon knew about it since they wrote it can only be changed at the unit itself in the owners manual.now i don't consider myself a lazy person but it has become a pain in the butt.maybe Denon feels some excersise would do us good,who knows.the Door that hides the buttons i like to play with is a pain too. It is now off, and the remote has been saran-wrapped as is all my remotes so they last for years to come. but even with that the small sliding switches that i hated with my last denon remote are still here,breaking the freshness seal of the saran-wrap.Causing me to change it about once a month.So until you find a better universal remote and there are some great ones out there,you'll have to eat it.
And last but not least..., the High pitch Sound that i noticed last nite while watching:Gone in 60 seconds.In which i just found out by reading the prior reviews(if everyone is right) is suppose to be the internal cooling fan.I don't feel it is a major problem since in the past four months i haven't had any complaints.And as long as Denon has (from what i've read) resolved the matter and Resolves up and coming matters free of charge, the only problem i see is taking everything apart to have it sent out to be fixed.
Not to mention the void of it being gone for god knows how long,"OH Da'Pain".And so far that's about it. If i had to do it all again,believe me i would still make the same choice. Just one more thing...,now that you've heard the stories. make sure you buy from a local authorized dealer. Denon may not honor the warranty if purchased threw the net. and you don't want some internet cracker-jack electrician hacking up your denon somewhere in hickvile.It seems thou.., everyone here agrees,as far as sound,features,and future upgrade-ability.The Denon AVR-3300 is a winner!.

THE DENON AVR-3300 is married too:
Denon DVM-3700(DVD)
Denon DRW-585(cassette deck)
Mitsubishi HS-U510(VCR)
RCA 31" HomeTheater series,4.3 Ratio-monitor.
SONY INTW250(Internet Terminal)
POLK CS350LS(Center)
POLK RT-7's(fronts)
POLK RT-3's(rears)
Denon DSW-38(small-sub)
All knots Have been tied by:Monster Cable.

Similar Products Used:

None similiar,So far.

Gotta say, that after one month of research, and 3 weeks of waiting around to get the AVR-3300 from www.stereoabc.com (for $750 shipped), and 2 weeks of fine tuning all the various setups, this receiver was worth it. I, like many others here, was deciding between the Yamaha 995 and the AVR-3300, glad I chose this one. The upgradeability and Denon sound are awesome.BTW, for you video game players out there, this receiver is great, the video game DSP simulation sounds awesome with Final Fantasy VIII. ;-) And Goldeneye deathmatch never sounded better.

I have it mated to an all-Polk setup (CS150 center, Monitor 10s mains, M5 rears), and an Advent AV550S sub... man, do I get complaints from my neighbor.

Dolby Digital is excellent, as well as DTS. The 5 CH Stereo mode is great for music, and the assignable sets of surrounds is great too. Even my old Pro Logic VHS movies sounds better.
Given the correct spacing, shouldn't overheat (it was fun watching a friend's Sony STR-DE935 overheat and shutdown at 1 hour of 2/3 volume).

Kudos to Denon for producing a worthy little brother to the AVR-5700.

Oh yeah, I like the remote, only because none of my roommates can fiddle with the system. ;-)

Amazing clarity and seperation of the channels.

None found, except for overheating.

I confess that this is not much of a review considering that I have only owned the product for about 12 hours. However I felt compelled to submit one to the plethora the avr 3300 has already posted. The remote is a little difficult to get used to but once you teach it all of your other remotes commands you are good to go.
I previously purchased the pioneer dsxd908tx (japanese model) which is thx certified. Let me tell you the denon sounds phenominal in comparison. The biggest selling feature for me was the ability for the amp to run two pairs of surround speakers at the same time. The 5 channel stereo is also quite awesome, hard to go back to two channel. When I first got it up in running I was amazed at the power the amp had, running seven full range speakers, but was then dissapointed when the fan neglected to turn on and the protection circuitry shut the unit down.
Not a problem, Ran to the computer store grabbed a computer fan, 3.5 to 12 volt power supply, spliced the wires and taped the fan to the back of the reciever, since then a very cool amp! My friends who are pretty much audio idiots even want one now.
The clarity and seperation between channels is simply amazing. I have honestly not heard a system as of yet that sounds better than mine with this new amp.
I recommend you research the hell out of this amp, you will find that it is a winner.
Ignore the wattage rating of the amps and pay more attention to high current amps like Denon or Onkyo.
Current is what drives the whole burrito.
happy hunting
ps: thx certification in my humble opinion is nothing more than a selling gimmick, just go out and listen!

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo,Kenwood (oops), pioneer.