Plenty of assignable digital inputs

Poor heat sink design( What were they thinking of? )

I have been enjoying my Yamaha RX 2092 for years and decided to finally plunge into DTS surround. I wasn't disappointed with this receiver. Sounds great on movies and music. The 5 channel stereo works well for TV and casual listening.

I was however surprised that the unit does get hot if driven hard. I however decided to do what one of the reviewers suggested and got myself a 12V fan and a 6v transformer from radio shack and attached this fan to the back of the receiver. Works great!!!! Keeps the unit cool.

For less than half of the retail price this receiver is a steal.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha RX 2092

Very clean audio output, digital and the 5-channel audio. No problems to date with any hint of noisy fan or overheating.

19 months later, I still have no affinity for owner's manual -- luckily haven't needed it much after initial set-up. Remote is fair, replaced it with a convenient and low cost universal remote (UCommand from Crisp Solutions.)

I revisited my initial review posted in this area on 11/20/99, and I still resoundingly agree with those comments. My use is 70/30 music/video (video is mostly DVD). Using simple Boston Acoustics front and rear (direct fire rears)speakers and a Klipsch KSW 12 powered sub in a 12'x17'rectangular family room. Overall very happy. No mistake, if I had the requisite disposable income I could easily fall in love with a $10,000 speaker set-up, but w/o those resources, I feel that I have a pretty decent system that'll rival most any in the $4,000 to $6,000 range. I've worked in professional audio/video production settings, so I consider my critical listening and attention to detail to be above average. (Peripheral commentary: IMHO it is not worth spending $500+ for speaker cables either - the audible differences for the middle of the road home user is not discernable; In those circumstances go to Home Depot and by a spool of their 12 ga. speaker cable for under $100. and be done with it.)

As mentioned above, not an ounce of detectable problem with fan noise or failure, nor overheating. (The unit, as most do, does get warm, but I would not characterize it as getting hot.)

I am satisfied enough with the AVR 3300 that I was comfortable recommending it to my bud who had a chance to pick up a demo for about $600, rather than pay over $1200 for its replacement model. I think the AVR 3300 could be a sweet aquisition as a used unit if the owner took reasonable care of it.

Similar Products Used:

Acquainted with Yamaha (runner up at time of purchase, and higher end Sony's.)

Sound is excellent. Good decoding with DTS and DD. Good mix of features. Component video switching. 105x5 5 channel stero.

EXTREMEELY loud FAN.

I was pretty cautious before buying this reciver reconditioned from an auction house. But the price was right and the reviews for the Denon 3300 were pretty good except for those unfortunate few that got a lemon. I happen to be one of those unfortunates.

My theory was this. There was a known manufacturing problem with this units getting hot and cutting out. So I figured If I got a refurb from the factory they would have fixed this problem right? Well they fixed unit from over heating but now the fan is so loud that you can hear noise over the movie. THE FAN IS EXTREEMLY LOUD! So lound that I can hear it over 4 feet away from the reciver with the volume turned up. I have to admit this unit sounds much better than my older Denon 3200 . Wanted to upgrade for the DTS and component video switching.

Similar Products Used:

Denon 3200, Pioneer

Lots of inputs/outputs, personal memory+, very clear detailed sound

size--needs extra big shelf + room for cooling

I watched The Matrix last night...when Neo meets Trinity at the club, their conversation was completely clear (through the center channel) even while the music was blasting through the L/R and surrounds. Explosions and collisions were powerful and crisp (I could almost feel the subway train hit agent Smith). Surround effects were incredible--the bullets clearly fly from one rear corner, past my head to the front (or vice-versa).
In Saving Private Ryan, on the beach, the mortars fly overhead from the rear to the front, explode on the ground in front of you, and you can hear the dirt that flies up rain on the floor in front of you.
I know these are all Dolby-Digital/DTS features, but I've heard a few other mid-end DD/DTS receivers (not high-end though) and they pail in comparison to the separation, clarity, and impact of the Denon. The sound is so natural, if you're not paying attention to it, you will disappear into the movie (sounds are not distracting because they are so natural).
Music is also very good. I like the 5-channel stereo feature. The radio tuner picks up lots of stations I didn't even know were available, and they come in better than my car stereo (my only real comparison).
I like very heavy rock music (NIN, Tool, Staind...), and I know it can be very hard to make a distorted electric guitar sound clear--it sounds like static on poor-quality systems (so do snare drums). Even at high volumes, the Denon reproduces the guitar and drums and vocals, and makes them sound life-like (symbols sound like metal ringing, not static). Imaging isn't great for music (even in Prologic mode), which might be my low-end CD player; most music comes from the center front and it's not very spacious left to right (movies are a different story).
I also play computer games hooked up to the Denon. It's really cool hearing people's footsteps behind you, and the high-quality sound definately pulls you into the game.
I actually like the remote! It learned my TV remote no problem and I like the heavy-solid feel.
Overall I'm very impressed (I had my first 'wow' experience with a friend's Denon 3300). I plan on having this receiver for ever (other reviews say Denons last a long time and have high-quality construction). It has connections for just about anything you could ever want (and they're programmable).
If you're just getting into mid-high-end audio (like I was), I'd get speakers first (IMHO they make the system), DVD of course, and then the Denon. Then you'll see (hear!) how the Denon makes your whole system better.
My system:
Denon 3300
Polk RM5400 (sub/satellites)
Pioneer cheapo CD player
ATI All-In-Wonder Radeon (computer) DVD (5.1 S/PDIF out)
SBLive! Value for MP3 and games

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer pro-logic rcvr (old)

No RF-mod for LD dolby digital.

I did some research from 300 reviews of this AVR-330 on this site. I found a viewable pattern. The fan noise, over-heating problem came in after 4/1/00 or so. This means that the AVR-3300 built recently did have some problems. One of my relatives bought an AVR-3300 during last Thanksgiving and returned to Good Guy because of the over-heating, auto-shut-down problem. He exchanged for a AVR-3801 and fell in love with it. This article is not a review for AVR-3801. However, I do want to point out that to my limited knowledge, AVR-3801 would not have sonic improvement over AVR-3300. Since the basic design of two receivers are the same, with 3801 having some extra features like real DTS ES 6.1 decoding and two more channel power amplification. But if you listen to stereo music programs or usuall 5.1 DD or DTS, they should sound similar.


I bought an used model built in year 1999 (as 2000 model). The original owner bought it through an authorized dealer in KS. It was an A-stock item. The owner claim that he didn't experience any over-heating problems. Due to his high professional position, I believed him. After I receive the unit, it did seem in excellent condition. And after several hours of continuous playing, I saw NO over-heating and heared NO fan noise. It is been a week, I never had a heat problem! I am glad that I purchased a right item. This means that there are good used AVR-3300 out there. For around $400, it would be a better deal over AVR 3801 (lowest on line price is $750 plus tax or shipping or so on.)

How good is this receiver? I would say it is as good as a top mass-market receiver can be. It is like a Toyota Avalon in the car industry.

To see how good it sounds, first look at Denon's own lines, it is too abvious that it sounds better than AVR-1800. AVR-1800 has raised hights and not very well defined bass (although strong.) 3300 sounds smoother in frequency response with clear and strong mids. 3300 also sounds more dynamical and heavier than 2800/2801 line, although not very obvious. To find out the actual power it can generate, please see www.homecinemachoice.com. AVR-3300 only generates 89W per channel under 0.02 distortion level, at which even trained person cannot detect the distortion. It will generate 120W with audiable distortion at around 5%.(very obvious distortion.)So, don't trust manufacturer's power ratings. If it is not a high-end product, it is usually over-rated! Beware! However, the power from AVR-3300 still beats many receivers rated at 100W. Some Pinoneer are rated at 100W, but that's for 1khz and at 6 Ohm at 0.9% THD. This is to say, it is only 50W or lower at 8 Ohm at 0.02 THD. No wander that not all 100w receivers sound the same! Compare to Marantz SR685 (80W front channels), AVR-3300 has a little bit more extented hights. And it is obvious that Marantz already sounds better than AVR-1800. If I put the 3300 on "Direct" mode, the hights and mids all sound even better. It is like you hear the music directly instead of from behind a thin wall Marantz sounds like. Marantz doesn't have "Direct" mode. For this reason, using AVR-3300 as a pre-amp would be a better choice, which I did replace the Marantz with AVR-3300. Also, Denon generates more details when it produces DD or DTS movie sounds. This charactor is what I heard for B&K's components. I haven't heard the B&K products, so I cannot compare here. But I bet this Denon would not sound much less in details. This is the receiver from which I heard most details. The reason could be that AVR-3300 incorporates an advanced Digital decoding device which is used for AVR5700.

How about its features? I would say this is the most comprehensive AV-controler in markets (as many in and outs as Lexicon's DC-2 or parasound's AV2500, or at least, almost as many.)It can control 8 AV components. only shortcoming is that it has no RF-modual for Laser Disc DD signals. But I don't have any DD LD anyway. It even has component video switching, which I may not be using for two years.

The remote control is ok to use. It is convenient if you use it to control several components. But it can only provide basic controls for these components. I cannot use it to call Sony's TV on screen menu. I would like to recommand "One for all"'s Cinema 7 remote unit. It is very practical and there are web site (official and non-official ones.) that supports it very well. Now, my Cinema 7 really replaced ALL remote control units I have. (6 of them!)

In all, this is a high quality AV receiver with very good sounds, many usable functions and very short list of limitations. I am very confident to rate it best in its class! ($1000 orlower receiver class.)



Auditing equipments:

SONY 32 TV
Celestion SL6 si speakers (As front powered by Fat Boy)
Celestion dual 5 1/2" mid speaker (As mid powered by Fat Boy)
AR HO308 speakers (as rear powered by AVR-3300)
Interactive Lab Fat Boy 5-ch amplifier
B&W passive subwoofer (Powered by Fat Boy)
Pinoeer DVD-414 DVD player
Sony formal top-of-the-line CD player (non-ES model.)
Pinoeer LD player
Monster Cable Speaker wires.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha AV amplifier. Denon AVR-810, Denon AVR-1800. Marantz SR685.

So many settings it takes some time to figure out

I have had my Denon for over 1 year now. I have had no problems with it over heating. In fact I have never heard the fan even come on and I would watch multiple movies at a loud volume. I have it in a Oak Stereo cabinet, it does get warm but no problems.

This Denon drivers my Polk Audio Rt800 (front), Polk Audio CS245i (center), Jbl Bookshelf (rear),JBL PSWD115 (sub) and they sound great even at the highest volume.

I feel I got a great deal. Although sure enough they have come out with a 6.1 and higher Dolby Systems.

Similar Products Used:

Sony

Does everything superbly

Doesn't seem to satisfy some people's every whim

I have had this unit for 7 months. I have run every conceivable DVD, 96/24 recording, laserdisc in DTS and your run of the mill CDs. With good speakers placed appropriately in your particular room, you can't possibly be disappointed. I ran Private Ryan DTS last night and it prompted me to write this review. It was simply Mind Boggling to hear the artillery, bullets and grenades. If there is a receiver for this price then lets hear about it. It is beyond my comprehension how any receiver could make this movie more realistic.

Similar Products Used:

Denon 5700

High soundquality/price ratio + 5.1 channel "stereo" sound + general versatility and "update-ability".

remote / binding posts / only 1 coax digital in / no room A-B switch.

Am I reviewer number 84 or 85 today? Well, in any event, my praise for the "3300" is realistically based on its price (I get my audio equipment from a low-price / reasonable service supplier in the USA). The AVR is defenitely worth the nearly 5 stars that it has received as AN AVERAGE from many reviewers at this website. an awesome result for an item with over 80 reviews !!

For over 20 years, I have preferred to buy audio components usch as amp / pre-amp and tuner (rather than an integrated receiver as represented by the AVR-3300). Now with a family with a few "Home- Theater-hungry teens", we decided for an integrated receiver hoping for good movie and music performance... WE HAVE NO REGRETS AT ALL ABOUT THIS DECISION !!

We tested the Yammy 995, first on its own, then side by side with the Denon AVR-3300. The Denon won our blind audio test and offers the advantage of Denon's "5.1 stereo mode" (almost a contradiction in terms), a wonderful, exclusive Denon feature. (Go study it at their web site www.Denon.com)

The Yammaha offers more DSP modes, but frankly the Denon offers enough "ambiance capabilities" (rock stadium, jazz club, etc) and who needs more? The AVR-3300 is updateable when required for future technology changes (7.1., etc).

The remote is far from easy to figure out and this is even more frustrating since the manual is "sketchy" (although long). It took me about 7 hours to figure out the Denon (and only 5 to figure out the Yammy which I tried first). The 3300's binding posts (i.e. speaker wire posts) are downright flimsy and do not measure up to audio gear standards in this price range.

I find it interesting that audio-review asks for an "overall rating" and a "value rating". However you slice it, for me the overall rating is linked to price and therefore it is the same as a value rating. I bought the unit for about US $740, double boxed with warranty from a US based Internet supplier that has the Yamaha RS-V995 for US $710 (feel free to write me if you need their name). If the AVR-3300 would cost US $2,000, I would call it a poor value because of the flimsy binding posts, the limit to one coax digital in (you have plenty of optical ins on this machine !) and because of the "incomplete manual" (it is huge but sketchy!).

At the price of US $740 and with delivery within 3 days, our value rating for the Denon is "AMAZING" (!!!). Even if this unit would cost US $1,200, it would still be a GREAT bargain !

In short: The AVR-3300 sounds terrific, is very versatile for music and home theater and is probably the best audio investment I made over the past 20 years (along with the magnepan mmg speakers performing great as frong speakers with the 3300!!).

My other HT gear includes: Dahlquist DQ-10 speakers in rear - surround (20 years old - and FANTASTIC !!), Magnepan front L/R, Monitor AUdio Silver 10 Center, and M&K subwoofer. The 3300 is at the base of what we now experience as an "awesome" hometheater and music listening system (mostly classic and some Jazz).

I recommend the AVR-3300 based on the above pro's and cons, and reiterate that there may not be much audio gear on the market representing such FANTASTIC VALUE !! You SHOULD give the AVR-3300 at least "a try"!

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha RS-V995 (tested in home for several weeks).

Features
Price
Power

Quality
Remote control

This piece has all of the features I wanted at the price point I wanted to be at. I am currently on my second 3300. The first one had no sub output signal in stereo, direct or calibration modes. Denon (via my local dealer) exchanged this defective unit for a new one that seems to work flawlessly.
Since I have a dedicated 2 channel system, I use the 3300 almost exclusively for OTA TV, DBS and DVD. The AC3 and especially DTS modes are stunning. I really like the 5 channel stereo mode for listening to the DBS (Direct TV) music channels.
The Marantz unit I considered came with a better remote control but, the Denon had the features I wanted. Down the road I will buy a Pronto anyway.
It is hard to believe how much you get for your money in the 3300. A word of advice...be sure to buy this unit from a good reputable local dealer so you can easily exchange it if you have problems.

Similar Products Used:

Sony Pro Logic receiver

Great clean power, not too many DSP modes, versatility, future proof connectivity, DD & DTS decoding, individual settings for each input, strong build, great value

remote, no digital out, no on-screen-display when monitoring
component video, manual

I was looking to upgrade from my "decent" ProLogic receiver
to a DD/DTS receiver that performed exceptionally for both
HT and 2 channel stereo for music. I'm not sure I could
have made a better choice for the money ($759 + shipping
from audiovideoamazon.com).

I matched it up with my Sony s550d DVD player through
optical and my (admittedly dated and mediocre) Infinity
s2005's (fronts), s2003's (rears), CC1 center, and
underpowered BU-1 sub, and I was far from disappointed. I
was amazed these speakers could actually sound as good as
they did.

This setup created a simply spectacular soundstage for music, and had great balance and channel separation for
DD movies (after listening to ProLogic for years, this was
a quantum leap). I had the fronts and center set to LARGE
and was suprised by the dynamic range generated by this
receiver using these speakers. The sub filled in nicely
when it had to when listening to music, and it did not
create the booming that I had heard when auditioning other receivers with the same sub. 5 Channel stereo is nice to
fill my large listening room when I'm wondering around,
but I can't deny the stage accuracy of 2 channel stereo when
I'm stationary. The DSP modes are neat for live rock or
techno/house music recordings, but will seldom be used.
(I think the Yamaha had like 25 DPS modes???)

I've had it almost 3 months and have not heard the fan ...
even when I put my ear down on the unit after an hour of
high output. (Maybe the fan isn't working at all ... but,
the unit does not seem to run any hotter than any unit I've
had).

I was initially disappointed that there was no OSDisplay
for component video, but I started to wonder about having
to run a HD signal all over the place, just to get this
neato video switching ... but wouldn't I be introducing
more opportunities for signal degradation??? Sure, so
forget it ... I'm running comp vid directly to my HDTV
from my DVD player and HD tuner. Not a big deal.

The manual was one of the worst I've ever seen. I know I was
able to get farther with the setup by employing trial and
error than I was wasting time thumbing through the manual.
Especially when it came to programming the remote. I could
not figure out for the life of me what buttons on the remote
were programmable for each audio/video slider setting from
the damned manual. I wanted to program the channel up/down
to control the channel on my tv no matter what the sliders
were set to, but you can only program them on like 4 of the
6 settings ...?? I also wanted to control the input selector
and the aspect ratio selector (widescreen TV) from all
slider settings using the same vacant buttons, but I can't.
Oh well ... I'll probably end up getting one those huge LCD
programmable remotes ...

As far as not having a digital output, it would be nice,
but I currently have nothing to output to. Is there such
a thing as an fiber-optic splitter where I can split the
optical signal from my dvd player to input into multiple
devices???? (to the receiver and a recordable dvd player
when they come out)

I saw somebody below was having a hard time getting an
analog output from the receiver when monitoring a digital
source ... I'm having the same problem ... I still listen
to tapes in my car, but I can't record from the DVD player
when input through optical or coax ...??? I'd rather not
run an analog connection in parallel to the digital one ...
someone please email me if you have accomplished this.

All in all, I am extrmely pleased with the 3300 and would
recommend it to anyone who was looking for a midrange
receiver that was versatile performer and a great value.
I'm just curious how long I will be able to go until I
start to wonder how much receiver performance I'm missing
by listening to the 3300 through my Infinity array.
I'd better start saving ...

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha XR 995 - HK 7000 - retiring HK AVR30 Pro Logic after 6 great years of service.