I just purchased the Denon AVR-3300 this weekend as an upgrade to my beloved AVR-2500. I have been a fan of Denon for over a decade, and believe that they have set a new standard for the sub-$1000 receiver market. The AVR-3300 has amazing warm sound, the 5 channel stereo mode is great for party background music, and the conscious design flexibility for the current technology (DD/DTS) with component in/out and expansion to the new 6.1 Dolby EX technology makes the AVR-3300 the obvious receiver for me. The 105W x5 really knocked my socks off in Dolby-Digital movie viewing. I got the unit for $800 from an authorized dealer (AudioBuys)in Fairfax, VA as part of a whole upgrade package (AVR-3300, Mirage FRX-R surrounds, Sony DVD-330). The prices were equal or better than the internet dealers and I got the full warranty.

Had the 3300 for 2 weeks now and love it. At first, I thought I would prefer more panel buttons, but I’m starting to like the knobs for selecting stations, sound modes, etc. At least you can see what your selecting. I think I still would like to see a tuner shift button and 8 addressable keys on the front panel. A mute button would also be nice. Two other druthers – Station naming and a center channel tone control (I’d like to brighten up the center channel dialogue a little during movies). The remote is terrible. Don’t you just love how it goes into Amp lock mode when you have both slide switches to the right (for using the TV). Anyone who thinks Denon makes a good remote has never used one of the old Pioneer learning remotes that came with their first pro-logic receivers. I’m off to get a RC2000MkII even though it's a little gross looking. I give the receiver 4.5 stars and the remote 2 stars.

This receiver is a steal at its present price. Except for 35W and THX(who cares?), it is almost the same as the AVR-5700. My brother has this unit and I have the 3300 so I have done alot of comparisons. The verdict is that it's surround modes DD/DTS are superb. Bass management and reproduction is excellent.I rarely touch the levels anymore because almost every disc, be it DD or DTS is rendered superbly. There is a fan but it runs very quietly especially during soft scenes. During loud scenes, it kicks in thereby avoiding the chance of hearing it. Great buy and great product.

Just got my AVR3300 in today. I plan to use it for both music listening and home theater, with an emphasis on music.
This unit is replacing a early 80's Marantz receiver. Right now, I'm using it to drive a pair of Acoustic Research AR-78LS speakers (one of their better full-range speakers, back then). I'm using a Sony CD player as my primary music source.

Initial impressions are favorable, the sound is cleaner and more crisp. Also, there is a ton of power to spare in my relatively small (14 x 18) listening room.

Of course, we will see what happens when my new front speakers arrive (a pair of Magnepan 1.6QR's). These speakers are rated at 4 ohms and have an efficiency of approximately 86 db. Anyway, check my thread on "Magnepan 1.6 and Denon AVR3300" in the discussion section if you are interested in this topic.

So far, I have only had a chance to test the unit's basic functionality with various music sources. So far, so good. More later...

At this point, I give it 5 stars because it seems to deliver excellent sound quality and features at a reasonable price point ($800).

I just bought the 3300 about 3 weeks ago and am totally happy with it. I am using it with a Yamaha cdc505 cdplayer, Toshiba3109 dvd, B&W 602s2, 603s2, cc6, and a Velodyne va1012x. I watch movies and listen to all sorts of music on it. I was originally looking at the Yamaha-995, and the sony-333. It was a tough decision between the Yamaha and the Denon.
The 3300 delivers very rich, clear sound to all channels and the features are great also. I like the way it will auto-detect the input signals (DTS, Dolby Digital, Analog/Digital) - simple enough for my wife to use - and she doesn't really care for most electronic devices.

The only thing it is really lacking is an A/B switch - and the remote control could be a little better, but I am getting used to it. Overall I am very pleased with this unit and I don't think I could ever possibly regret buying it.

Excellent product. Was just about to buy the Nakamichi AV-10 when I listened to this unit. Flawless and cheaper than the Nak. Remote is a little rough, but not really bad at all if you spend some time setting it up and familiarizing yourself with it. Also considered Yamaha 2095 and 995 - not very impressed with these after seeing and hearing the Nak and Denon products.

As an "audio enthusiast" I listen to many different genres of music as well as watch movies. I particularly enjoy classical music, and short of buying a 2-channel amp, I have not found a receiver that makes classical music sound better. However, DO NOT let this statement fool you, the AVR-3300 does not hold back from explosions in Terminator 2. The receiver's one draw back is the remote, however after a day or two, I found myself familiar with it, and actually not minding it anymore. You will especially appreciate the 3300 if like me, you have power hungry speakers. The instant I plugged them into the 3300 my Mirage 290is speakers sounded better than I have ever heard. Basses are deeper and smoother, their mid-range became even more full and the high end felt more solid; but then again what do you expect with 550 watts of total power (6.7 KG power supply), and Denon's power serving circuitry. As far as comparing it to the Yamaha 2095, 995, or almost anything else in its "class" all I can say is there is simply NO comparison. Yamaha loves to tell you how its receivers have 32 DSP modes. While it is true that the AVR-300 only has 5 they are the 5 you actually use. Moreover, with DDSC-D circuitry they sound UNBELEIVABLE! In addition, the AVR-3300 has a "5-channel stereo mode", which is actually all I use when I listen to music. Overall, there is simply NO BETTER receiver for $1,000 or even into $1,500. If you own one congratulations! If you've yet to buy one, then what are you waiting for!?

Got one of these to replace an HK AVR-30. The difference in music is astounding to say the least. Much more warmth and depth. Dolby 5.1 over Pro Logic? Again, voices are easier to understand and more natural. The sounds is full, clear and it doesn't wear me (or my fiance) out like the HK did.
On the downside, there is only one coaxial digital input. I have a combo DVD/LD player, and I think I might have aproblem with 5.1 LD's, since I'm supposed to use the RF out. At worst, they will play in Pro Logic mode. Also, there are no digital outs, which means I can't copy anything digitally (not that I need to).

Yes, the remote isn't a prize (just got a Pronto, so I don't care) but how many receiver's remotes are?

The unit is easy to use and the auto switching works like a charm. It is very "upgradable" and it might make you spend more than you wanted to just to try and fill up all the jacks!

From the front, it is simple with a minimum of front panel choices. Maybe not enough for some people, but I'd rather sit on the sofa and play with the remote than walk across the room.

The tuner...I would have liked to be able to name stations, and have direct access tuning. And how do you delete stations in the preset? I guess you have to just memorize the ones you like best and forget about the other ones.

One really nice feature is the 5 channel stereo mode. Great, clean sound coming from everywhere, at the right volume levels. Not a silly DSP mode...this thing really works!

So, from what I see and hear, I like it. It's got it's quirks, but what high priced toy doesn't? The sounds are awesome, and it is easy to use once you get it hooked up.

okokok ... so I've been waylaid by my office mate about the wonders of Dolby Digital/DTS/voice matched blah blah blah ad nauseum ... I consider myself reasonably informed about music, but I've had to piece my system together on the cheap since I've been a student for the past decade ... just recently graduated, and am earning a paycheck so I figured I'd upgrade the rack ... first, what I have: an old OLD Luxman integrated amp (55W?), Mission bookshelves, Nakamichi Dragon TD, Linn Sondek Turntable (Yes an actual TURNTABLE), Monster Cable and a Fisher 24-CD Player (yeah I know - so sue me), and a host of other inconsequential pieces ... believe it or not this sounded pretty good in my small dorm room and apartments over the years ... comparable to the Rotel, Adcom, Magnepan's that I've heard (but obviously not equal) ... Flash forward ... I recently picked up a raft of Infinity Delta's 60's ($179/per), Delta 40's ($159/per) and a Delta center ($119) for nearly nothing at onsale.com as well as a pair of Bose AM-5's at a yard sale, so now I have to quell the itch and go for the Dolby Digital/DTS as much as I've poohpooed it over the years (toy audio) ... I'd read the reviews here and elsewhere ... settled on three widely disparate units - the Dennon 3300, the Yamaha DSP-A1, 2095 and the Pioneer-27/26TX ... the Dennon cost the least of this bunch ($770 from Uncles Stereo) ... didn't consider the Dennon 5700 or the 3600 because of the big BIG dollars and I don't have such an esoterica audiophile's ear ... listened to all of these units for my smallish attic apartment (sloped ceiling 12x16?) ... admittedly, I didn't hear it in my apartment but in a listening room on a set of Paradigm's ... so hear's ;-) my impression ... the little Dennon "that could" blew away the Yamahas and the Pioneers ... I put in Miriam Makeba and she was "standing in front and off to the right" when I closed my eyes (and I've seen her in real life ;-) ... this system is going to have sound good for both music and HT and so far in all my listening sessions the 3300 blows me away (and I'm a cynic!!) ... DD/DTS whatever ... I'd buy this just for its stereo fidelity!! ... the salesman and all you kind folks talk about component switching, DASC (sp?) whatevers and 7.1 whatchamalcallits ... I'm sold on just the STEREO!!! ... sure the DSP-A1/2095 and the 27/26TX have great DSP modes, Midnight Modes, yaddah yaddah yaddah ... my friend with a 2092 (precursor to the 2095) hasn't switched DSP modes in 2 years ... I'm used to having to get my butt up to change the volume so I don't care about the remote and its "crappiness" and by the time I do, we'll have mind controlled Wintel thougt-screens that allow us to envision the mode/volume/effect we want and "make it so" ... who cares? ... I'm ordering a 3300 for my apartment tonight ... I'll post more later about my impressions when I've rattled the plaster off my walls with a little more Makeba/Duke Ellington/Lillith Faire stuff and let you know ... feel free to e-mail ... 5 flaming hot speakers for what I expect to be an AWESOME investment

This piece was the winner in an approximately 4 month long shopping period. Other competitors were (and reasons why they didn't end up winning)-
Denon AVR-5700, price too high.
Yamaha DSP-A1, price too high. Love it in gold!
Yamaha RX-V995, too bright sounding (trans.- emphasized high range) and didn't like the cosmetics at all. Too utilitarian!
Pioneer Elite VSX-26Tx, No true stereo mode! Can you believe it???

The 5 channel stereo mode is quite excellent- really opens up the room. Make sure you have good surround speakers if you plan on using it. I would like a digital out, though. Minidisc should be able to be used as a digital out on a piece of this caliber. Setup menus are excellent. Speaker binding posts are good, but knobs should be metal and more heavy duty. Remote sucks!
I love the sound of this thing. It is really smooth and lyrical. For HT itis really nice, and will be even better after I move into a house out of my apartment!

5 stars.