Built like a tank, great digital sound.

NONE

Had this unit for several years and LOVE IT. Had a minor power supply problem that was covered under warranty. Upgrade to DTS was offered by the techs at the time for
about $200.

The Denon AVR3600 is a value for money, quality AC-3 capable surround soundreceiver/amplifier. It boasts 140W RMS per channel in stereo mode, or 105W
RMS per channel in 5 speaker surround mode (with an output jack for a powered
sub-woofer) for full 5.1 compatibility.

Video signals can be routed through the 3600 as well, making the 3600 a central
switch for all your devices. A generous supply of connectors is to be found
(5 audio only plus 4 audio/visual). It supports multi-source routing, so
a second signal (other than the primary selected) can be sourced to the
multi-source output jacks which can then be passed to an AV setup in another
room for example. (potentially useless/useful).

The usual range of source processing is to be found (direct, mono, stereo) plus
a variety of surround modes (5 channel stereo, dobly pro-logic, AC-3) plus
5 pseudo surround modes effectuated via a DSP processing a stereo input source.

And being a receiver, it of course allows for radio reception.

There's an AC-3 RF receiver jack (so you don't need to by a separate AC-3
decoder - it's on board), plus direct digital and optical input jacks.

So how good is it? Well, for a start 525 (105W x 5) is VERY loud, enough to
shake the floor/furniture and probably give you hearing damage, and that's
at half volume. Definition is not brilliant, but definately exceptional.
The amplification stage can at times be slow on sharp transitions (although
this is a relative thing, I'm talking 90% acceptability here). Not noticable
when listening alone, but when compared to my Denon POA2800, the difference is
there. Overall the power, clarity and responsiveness of the amp is of a very
high standard, providing punch in movies when required. In fact, I'd say this
is a better movie (surround) amp, than a musical amp though it does that
particular job commendibly.

Reception (radio) is of a very high quality incidentally, FM being brilliant
and almost as good as a CD. I have noticed that my personal position in the
room can affect the reception quality, but this more surfaces itself as a
complete dropout, rather than extra FM hiss. I'm still experimenting with
ideal antenna cable locations. I haven't bothered with AM except to prove
that it works.

One feature lacking that I would have liked to see was a set of 5.1 input jacks
(it only has post pre-amp 5.1 outputs) These presence of the input jacks would
have meant that alternative external surround processors could have been added
(other than just AC-3 built-in). I have yet to determine if the optical/digital
inputs are 5.1 capable.

Overall the 3600 does its job and fits its intended purpose extremely well. As
an integrated surround-sound receiver/amp it is of the next-to-highest quality
short of going to Denon's gold series surround sound components (the AVR-5600 is
simply a 3600 with more power) (or similar in other brands) or discrete
high-quality components and interconnects. I have been extremely pleased with
its performance such that it deserves 5 stars on the basis of fitting intended
purpose. If I compared it against the best you could do against other surround
receivers out there it'd be 4 stars (but you'd be paying a lot more).

The 3600 is good piece for the home theatre in dolby digital, the problem existsin its reproduction of music in 2 channel stereo wich kind of had a fried egg
sound. I would recomend seperates that can be had for the same or a little more
money.

After reading some of the reviews I realized that most of the people putting down this receiver were compairing it to seperates, I bet DENON is flattered. This unit can be bought new from 1000 -1300 $. A descent 5 channel amp will cost more than that alone. You cant get superb sound from a box crammed full of gadgets, but DENON got real close! I have owned a few different receivers from major brands but none of them have the smoothness of the DENON. Some of DENON's older two channel stereo receivers (DRA 1025) were put in competition against various MAC amps, the testers walked away very suprised with the clean output of the DENON and clearly stated there was very little difference. My 3600 plays very clear in the direct mode (digital coax "tributaries"), very smooth and reproduces everything so delicately. I can switch over to 5 channel stereo and it will quickly remind you that your internal organs are not secured inside your chest. Dolby 5.1 dig. is awesome in this unit, I dont like watching a movie now, unless its digital, regular surround is a joke. Im not losing any sleep over not having DTS, at the rate were going we will have a new sound format about once every two years and will probably increase. For the money you cant get more than the 3600 offers. Just go and listen, no major manufacturer even comes close to DENON. If there was a better sounding receiver out there in my price range, I would have bought it. 4 stars (nothings perfect).

after looking for good receiver i found a great receiver in the denon 3600

Wonderful sound, Very flexable, Good power range for price

Remote limited range, Confusing menu setup with no help in manual

I have been using the reciever for almost 3 years now and I have been impressed with the sound quality since day one. Everyone I have over to my house not only LOVES the quality of sound the reciever can reproduce but how clean the sound is even at a low volume.

After owning the reciever past the warranty time I had something short out inside the reciever. I sent the device back to Denon who not only replaced the reciever but they also did not charge me for the work performed/replacement.

They have my business with support like that.

Similar Products Used:

Harmon Kardon Citation 22 & Onkyo