nearly everything

not many things

For Jeff M and Ken W below:
No product that i have seen from Denon deserves a rating of 1 star. Just because you like Onkyo better it doesn't mean you give it 1 star. If it is poor, then give it 2 stars, if OK but not as good as Onkyo in your mind then perhaps 3 stars etc, but to actually degrade Denon in such a way and give it 1 star shows that you don't understand the concept of a rating system.
Oh and when one of you said Onkyo 787 has DTS-ES, trying to make Onkyo 787 sound good you were not quite correct. It actually has DTS-ES matrix, but not DTS-ES Discrete(Which the Denon 3801 has as well) which is the best of the current sound formats. So when it comes to movies like gladiator in DTS-ES Discrete you will not have the same experience that the Denon 3801 users will encounter because the back surround is a discrete channel and not just matrix encoded in the surrounds

Relatively easy to use, decent sound

none for my needs

I bought this receiver along with the Energy Encore 5 speaker system to replace my old NAD AV713 Pro Logic receiver and Phase Technology PC-80 speakers (I only used my old setup as a 2-channel system). Because I replaced both the receiver and the speakers, I can't really get specific about what is better or worse in the sound quality of the 3801, just that overall I'm happy with how it has performed as the center of my new home theater. (Check out the review I wrote in the Energy Encore 5 section on this site). Note that I have an audiophile-level system that I use just for music (mark levinson 383 integrated amp, arcam fmj-cd23 cd player, and audio physic virgo speakers), so this review is primarily focused on the 3801 as a home theater receiver.

Hooking everything up to this receiver wasn't any easier or more difficult than any other system; the connectors are laid out fairly sensibly. Also, I felt that the on-screen interface for setting speaker distances, digital input sources, etc were pretty straight forward. No problems here.

Here's what I have hooked up:
-Panasonic A320 DVD player: optical digital out (into 3801) and component video out (direct to TV)
-Sony VHS VCR (don't have the model)
-Sony Playstation 2: optical digital out (into 3801) and component video out (direct to TV)
-Sega Dreamcast: s-video out
-Motorola Cable Box
-Sony 36XBR400 Wega TV (36 inch)

Basically, I like the setup...with the Energy Encores, the sound is clear but not bright or harsh. Dolby Digital and DTS DVDs sound dynamic with no strain. Playstation 2 games also sound great. It sounds good enough that when my friends who do not have a home theater setup hear it, their jaws drop, and good enough that after having used it for the past 3 months and gotten over the initial "wow"-factor myself, I'm still happy with the sound.

Since my room isn't huge (13ft x 20ft) and the speakers relatively small, I don't need anymore power than what the 3801 provides.

I haven't been all that impressed with this system for listening to music, but I suppose that is to be expected when playing CDs on a DVD player thru an AV receiver and home theater-oriented speakers. And I'm also comparing with my Mark Levinson system, which was considerably more money...

The remote isn't great, but it isn't bad. I suppose any remote without a touch screen isn't going to be all that user friendly. And I haven't tried to program it to do anything beyond controlling individual components. But it's usable, and it's allowed me to eliminate the remotes for all my other components except for very specific functions (like programming the VCR, or using the schedule/menu system on the cable box's DTV functions). If the Philips Pronto ever comes down in price, I'll get it...otherwise, I'm fine with this remote.

This review may sound a little dull...Honestly, I didn't audition a ton of other receivers because I wasn't necessarily looking for something that would blow me away (I don't think any $1000 receiver could really blow me away)...but simply a receiver that does what it's supposed to do without fuss, sounds decent (not audiophile-grade), and doesn't do anything badly. I did audition the Marantz SR-7000 and thought it was also decent, but I liked the Denon's 6.1/7.1 capabilities (although I haven't used them yet).

My ratings:
5 for value: compared to similarly-featured av receivers, it is a little cheaper.
4 for performance: compared to similarly-priced av receivers, it has some extra features (eg. 6.1/7.1) and seems easier to use.

Similar Products Used:

NAD AV713 Pro Logic receiver

Feels like i'm at the movies

none for me

Bought this of a friend that upgraded to 5800 and let me say i'm happier than can be.Enough power for my room and rocks my polk speakers.Previous garbage kenwood receiver m
makes me laugh now,ijust gave it to my brother.
This receiver is very good in this price range and discrete dts es is icing on the cake.Thannks denon for another great product

Similar Products Used:

none

Very good sound stage, lots of power, DTS-ES Rocks, Widescreen mode is good too.

It would be nice to have the EX matrix to automatically flag the receiver to go into 7.1 mode...but can live without it. Also, the Manual is a joke. I learned most of the operations just my trial and error.

Comparing this product to the ones mentioned above isn't as easy as you may think. They all sound really good. Why did I choose Denon? Well, it had the advantage over the Onkyo 787 because of 7.1 vs 6.1 (two rear speakers instead of one). Also, the Denon seemed to be "built" a little better. I think the Onkyo 787 is a little overpriced just to have the THX Select logo on it. As far as the "Flagship" receivers compared to this model, they do sound better...but NOT $2000 better. I have a good ear for sound, and there is no way you could convince me that for between $1000 and $2000 more that you can hear that much difference. I did a blind test of the 3801 and the 5800 side by side, and I could tell the difference between the two. But for $2000...No way...save your money! As far as the Marantz goes, I just didn't want to deal with external mono block amps for the rear center speakers and they don't have the flexibility of the "widescreen" DSP mode to utilize the rear speakers with any 5.1 source. I did over 6 months worth of listening and research before deciding on the Denon. Also, it should be noted that this is the FIRST Denon product I have ever bought, and I am not an easy sell. Also, be careful where you buy the product from, because if something goes wrong, Denon will only stand behind their product if purchased from an "authorized" retailer. For $150-$200 more, think of it as insurance.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo 787, Onky 989, Denon AVR 5800, Marantz SR-18EX & SR-19EX

Very good sound stage, lots of power, DTS-ES Rocks, Widescreen mode is good too.

It would be nice to have the EX matrix to automatically flag the receiver to go into 7.1 mode...but can live without it. Also, the Manual is a joke. I learned most of the operations just my trial and error.

Comparing this product to the ones mentioned above isn't as easy as you may think. They all sound really good. Why did I choose Denon? Well, it had the advantage over the Onkyo 787 because of 7.1 vs 6.1 (two rear speakers instead of one). Also, the Denon seemed to be "built" a little better. I think the Onkyo 787 is a little overpriced just to have the THX Select logo on it. As far as the "Flagship" receivers compared to this model, they do sound better...but NOT $2000 better. I have a good ear for sound, and there is no way you could convince me that for between $1000 and $2000 more that you can hear that much difference. I did a blind test of the 3801 and the 5800 side by side, and I could tell the difference between the two. But for $2000...No way...save your money! As far as the Marantz goes, I just didn't want to deal with external mono block amps for the rear center speakers and they don't have the flexibility of the "widescreen" DSP mode to utilize the rear speakers with any 5.1 source. I did over 6 months worth of listening and research before deciding on the Denon. Also, it should be noted that this is the FIRST Denon product I have ever bought, and I am not an easy sell. Also, be careful where you buy the product from, because if something goes wrong, Denon will only stand behind their product if purchased from an "authorized" retailer. For $150-$200 more, think of it as insurance.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo 787, Onky 989, Denon AVR 5800, Marantz SR-18EX & SR-19EX

biuld quality

owners manual

Lots of power. great dolby digital prossesser. If you are looking for a well built powerful unit this ones for you. I hooked it up to my Energy loud speakers and it rocked. I purchased it from www.acousticsounddesign.com with great results. Thy did everything they said they would and more. I am planning on purchasing a power conditioner from them at the end of the month.

Similar Products Used:

none

Easy setup, great sound

learning remote hard to setup, heavy, binding posts too close

Excellent receiver, does everything I want/need. Great audio sound and surround capabilities are close to perfect.

Mated the 3801 with;
Sony KP53V series TV
Sony DVP670D dvd
Sony KVN80 VCR
Polk RT55i
Polk CS400i
Polk PSW650
Polk RT35i
Plan on adding the Polk fx500i dipole/bipole speakers for 7.1 soon.

I set up the receiver with digital coax from my digital cable and used the fiber (digital) connects for the dvd. All are working w/o problems and have clear crisp sound and video. Used S-video for the TV/VCR connects and component inputs for the dvd.

Would recommend this receiver to anyone in the $1000-1500 range. Have rented/purchased several DTS encoded dvd's - what a difference in sound/clarity!

I paid full price for the receiver because I was concerned about Denon warranty issues from "non-authorized" dealers. This being my 1st receiver I was not sure if the warranty would play into the deal. For those not concerned about warranty, you can get this receiver for $850 or so on the 'net. At that price I would give the value rating 5 stars. And for those bombing Polk because they have gone mass market, forget it they ROCK!

Only bad thing, Denon's web page and contact info should be better. This a gripe about the company and not the 3801.

Similar Products Used:

demoed Onkyo 787, Sony DB940

Sound quality is intense

Remote and user manuel

This receiver is the bomb! Crisp! Clean! and unbelievable! I only wish there were more DTS movies!

All I can say is wow! Highly recomend!

Current setup
Denon 3801
monitor 5v2 front
cc-370 center
PS-1000 Sub
Cheap Acoustic Research Rear and sides

Similar Products Used:

Denon Avr 610

Built in Japan.

Runs warmer than my old Yamaha. Overkill with DTS-ES. Multi-room feature, also overkill. Difficult to program, Lack of controls from unit itself (e.g. can't get to AM or FM radio from unit - only from remote control based on pre-sets. My wife hated it!). Poorly written manual - the worst I've seen.

This receiver is decent for HT, but everything in the $1,000 price range should be. However, it falls short when playing music compared to its competitors. The music reproduction was very "bright" and hard to listen over an extended time.

I returned it a got an Arcam AVR-100.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha, Marantz, Onkyo, Arcam

The 6.1 and 7.1 option is awesome, music sounds excellent, video too.

Not enough digital inputs/outputs. The on-screen displays.

I have not yet brought this piece. I am still comparing models. But I do have to say I am leaning towards this unit.
No external amp needed, for that rear speaker. Sound quality is excellent as well as the movies. I don't know about the 100% of the 105 watts, as mentioned in other reviews, but I tested it out in a room about the size of 25X25, and I still had volume to go. And it was driving speakers bigger then mine. This amp of Denon's,(.05) is cleaner then the Pioneer Elite(.09), but not as clean as the Yamaha's(.04)The Onkyo's is (.08)and it has THX. For the money, you should really look at the 3801 or the 787.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo DS787, Yamaha RX-V1000, and Pioneer VSX-36TX