features, manual, power, sound

remote

I tried out several receivers before settling on this one. I am not disappointed. I was worried after reading reviews about the manual (since I am a HT beginner), but set up and configuration was a breeze. I found the manual to be very useful. I was also concerned about the unit running hot as was previously stated, it is warm, but that's to be expected. I keep it well ventilated and so far it doesn't seem to run too warm.

The only feature that this receiver noticeably lacks is DPL II. Other than that it has it all including DTS Neo:6 which rivals DPL II.

Overall, this receiver is a beast. I wouldn't pay the suggested retail of $1200. But for $800, its definitely worth it.

Similar Products Used:

pioneer elite, yamaha, HK, Onkyo

Nice for the price

none for the price

To the reviewer/salesman below. Please don't use this site to advertise.....there is no way you are going to help anyone with a review because you are always going to give 5 stars for a product you sale. I see that you have posted all over this site and I just wanted to make people aware of that. (This guy's reviews are biased because he is trying to sale these products)

Just about everything.

Remote is not what I expected.

Just got it. A big improvement over the Kenwood. Sounds much more musical. Kenwood was harsh. I will need to get a better universal remote however. Otherwise I am very pleased and would recomend in this price range.

Similar Products Used:

Kenwood 2090

sound

remote

Seems to be a bit brighter than other denon units,but with proper speakers it creats a beautiful sound.I will own this till the 5900 comes out in a year or two,until then this makes is a good tie me over!

Similar Products Used:

yamaha

-Pre outs on all channels including surround back
-9channels! A+B Surround speaker setup + Surround Back
-DTS-ES Discrete Surround back channels
-Above average musicality for a HT reciever
-Good sets of ins/outs S-Video etc.. 3x optical ins
-User friendly HT configuration, delay and +/-12db on all channels
-Video Component improves picture quality
-Gold finish

-Single Coax input
-not THX certified
-gain control under average on low output
-Junk DSP modes
-hmmm

I have a hard time writing a review about this unit so ill leave it blank. I aint got a 7channel setup so i feel kinda left out on this even with owning the unit.
I will get a pair of matching speakers for this reciever and will then give it a decent review.
So, Strength and Weaknesses and the Stars is all im able to give it at this time.

I have a pair of Infinty Kappa 8.2, 6.2 and a Kappa Video so going for an extra pair is not going to be easy.


email me if you got any suggestions...

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha, Pioneer and HarmannKardon.

Versatility, Power, sound clarity and value

The backlight on the remote.

I got this receiver last week. I got it from moreaudiovideo.com for 822.00 including shipping. I had been looking to upgrade for the last 5 months. I had a Denon AVR 3000 for the last 5 years and loved it for music, had plenty of power, but for DVD it just did not cut it due to being Pro-Logic only. I Demoed the Onkyo 787 but to me it did not have adequate power or clarity, don’t get me wrong it is a very good receiver, but for my taste it did not measure up to the 3801. I also demoed the Pioneer VSX 36-TX at a friends house, he has the same speaker sent up I have, Klipsch RF-3 front and back, with Klipsch RC-3 center and a KSW-12 subwoofer and to me the Pioneer was not in the same league as the 3801 or 787. Finally I got the 3801 and set it up and let me tell you it was awesome. I had company over yesterday and we watch Shaft they were all blown away including my friend with the Pioneer. I also watch the Matrix again with this and it was great. I really like music so I tested it out with BB King; Ronnie Laws, Carlos Santa and Andrea Bochelli and I truly liked what I heard. I still think my AVR 3000 in two channel sound a little better in regards of clarity but not much, but for all I am getting with the 3801 I can will live with it. Over all for the money it is the best receiver in my opinion out in the market. Now if I had more money to spend like in the 3,000 price range I would have gotten a B&K AVR-307 or the Denon AVR-5800. Utlemley if you are looking for a receiver in this price rage listen to Denon 3801, Onkyo 787, Marantz SR-8000, Pioneer VSX-36TX and Yamaha RX-V1000 and make up your own mind according to your set up and taste. I do not think you can go wrong with any of these receivers. Y Yamaha RX-V1000

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo 787, Marantz SR-8000, Pioneer VSX-36TX

Great warm sound, solid construction, great surround experience in both DTS and DD 5.1, great control flexibility, clean sound reproduction.

Cannot see volume level on the AVR display from 15 feet away and cannot see it on TV monitor either. Manual could be better organized from an engineering/design perspective

I have been recearching AVR receivers for over 3 months and have auditioned both HK and various models of ONKYO including not-once-but-many-times-mentioned here 787. 787 is a very nice unit, but it was very bright for my Klipsch speakers; that is why I got the Denon. Just to clarify myself - 787 is a great unit and has all those wonderful options, but not for my existing speakers, so people, if you are still debating in between the two, get them and audition them both for your existing setup.
The unit fit really well with my Klipsch Forte's, Klipsch KLF C7 center and Klipsch S3 surrounds. I used Tara Labs interconnects and speaker cables. The source was Panasonic DVD RV30 player using both digital and analog output. The unit is very warm, the frequency responce is great, instrument separation is wonderful and 5.1 simulated surround stereo is an interesting experience. Virtual sound modes are also great. Live Pink Floyd's Pulse was absolutely great with Rock Arena setting. When I tested unit with different movies I was stunned with the reality of the sound reproduction. Matrix was GREAT. Having Forte's I do not think I need a sub, unless I want to have my neighbors shoot me. Overall I am very pleased with the unit.
As for remote - yes, I agree that the backlit function is totally useless, the LCD is useless, and remote needs some time to learn. Manual could be organized in a better fashion. And please does anyone know whether you can have volume level displayed on the monitor screen?
Bottom line - great value for the dollar.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo 676, Onkyo 787, Harman Kardon AVR 65

Overall fantastic sound. DTS-ES & Neo 6 provide great surround. More than adequate power. Nice feel to remote.

Weaknesses are minor: difficult manual, small digital readout of volume, backlight on remote is inadequate.

I did extensive research before buying this product. At the time (early November, 2000), the Denon 3801 was so new that there were very few reviews. I had considered many products including Onkyo, Pioneer, and Sony (In the past I have been pleased with Sony video and Pioneed audio products).

According to reviews, Denon products such as the Denon 3300 had great sound, but minor problems (overheating). The reviews suggested that the 3801 would not overheat, had great overall sound, DTS-ES extended surround, a quality Japanese build, and 6.1/7.1 capability. After calling local retailers that wanted a minimum of $999.00, I purchased this product for $826.00 at www.ecost.com.

The reviews are correct...this is a great receiver. You will know you have made a great purchase when you play DTS-ES movies like Terminator II-Ulitimate Edition, Gladiator, Chicken Run, The Haunting, or Seven.

Similar Products Used:

Full range of Onkyo, Sony, and Pioneer products.

Best value for the money. It will matrix into 6.1 regardless of any audio format.

Poor manual. Only 105 watts per channel.

An outstanding value for the cost-stressed buyer (like most of us). The only drawback is that if you intend to listen to lots of music, a good amp for the front channels would be wise, because at only 105 watts, the sound quality tends to degrade the more the volume goes up. There are pre-outs for all channels, with adjustable pre-amp out levels. The on screen setup and component switching is excellent. There is NO better unit for under $1500 that even comes close to offering the same decoding and features. The only tip I have is, if you order from ETRONICS....the prices of shipping on thier site is inaccurate....they will hit you up for $59 ground UPS, and tell you that it is "double boxed" which it IS NOT. They shipped quickly but I didn't like being lied to. Also, make sure that you order from an autorized DENON dealer if it's online....otherwise they will not honor the factory warranty.

Happy hunting,
JC

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo and Yamaha RVX-1000

Best value for the money. It will matrix into 6.1 regardless of any audio format.

Poor manual. Only 105 watts per channel.

An outstanding value for the cost-stressed buyer (like most of us). The only drawback is that if you intend to listen to lots of music, a good amp for the front channels would be wise, because at only 105 watts, the sound quality tends to degrade the more the volume goes up. There are pre-outs for all channels, with adjustable pre-amp out levels. The on screen setup and component switching is excellent. There is NO better unit for under $1500 that even comes close to offering the same decoding and features. The only tip I have is, if you order from ETRONICS....the prices of shipping on thier site is inaccurate....they will hit you up for $59 ground UPS, and tell you that it is "double boxed" which it IS NOT. They shipped quickly but I didn't like being lied to. Also, make sure that you order from an autorized DENON dealer if it's online....otherwise they will not honor the factory warranty.

Happy hunting,
JC

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo and Yamaha RVX-1000