Good power, fabulous sound on music and movies, easy connection and setup. A very competitive deal at around $900. 7.1 channels, with connections for yet another set of surrounds or a second zone output. Lots of inputs.

Manual has decent illustrations, only occasionally understandable English. Remote is large and clumsy, but isn't really that bad. Programming it was very easy. Using it less so. Considerably less of a deal at $1,200. However, warranty issues deserve research before purchase!

I've replaced a 12 year old Onkyo stereo receiver with the 3803 and a 7.1 surround system build out of Polk speakers. Everything's in place, and I can make some initial observations. (1) The back panel is well laid out, and the receiver was very easy to hook up. Banana plugs help here a lot --- it would have taken three times as long if I were dealing with bare speaker wire. (2) Setup is also pretty easy, dispite the fact that the manual is pretty bad, and the system is pretty sophisticated. One thing that I thought was amusing is that if you choose to enter the speaker distances in meters, you get to set the distance to the nearest 0.1 meters. If you use feet, you are accurate to the nearest foot. I know the difference in accuracy probably doesn't matter, but still, it seemed odd. I used the Stereo & Vision HT Tuneup disk to calibrate speaker levels (along with a radio shack SPL meter). The difference in sound before and after is impressive --- much smoother transitions around the room on DD demos, etc. You simply HAVE to do this. (3) I don't think the remote is that bad, but it isn't great. I used it for a couple of days, then gave up on it. It's really silly to backlight a bunch of buttons with no writing on them! I worked for an hour on my old Cinema 7 universal remote, and it now controls the Denon (and everything else) very nicely. What a great little remote, especially for $25! (4) The DSP modes are pretty goofy. 7ch stereo might sound good on some sources. I like PL II and Neo 6 for most TV viewing and CD listening. (5) I'm running several s-video signals into the 3803 and an s-video cable out to my (old) TV. I can't detect any signal degredation. If/when I upgrade to a TV with component inputs, it will be interesting to see how well the upconversion feature works. (6) I've listened to some acoustic music, some louder stuff, lots of DBS tv, and several movies. The DTS-ES soundtrack on "The Fellowship of the Ring" sounds fantastic. When Frodo puts on the ring, the "wraith world" sound effects absolutely envelop you. For the first time watching this movie, I could make out what the voice was saying to Frodo in these scenes --- the center channel is crystal clear. Arrows here or bullets in "The Matrix"'s DD-EX soundtrack whiz across the room. The ships at the beginning of Episode II rattle my room, even at fairly low volumes. (That scene seems like overkill; in most cases the LFE channel seems smooth and well integrated, not drawing so much attention to itself but really adding to the sound) I can't say how the system's sound compares to other AV receivers, nor how my speaker system compares to others (both seemed excellent on showroom floors, but I don't trust that comparison). The 3803 delivers lots of power and fills up my large room with more than ample sound with ease. It gets hot, so make sure it's decently ventilated. --- Denon 3803 Polk Audio 7.1 speaker system Sony DVD Dish Network PVR Old Mitsu TV

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Researched and listened to Similar Onkyo, Yamaha products.

Earth shaking stereo sound and presence in Pure Direct Mode Brilliant sound stageing. Dolby Dig. and DTS are fabulous. Video switching is a nice plus. All the other features that were only on the 5803

Instruction manual. Remote could stand a few improvements to make it a little more user friendly.

I bought this receiver to replace A Nakamichi TA4A that has been my best friend for over 10 years. When demoing HT receivers I was primarily interested in getting the same kick-ass stereo sound and power that the Nac. delivered as well as giving up to date HT features and sound. After five months this receiver has proved itself over and over again to be much more than I expected. From the effortless wall shaking power to the features found only on receivers costing many hundreds of dollars more this one shines and is second to none. The only down side is that it took me three weeks to tweak it up to get this great sound. This due mainly to the manual that is not user friendly and my own ignorance [read technically challenged]. Once I figured out the manual and the buttons on the remote it is now a snap to use. I am running all Paradigm speakers. A 15 year old pair of 11SE's that have been given a new lease on life with this receiver. Totally awesome!!! New to me when I bought the receiver are a CC370 center, a PS1000 sub and a pair of Atoms on stands for rears. I am running to a Toshiba 50HDX82 rear projection TV, a Toshiba SD3815 DVD player, a Toshiba W625 VCR and my old Yamaha cd player that still sounds great and works well with the other components. For anyone looking for great new technology in a HT receiver at reasonable price this is the one. Don't look any further.

Sound Features Sound!

Thought I would post again now that I've had this receiver for a while. Still LOVE it. Can't believe the sound I was missing with my old Sony ES. Listened to the SACD of Dark Side of the Moon last night and was blown away by the sounds I had never heard before. Had to go back and listen to the regular CD again to compare. I did upgrade my front 3 cables to Kimber pr-4's from Monster Cable so don't know how much that impacted the sound but my SACD player is a cheap Sony and my interconnects are just Monster so most of the improvement has to be this receiver. My system is Paradigm Studio 100's and matching surrounds. Sony DVD/SACD player, Sony ES CD Jukebox/changer, Pioneer CD burner, JVC SVHS VCR

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High quality sound for a reasonable price. More features than I will probably ever use in my lifetime.

Like everyone else says, the remote. I have owned a Sony touchscreen remote that I use for all my components anyway, so it is not that big of a deal.

I'm just finally getting around to writing a review. I've had the thing for about three months now and have really gotten to know it. I'm also happy to report that I have had no problems. I loved the 3803 from the very start. I have it set-up with Klipsch RF3s, RC3, and RS3s. I previously owned a cheap Technics receiver. When I first set the Denon up, it was amazing how much more depth the music had coming from the Klipsch. I was really blown away with how loud I could turn it up without ever having any distortion. DVDs are fantastic with it as well.

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Technics SA-DX930

Please give me good advice with my selection. I own the RX-V1 w/ 5 years full warranty from GoodGuys which is great. It has 3 Component Video Input which I might need all 3 soon. Things I don't like about my current setup (rx-v1 w/ M&K 750THX L/R/C and RL/RR/RC and M&K Sub): 1. No all-channel stereo mode on the V1 2. The center sound is not warm and high enough (maybe because of my speaker? M&K 750THX) 3. The quality of sound is not real enough. Too much processing Things I like about the Denon AVR-3803: 1. All-Channel stereo for playing stereo sources 2. Cleaner sound at higher volume 3. Video Up-Conversion 4. PureDirect mode Things I might NOT like about the Denon AVR-3803: 1. Only 2 Component Video Input, what if I need 3 component inputs from DVD/DirecTV/off-air HDTV receiver ? 2. I only have one center back speaker, can I use one only one center back for the AVR-3803? How's it gonna sound like? 3. Denon is very hard to setup 4. Tech support does not exist for Denon? I don't by extended warranty, just MFG basic... 5. No front AV input. I already purchased the AVR-3803 and waiting for the item to arrive. However I do not know whether to keep the Denon or the Yamaha? Any advice would be very much appreciated. Please email me at eztrade@hotmail.com Thanks

Strong home theater performance in all modes. Pure direct is about as clean as it gets!

Once initial setup is performed, replace the remote with a good universal unit. The manual could be written a bit better,but then again which one couldn't?

It seems that many people that end up choosing the Denon 3803, looked at similar receivers when deciding on their purchase. I also narrowed my choice to two, the Pioneer Elite 45TX and the 3803. I decided on the Denon because of some unique features, (video switching) sound, and last but in my case not least, the size of the chassis. So far I am impressed with the Denon. Setup was a bit more difficult than I had hoped for,(still tweaking even at the present time) and as others have stated, the remote is a joke! Very happy with the HT performance. The Dolby digital and the DTS formats are wonderful. The pure direct stereo mode is a perfect match for listening to vinyl. I forgot how good some old lp's really sounded! Power seemes plentiful in all modes, and the video switching is quite handy. One downside is I the low crossover point is not totally defeatable. I would rather use just the crossover on my sub. Also as I mentioned above the remote is not very well designed. Although it will learn all you need it to, the buttons are so small, the labeling is almost impossible to read. Backlighting becomes just that and nothing more. It still doesn't make things more legible. I solved that problem by adding a Home Theater Master MX-500 remote. I would need a whole page just for praise of that product alone. Anyone who spent the money for the 3803, owes it to themself to add this to their system All in all I am quite satisfied with the Denon 3803. I'm confident as I become even more familiar with this receiver, i will enjoy it that much more. Current System: Paradigm CC-350 center Monitor 3 fronts ADP 350 surround PS-1000 sub Sony DVD/ CD Sony Cassette GLi sl-1800 turn table

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to long of a list

does not pass digital to zone 2 with dvd player so use rc cables

paid 850 thats with a trade in of my old 2700. The 3803 in my eyes simply put is awsome. This is so much better than my old 2700 witch in its day was a very nice unit. For music I like to use pure direct mode witch is simply sweet. This unit makes my speakers disapear into the walls. The front sound stage is so good you would lay money down that the center channel was on. Thats no joke. When in HT mode this thing shines again. I have had a HT for adout 10 years the improvements are mind blowing there is sounds that even make me jump with suprise they are so hard hitting. The base in this unit is very acurate. But I did make a sub cable change that I believe made a huge diferance. I took a high quality 75ohm solid copper cable and put 24k gold ends on and oh my god what clean base. Well all I can say is if you are looking for a av reciever that dosnt break the bank roll this is it. PS interconectors are very inportant to a sweet sounding system dont skimp or you will be upset with the results.Happy listening. Allmost forget about the remote be patient it is a freindly remote once you get past the manual.

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Sound is exceptional both in surround sound modes and stereo. Tons of hook ups. SACD's sound like a live performance!

Illogical controls/remote and owners manuel.

Wow! Just brought this home and hooked it up (only the speakers and DVD/SACD player so far) and I was blown away! I don't know if this receiver is that good or if my old Sony ES was that terrible!

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Bass Midrange 7 channel surround sound fields available (incl. Widescreen) pure power on screen programming

weight (I think every upper echelon receiver is bulky)

I was told by a friend of mine that Denon is overrated and that I should look at Pioneer Elite equipment because it is so much better. Well for those of you out there who are looking at purchasing the Denon 3803 and are having the same advice I have two words for you, DON'T LISTEN. I took 2 months comparing the Denon 3803 and the Pioneer Elite 45TX and hands down Denon came out the winner. For one, the bass management and midrange on the receiver blows the Pioneer away. Secondly, I really only looked at the Pioneer Elite because that is all I have ever bought before and because of the THX select label UNTIL I found out that THX is just a standard created by George Lucas and I got the nerve to leave my little PIONEER safehaven! Thirdly, the Denon receiver gives out pure power and you'll notice it. An unbelievable receiver at a very affordable price, especially when purchased online. Here is my surround system: Denon 3803 JVC DVD-changer JVC 48" widescreen HDTV (reveiwed and also awesome) Infinity Alpha 50's Infinity Center Infinity Alpha 20's (surrounds) Infinity Entra Sub

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pioneer 45TX, Onkyo SR800

Quality natural sound with excellent bass and mid-range.

None

I have the opportunity to try the Denon 3802, Yamaha RXV1 and the 3803 in my house. I listen to DVD concert music a lot. So far, I love the 3803, it sounds great and blow the Yamaha RXV1 away. The Yamaha just sounds so artificial, with weak bass and mid-range. The 3802 sound very close to the 3803 except the 3803 do a much better job in the pre-amp part for dobly/dts decoding, finer channel level and bass management adjustment.

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Yamaha RXV1, Denon 3802, Denon 2802