Pure clear sound, many options, Video Up conversion is a real plus.

The Remote, and Auto Setup.

Very impressed with the sound quality once I managed to set it up how "I" like to listen to it. The setup mic is supplied with the unit here in New Zealand, I found it more a novilty than a useful device for setting up the sound stage, had to adjust many of the settings Front was set to -1db needed adjusting back to 0db Have had to significantly increase the base, and slightly remove some treble. Setup the surround to small speakers, which was not correct. The distance between left and right speakers were reversed and incorrectly setup. I find the remote easy to use, but a pain with the auto back light. I would like to have seen a digital lcd style remote (Similar to the SONY STRDA-5000ES remote) The S-Video signal is alot clearer than when I was using my previous Sony Amp STRDA50ES. The value rating I have selected is based on New Zealand pricing, I feel the RRP of NZ$3699 (US$2400) is far too high, but I did manage to shave $499 off of the RRP. The problem we have importing these types of products from the US into NZ is the Voltage difference and the fact that NZ use PAL not NTSC.

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SONY STR-DA5000ES SONY STR-DA50ES

Better feel then Black Faced Remote. Also seems a little bit easier to see the Characters.

Batteries don't last very long. Replaced them after 1 1/2 months.

I've had this now for 3 months now. The only one complaint I have is the remote control. In case you weren't aware, the One with the BLack Panel and Blue lighting is not very Reliable. My stopped working after a Month(Not Dropped). I emailed Denon and got a Surprising Response. There is an upgraded Version with a Blue Background and Blue characters. I am impressed because unlike the original, it felt too Cushiony. This new one feels close to my SonyAV3000 remote touch screen. Same functionality as the original but I was told you can trade it in as long as you call Their tech support which is willing to trade it in for no charge. Fortunately, the Salesperson from MYDIGITALUNIVERSE.COM had the new one and had it within 5 days. It seems to be a little more sturdy then the Black Faced one. Goto Denon.com and send an email to tech support. I hear people complain Denon doesn't respond to emails. They got in touch with me and was able to Contact my Salesperson from MYDIGITALUNIVERSE.COM to make sure I got the New RC 969. Now, Thats what I call Great Customer Service... Now If I can only convince them to send me the MIC for free... HeHE he!!! Aside from that, If you adjust the Center channel Volume and Distance right, you should not be suffering from Low volume problems. I have Definitive Speakers and the center channel volume is Fine. Sorry, I have not had the same problem. ? does SACD sound good with PURE DIRECT MODE Turned on?

* Paning is seamless * Detail is great * Voices are very natural * All the latest dound formats * Denon Link 3 * Eq microphone and auto setup * Adsjutable equalizer separate for all channels (7 band if i remember it right) * Remote (smart, backlit and autolight) * Looks are solid and classy (silver) * Price is to low for this amp :D

* Center channel just a tad to low for my taste - crank it up manually a db or two and i am satisfied * Thinking......... * Blue light on the power button instead of green :-)

Stereo & multichannel --------------------- Channel separation: Excellent Sound detail: Excellent Possibilities settings: Endless I bet you allready know that this is a feature packed reciever with e.g. * Denon Link 3 for SACD and DVD audio * Speker distance, frequency setting (a few different eq choices after calig is done) auto calib that works (very solid meassure mic that is included here in europe) * DPL2x, DTS-ES (discr and matrix), DD EX a.s.o. * 7.1 amplification with power enough to rumble the sofa * 10 low pass filter settings * An excellent intuitive remote that lights up automatically when you lift it up from the table and goes out when it has been lying still for a choosen period The remote lights up only the areas affected for the choosen input source - really neat. Its also preprogrammed with the most common side equipment so that you just enter a code for e.g. your philips DVD player - neat. Also macros and "usual" learning capabilities via IR. The sound is crisp and the base is tight and voices and guitars are EXCELLENT even in std. CD mode. The looks - I just LOVE IT. Allthough it suffers a bit from low center volume - crank it up a few notches and away you go (had the same problem on my previous AVR3802 allthough is was even more apparent there) The surround effects are amazing - the step from my 2 year old AVR3802 is HUGE. Through room panning is twice as good while the fronts hold together much better during panning giving a belivable, IN THE MOVIE sound. The best reciever for home cinema i have heard so far and ive listened to a few :) For 2 channel ou can allways get better but this chap handles 2 channel more than good enough for me- of course i could opt for an Arcam but then i would loose out on home cinema and options to a higher price so......

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* Denon AVR 3802 * Yamaha RXV-1000 * Onkyo TSV-515

All current surround sound modes, DTS, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS Neo, 6.1, 7.1, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby EX, 7 channel stereo (a must for two channel listening) and a few other Denon original sound fields. Cool remote, excellent build quality, smooth sound and quiet. Auto setup feature. Denon Link for Denon 5900 player and Denon 3910 player to be released in October / November.

No sleep timer (once you have it, you truly miss it), Center Channel sound is low compared to main channels and rear channels (I reduced the main channels significantly to compensate, but still doesn't match output of other channels at low volume). I have matching speakers so this shouldn't be an issue. Microphone is not included with the 3805 and will cost you an additional $65.

This is a powerful receiver with a full feature set. All current surround modes are supported. This receiver produces clean dynamic sound. DTS CD's and DVD movies sound amazing. The Auto setup mode is useful and easy. I suggest purchasing the microphone, otherwise, its very difficult to tweak this receiver. Tonal balance is good as well. The one major issue I have is that its very difficult for me to get good center channel volume when watching DVD movies at low volumes. I find that I have to turn the receiver down during loud scenes, i.e. car chases, crashes, explosions, etc... I'm still trying to configure the receiver to produce better and higher center volume at a moderate sound level. Out side of that one grip, I'd say this is definitely worth purchasing. I used a Sony 5ES receiver prior to this Denon and I guess it depends on what one is used to hearing. Although I find the Denon to be superior, I do miss the Sony's tonal center channel. However, the Denon is by far a better machine. For the price, this is a tremendous value. Go listen to it, then buy it... I Highly Recommend the 3805

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Sony 5ES receiver, Sony 555ES receiver, Yamaha receiver.

Build, appearance, design, SACD and DVD-audio capabilities, Denon-link, numerous Burr-Brown DAC's, easy hook-up.

Remote is too flimsy and back-lighting is poor

This is the second AV amp I've owned. The first one was a Yamaha AV-R 795a. It was adequate considering its having all the elementary theatre decoding. However, when compared with this new Denon baby, the Yamaha has to shy out. The Denon's build, appearance, connectivity, and its numerous Burr-Brown DAC's are real plus for the money. I have a modidifed Denon DVD 2200 that provides SACD and DVD-audio functions. Once connected together, all my SACD's ( multi-channel) and DVD-audio discs can churn out marvellous music that I never heard before. I have a system with 5.1 speakes driven by Parasound pre-amp and power. This system now produces very lively and palpable music. Like the DVD-audo disc- Frank Sinatra at the Sands, Frank was resurrected and sang just before me! As for the remote, it's a plus and minus one. The back-lighting is poor and the finger touch is flimsy and uncertain. However, my other devices' remotes can be learnt by it and now I can control with one remote! The back panel is also very user friendly. The connectors lay-out is logical and well thought-out. Should not be a problem for novice audiophiles. One problem I encountered was with the auto-setup. Just could not understand why the system would not allow me to let it auto-setup the speakers. Maybe because I don't have the back surround speakers. I only use a pair of surround speakers becasue of lack of room space.

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Yamaha AV-R 795a

Great sound, easy set up, easy to use, plethora of features.

Haven't found one yet.

I recently finished my basement, winding up with a much bigger theater area. I've had a Denon AVR 2700 for years and loved it, but it struggled a bit in the bigger area. I decided to bite the bullet and buy a 3805 for the extra power and much better feature set and have been blown away. I really agonized over whether the upgrade would be worth the money and have been very pleasantly surprised. The sound is clean and powerful, the remote is great... I was able to put 5 other remotes away and even my wife has figured out the new one. This is my 1st experience with PLIIx and I had no idea what a quantum leap it is over DPL. Regular TV comes to life. Bottom line is that I would buy this receiver again in a heartbeat, and that is the highest priase I can give.

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Denon AVR 2700 Carver Cinema Series 5.1 JBL S120 PII Klipsch RS 5II Kipsch RC 3II

Great Sound, EQ level for all channels, Easy to setup, Great price

Haven't found any yet

I have to say, dealing with Denon for a while, I purchased the AVR3200. I thought back in 1997 this was great with Dolby Digital coming of age. I really felt my Speakers were being under achieved. I read up on the Denon AVR3805 on Denon's website. Now that I have it, I really don't feel like going to the Theatre any more. This is BY FAR the BEST Receiver I've ever seen and played with. If you have Good speakers made for Home Theatre, this is the Piece you've been missing. As with older HD Receivers, the ultimate thing I like now is Having a seperate EQ for each Channel. I can't even begin to describe what the Sound difference is and how natural and Clean it is. My local theatre doesn't even come close. I won't be missing my AVR3200 anytime soon. For the price and Quality that went into building this wonderful piece of Audio equipment is very outstanding. The other cool thing is the Remote and the onscreen Setup is quite easy to use. If you're out there looking for a new Receiver or starting out, look for this first. Highly Recommend This unit.

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AVR 3200

Excellent clear sound. Build Quality. Easy to Use. Versatility

Lacks Sleep Timer Build Quality of Remote

Sounds excellent, extremely clean sound, very easy to use, looks great, has everything one can possibly need. If you have the money, I strongly recommend that you consider this receiver in your short list. The Remote Control is OK. Looks cool, is relatively easy to use, but its build quality is cheap. With respect to the microphone, I don't understand why it didn't come with the receiver, as is the case of new Denon AVR 2805 or the competitor, Yamaha RX-V 2400. I hope that the mic could be borrowed from an AV dealer for a day or so. I only miss two things from my last receiver (Yamaha RX-V995). One is the sleep timer, the other is the balance button that allowed me to connect different speakers to Front Right and Left channels and make a comparison. Octavio

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Yamaha RX-V995

Sound quality, appearance, plenty of hook ups and features.

Remote a little confusing, but who cares! That's what the manual is for!

For years, I've owned Adcom separates. I listened to everything in 2 channel stereo including movies. Now that I am getting more into home theater, I'm left with two options. I can spend thousands on a multi channel preamp & amp, or I can step DOWN to a receiver, hmm. I really didn't want to do either of the two. I spent at least a couple of months researching & listening to high end receivers. I have to say there weren't too many receivers that impresssed me. Most A/V receivers, including high end ones, tend to focus more on the home theater aspect and less on 2 channel music. I suppose most manufacturers don't want you to have your cake and eat it too, unless you spend major bucks. There are three receivers that impressed me. The first one was the NAD T-763. The NAD had great clarity, soundstage, and overall great sound quality, built like a tank too. However, the NAD has a VERY boring, plain appearance, oh well. Afterall, NAD is about "simplicity". Second was a Yamaha RX-V2300. This is a great sounding receiver in HT and in stereo as well. I wasn't too crazy about the display, looked cheap and flimsy. Last, the Denon AVR-3805. This receiver not only sounds incredible in both HT and two channel music, the build quality & appearance parallels the sound quality. The 3805 has TONS of inputs, including a 3rd link. This receiver is worth every dollar I paid, and way more than it's retail value. As of today, the AVR-3805 and the NAD line come as close to separates as you can get in terms of sound quality. I tested these receivers using Martin Logans & Boston Acoustics floor speakers. Finally, Denon allows you to "have your cake and eat it too" with the 3805. When I took value, quality, and features into consideration, I didn't feel too guilty going from Adcom separates to this receiver. I only wish that Denon would put "RDS" back into their receivers.

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New look, more power, removable power cord, and one more component input.

Strange remote.

I only have the Denon 3805 because Magnolia Audio/Video let me upgrade from my 3803. I have noticed improvements over the 3803 in sound quality and I like the “Denon-Link” for my Denon 2900 DVD Player. The extra 10 watts makes a difference. My Martin Logan’s really sing now. The improved front look is nice. Does a good job of distinguishing it from the 3802/3803. If you can get a good price on it, go for it.

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Denon 3803, Yamaha 2400, B&K 507.