EVERYTHING! DTS, EX, THX. Discrete power amps, uncountable inputs, I believe it may truly be FUTURE PROOF. Clean, powerful sound.

The remote isn't really THAT bad. A little big and clumsy, maybe a bit ugly. I liked the old black one better.

Having the 4800 for a fairly short time, I am still in process of re-watching all my DVD's. The receiver really is that much better then the 3600, which for the last 3 1/2 years I felt was "as good as it gets". The decoding of 5.1 and DTS movies is fantastic. Take the time to set your speakers up right and balance the system with a SPL meter and you will be rewarded.
The input capability of this receiver is excellent. The assignable digital inputs assure that more equipment can be added later, with no worry about how to hook it up.
Anyone who wants an outstanding AV receiver should surely consider the 4800. I doubt if you'll need to replace it in a couple years when the "next wave", whatever that may be, hits.

My setup:
Denon AVR 4800
Polk RT12 - front
Polk CS250 - center
Polk fx500i - surround
Definitive Technology 250watt SUB
Sony 7700 DVD Player
Sony 53 Projection TV
Monster Interconnects and wire

Similar Products Used:

Denon ARV-3600

Very good sound, great connections, gobs of power

No THX-EX amplification!?!

To start with, I did an evaluation with a computer aided A/B switching device. I used the Pioneer Elite DV-05 DVD/CD player. I used Martin Logan Aerius i speakers. All receivers used the digital input to take as much cable interaction out of the audition. I also level matched within 1 db on the volume knobs. I auditioned in stereo mode because music holds a higher priority to me.

To start, I was very disappointed in the Pioneer Elite VSX-27TX's sound. The midrange was mushy, and unclear. This was a very large and noticable difference. Fortunately, that seemed to be the only area that was affected. This sound was just unacceptable to me, and I couldn't recommend this receiver to anyone.

The Denon AVR-3300 had a much better sound. It had a very good sound. I was disappointed in it though. I've read how it's suppose to sound as good as the AVR-5700. I would hope the 5700 didn't sound like this. The 3300 just lacked detail(perhaps higher midrange and lower treble had a bit of compression, but still very good overall) that the Denon AVR-4800 and Yamaha RX-V2095 had. Granted, the 3300 is a lower price unit, but when you consider what you get on the 2095 for only $300 more, the 3300 seems like a bad deal.

Completely surprising was that the Denon AVR-4800 and the Yamaha RX-V2095 sounded almost identical. This was a real shocker, considering the price differences. Granted, you get more power and a lot more extras on the Denon AVR-4800. Both these units had great detail and dynamics. Although I heard a very, very, VERY slight difference in sound, I could not pinpoint it or describe it. It most likely was just differences(under 1 db) in volume loudness.

I have a medium sized living room and I doubt I'd ever use DD/DTS 6.1/THX-EX/DTS-ES so that function was not a concern. In fact, I doubt I'll use the 2 front effect channels on the 2095 because of space limitations. If I find I need 6.1 DD/DTS, I can always buy a decoder, since both the 2095 and 4800 would need additional amplification for that channel(s). For $700 more, the Denon 4800 seems to offer $700 worth of features. At this point I don't need the extra power or features, and $700 is a lot for something I didn't need. I think they both represent awesome value. In fact, although the 4800 is rated at only 125, from Sound and Vision's lab report, it seems to meet or exceed the Denon AVR-5700 power output. It also looks to have more features. The 5700 could sound better though.

For the review I would rank each as such:

Pioneer Elite VSX-27TX: value 2 stars, overall 3 stars

Denon AVR-3300: value 4 stars, overall 4 stars

Denon AVR-4800: value 5 stars, overall 5 stars

Yamaha RX-V2095: value 5 stars, overall 5 stars

My choice of these in order:

1) RX-V2095

2)Denon AVR-4800

3)Denon AVR-3300

4)Pioneer Elite VSX-27TX

Similar Products Used:

Denon AVR-3300, Yamaha RX-V2095, and Pioneer Elite VSX-27TX

Flexability of decoder & setup, THX, DTS, Inputs, switching

remote, need amp for EX, few DSP modes

Denon had the ability to grow the reciever to the EX which both SR19 and RX-2095 were lacking. The RX-2095 was not as musical as the SR-19 and 4800.

The 4800 handles the Saving Private Ryan DTS with everyone ducking as the incoming appears just before the screen. The Alan Parson Tales shines on Marantz and 4800, just a little less stage on the RX-2095.

All three products are very good the 4800 had enoung music for my ears and the flexability the the SR-19 lacked. The 2095 is very good with DSP modes which is not the biggest concern in my case.

Similar Products Used:

Marantz SR19, Denon 3300, Yamaha RX-2095

Didn't find yet

S/N, remote, user interface

Denon 4800 review
This receiver replaced HK AVR 70 that completely satisfied me except lack of decoding digital HT standards. Dolby Prologic capability of HK AVR 70 was pretty good even for digital encoded movies, but I was interested in getting real sound picture. When I went on receiver market, I kept in mind that no any reason to buy future proof receiver, because the technology is changing so drastically not only in encoding sound information, but also in implementation amplifiers and DAC itself. Getting brand new receiver each three years is also exciting thing, instead of just uploading new firmware in flash memory or buying additional separate decoders and amplifiers. I was also restricted by amount of money to spend. Typical architecture of houses and apartments doesn’t give good possibilities to organize real listening hall, especially in HT aspect. Neighbors also limit maximum power of your receiver. It's, why I didn’t consider very expensive ones. A receiver has to support component video signal switching, because I plan to buy Toshiba CN36X81. Since I have a big number of different audio/video equipment, I needed pretty wide set of input/outputs. I considered 5 brands of receivers – Sony, Harman Kardon, Denon, Onkyo and Marantz. First, I denied Sony, because lack of engineering, and terrible service. I wouldn’t like to support the company anymore; even their receiver got pretty warm reviews. Onkyo looks a bit overpriced sake of future proof abilities. Marantz looked a bit expensive for me, it’s why I was restricted just to two brands. Final decision to buy Denon was done just in lack for AVR 7000 to have sufficient input/output to connect MD recorder and second VCR. Elimination tape-monitor also was surprising for me, because AVR 70 included it. It looks like HK is more oriented now to average consumer, than audiophiles. So now I am owner of Denon receiver and I desperately regret about it.
Sound quality: In comparison to AVR 70 this receiver gives slight more details when you’re listening classical music. But, if you compare HK FL8450 phone output and the same signal passed to phones through Denon, you find that sound lost 3D volume and got more noises. I can’t believe that Denon honors S/N 105db, because 95db HK produces much less hiss. Actually, you can’t hear any hiss from speaker, until you reach 0db. Denon produces hissing independently on level of volume, so it looks like power amplifier itself has noise problem. 10db tone control of AVR 70 makes more effect on bass volume, that 12db of Denon. Worse things for Denon, it’s bad isolation audio sources, for example if your CD player is on, you can hear it, if you select phono source. It’s shame for Denon engineers.
Video quality: Denon is a winner here, but I believe AVR 7000 doesn’t have all video problem AVR 70 had. Video went through AVR 70 got much more noises and distortions issued by frequency band limitations.
DSP modes: Denon looks a bit better, than HK, although DSP selection is bit complicated
Usability: I understand those audiophiles who use a tube amplifier with just one mechanical volume control and one source of music - a good old turntable. Modern home theater is different thing that should juggle with dozen different sound sources in different DSP modes. First thing is remote. I don’t why Denon decided share numeric buttons and signal source selectors. At least 50% of home audio/video equipment uses numeric buttons, so to change source you have to figure out what equipment doesn’t use them, switch remote to that equipment and then select source. As result, most frequently doable operation after changing volume completely screwed. The attempt to cover rarely used buttons looks ridiculous, because main home theater source DVD is major piece for these buttons. You have a big risk to break this cover, each time when you need to play with DVD menu system. Set of preprogrammed remote brands so miserable, as number of learning keys. For example, I have no more possibility to operate HK tape deck. Denon’s remote doesn’t have any preprogrammed tape deck or MD player keys at all. And I can’t learn Denon to control it, because the deck doesn’t have remote. Harman Kardon remote is much better in both aspects, and even can be purchased separately for $100, like state of art Marant’s one. OSD, except initial setup, is completely unusable and even dangerous, if you have projection TV, because OSD never turn itself off. Look as it done in Harman Kardon – nice and simple. You have never possibility to know your volume level, because it displayed only on the front panel and digits are very small. HK provides volume level as on front panel using big display font, as OSD. Denon displays input source as positioned light, that completely not useful. HK provides the same information on front panel display, and provide DSP mode as positioning light. It’s much more convenient. Selection video source different than audio source on Denon possible only using front panel button, and you have no any display which source is using. HK make is so intuitively from remote. Sleep timer, adjustable OSD time, desirable fixed volume level on turning on, one non switched power outlet on back panel, AUX on front panel and many other big and small usable user interface features make HK receiver pleasant to operate. Front panel and back panel design of HK AVR 70 and AVR 7000 is much better, although Denon got some award for back panel, I completely disagree with that.
Conclusion: If you really don’t need to support big set of home audio/video component, do not buy Denon and stay with 50% cheaper and 50% better Harman Kardon receivers.

Similar Products Used:

Harman Kardon AVR 70

State of the art features.THX ultra and EX.DTS-ES.Switching ,power,price,value and then some.

Volume display not large enough.

The deciding factor for me, over and above everthing else it had, was the 5-channel stereo.My second choice was the marantz which was more money,but beautiful(I still think about it)The receiver I was looking for had to have THX ultra.The Denon had more on it than I expected.Although I wish the 4800 had a flip down door to hide the buttons, like its bigger brute brother 5700.I felt the pioneer elite sounded as good as any of them on movies(,beautiful also) and maybe still the best value of all them,but it fell a short on power for my needs on music.I replaced a harman kardon avr-75. I thought about H/K 7000. Probally a great receiver, but just felt like, if I was gonna take the plunge it had to have THX ultra for movies.It is always a little hard getting used to a new receiver. There are always some things you like better about the old one.I do like H/K but there just isnt any comparison between these two except the H/K ease of use.The avr-75 is a good d-digital, but some what out dated,without Dts Thx.I am running NHT VT-2'S and vs-2a plus sub.With the H/K I added a 300watt/2 tube amp for front.But Denon 4800 drives them fine by itself.If you choose this receiver, your not going wrong.At this point in time it doesnt get any better.

Similar Products Used:

Marantz sr18,pioneer elite 27

Power, Detail in sound, THX Ultra, DTS, AV Switching, 5 channel stereo, on screen configuration, inputs, inputs, inputs

No complaints

I love this receiver! This THX Ultra receiver is truly amazing. If you have a good set of speakers, this receiver will rock your world. I have yet to turn the volume past +10 and that was only to test out my speakers (Which I also love). Crystal clear! I owned the Sony STR-777es for a less than a month and returned it for the Denon. The Sony was a nice piece, (the nifty two way remote is the worst remote ever!). My biggest gripe with the Sony it that it ran extremely hot and the sound quality didn’t compare to the Denon. I did learn a few interesting items to note for the readers: Regardless of the THX rating and mode, playback movies in the format they were recorded. If Lucas Arts did not digitally master the movie, don’t use the THX setting. If the movie is Dolby Digital 5.1, view it in Dolby Digital. If the movie is DTS, 1) you are loving it, 2) listen to it in DTS.

I promise this receiver will not disappoint you.

Similar Products Used:

Sony STR-777es, Yamaha RX-2095,

Heavy. Yes, heavy! And Big too. Liquid-smooth amplification. Inputs a-plenty. Good lights. I'll explain.

minor quirks

I've given this receiver a good run and want to give a quick impression of it. First of all, I want to talk about build quality. In a word, impressive. A lot of people have put the size and weight down as a weakness. I love it. Almost 50 lbs. I thinks it's one of the reasons why I took the AVR-3300 back. That one I think was 35 lbs. and for size it's actually bigger than the Yamaha flagship with THX EX. Not as tall, but deeper. I don't know what it is about heavy stereo stuff but it just adds a sence of security for me that a lighter component doesn't have. For instance, there's a sub made by Krell that weighs over 450 lbs, I'm not joking and costs $25,000. I'd just get a pair of those and rock the world. But I digress. You can just tell the receiver sits there in my rack with total confidence. I love looking at it.

Also, I mentioned the lights. I'm telling you the components I buy have to have a asthetically pleasing attribte to it or it just doesn't cut the mustard for me. And the lights on the 4800 are pleasing to look at. They're crisp and defined. True the volume display is a little smaller than I'd like but overall, the LED's and everything overall looks cool. The only quibble I have is that I'm getting sick and tired of the black faceplate. Aluminum/silver is coming back big-time and this would've totally enhanced an already beautiful design.

I think the biggest thing for me is the sound however. I've listened to a lot of amplifiers in the past, from Krell 600's to Theta Casablancas and I have to say, the 4800 is no slouch. There's excellent resolve and ample power reserves. I'm using Definitive Technology BP-20's for the fronts and Def Tech center and rears with a Paradigm PS-1200 sub. They're fairly high on the efficiency scale so I'm busting my drums at around 0. I've seen some review were they've gone to +10 and I'm just agasp. The problem I have getting that loud is not distortion from the amp or speakers, but the vibrations from my house. I have a 100 year old house and the vibrations are definitely noticable at high levels. But there's absolutely no qualms about the sound of this amp. Music or movies? Nothing but praise.

As for features, forget the remote. Not that it's terrible and you wouldn't get used to it using it for awhile. But get at least the Marantz RC-2000 mkII which I have. Everything except my Dish network remote (because it uses radio frequency instead of infra-red, those bastages) works on this remote and nicely I might add. I'll probably upgrade to the RC-5000 touch-screen anyway. Has anyone used this before and have an opinion? Please let me know. Everything else is a dream to use. Just touch the volume knob and you'll know what I mean. I guess that's getting back to the build quality but everything seems precision and the you can set the parameters to just about exactly what you want. A lot a people say they like the matrix or 5 channel stereo. Personally, I only like the 5 channel stereo when I'm listening to my DBS. I really don't like the matrix but that's my OHO. Also a lot of people really like the direct mode which bypasses the tone controls. I actually like the stereo mode the best since my listening area isn't perfect and have to compensate for some of the acoustics using the bass and treble. Also, it just sounds deeper and crisper on the top end. Maybe one day I'll come to my senses and become an "audiophile" and turn off any extraneous sound enhancements. Better yet, I'll just buy a box that just has a volume control. By the way, anyone who says they're an audiophile is like someone who says "I'm humble" As soon as you say that, you're not. Just be an enthusiast will you. Again, I digress.

About the THX thing. I don't like it very much. It sounds like someone put a kevlar screen in front of the speakers. I actually like the cinema-eq. It barely but noticable takes the harsh edge out of just about every dvd I play on it. Someone said that you should only use the mode which the dvd has been recorded with. I'll try that with my Dances With Wolves THX dvd and see how it goes. Can't wait to get a stereo amp to get the 7.1 thing going.

As I finish up my ramblings, I say that regardless of money, (I paid 1500 bucks for mine) this receiver is one of the top 4 or 5 receivers on the market today. When the AVR-5800 comes out than I'll pay 1500 more and get that. NOT It's gonna have to take a lot more to get any kind of an upgrade.

So for those who have this piece enjoy cause I know I will. For those searching for a receiver, just buy the dang thing will ya. You'll love it. And for those who've given a rating of anything lower than 4 stars, especially the 1 star freaks, you should be ashamed of yourselves. Why don't you just go to the BMW site and rate the 750iL a 1 star or something because you're an expert critic and that's the way you are.

By the way, I love my Denon

Similar Products Used:

Denon AVR-3300 JVC RX-1028

Lots of inputs. Simple to set up. Nice, clean sound.

As already stated, remote. Manual is a little lacking.

This is a follow-up to my original posting. I'm using the 4800 to drive a pair of Martin Logan Aerius fronts and a Cinema center channel. Rears and an LFE to be added later.

I had some initial problems with the 4800 being able to supply the current needed by the MLs (it detected over-current and permanently failed). The Aerius' are 4 ohms nominal, but can vary down to ~1.7 ohms at 22kHz, so they can be demanding on an amp. Luckily (?), it looks like I had a bum amp. I received a replacement about two weeks ago and haven't had a problem since.

The sound is incredibly clear. In direct stereo mode, the 4800 and the Aerius' are amazing. No hiss at all - real quiet - and no detectable distortion when being driven. The unit stays surprisingly cool even when driving the speaker load for a couple of hours. So far, I haven't noted the amp's temp sensing fan even running and to the touch, the amp is hardly warm. I've overdone the recommended amp clearances for air circulation and would recommend that if you're going to be driving low-ohm speakers at moderate to high power levels, that you ensure the 4800 is well ventilated.

Option-wise, the DSP modes are nice and there are a number of bells and whistles, but it was quality (clarity and power) of the amp, the number and variety of connections on the back, the ease of set up, and the THX certification that attracted me. From my research, this is probably as close to the top end in pure sound performance that you can get w/o going the separates route.

THX EX, Smooth Sound without straining, POWER!!

Remote, Remote, Remote!!!! needs second amp for EX surrond.

Before I give my review, let me list my equipment. My main speakers are the Kef Q75, Center channel is the Kef 200C, Sub is the Klipsch KSW-12 (soon to be moved to the rear channels and be replace by a Velodyne) and Atlantic Technology surrounds (soon to be 4 Kef 35DS surrounds) and a Sony DVP-S330 DVD Player.
I’m in the process of upgrading my System from a Pro-Logic to a Dolby Digital System; and my first feeling was to buy separates. I was looking at Krell pre's and power amps and Crest Audio power amps. Then I was looking into buying Mono Block amps. I was even looking into Conrad Johnson tube amps (which sounded fantastic with music but really bad with Home Theater). The more I looked into these options, the HIGHER the price tag was, but I promised myself that I wouldn't let the money force my hand into settling for sub-par equipment (I went down that road when I was younger and had little money to spend). Still, the amount was starting to mount up and I was starting to get the feeling that my dream of a killer system was still a little out of reach. I had already spent close to 3 grand on the Kef main and center speakers and I still want to replace the others. I had read the Home Theater review on the Denon AVR-3300 and was intrigued by the raving review, but every store was sold out of it! At one store they told me to try out the Sony STR-DA555ES or the STR-DA777ES, that the ES series by Sony was very under rated and could hold it’s own with the Denon or any other pre/pro manufacturer. Also, that it was the next best thing to separate components with a much cheaper price tag. I gave in and bought the STR-DA555ES (for a little under a grand) but was very disappointed! I had it for almost a month and even though the Dolby Digital was more exciting than what I used to have, it still was anti-climactic! I went to bring it back and trade it in for the 777ES, when I saw the Denon AVR-4800. It had just hit the stores that week and was generating allot of talk. It had all the buzzwords like, THX Ultra, THX EX, and DTS. I was a little disappointed that it was only 125 watts per channel; I really wanted to go up to 200. Needless to say, I traded up to it and I sit here a happier man because of it! This piece packs a punch whether you’re listening to two-channel music or 5.1 Home Theater! Did I say I was disappointed about the 125 watts? Well, I haven’t put it past +10 yet! The immediate difference I noticed from the Sony pieces was how it drove my 6 ohm bi-wire Kef speakers with out straining, the Sony piece would strain after a while. I play music flat without any DSP and only on two channels and the reproduction was wonderful (I know my speakers play a big part in that). But, the bread and butter with this unit are Movies! Everything sounded great from low impact movies like “Leaving Las Vegas” to high-octane movies like “Saving Private Ryan” and “Armageddon”. I can listen to movies at a pretty high volume without my ears feeling fatigued and without the amp sounding distressed. The 4800 has a wide range of sonic timbres and can add character to any movie that you put in. As far as music goes, the 4800 was able to delineate the mixes on everything from Korn’s Issues CD to Miles Davis’s Btches Brew CD in a crystal clear manner! This unit is a pleasure to own and a treat to listen to!! My only nock is they chinced out on the Remote! It isn’t even backlit!!! 4 stars on the value because of the cheese remote.

Similar Products Used:

Sony STR-DA555ES, STR-DA777ES

THX EX

This is a follow up to my original review. I mostly will talk about the EX feature. I have since purchased the NAD 2100 2 channel power amp, on this site in fact, for $225. It only puts out about 75 watts/channel but you don't need much for the rears. I also purchased the Definitive Technology 80's for the back channels. I then switched everything from 5.1 to 7.1 and calibrated all the levels. Once I got everything dialed in, I was blown away.

I have the NAD amp plugged into the Denon's switched outlet so that when I turn on the Denon, the NAD follows suit. I put the NAD right underneath the Denon since the Denon needs more ventilation and the NAD doesn't need much. With both units right together, they look like an imposing duo.

Anyway, back to the sound. With music, I'm still trying to determine what I like best. I think I like the stereo mode the best but with certain types of music, I will use 7.1 channel stereo. For example, the Gladiator soundtrack (which is excellent by the way) is incredibly involving with 7.1 stereo. Every once in awhile, I like the matrix dsp mode. With really clean and beautifully recorded pieces, I might try the direct mode. That's the great thing about this amp, you can change modes according to the source/mood or both. They're all top-rated.

With dedicated surround sources, this is where the EX modes really shines. For Dolby Digital and DTS sources, I have turned up the left and right rear channels above what they're normally at and just turn up the left and right back speakers to a point where I can just barely hear them. I am using two speakers for the back channels but I'm pretty sure they're in mono to each other. Go with the 2 speaker configuration whatever you do. Adds a greater sence of rear ambiance. In the movie 5th Element for example, when the police hover car takes off after the girl who jumps off the building, it does a u-turn in mid-air swinging it's rear end from the back left to the back right. In 5.1 there's a definite sound of the engine from the left immediately to the right channel. But with the 7.1 on, you get a near seamless sound from the left to right. And this dvd isn't even encoded specifically for THX EX. I think the back channel is similar to the pro-logic center channel in what sounds it permits to come through only it uses the rear left and right channels for this information.

In dts music dvd's it totally makes a difference there as well. With my Peter Framton live dts dvd, the back channels does a great job of adding that extra ambience of the crowd and just enough music reverberations fromt the fronts to add that extra ambiance. Believe me this isn't gimikry. Also, with straight music dts dvd's, it's simply amazing. I have the dts sample dvd. The songs have an all-encompassing effect to them which puts you almost in a dream land of music. It really is a great sensation.

So if you have this receiver and were sitting on the fence as to adding that extra amp, do it. You will not regret it. If you can find a used amp for 150-250 bucks do that. There's no need for anything extravegant since the back speakers don't need much power to make it work. 50 watts would probably do.

The only quirks I can find about the 4800 are really minor. For example, I don't like having to scroll through the various sound channels to get to, say, the subwoofers levels. I'm always tinkering with levels and I think it takes 8 pushes of the button to get to the subwoofer. I wish there was a more direct way. It scrolls like this Front Right, Front Center, Front Left, Rear Right, Back Right, Back Left, Rear Left, Subwoofer. Any suggestions anyone?

About the remote, quit slamming it dudes. Ya it's junk. Get the Marantz or the Pronto anyways and store the Denon remote until you sell it to upgrade to the AVR-5800. (Actually, I think I'll hold on to my 1500 extra dollars and keep the 4800 along with its 125 watts as opposed to the 15 or 20 watts extra you get.)

This is definately on of the best engineered piece of audio equipment on the planet price notwithstanding.