Input capability, personal preferences memory, quiet power, flexibility.

No HDCD decoding.

I am very impressed by the range of features and power that Denon packed into this receiver. Although rated at only 40 watts per channel greater than my older AVR-3200, the sound quality is much more balanced, with more solid bass and less noise at idle. The big surprise is how much better the AM tuner is than that in the 3200 (not that AM is a big selling point for a home theater receiver). The Dolby 5.1 and DTS decoding seems first rate; I have yet to try the Dolby EX feature. I wish Denon had included HDCD decoding capability. The personal preferences memory function has been enhanced, such that you can even preset the tone control for a particular input. The remote control is also better laid out and has more features than the 3200's; however, most of the buttons are still pretty small. Overall, a great receiver at a reasonable price.

Similar Products Used:

Denon AVR-3200

Pure clean sound. Learning remote. 6.1 7.1 surround, THX Ultra Cert., Component switching, 7.1 inputs for future technology, Inputs out the ass, Digital Out for recording,

50 lbs one heavy mofo.

I have a Sony 530 DVD player, Magnivox 32" TV, Samsung VCR, Polk FX500 surround Bipole/Dipole, Old Fisher 100W Front speakers, and a bose center. With the current hodge podge of speakers I was suppriesed the clarity from my other reviecer. I have also compared it to my friends Kenwood. and its not even in the same league of sound clarity. Then DVD controls for the sony setup without any problem, The VCR has to use the VCR controls and the VDP controls to span all the settings on the VCR(most had to be programed in by learning), I think magnivox dosent setup their IR very well. eveyone has a hard time IR controling Philips/Magnivox The thing to understand is that all the video ports are on their own bus this means that if you have to go from s-vid from DVD to reciever and s-vid to reviever to TV you cannot go from s-vid to composite or component Each is seperate. This is very important if you want to record a signal from satelite with S-video to your VCR that is on composite it will not record. So whatever you setup on your system to be the cable choice use it throughout your system. You can purchase converters from other companies, most are poor quality. Note: none of reviecers that i have ever seen do not have any video conversion. So this is not a flaw in Denon. The best advise about setting it up is something that I read on a review about the 5700 and it is RTFM (Read The F*** Manual) If you go step by step this reciever can do just about anything your heart desires. This unit has much more than its big brother (5700) in features In comparison the only things that the 5700 has that this does not 57oo is 140W and 48 is 125, The 4800 has THX EX and 5700 does not the 5700 has an AMP for the extra 2 chanels the 4800 need an external amp for 7.1 , 5700 has AL24 processing for sound and the 4800 does not ( I dont think that is a big issue). Thats about it for the diffrences I dont think those differences are worth $800. When the 5800 comes out it might be worth it. in the 5 series the 5700 is the 7 model. in the 4 series the model is up to 8 in to get 4800 and the 5700 is still on the 7 model. The 5800 should be out by Fall (Sept to Nov) 2000. This is an incredible reciever and I am very happy with it. It is much better than a 3300 and worth the extra money. It all depends on how much you want to spend. AND REMEMBER TO BUY IT FROM AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. its not worth the headache to get it fixed if something goes wrong. I researched the 4800 for about 3 months and it was the best for the buck. more features that the 5700 and cheeper.

Similar Products Used:

Technics SAR-477, H/C avr-500

Easy to use, as is all Denon gear. Overbuilt. Good sound. Great features compared to others in price/class. 5 ch stereo. Future possiblities.

Remote is "just adequate for basics"

Had this a week now. Replaced a Denon 3600, which I moved to the basement replacing a Sony ES30. I was tired of how hard it was to use the ES30 compared to Denon products. Also, I wanted 5 Ch stereo in the basement (I cannot stand music DSP modes with Echo/reverb/delay....I just like raw uncolored sound from all 5 spkrs).
The 4800 did what I expected. Worked as easy or easier than the 3600...added more digital inputs & output. Sounds just a tad brighter than the 3600 so I dialed down the treble just a bit from flat where I ran the 3600. I don't have much use for THX mode. The Wide-screen addition is good for poor separation sources such as TV. 5 ch stereo is still the greatest secret of Denon (esp over yamaha and Sony ES, Marantz). The remote is a slight improvement over the 3600 remote, but I use 2 Marantz RC2000's anyway. This Denon is a very good follow-on to the 3600 and "a Bargain" over the 5700 if you can do without 15 watts/p/c and a door on the front to cover the buttons. It adds EX electronics and more amp flexiblity for the future than the 5700.

Similar Products Used:

Denon 3600, 2700, Sony ES30, Yamaha 795.

5/7 channel stereo mode, dts-es and thx-ex, composite video in and out, onscreen setup

remote cumbersome, difficulty in speaker output adjustment, limited dsp modes.

After reading the multiple reviews, looking thoroughly at similar models and debating
heavily, it is my contention that the Denon 4800 is nothing short of an investment. Like
other investments though, there will always be something better in one way or another;
however, as an overall investment, this is a reasonable purchase.

Here are the benefits I have determined: preouts for all channels, THX-ex certification
(which makes a noticeable difference), separate amplifiers for each channel, banana
speaker binding posts, clear sound at higher decibel levels, 8 channel decoder inputs, silent
cooling fan, phono input and overall more power than a bachelor could ever use. The
digital optical out is a rare feature that is a great benefit as well.

Here are the detriments I have found however: speaker level adjustment is difficult
especially considering each DSP and audio environment must be programmed separately.
Also, cost is a major deterring factor in this case and weight is a consideration. Aside
from that, many of the DSPs are not as sonorous and as natural as they should be.

The primary goal of any receiver is to deliver great sound however and that is what was
accomplished in this model. At the highest levels, even with archaic speakers (like the
Sherwood ones I have currently use) delivered a "boom" and were not distorted or
artificial in any way-- this being tested in 5 channel stereo and THX modes. The diverse
input and output selection, video switching and overall range of features give this a/v
receiver the support for a clean and powerful sound.

This is my caveat however... As good as any receiver might be, the speakers make or
break the system. The center speaker is especially important for any home theater
enthusiast. PLEASE to all who might head my words, invest in the best speakers one can
afford before dropping a cartload of cash into receiver. Not a lot can change in speaker
quality (THX certified speakers especially) and the cost of a receiver will rarely go up with
time.

If a budget is ones main concern, here are my recommendations though: under $500 Sony
db-930, under $1000 Pioneer 27tx, under $1500 Yamaha dsp-a1...(anything more than
$2000, buy separate components!!)

Similar Products Used:

pioneer 27tx, yamaha dsp-a1, harmon kardon 500

sound (stereo and HT), power, features, copious inputs/outputs, build quality (weight)

AVR-4802 now available, mass market brand

This is a great peice of audio equipment with no real weaknesses except that the new AVR-4802 has everything the 4800 has plus 2 more channels, superior remote, discrete 6.1 decoding, Prologic II, Alpha24 processor built-in, a third component video input, adjustable cross-overs...

I often hear Denon referred to as mass market mid-fi equipment, but I doubt many pretentious audiophiles would be able to differentiate the AVR-4800 from vastly more expensive hi-fi eqiupment. I was amazed at the backlash over Stereophile magazine featuring the AVR-4800 in its Dec '00 issue. Clearly, the editor believed its sound made it worthy of a review.

Similar Products Used:

various

Great Sound both theatre and music! Auto detect DTS, etc. More inputs/outputs than you will ever need.

No built in multiroom amp...ext inputs only

I got a great deal on this receiver new - in the box! Cannot believe the difference from my last receiver...AVR-800. Now the house rumbles when watching DVD's!

I considered the 3801 because of the onboard multiroom amp, however it does not have THX. The 4800 was just under $1000, the 3801 was right at $1200. I definately wanted the added power, THX, and other misc features for less money. Plus, when I want to go multi room, I can add my AVR-800 to the multi-source out connections.

Needless to say I got a great deal on a great receiver!

Everything

Remote when not working, had to buy a POA-5200 to get EX.

This is a followup to an older review. I bought this refurbished from UBID. I have since recieved several e-mails asking about this service and how I like a refurbished unit. I have bought quite a bit of equipment from ubid refurbished. All were in perfect shape when they arrived. When I opened the box on this Denon, you could not really tell it was not new in the box from the look of the unit. No scratches or any evidence it might of seen service. I set it up and finally found why it was defective. The remote would cut out. I did buy the extended warrenty. I sent the remote back for service 3 weeks ago. I received a service card on Dec 18th showing it was waiting for parts. When it arrives, I should be in business. I was so happy with the unit, that I bought from the used equipment area here a POA-5200 for $425 delivered. The power, sound and options on the 4800 are everything I wanted and needed. Plenty of inputs and outputs. Based on the fact that the remote was defective I would still buy it again. It IS being replaced and for the price well worth the minimal hassle I'm going through.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha DSP-1, Sherwood Newcastle R-925

Very clean Plenty of Power

volume display is to small

What can I say about this Reciever after owning it for over year.Well I am glad I bought it I could not be happier with this receiver just make sure you buy good qualitly wire do'nt cheat your self on cheep wire get the the most out of this stereo with good a/v wire it makes or breaks any stereo this stereo runs quiet never notice the fan and I play this Receiver at very Hi volumes for long periods this sucker does'nt brake a sweat at all on movies this thing goes from dead silince to room shaking carlity that is if you nail and bolt everything down in the room.On music I think it excellent Ihave owned and still have some decent stereos around the house but for the going prize for this receiver this baby is a deal period.I have noticed that Denon always seems to try to give you more for your dollar
and no i don'nt work for them just respect what they do for the average buyer getting high guaitly at a very resonable price . Way To GO DENON

Similar Products Used:

marantz,yamaha,sony,harmon kardon,Kenwood,pioneer

everything

none

Well to start off, this receiver is bad a*s period....If you look into my review on the pioneer elite you will see a good review on it. I don't want to bash my previously owned vsx29tx or anyone elses, but but mine crapped out excactly 4 months from the day I purchased it. B4 i purchased my vsx29tx, I truly wanted the 4800.....for months I would drool all over the keyboard when I looked up the denon site to see my future, hard earned receiver. But a jawdropping deal for $999.99 from 2G's at tweeter etc. just dried my mouth right out. I took it home...It worked beautifully...It crapped out...I took it back. Well enough about that. With a few x-tra work hours, 3 weeks with no sound, and a $200.00 gift certificate from my sweet, sympathetic girlfriend, my mouth overflowed once again with saliva....and continues to 'til this day. Even though I need an external amp, I am looking 4ward 2 it. Don't let that let u down b-cuz $600 is well worth it for a thx, reference quality piece. Also, for the ones who keep whining about the remte control, big deal if your all thumbs, you still have the 4800! Take time to know your new baby and its needs. Oh, by the way, if you decide to look up my review on the pioneer, every dollar spent b-tween the 2 to was well worth it. hell yeah!!!!

Similar Products Used:

pioneer elite vsx29tx, jvc, old sansui stereo

Great sound for both movies and music. THX Ultra certification.

Have to purchase extra Denon amp (or other manufacturer) to complete Dolby Digital EX surround.

I have been into audio for about 25 years. I thought my attempts at upgrading over the years were pretty good. My last system consisted of Yamaha separates (purchased around 1986). I only had the ability to listen to Dolby Pro-Logic for movies however. I read a lot before going back to a receiver.
The Denon AVR-4800 packs a lot in for the money. The digital to analog converters are readily noticable. The power is adequate but not overwheming. The sound with movies is awesome. Music is terrific as well.
I believe this was money well spent. It seems to complement the rest of my system quite well.
I use this receiver with the following equipment:

Definitive Technology BP-2000 (Main Speakers)
Definitive Technology CLR-2000 (Center Channel Speaker)
Definitive Technology BPX (Surround Speakers)
Sony 61XBR28 (61" Rear Projection TV)
Sony DVP-S9000ES (DVD/CD/SACD Player)
Pioneer CLD-3390 (Laserdisc Player)
Panasonic NV-FS100 (S-VHS Player)
Koss ESP/950 (Electrostatic Headphones)

I need to invest in quality cables. I am currently researching but will probably go with a combination of the Monster M-Series and Z-Series cables.

For those of you that are undecided, the AVR-4802 is out. Better remote plus a few extras. Stop thinking. Go audition...then buy!

Similar Products Used:

No other products that have Dolby Digital, DTS, or THX certification.