Power, Clarity and ease of use.

Manual

The product is just another reason Denon is leading the industry in high end receivers

Sound, multi channel decoding, bass management flexibility.

Aktis remote, does not remember Neo:6 and DPL II submodes (music or cinema) although it does remember all setup parameters for each input.

I bought this unit because I wanted a receiver which featured 5.1 inputs for a DVD-Audio/SACD player. I also wanted to sample Dolby Pro Logic 2 on my CDs. Other choices considered were the Onkyo Integra 8.1, B&K AVR 307, Denon AVR-5800 and the Marantz 8200. This was really the only receiver which met all of my requirements. It would have been nice to have an AC-3 RF input, but DPL2 Cinema mode does a very nice job with Laserdisc PCM tracks, so I don''t miss having it too much. I have a fairly full-house system and did not come close to using up all the inputs on this thing. If you run out of inputs, you have alot more money and a lot less sense than I do. System Setup was not as bad as some reviews have suggested. I was able to get the unit up and running in a few minutes without reading the manual. I did not set up multi zone control, nor do I have a 6.1 or 7.1 system and since I have a big honkin'' sub (Velodyne HGS-15) I didn''t bother setting up the sub limiter. One thing I did notice is that using an amplified FM antenna rises the signal level enough so that the auto FM preset function does not work, a minor hitch, but turning the gain down (or using the supplied dipole) sets things right. Setting up the system did reveal the first weakness of the unit: the Aktis remote. The fonts on the buttons were really too small to read w/o my reading glasses, but then again I''m watching TV and not reading. Screen contrast is OK, but paging through 5 pages of buttons with the jog stick was frustrating. Since the remote is device based and not activity based you constantly need to shuffle around between devices to make little adjustments. Thankfully this is a learning remote and it does have a limited macro facility, but it is no match for a Pronto. Denon would have done themselves proud to license the Pronto the way Yamaha and Onkyo have rather than spend the time and money developing their own touchscreen remote. On to the important stuff -- how does it sound? In a word: great. It is a tad brighter than the Pioneer VSX-09TX I previously had in this system, but it is not an overly bright sounding amp. DD, DTS and Dolby PLII Cinema and music all provide excellent results.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer VSX-09TX, Onkyo 767, NAD 7240PE

Power, and great functionality.

none that haven''t already been mentioned. Very expensive, given there''s not much difference in functionality vs. 3802. But much superior in components, so it is worth it. !

I am very pleased with the 4802. It is everything I was expecting, and more. The features, and the remote are all I could ask for. I use it 75% for Home Theatre, and it is in a word Stunning - more power than you can handle (not to mention more power than my neighbours can endure). Gladiator is out of this world - everytime I watch the scenes in the coloseum, I am dumbstruck at how incredible this unit sounds - I hope they make more DTS-ES soundtracks soon... Pro-logic II is very effective for TV - really brings TV movies and shows to life. I am also very impressed with PLII for Music - really great soundstage. I know true audiophiles would say this is blasphemy, but I never listen to 2 channel anymore - why would anyone when you can have a 7 speaker soundstage, with PLII. DTS Neo6 music mode is also quite impressive. I am currently not quite as enthralled with 7 channel stereo mode right now - a bit too harsh, but that could just be my setup... The setup was a bit of a challenge, even after reading the manual several times. Trial and error are your best bet on this one. I''m still doing a lot of configuration testing to see what I like. The remote is not the most user friendly, but I have programmed the unit so all my common functions are on one screen with macros - too bad the volume buttons on the remote won''t work when the unit is on the ''system call'' page though - very big pain... The base management is second to none - enormous flexibility on this from 20 to 120 on the crossover frequency. I''ve had the unit on for hours on end, and it never gets very hot, which is a big plus. The binding posts are a bit flimsy, but you don''t deal with them very often, so not a big deal. There are more inputs than I can think of filling (8 digital !!), so there''s plenty of room to grow with this baby. Well, that''s my story for now - nothing but two thumbs up for the 4802 at this point !!

Similar Products Used:

Denon 3802, Yamaha, Onkyo

Amazing 5 channel stereo surround mode for music material, dts also sounds incredible.

remote, setup.

Overall I''m very satisfied with my purchase. The sound quality if far superior than the Onkyo that I used to have, the DTS encoded material has much better staging and a more natural sounstage.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo Txds939

Really Great Sound in ALL media CD,DVD and SACD
"Cleaner" look than lesser Denon products- buttons are hidden

NOT for beginners or even intermediate users such as myself

I really do not have time to mess with electronic components and bought this because of this site and others high recommendations of Denon in general. Well I can say that it SOUNDS FANTASTIC. I have Sony SACD player and Miles Davis "Kinda Blue" on multilayer SACD through all my S series JBLS (310's, 36's and Center) sounds AMAZINGLY good. Halo on the XBOX is REALLY GREAT. BUT BEWARE! If you dont know the finer points of setup and dont have a friend to help you out (I do have one who knows this stuff) you better pay retail and pay for your dealer to set it up. And that is the only rub I have with this thing. It has SO many options and is kind of a convuluted set up so having to pay $2400 for the unit and then another $200 or so to have it set up makes it really too pricey. I cant see it sounding better than the 3801 that is MUCH less money and slightly less complicated.
So the $1700 I paid is a bargain but I had help setting it up- as another reviewer said- hooking everything up is the easy part- I can do that, but "tweaking" it to be RIGHT is HARD. So 5 stars for overall because this IS a quality piece- MADE IN JAPAN!!! Not some Pac Rim sweat shop. But 4 for value for those who need to buy it retail- maybe a bit too pricey compared to other models. Oh and the remote is OK but again needs some user interface overhaul.

Similar Products Used:

Sony ES777

Nice classical looking, build quality

Sound, sound, sound. Cheap european remote.

First I would like to express my thanks to all reviewers here who do an helpfull task in pointing the good and bad between all these sound products.
Then I would like to say to some here that giving us all the technical bells and whistles of a receiver has absolutely no interest:
you can find these on the manufacturer web sites or in numerous magazines.
What is of the most interest is to share your experience with a product. Why do you like it or not ? Do you compare with others brands ? Do you recommend its purchase ?
I wrote some reviews on this site: Sony STRDB-840, Tannoy MX3, Nad CD 520, and I wish I helped others in making the honest decision.
( English isn't my native language so forgive me if there are writing faults or nonsense ).

I kept the Sony 840 one year and was very happy with it. I changed my DVD player Toshiba 2109 and Nad CD 520 for an audiophile DVD player, changed my Tannoys for better speakers as I wanted an upgrade in sound quality. So it was time to complete my new setup with a better receiver. I first bought a french audiophile system: Micromega Minium AMP and AVP ; the AMP is a 2 way integrated amplifier, the AVP has all the DD and DTS decoders coupled with a 3 way amplifier for center and surround, and a preout for the fronts----> AMP. It has a minimalist black design and parameters facilities. The sound was excellent but I was disappointed by some flaws: the sub volume is set from -10 to 0 dB, I would like to choose all the way to + 10 dB, there is little "pop" on front speakers when the digital signal is changing, the digital signal takes 2 seconds to be recognized.

So for 1500-2500 $ I thought I could get an excellent sounding receiver with all decoding facilities. After reading some french and US reviews on magazines and web sites I looked for the 4802. It's called AVC-A11 SR in Europe, it has no tuner and no Atkis remote but the same one found on the 3802.

Well friends I am afraid that I have to be the first one with a real, huge and honest disappointement.
I really don't like this receiver. It's too expensive for the purpose it was made.
When something is good, i's good to know ; the same when it's not.
Do you buy a receiver because it's THX, because it has DTS ES, 8 DSP modes, 8 digital inputs, 20.5 Kgs etc...?
I don't.
I wanted a receiver to make music and movies with an astounding sound and with reasonnable digital parameters.
This unit didn't deliver in the sound department.

The setup iself was not very intuitive but all was set according to my equipment:
- DVD player Micromega Premium, audiophile source both in video and sound.
- 4 Triangle Ittoh XS 4 ohms floorstanders + subwoofer.
- good quality interconnects.
- a pair of ears... and a brain between.

After all was set on THX recommendations I put the Star Wars Pod Racer chapter.
Ouch ! What is that awfull sound ? All was confusing, poor bass, harshness, lack of dynamic, poor surround sensation.
The first contact was very bad, I couldn't believe it as I was sure I would have a great enjoyment.
I tried several possibilities with my speakers, large or small, several LFE cross over frequency, increasing the back speakers no matter it didn't helped.
I did a re-initialization, same sounding.
Then I waited a burn in period of 15 days: the harshness in medium-treble diminished but the bass didn't show more, neither the dynamic or the precision of the sound.
The voices have a electronic coloration, male ones are too thin, there is no presence.
The surround enveloppment is weak and I don't sense any space or airness.
Is it that a THX ultra receiver ? My Micromega AVP put it to shame in all the aspects of dynamic and power, and it's rated for...40 W at 8 ohms, yes siree forty watts... not to mention the crispness, the fluidity of the treble, the details in surround feeling.
( today I brought back the unit to the shop, re took the AVP + AMP and put Jurassic Park III dino's fight chapter in DTS: wow ! that is a dino scream, a thrill went on my back as I grabbed my armchair with fear ; the Denon didn't deliver the same impact and precision ).

For me this Denon sounds totally flat and poor, even compared to my previous Sony receiver who was 4 times cheaper.
The Micromega stuff cost 1500 $.
If I spend 2400 $ on a new receiver I want a real improvment in SOUND, not weight or technical blah blah.
The only thing I appreciated was the Dolby Prologic II thing, very interesting for TV or VCR !
So now I want a receiver with that decoding format !


Maybe the unit was defective but all seemed to operate, my reseller will hear it.
I am aware that most of the reviews here are very good, that's just why I bought it.
But for me it doesn't do it's job. Even at less than 1000 $ I wouldn't choose it, period.
If you are on the run for this one make an audition and compare it with others.
If you find it excellent that's fine, trust your own ears, but don't choose it because it's the most appealing according to the technical stuff.
I will keep the Micromega stuff and wait for the next Harman 7500, Rotel RSX 1065 or high end ES Sony, I really don't know what to go for after this awfull Denon experience.
Or maybe that the kind of receiver I want, excellent sound and simple but effective setup, isn't built yet ?
If you are on the Research & Development side let me know :^)

Similar Products Used:

Sony STR- DB 840, Micromega Minium

clarity,warm trademark denon sound,pre-amplification features.

none

In my personal opinion,this is by far the best receiver I have owned.I didn't detect any discernable difference between the 4802 and the 5800! It has the warm sound that usually comes from Denon.Compared to the other denon's,it is close to the 5800,and much warmer than the 3801.It comes with the aktis remote just like the 5800 ( without the base recharger).Now we just need some Dts 96/24 software to play through it to test all the features.If you are contimplating buying a 4802, I HIGHLY recommend going to demo the unit.I'm sure you will be going home with one shortly after.

Similar Products Used:

denon avr 5800, avr 3801,sony es series,onkyo,rotel,marantz,harmon kardon.

All the decoding, power to spare, ease of use

Remote

I love this receiver. ProLogic II is a wonder thing when I'm watching Pro Logic sources. Sunday afternoon football is great! I also use all 7 channels, and the sound is great. I compared it with the 580 and I could not justify paying that much more for fewer decoding options. Sure I could upgrade, but that's more cash.

The remote is something that I just have not grown used to yet. It is easy to program and easy to use, but I hate having to switch between components to do different tasks on different components. To it's credit, I have not spent much time looking at the manual to see if I can change this. I'm too busy watching my movies again to play with a remote!

By the way, MARK COLLOP appears to be mad that he had to pay as much as the rest of us for the receiver. I would ignore his comments as they are unfounded on truth.

My Setup:
Denon 4802 Receiver
Sony DVP-S7700 DVD player
Sony MDS-JB930 MD Recorder
Boston Acoustics VR M60 (front and rear surround)
Boston Acoustics VR MX (dipole surround)
Boston Acoustics VR 12 center channel
2 Boston Acoustics PV1000 subs
Pioneer PRO-710HD Monitor

Similar Products Used:

Denon 3600, Sony, Yamaha

State-of-the-art encoding/decoding (THX-EX, 7.1, PLII, DTS-ES, Pure Direct, etc.), Loads of digital inputs (5 optical, 3 coaxial), On-screen display, Flexability, Upgradeability, Amplifier has plenty of headroom

ONLY 1 SUBWOOFER OUT??? Receiver display mode is small, hard to read, No volume indicator knob

Having used separates in the past, all I can tell you is that this receiver is the next best thing. Does it all.
For dvd movies and tv (DSS via optical), it has all of the latest formats. I particularly like the MATRIX soundfield when listening to a ballgame, paula zahn (hubba hubba!) or a concert on VH1. Pure direct mode shuts off all of the surround sound processors and displays for exhilirating 2 channel stereo (remember 2 channel?). Coltrane's circular breathing can be heard like never before. Layout is similar to the flagship 5800 with a huge power transformer placed center of giant heat sinks. You also get 7.1, THX, Pro-Logic II, Multi-Zone and Aktis remote at a 40% savings.

Similar Products Used:

Sony ES, HK, Proton and Lexicon separates

Amazing sound and build quality. Relatively easy to use and setup. Aktis Remote!!!

None, except no AC-3 RF input For LD...Oh well

This is the first high end A/V Reciever i have owned and may be the last. Well at least for a while anyway. I have been waiting for the right one to come along and the Denon Avr 4802 has proved to be worth the wait! To start off it has every available surround mode to date including THX EX! Out of the box it just feels and looks powerful. At about 50 lbs it is pretty hefty too. After Putting up with the outdated "Pro Logic" for a few too many years it is a relief to use a Reciever with so much to offer. The onscreen setup makes setting up the 4802 a breeze. The remote is also in my opinion, very easy to work with. I was able to program most of the remote functions without even using the manual! It may take some getting used to but is well worth it. It literally can control every function the reciever offers and then some!! Overall i am very pleased with the 4802 and was more impressed than i had expected to be. I Would reccomend the 4802 to anyone willing to spend a little extra money for THX and all of the other features this reciever has to offer. You won't be dissappointed.
My System includes:
Denon Avr 4802 Reciever
Denon Dvm 4800 DVD Audio/Video Player
Marantz Lv 520 LD Player
Paradigm Monitor 90p v.2 Fronts
Paradigm CC-370 Center/ADP-370 Surrounds
Paradigm Mini Monitor's SurrBack
Monster HTS 5000 Line Conditioner
Sony 32" Wega XBR450 Television

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer