Where's the Beef?
Written: Feb 12 '02 (Updated Feb 19 '02)
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Pros: One word - WOW! Almost too many options for sound and video source setup!
Cons: Very heavy, correct setup can be challenging.
The Bottom Line: Very highly recommended for all but the most discriminating Home Theater connoisseur!
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| me_bruno's Full Review: Denon AVR-4800 5.1 Channels Receiver |
How much is that doggie in the window?
I purchased this unit (much to the chagrin of my spouse), as part of a recent Home Theater renovation. During which my system was upgraded from a 28” TV, a 3-year-old Techniques receiver with Polk RM 5400’s to a Toshiba 42” widescreen (42x81), this receiver, a progressive scan DVD, and kept the speakers. I bought the receiver as a demo/open box unit and paid the extra money for the 3-year fix-it or replace-it guarantee. First thing I noticed that this receiver was MUCH heavier than my previous one (we are talking a one hander vs. needing a small forklift)! I also quickly realized that I would need substantially more space allowances in my equipment racks as well.
Houston, We have a problem!
Unfortunately, an additional bonus to my open box buy was a severe lack of documentation (like none)! However, I was able to download the manual from the Denon website. As repeated in previous reviews, reading the manual is practically a necessity! Happily, the manual I downloaded was able to get me configured and up and running within minutes. New owners should take note that video source inputs are separate entities and not shared. This means if you use S-Video going in, you better have a S-Video cabling going out to your TV (ditto of course, for component video and RCA jacks). Audio inputs of course, are much more flexible with numerous inputs available from analog to optical. The inputs and outputs are fairly well labeled and straightforward after the prerequisite orientation with the manual.
R2D2! Is that you?
Setup and remote usage is also well documented and takes some getting used to. The remote is very nice to the point that it can be programmed from other remotes as well as group together sets of keystroke commands. Once things are up and going, the front face gives you wonderful graphical feedback that everything is going hunky-dory! It tells you what input you have chosen, which Dolby mode you are using, and even nifty light indicators as to which and how many speakers are being used! The sound is great (dare I say outstanding?) for both movies and music! Heat or fan noise has never been an issue, much less amp hiss! This beefier receiver was just what the doctor ordered (as I was hoping to avoid having to buy new speakers….for now)! This unit will give you everything and more. I'm not entirely sure why someone would pay more since only a handful of DVDs are available that would fully utilize all of what this unit can offer!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1000
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Epinions.com ID:
me_bruno
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Location: Seattle area
Reviews written: 15
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
32 y/o guy; audiophile, techie and jack of many trades...master of few.
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