The House WILL Be Rockin'
Written: Jun 18 '01 (Updated Mar 22 '05)
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Pros: High power, 7.1 channels, tons of inputs and outputs
Cons: Angry Neighbors
The Bottom Line: This receiver is a great centerpiece for a middle-to-high end home theater. It has the power, flexibility, and options to run with the best of them
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| superfan's Full Review: Denon AVR-3801 7.1 Channels Receiver |
It took me about a month of research to finally decide to purchase the 3801, and it was well worth it. The 3801 is a great receiver and has served me well since I got it in February 2001.
I purchased my receiver online for $850, including shipping. If you go to purchase it in-store, you will probably end up paying $1100-$1200 (and have to pay tax), although it is probably safer this way.
When I got the receiver, setting it up was a breeze. For inputs, I plugged in my CD player, VCR, satellite, and DVD (using S-Video and optical audio). For outputs, I plugged in my TV (using both S-Video and RCA jacks) and 5.1 speakers. It was a little difficult to hook the speaker wires to the posts, so use the banana plugs if you can. Make sure all of your cords are long enough that you can pull the receiver out without disconnecting them.
Once it is all hooked up, you then need to configure the electronics to your setup. The on-screen menu takes you through the setup process: identify which speakers are connected and how large they are, how far the speakers are from the listening location to set the proper delay time, set speaker levels, etc.
Finally, I had it all set up. Time to crank the volume and watch the Matrix! The sound is excellent, better than being in the theater (probably for the fact that the speakers are all nearby). It completely changes the experience of watching a movie at home.
The remote control is very well designed. It can control most brands of devices with it's built-in memory. If your particular brand is not pre-programmed, the remote has a learning function. The remote has a system call feature that enables you to program a series of commands in that you commonly do. For instance, I have mine set to turn on the receiver, TV, and satellite, and switch the receiver to DSS mode. I programmed another button to switch everything off.
My biggest complaint so far has to be with the fact that Denon neglected to put a "Video Select" button on the remote. The "Video Select" button enables you to switch the video input independently from the audio, useful when watching TV and listening to music at the same time.
This receiver is also set up to enable you to hook up two additional speakers that can be used with DTS-ES 7.1 speaker surround encoding. The 2 additional speakers can alternately be used for 2 speaker multi-zone operation for listening to a different sound source in a different room while others are listening to the 3801 in the main room.
I would also like to point out that this receiver actually has discreet amplifiers for all of it's seven different channels, each rated at 105 watts.
Denon has an information sheet on the AVR-3801 on their website. Please check this out for technical information.
Update 5/6/03:
Still works great! The receiver gets a little hot in the cabinet, so I'm going to plug a cooling fan into one of the two switched outlets on the back of the receiver
Update 3/22/05:
Still works great! I finally hooked up the 7.1 surround sound. Seems to improve the sound a bit in a large room. I occasionally use the two rear speakers to play music while watching TV on the other 5.1 speakers (for parties)
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 850
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Epinions.com ID:
superfan
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Location: Los Gatos
Reviews written: 7
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
Living in Los Gatos, CA, working in Santa Clara
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