Dollar for dollar, the finest A/V Receiver on the market
Written: Jul 24 '02 (Updated Jul 24 '02)
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Pros: Superb quality, true 6-channel capability, will last a lifetime
Cons: Can't be bought heavily discounted from legitimate dealers... Remote control designed by truly cruel individuals
The Bottom Line: From present and past experience, Denon equipment can't be hurt by anything short of a nuclear weapon... And performs like a champ while waiting for doomsday to arrive.
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| drdiaboloco's Full Review: Denon AVR-2802 6.1 Channels Receiver |
I agonized for MONTHS over spending this much money on an individual audio component, but this is truly the best hardware purchase I have ever indulged in.
My experience with Denon products goes back nearly twenty years when I started buying their top-quality audio cassettes, and when it came time to step up to my third home CD player, I decided to buy a really good unit (rather than buy a new Pioneer or Technics every three years when the old one would break). Thirteen years later, that same Denon CD player is still sitting on my shelf, spinning happily along at an age that would make it an adolescent if it were a human. :) In 1995, when I made the step up to ProLogic sound, a Denon found its' way into my audio stack. Fabulous unit, and it's still operational... But ProLogic is old had, and it was time to trade up.
After perusing the available units from the "better" manufactuers in the segment (Denon, Yamaha, Onkyo, Marantz, etc.), I found my way back into the Denon fold. You simply can't ignore your own past experience, and I knew that if I got another Denon it would provide years of reliable service... And play like a unit that costs twice or thrice as much from the Sony/Pioneer/JVC/Technics end of the market.
So whaddya get?
ProLogic II. Amazing upgrade from standard ProLogic, usable with any ProLogic material. You won't believe the difference... Even if you don't buy THIS receiver, you should consider PL II to be an absolute necessity in your next receiver. It's THAT good.
Dolby Digital. And matrixed Dolby Digital EX 6.1, no less. Six channels including the rear center channel. Fabulous.
DTS. Not just garden-variety DTS, but you also get true 6.1 discrete DTS-ES... Not matrixed, you get six full-bandwidth channels and if you can find a DTS-ES disc (all too rare, unfortunately), you will be absolutely floored by the sound. Even "regular" DTS movies have a subtle but noticeable improvement as compared to Dolby Digital (the DTS version of 'Saving Private Ryan' should be studied by sound engineers).
You also get the Neo6, which can come up with a convincing 6.1 experience from non-6.1 material.
There are other digital effects modes, but I find them more of a distraction than a benefit. You will find fewer of them in Denon products than, say, Yamaha and others, and I actually think this speaks volumes for Denon's restraint. I have yet to hear a digital effects mode that I find pleasing.
Speaking of effects, you will find that if you want to pipe your signals through an outboard graphic equalizer, well, you're outta luck. There is no "tape monitor loop" as you would find on some other units.
This unit also has ample power for must users. You have to have a very large listening room AND really inefficient speakers to "need" more power than the 90w/ch the 2802 provides to all of its' six amplified channels. Keep in mind that Denon receivers are typically rated rather conservatively... And this one is no exception. If you are a true power junkie, you will find that the 2802 has a complete set of RCA preamp-outs so you can upgrade to more powerful outboard amps in the future.
If this receiver doesn't have enough back-panel inputs for you, you might want to consider getting rid of some of your components. :) The built-in D/A converters are probably better than what's built into your CD or DVD player, and I wholly recommend using the optical inputs if your player(s) have that capability. However... Speaking of inputs... There are none on the faceplate for a camcorder or video game console. This is a non-issue to me as my VCR offers this feature, and in any case, I don't have a camcorder or a game console so it doesn't matter to me.
The user interface is pretty straightforward, but the owner's manual is pretty thin on details and could use some improvement, but this has been my experience with other Denon equipment of various vintages so it wasn't unexpected. The remote is justly criticized by many as being an ergonomic disaster, and this too is another longtime Denon trait. Row upon row of tiny buttons, cryptically marked, and the remote itself is seemingly the size of a paperback, but it is comprehensive and will control your other equipment as well (that equipment that isn't in memory can be controlled by the learning function). This alone is why I give it 4 stars instead of 5 for ease of use.
The styling is pooh-poohed by some as being bland, but this is a Denon, and this is how they LOOK. It's no mistake that my CD player's looks blend seamlessly with the styling of the 13 year newer receiver. I do have a slight desire to see a larger screen on the face of the unit, which would do away with the necessity of having an on-screen (as in TV screen) setup scheme, but the TV-based setup is easily navigated and comprehensive... You can even set the receiver's cutoff point for the subwoofer (aka- .1 channel).
Keep in mind that Denon's authorized dealers don't do business on the internet, so if you buy one online, you are NOT covered if something should happen to go wrong. I paid about a hundred dollars more for this unit than I could have from some of the less-reputable online stores, and don't regret having paid the extra money for the peace of mind... Not to mention the warm fuzzy feeling of handing over my money and getting a big cardboard box in exchange right then and there, from a local retailer who is more than happy to answer any questions if I have them... And who will actually answer the phone.
This receiver plays loud, plays clean, and never has a misstep. I don't see much of a reason to spend a lot more money unless you are willing to spring for a real THX setup... and that would be a LOT more money, indeed.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 690
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Epinions.com ID:
drdiaboloco
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Location: Fort Wayne, IN, USA
Reviews written: 37
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
Where did all this corn come from?
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