Denon AVR-3803 A/V Surround Receiver
Written: Apr 13 '03
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Pros: Build quality, sound quality, functionality, surround options, component video up-conversion/switching, flexibility, etc, etc, etc.
Cons: Set-up a bit cumbersome - but not all that bad
The Bottom Line: If you can afford it, and you have any electronics "common sense", don't worry about the slightly cumbersome set-up and just buy this receiver.
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| chunk1's Full Review: Denon AVR-3803 7.1 Channels Receiver |
If you are looking at this review you are obviously serious about home audio/video. You already know the standard pros and cons everyone gives for this receiver. You don't need me to go into pages of detail about everything you have already heard. Therefore, I am not going to touch on the stuff you probably already know. Hopefully I can give more detail on the stuff you haven't already heard.
The obvious:
Build quality - Like a tank. My wife was home when the unit was delivered, and she could barely lift the box through the door.
Sound quality - Superb. More detail below, but the quick and dirty = a substantial upgrade for anyone currently living with lower to medium end.
Set-up/User guide - A bit cumbersome. More detail below, but if you have ever owned any kind of A/V receiver, you will pick up on the art of tuning this machine in a hurry. If you are in the market for a receiver that can do this many things, the set-up couldn't have been designed any other way.
The not so obvious:
Back to sound quality - As 2-channel stereo (2 main speakers only) audiophile-grade receivers go, the AVR 3803 is probably only about average. If you are in the market only for a top-notch receiver to play 2-channel audio, you will probably want to shop around a bit more. Too much of the technology goes into making this receiver more well rounded for video and other audio options. You could spend 3/4 the price of the AVR 3803 on a receiver whose specialty is playing only 2-channel audio sources and be much more pleased with your purchase. Not to say that the AVR 3803 is lacking in this area. It is actually about as good as you can get in a mid-to-upper-mid range receiver. There is even a feature called "pure direct" mode. In this mode, the AVR 3803's video circuitry is turned off and audio is only output through the 2 main front speakers, assuring there is no unwanted interference with the video circuitry.
For those of you who like the option of using Dolby Pro Logic II or DTS NEO 6.1 to turn your 2 channel audio sources into a remixed 5.1 sound field, the 3803 gives plenty of set up options for you to tweak the sound to your personal preference. There are additional sound fields that expand on the 5.1 feel, and some even use all 7.1 outputs...all are completely customizable to ensure things sound as good as the 3803 can do for you. I am convinced that it is the flexibility of all the sound options that scare people away from the set-up of the 3803. I compare learning how to handle this machine like guy in his early 20's trying to learn how to treat a woman...it may take a while to get it right, but the rewards are almost limitless once you do.
I haven't had a chance yet to set up the analog inputs for my SACD player, but I am expecting much of the same results.
On to the video options. There are plenty of video inputs to allow you to connect every piece of A/V equipment you own to the 3803. The 100Mhz component switching/up-conversion ensures that whatever video source you input into the 3803 is output at exactly the same level of quality. Obviously, the 3803 can't make your composite cable/vcr input look like DVD component video, but at least you are assured that there is no downgrade in quality for the video signal running through the machine.
Overview: If you are looking for a mid-upper range receiver to take care of all your multichannel audio/video needs for today and the relatively distant future, the 7.1 channel Denon AVR 3803 is the perfect companion...once you get a handle on the set-up. But you will be so pumped to play with this new toy it will take no time at all to get a handle on it...just don't be surprised when the neighbors start to move out once you do.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1025
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Epinions.com ID:
chunk1
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Reviews written: 10
Trusted by: 2 members
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