Denon AVR-3808CI 7.1-Channel/5.1-+ 2-Channel Multisource/Multizone A/V Home Theater Receiver with Networking (Black)

Amazon Customer Reviews

(4 out of 5)

Top performance for reasonable price.

Once set up the performance and operation is all that could be desired with two exceptions.
1-When using this with a DVD player and D-link to send SACD signals in DSD format to the AVR, the unit takes a while to recognize which signal format is being sent. It can take a couple of attempts to play the SACD before the two units talk to each other. Sometimes while this is going on the DSD signal is routed to analog resulting in loud while noise that could damage speakers.
2- There must be a less intuitive user friendly remote control unit somewhere but I don't know where it might be. I does perform all the functions it should --- once you figure it out. The user guide is of some help.

Now the good stuff. There are an amazing number of devices that can connecr to this besides the usual phone and disk players (XM radio, iPod, USB drives (MPO3, WAV, WMF files), internet radio. There are even recorder outputs although the tape monitor of old is no more.

The most impressive feature for me is the auto setup and room EQ. I've spent a lot of time and effort doing this manually with other products. I was dubious about the feature but the Denon gets better results than I ever could even with SPL meters, RTA etc. I've never heard a sub-woofer integrated with the main speakers this well. The software must get the distance and delays and phase difference just right as the imaging turned out better that I would have thought my motley collection of speaker capable.

(5 out of 5)

Great receiver!

I have been waiting a while for "the perfect receiver". However, I have come to the conclusion that this is as close to perfect as I am going to find for my needs right now. I am using all 4 HDMI inputs (PS3, Oppo 980H, Directv HR20, and a Sony Vaio computer). The Denon has worked flawlessly with SACD, DVD-A, and lossless audio sources from my BluRay movies.

For sound quality, it is important to get the speakers setup properly. Denon's auto setup with the included mic makes this a very simple setup. I have heard that it helps to take measurements from all over the room, so I setup 5 listening locations. The sound quality is fantastic. I do have an spl meter, but I have not had it out to fine tune the setup just yet. It already sounds fantastic. The Oppo has the ability to send out a DSD multi-channel signal for its SACD and these sound fantastic on the Denon.

I am not really using the video upscaler very much since most of the signals I am inputting are already HD. In other words, the Denon mainly sends out the signals untouched, so it is hard to complain.

The ability to update the firmware over the internet connection is what I believe sets this receiver apart from the competition. For me, this was the deciding factor. With all of the new tech in these receivers, I do not want to have to carry the thing into a service location every time it needs an update.

I should mention that I played some music coming from my computer using the network interface and it worked okay. It did take a few seconds to retrieve license information for Yahoo Music DRM files, but I bet they improve on that in the future.

The downsides are small, but should be mentioned. The remote is okay for setting up the system, but it is going into a drawer with my other remotes now that I have my Harmony 880 universal programmed for all of the general functions that I need. Also, the GUI takes some getting used to. I like the ability to rename the inputs and choose what video inputs go with the audio inputs. However, it was not something that I picked up and setup in a few minutes. It is better than my old Denon AVR-3300, so at least they are going in the right direction!

(5 out of 5)

Great, but not for the technically challenged

I bought this receiver because it has 4 HDMI inputs and one HDMI output. The back side seems spartan with only 4 HDMI cables and one subwoofer cable attached, and now I don't have any use for a half dozen sets of high quality RCA cables!

The sound quality and video upconversion of this receiver are superb. The new GUI interface is aesthetically pleasing, but some actions are several menus deep, and it is difficult to navigate and find exactly what you're looking for. This receiver is not for the technically challenged. It is a little difficult to set up, and you really do need to have a TV hooked up for the programming.

After living for a few years with a $200 receiver, I'm amazed at the sound details I've been missing.....it's great to have a high quality AVR again!

(3 out of 5)

Mixed feelings

PROS: Lots of features and inputs. Sounds great, though I do not subscribe to the idea that different brands of amplifiers sound different. I think, at the same price level, all amps sound the same, at least to human beings. Any differences are only measurable with laboratory equipment and speakers and your listening environment would utterly mask that. Not to start a flame war. Moving on ...

Can run multiple zones with multiple different inputs. Use this regularly.

Internet radio and USB are really good features for me, as is the ability to play off Windows Media server. WRT Internet radio, the Denon website to organize your stations is a nice plus.

Great price and immediate delivery via Amazon.

CRITICALLY IMPORTANT: Amazon is an authorized Denon resaler. Otherwise, Denon will not honor your warranty. Bleeh! See below.

CONS:

Mine just died (:-( after 5 months of light duty use. Worse, the estimated time to repair at a service center is 2 - 3 weeks. That is after calling 4 centers. The other centers quoted 3 - 4 weeks. This is the centerpiece of my home theater/audio system. I'm limping along on cobbled up leftovers and having withdrawal symptoms.

GUI and remote controls are definitely non-intuitive. Good thing,Denon supplies 2 remotes. The simplified remote is usable. I have never gotten the main remote to do much, and I have been completely unable to get it to run my TV or DVD player (which it is supposed to do). To put this in perspective, in all humbleness, I am highly technically literate. So, if I can't get it to work very well (the main remote), I'm afraid anyone other than an obsessive zealot or professional audiophile is going to experience some difficulties. The GUI could stand a lot of improvement, but I had no problems with it. Likewise, the manual is more like a few sentence summary of a particular feature than any kind of real explanation.

Summary: I like it fine. I guess I can buy a good quality universal remote, if that is what I really want to do. Solid core functionality but with plenty of room for improvement wrt the user interface.

(5 out of 5)

I have tried several AVR's

This unit is the real deal. It provides the granularity a semi-technical person will inevitably want. Other AVRs sound just as good, but the cutomization and outstanding GUI is the difference, and the video scaling is solid. The negative posts I see regarding the genesis chip are not from those who own this product. This thing runs rather cool compared to what I have observed with competitors such as the Onkyo 875. And for those who are hung up on THX certification; look at any of the high end speakers, THX is rarely even mentioned as a variable. Not to mention, who really has a THX certified room...good luck with that!