Anyone know how much space on top of the receiver to leave between it and the shelf above? The manual just states: "For heat dispersal, do not install this unit in a confined space such as a bookcase or similar enclosure." Right now there is about three inches separating the top of the receiver and the shelf above. I need to lower the shelf in order to fit my new center channel. This will only leave about 3/4 inch between the top of the receiver. Will this be enough to allow adequate cooling? Please advise.

Anyone know how much space on top of the receiver to leave between it and the shelf above? The manual just states: "For heat dispersal, do not install this unit in a confined space such as a bookcase or similar enclosure." Right now there is about three inches separating the top of the receiver and the shelf above. I need to lower the shelf in order to fit my new center channel. This will only leave about 3/4 inch between the top of the receiver. Will this be enough to allow adequate cooling? Please advise.
I would say that is not enough, might be able to get away with twice that though. You could try it and see if it shuts down during heavy use, but personally, I wouldn't put it through that torture.

Keenan,

Thanks for your advice. I am going to follow it. I started to consider a shelf for the top of my RPTV as an alternative, but did not want to have all that weight on top of the tv. So, I thought a little more about my problem and realized that the speaker did not fit because of the frame in the front. This frame support does not exist on the sides so I just slid the speaker in from the side.

Hello, I have a 3806. I have a separate sub. I am "test driving" a pair of Definitive Technology 7004s. I have the subwoofer output set to "LFE+Main" and the Front speakers set to "Large". The only connection from the AVR to the front speakers is the normal speaker wire. Does all the LFE channel output get sent to the front speakers in this setting? Or do I need to split the LFE and send it to each speaker via a seperate cable?


Anybody have any thoughts?

Anybody have any thoughts?
The DefTechs have SWs built into them right? A setting of MAIN+LFE should send all the signal to the speakers. Do the speakers have a low level input for the LFE? If not, then the above scenario should work, maybe somebody in the speaker forum could be more specific.

The DefTechs have SWs built into them right? A setting of MAIN+LFE should send all the signal to the speakers. Do the speakers have a low level input for the LFE? If not, then the above scenario should work, maybe somebody in the speaker forum could be more specific.

Thanks. Yes, the DefTechs do have built in subs and a LFE input. I am hoping that all the LFE will be directed to the speakers via the normal connection. I do not want to have to split my LFE into three separate connections and add more wires to my system. I already have a spaghetti nightmare of wires.

Which forum to post in was a dilemma. I will go ahead and post a link to this post in the DefTech owners thread.

I have a problem connecting a Samsung DVD-R player via the Component Video. The problem is that it does not "up-convert" to the HDMI output. I get no video. I get sound.

The TV is a Samsung HLS6187 TV. Which is capable of up to 1080p.

- I have tried with 2 other DVD players to see if it was the DVD-R. One was a Samsung DVD player (less than a year old) and a Magnavox DVD player about 2 years old. Both do the exact same thing, sound but no video.

- I know the system works and that I have the settings correct b/c I have an XBox 360 connected via the Component Video and fiber digital audio. This works like a dream. It works with the XBox at 1080i, 720p and 480p.

- I also have a Mitsubishi VCR via a single coax video input that also works fine and is displayed via the HDMI connection to the monitor.

- I have tried various cables and that's not the issue. I have also tried the various compnent video ports as well. Always the same.

Why don't any DVD units work via Component video?

Are you sure that the settings on the DVD-R are correct? I have a JVC DVD-R connected to the '3806 via component cables, then going out to the TV via HDMI, and I've got no problem.

:( I gave up....returned the Denon, I had bought the unit yesterday, and bought a Pioneer Elite VSX-84TXSi.

The Pioneer Elite has upscaling, not just converting, to 720p/1080i and has 4 HDMI inputs. The menus are much more intuative/user friendly. I just finished hooking up all my equipment, setting the inputs and everything is working PERFECTLY....EVEN MY HR10-250 HD DIRECT TV TIVO which did not work on the Denon. On the Denon I had to use the HDMI and Optical because I would only get picture but no sound.

I am happy I switched! :)

How does the audio quality compare?

jefflins, the 3806 does not upscale, this is a common misconception. Instead it switches from various inputs to HDMI. So you may want to consider hooking up your component inputs outputing through HDMI.
The 3806 also has the Audyssey eq in its arsenal in comparison with -05
The 2807 does upscale but it lacks other features such as multiroom support

Thanks for the info. So i could hook up all my components via component cable, including my HD Cox box, and then just use the HDMI output? And my 1080i and 720p output from my box, dvd and x box 360 will all flow out the hdmi with no problem?

One other question...i'll be running the 3806 from a closet...will have several feet of air all around, but the door will be closed...will that be problematic do you think?

One other question...i'll be running the 3806 from a closet...will have several feet of air all around, but the door will be closed...will that be problematic do you think?

I would say it all depends on your temperature in your house. Is the closed on the 1st or 2nd level? Are you planning to keep receive on all the time or it will have a rest time?

2nd floor...recver will only be on rarely...when watching movies...normal would mean 3 hours in a day...3 days a week...a really pushed session would be 6 hours.

How do you open the fron panel door???

How do you open the fron panel door???


Push the lower part of the door.

Hey fellas

I have the 3806 connected to my plasma display via HDMI but there is no video! The video source is a dvd player connected to the AVR through component connections, and optical cable for audio.

What am I doing wrong?

Hey fellas

I have the 3806 connected to my plasma display via HDMI but there is no video! The video source is a dvd player connected to the AVR through component connections, and optical cable for audio.

What am I doing wrong?
I have the exact same situation and it works fine. Make sure you have the correct input assigned for the DVD. Also, verify the cables are connected to the correct jack (blue and green look very similar in the dark). I did both of these wrong! Someone else also suggested that you verify the TV can accept 480i via HDMI -- apparently this isn't univerally supported.

I have a question using the OSD with my Samsung HL-R5067W I have my Sat box and my dvd hooked up via HDMI Switching works great with no issues at all, only problem I have is getting the on screen display to work. When I hit teh OSD button on the remote I hear the 3806 click and the picture drops and my display has a message "Weak or no signal present" I still get audio however and when I exit out of OSD mode it goes back to my normal picture I belive it has to do with the 3806 sending the on screen display via HDMI at 480 Anyone know if there is a way to have my Sammy accept at 480 signal? Will a separate Component cable out to my set from the 3806 work just for the OSD? Any help or suggestions would be great! Thanks!
Anthony BT

Make sure you have the correct input assigned for the DVD.

Ok, how could that be wrong? Right now I think it is RCA-1 which if I recall correctly is the component-1 connection? If I wanted HDMI, what would I set it to?

Someone else also suggested that you verify the TV can accept 480i via HDMI
The component connection works fine, and my TV displays 525p while playing DVDs. Does that mean it also supports 480i? Isnt "p" supposed to be better than "i"?

Also, verify the cables are connected to the correct jack (blue and green look very similar in the dark)
I assume you are talking about the component cables here? But my component connection works fine, its the HDMI I have an issue with. I'd like to remove the component cables and just have a single HDMI cable handling the video to the display. When I remove the component connection, the video disappears. So that means there is no video in the HDMI connection.

Only thing I really don't like is the display dimmer button isn't on the remote anymore, that annoys the crap out of me, and the remote itself sucks, no auto-lighting, I liked the 3805 remote better.


Yippee!! I tried the DIMMER command from the 3805 in the Harmony setup and it works on the 3806. :) :)

I never changed my remote commands in my HArmony from when I had my 3805. They all worked when I had a 2807 and now a 3806.

I never changed my remote commands in my HArmony from when I had my 3805. They all worked when I had a 2807 and now a 3806.
You know, I didn't either, in fact, it still shows as a 3805 in the Harmony setup, but while adding and subtracting equipment of late I had lost the dimmer command and since the 3806 doesn't have the function I assumed it wouldn't work anyways. Surprise, surprise, it does. :)

I still think the 3806 remote is crap compared to the 3805, although I rarely need to use it so it's not that big a deal.

I have a question about the video out on the 3806.

I will be getting and setting up the reciever soon and I will not be using the video part of the reciever only for the OSD for setup. My tv will do all the switching. So if I connect an S-video cable from the S-video out on the 3806 will there be a OSD when pressed? Or will I have so set it up to output by S-video? The manual only states how the HDMI conversion works. So I assume I can just connect the S- video or composite video to get an OSD for setup only.

I assume you are talking about the component cables here? But my component connection works fine, its the HDMI I have an issue with. I'd like to remove the component cables and just have a single HDMI cable handling the video to the display. When I remove the component connection, the video disappears. So that means there is no video in the HDMI connection.
I was referring to the component cables from the DVD to the receiver. So, if you replace the HDMI cable from the receiver to the TV with a component cable, everything works fine? I don't remember having to set an option to output to the HDMI, but I may be mistaken. I believe it senses the connection.

I am trying to decide between these 2 models for my HT. Besides watts, any other advantage of the 3806 over the 2708?

I am trying to decide between these 2 models for my HT. Besides watts, any other advantage of the 3806 over the 2708?


I'm having the same problem right now. I want the 3806 but the 2807 is newer. I hope I don't go wrong with the 3806. I know the watts are more and the DAC's are better. Also does zone 2 and 3, not just zone 2.

Well I just came back from Magnolia with my new Denon 3806. :p Man she is pretty at home out the box. Now I need to degut my rack and hook it up soon. The thing is I got it very cheap, with a nice discount, plus $110 Best Buy gift card, extended warrenty, for way less than the Denon 2807. Man like a kid on Xmas morning. My new 2910 DVD player is thanking me. :)

I forgot to add:

The reciever back says it draws 7.1 amps, this I would assume is max at full load. It should be lower just turnning it on on low volumes right? I'm going to be running these out of an outlet:

Denon 3806 av
Denon 2910 dvd
JVC CD jukebox
Moto Cable box
Xbox 360
Sony 55" LCD RP
2 150 watt subwoofers

The only thing I'm changing is the reciever from a 330 watt draw JVC reciever to the Denon 3806. All of this will be running into a Belkin PF60.

I'm having the same problem right now. I want the 3806 but the 2807 is newer. I hope I don't go wrong with the 3806. I know the watts are more and the DAC's are better. Also does zone 2 and 3, not just zone 2.

The 2807 is good but I went from a 3805 to a 2807 and then I went to a 3806 because it has al24 processing on all channels instead of only two on the 2807.

The 2807 is good but I went from a 3805 to a 2807 and then I went to a 3806 because it has al24 processing on all channels instead of only two on the 2807.

I hope I made the right choice then. I have never had an highend reciever.

So, if you replace the HDMI cable from the receiver to the TV with a component cable, everything works fine?

Yep! No issues, but as soon as I remove the component cables, the picture goes blank. Can't figure it out.

Forum member monsteraudio helped me out of this situation. He got on hold of someone at Denon corporate office and relayed my story. Afterwards he exchanged many email messages with Denon to track my case. With his persistence and the attention from corporate office the service center "found" my unit, repaired it and sent it back. The receiver is on its way to me via UPS right now. Thank you monsteraudio. It is this kind of spirit that keeps me addicted to AVS Forum.

On the other hand, the experience with Denon support is still a bitter story. Without monsteraudio's help I probably would never get the receiver back from Denon.

Does anyone here on the forum have a way to contact Denon customer service?

I bought a refurbished Denon AVR3806 from eCost.com, which is a Denon authorized reseller for their B-stock products. At the time some online retailers were selling new unit at roughly the same price as the refurbished Denon on eCost. I chose to buy refurbished with eCost just for the "peace of mind" that Denon will honor 90-day warranty. The unit arrived with a totally broken front panel, 3 buttons were missing and appeared to be pushed into the unit itself. Called eCost asking for an exchange because this is not exactly a "refurbished" unit. eCost refused to help but gave me a number 630-741-0300 to contact Denon. They said that they just take the boxes from Denon and ship to customers. Any problem would be with the Denon "refurbishing" process. In their words even if Denon puts bricks in the cardboard boxes eCost would never know and are not responsible.

I then called denon and after much holding eventually got a rep. Explained my situation. Initially the rep wanted to send me those buttons so I can fix my newly purchased receiver by myself. After I explained that the buttons and the board that they attached to were pushed into the unit, and it is way beyond my ability to repair a Denon receiver, the rep eventually agreed to take the unit in for an exchange. The next day I received a FedEx EXPRESS envelope, inside there is a call tag for sending the unit to Denon's Itasca, IL service center. The receiver was shipped and FedEx tracking indicated it was delivered to Denon on June 26.

During the past month I tried numerous times to call Denon for the status. Most of the time as soon as I dial option 2 for service, I got disconnected. Once or twice I was "lucky" to get through their first tier of auto-attendant, only to be put on hold for over an hour before I hung up.

So I lost over $800 and now I do not even know when or whether I will get my receiver. I'd really appreciate it if someone here can point me to the right direction to get the attention of Denon customer service.

I talked directly to the people at the service center for my 3806 from Ecost. The service center I used was a Denon authorized service center. They were locatred in Virginia Beach and were very quick and easy to get a hold of.
So far so good but I'm glad I got the extended warranty from Ecost. For under $750 it was worth it.

After having my new 3806 up and running I'm a happy camper. I did the setup for the speakers (delays and volumes) with my spl meter. I have not yet done anything else and it sounds awsome.

The question is: Should I run the auto setup with the mic? Will it be a noticable difference? Will I lose the settings I have already made? Or is this something after its done can be turned on and off?

One other question: My old reciver used to remember volume settings, surround modes, and speaker selections when changing inputs. I noticed when you change inputs on the 3806 it will auto detect for Dolby Digital and DTS, but it defaults when those are not present to the last surround mode, which I like is DB PII Music. Is there a way to have this happen?

Hi all.

I just picked up a new 3806 from a Minneapolis based web B-stock vendor; Second Act. The black units are actually not B-stock, but overstocks. Maybe Denon is getting ready for the 3807. My understanding is that the warranty is regular one year parts and labor, two year parts not the B-stock warranty. The price was good, and the people were nice at Second Act. Since I actually live in the Minneapolis area, they were nice enough to let me personally pick up the unit. But I had to pay sales tax, or course.

A couple of quick questions. I looks like the unit converts composite, s-video and component inputs internally. So my guess is that a given video feed in any of those formats will be output to all of those formats--is that correct? I am trying to figure out how to connect my DVD recorder. In general, I lean to using the regular RCA composite input on the recorder (seems to have the best results), but I don't want to discover that some feeds won't appear on the composite output from the receiver.

I know that the HDMI won't be converted to analog; but I'm not working in HDMI anyway. My monitor is a Sony XBR; first generation hi def 4:3 tube with component inputs.

Second question;

I am still setting the unit up. But I noticed on a Peter Gabriel DVD that the DTS audio feed was much quieter than the Dolby Digital feed. Can this be adjusted?

Thanks one and all!

Hi all.

I am still setting the unit up. But I noticed on a Peter Gabriel DVD that the DTS audio feed was much quieter than the Dolby Digital feed. Can this be adjusted?

Thanks one and all!

I have experienced no difference in volume between DD or DTS. It might just be that DVD. On the Eagles Farewell One Tour Concert DVD the gain is lower on the second half of the concert than the first. Go figure.

Nick

After having my new 3806 up and running I'm a happy camper. I did the setup for the speakers (delays and volumes) with my spl meter. I have not yet done anything else and it sounds awsome.

The question is: Should I run the auto setup with the mic? Will it be a noticable difference? Will I lose the settings I have already made? Or is this something after its done can be turned on and off?

One other question: My old reciver used to remember volume settings, surround modes, and speaker selections when changing inputs. I noticed when you change inputs on the 3806 it will auto detect for Dolby Digital and DTS, but it defaults when those are not present to the last surround mode, which I like is DB PII Music. Is there a way to have this happen?

I found out last night that it remembers the surround modes that you choose for the inputs. Like D PL II will be present when playing 2 channel sources then it will play DD or DTS if it is auto detected.

I still would like to know it its worth the auto setup and will it change all my settings if I do it? Or does it store all the setting only for the Auddessy button? I setup manual EQ last night and it sounds good.

You can turn Audyssey on and off and have your own settings when Audyssey is turned off. I prefer music with Audyssey and movies with no EQ. Piece of cake to change back and forth, just a few clicks on the remote. Check out this thread before running auto eq. I think its around post 145 or so where Chris from Audyssey has a FAQ that is a must read.

Nick

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7969145#post7969145

Hi all.

I am still setting the unit up. But I noticed on a Peter Gabriel DVD that the DTS audio feed was much quieter than the Dolby Digital feed. Can this be adjusted?



This is an error in the mastering of this particular disc. Nothing to do with your amp at all.

I have installed a Denon AVR-3806. My customer wants wired IPOD headphones to be able to be used with this system. I have installed headphones jacks on each side of their bed. They want the sound to mute through the main system speakers when they plug in the head phones while being able to hear all audio / video sources through the headphones. Does anyone have any idea how to accomplish this.

My understanding from re-reading the 3806 manual is that if s-video material is input to the machine, it will be output as s-video but not composite.

So if I want to hook up my dvd-recorder properly, I have to connect both a s-video and a composite connection if various devices come into the receiver as either composite OR s-video.

Is that correct?

My understanding from re-reading the 3806 manual is that if s-video material is input to the machine, it will be output as s-video but not composite.

So if I want to hook up my dvd-recorder properly, I have to connect both a s-video and a composite connection if various devices come into the receiver as either composite OR s-video.

Is that correct?

It can either leave S-Video as it is, upconvert it to Component or HDMI or downconvert it to Composite. :)

My understanding from re-reading the 3806 manual is that if s-video material is input to the machine, it will be output as s-video but not composite.

So if I want to hook up my dvd-recorder properly, I have to connect both a s-video and a composite connection if various devices come into the receiver as either composite OR s-video.

Is that correct?
That's correct, you would need to connect both, assuming your DVD recorder's inputs are connected to the 3806's VCR-1 OUT or VCR-2 OUT.

If, instead, it were connected to the 3806's MONITOR OUT, then you would only need one connection (not both), since the 3806 converts the video signals. However, the MONITOR OUT shows the OSD/menus, and you probably don't want those to appear on your DVD recordings. The VCR-1 OUT and VCR-2 OUT do not show the OSD menus.

Basically, the 3806 converts video signals for MONITOR OUT, but it does not convert them for VCR-1 OUT or VCR-2 OUT.

Erik,

Thank you for clarifying the difference between the monitor output and the vcr1 and vcr2 outputs. This explains why my initial tests were showing differences between what I saw on the monitor and on the DVD recorder.

Jase: Thank you for responding so quickly. Your information was also helpful.

I really love the AVS forum ;)

Hello everyone, I just recently had some trouble with my unit. I have my system setup so that only one cable, the HDMI goes to the TV. Well all of a sudden what happens now is that when I switch components i only hear the audio coming through, whether its the DVD player, cable or VCR - only the audio comes through.

Is this unit toast or does it need to be reset in some way?

thanks !

Hello everyone, I just recently had some trouble with my unit. I have my system setup so that only one cable, the HDMI goes to the TV. Well all of a sudden what happens now is that when I switch components i only hear the audio coming through, whether its the DVD player, cable or VCR - only the audio comes through.

Is this unit toast or does it need to be reset in some way?

thanks !That's probably the HDCP handshaking problem, if your components are connected to the receiver via HDMI. When you switch components, the HDCP encryption handshake is broken and so the signal doesn't pass through.

All thanks to the big movie studios for extorting the manufacturers into implementing this stupid copy protection scheme.

Help!!!!!
I Just Bought A Denon 3806 From ButterflY. $899.98. Love The Unit But I Can't Figure Out How To Do The Auto Setup. The Instructions Seem To Be Too Complicated For Me (or A Foreigner Wrote It) Another Problem I Have Is That I Only Have 5 Speakers And Want To Turn Off The Two Amps That I Am Not Using. Any Help Would Be Appreciated

Hello everyone, I just recently had some trouble with my unit. I have my system setup so that only one cable, the HDMI goes to the TV. Well all of a sudden what happens now is that when I switch components i only hear the audio coming through, whether its the DVD player, cable or VCR - only the audio comes through.

Is this unit toast or does it need to be reset in some way?

thanks !


MAKE SURE THAT YOUR UNIT IS NOT IN PURE DIRECT. PURE DIRECT WILL TURN OFF YOUR VIDEO CIRCUITS

Hello,

I want to use another amp & cd player to listen to music on my front speakers that are hooked up to the 3806.

Is there a way to plug it with the 3806 so that I do not have to unplug/plug the front speaker wires from one receiver to the other???



On page 23 of the manual it deals with pre-out terminals of the 3806. If I plug my music amp front L/R into the front L/R of the 3806 will it play music from my other amp & cd player through my speakers without being used by the 3806 except as a relay to my speakers???????


Thanks!

If I get the 3806 is it too good for my Polk RTi6 bookshelf and CSi3 center channel speakers? Would the extra expense of the 3806 (compared to say the 2106) be wasted on them, or are they quite capable of bringing out the beauty of the 3806 sound?

IMO there would be no audible difference between the 3806 and the 2106. If the 2106 has the features you want in a receiver then I say get it.

Nick

No audible difference because the RTi6's aren't good enough to bring out the difference between the 2106 and the 3806? Or just no audible difference period?

No audible difference because the RTi6's aren't good enough to bring out the difference between the 2106 and the 3806? Or just no audible difference period?

Because the sound you hear in your listening room has very little to do with which receiver you are using. It has everything to do with speaker choice and room acoustics. Focus on finding the best sounding (best sounding to YOU no one else) speakers you can afford. Worry about the receiver after you have chosen your new speakers.

Nick

Because the sound you hear in your listening room has very little to do with which receiver you are using. It has everything to do with speaker choice and room acoustics. Focus on finding the best sounding (best sounding to YOU no one else) speakers you can afford. Worry about the receiver after you have chosen your new speakers.


I couldn't agree with Nick more. Just last week I listened to the 3806 and the 2807 side-by-side on the same speakers and there was an audible difference that even my eight-year-old son described as being "thicker." :)


Paul

The last two comments do not seem to agree. One said choose the speakers, the other seemed to say that there was a difference between receivers.

I bet that most people can not really tell the difference between two fairly high quality receivers. I am in the camp that the speaker choice is more critical.

What I was saying was that if you don't have good speakers you probably can't tell a difference, but when I heard the 3806 and the 2807 on the same high end speakers, Martin Logans, it was easy enough to tell a difference that even my eight-year-old could tell the difference.

It should be easier for an eight year old to tell the difference since they can more easily hear the subtle differences with the higher frequencies.

Because the sound you hear in your listening room has very little to do with which receiver you are using. It has everything to do with speaker choice and room acoustics. Focus on finding the best sounding (best sounding to YOU no one else) speakers you can afford. Worry about the receiver after you have chosen your new speakers.

NickSo you are saying save money on the receiver and direct it towards the speakers.

I'm leaning more towards the 2106 anyway, now that I've seen a cheap refurb one at an authorized dealer.

I need to buy a receiver first because I don't have one. I sold the old one when I was moving out from my previous apartment because I knew I'd upgrade it soon. After connecting the new one to the Polks I'll decide if it's worth it to upgrade the speakers.

I couldn't agree with Nick more. Just last week I listened to the 3806 and the 2807 side-by-side on the same speakers and there was an audible difference that even my eight-year-old son described as being "thicker." :)
Paul

We are not in agreement. Set up equally, there will be no audible difference between the 2807 and 3806.

Nick

What I was saying was that if you don't have good speakers you probably can't tell a difference, but when I heard the 3806 and the 2807 on the same high end speakers, Martin Logans, it was easy enough to tell a difference that even my eight-year-old could tell the difference.

There are dozens of settings on these receivers and unless you personally set them to be exactly the same on both receivers and then leveled matched them with a sound meter, there is no basis for even a remotely accurate comparison. With all due respect, your assertions are nonsense.

Nick

So you are saying save money on the receiver and direct it towards the speakers.

Thay is exactly what I am saying.;)

Nick

That's the joy of America, we can agree to disagree.

:)

I'm wanting a 3807 (whatever it may be :) only because i'm in the market for an avr and its about the refresh time of year and don't want to get last years model a week before they transition.

But...the 3806 seems pretty feature complete. I don't need ethernet anything or an ipod dock. Ok, so an extra hdmi input would be nice, and upconverting video would be better than just switching...but are those the only "issues" with this avr? I have a 3802 that I love and almost hate to sell, but the 3806 seems quite compelling...

Well, the 3806 is pretty sweet, and under $800 at Second Act. For brand new machines. The link is on Denon's web site, which made me pretty comfortable with the purchase. Plus in my case I was able to take delivery in person as I live only a few miles away.

You saw the 3806 at secondact.biz? I only saw the 3805. Or maybe you are the one who snapped up the only 3806 they had?

I'm wanting a 3807 (whatever it may be :) only because i'm in the market for an avr and its about the refresh time of year and don't want to get last years model a week before they transition.

But...the 3806 seems pretty feature complete. I don't need ethernet anything or an ipod dock. Ok, so an extra hdmi input would be nice, and upconverting video would be better than just switching...but are those the only "issues" with this avr? I have a 3802 that I love and almost hate to sell, but the 3806 seems quite compelling...
Have they announced a 3807 yet?

Have you checked in with second act to see if they have more of the 3806 units? I bought mine about a week ago. I had the sense they had more.

Have they announced a 3807 yet?
:p Don't even think about, we must maintain at least a little amount of restraint. :D

I already got a 2807 then a 3806 this year. If the 3807 will decode the new codecs and has HDMi1.3 I will have to get it. If not then I'll just wait for the next model.

Aaron,

I had heard the 3806 had better DACs than the 2807. If you have compared the DACs in the wo units, did you hear a difference?

Regards,
Darrell

The 3806 sounded slightly better to me. That is why I got the 3806 after getting the 2807. I had the 3805 originally and it sounded slightly better than the 2807 so I had to get it's successor, the 3806. The 2807 does sound good but I definitely liked the sound from the 3805 and 3806 better.

I need a little help.

I just got my 3806 and, just as I was warned, the manual is less than clear. I have what I thought was a simple question. I don't have a center-channel speaker yet.

What I have are my two fronts, sub and two rear surrounds. I assume that I'd be running dual 2-channel systems until I can get a center channel speaker. Is this possible? The introduction to the manual seems very committed to a full surround system.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I need a little help.

I just got my 3806 and, just as I was warned, the manual is less than clear. I have what I thought was a simple question. I don't have a center-channel speaker yet.

What I have are my two fronts, sub and two rear surrounds. I assume that I'd be running dual 2-channel systems until I can get a center channel speaker. Is this possible? The introduction to the manual seems very committed to a full surround system.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

On page 75, just make sure you have center speaker set to none and it should redirect the center to the fronts. :)

The 3806 sounded slightly better to me. That is why I got the 3806 after getting the 2807. I had the 3805 originally and it sounded slightly better than the 2807 so I had to get it's successor, the 3806. The 2807 does sound good but I definitely liked the sound from the 3805 and 3806 better.

I also did a side by side comparison with the 2807 and 3806 at Magnolia. I used the same settings and levels between the units and same speakers. I noticed a pretty big difference in sound and alittle in volume. I originally was thinking cheaper for the 2807 until the test. I glad I got the 3806 and very happy. :)

It shouldn't be any mystery that the '3806 sounds better than the '2807. The DACs, power supply and audio processing are quite different. Given that the '2807 has a few extra bells and whistles, such as the iPod connectivity and video conversion, and it's still cheaper than the '3806, the difference lies in the '3806 being more of an audiophile quality receiver.

I need a little help.

I just got my 3806 and, just as I was warned, the manual is less than clear. I have what I thought was a simple question. I don't have a center-channel speaker yet.

What I have are my two fronts, sub and two rear surrounds. I assume that I'd be running dual 2-channel systems until I can get a center channel speaker. Is this possible? The introduction to the manual seems very committed to a full surround system.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

What you have is a surround system that happens to not have a center. No big deal. The sound that would usually go to the center is divided equally between the the two front speakers. You will have what is called a "phantom center". When sitting in the sweet spot you can not even tell there is no center. Again, this is fine and some people even like it this way.

Auto setup will handle this fine, or if you are doing manual set up, you simply set center speaker to "no" or "none". All else is setup exactly like any other surround system.

Nick

Well no 3806 for me ... a refurb 2106 is on its way from secondact. The 3806 is expensive enough to stop me from buying another receiver in the next 5 years, but not feature-complete enough to make me want to keep it for 5 years, and the low price on the 2106 was too compelling. In another couple years, hopefully I'll be able to upgrade to something with 4 or 5 HDMI 1.3 ports and other features that I'd want in something that costs over $1000.

good idea judging from your name HDMI is important to you

good idea judging from your name HDMI is important to youYeah, maybe my receiver of the future will even have wireless HDMI (http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,2011975,00.asp?kc=ETRSS02129TX1K0000532)!

A review of Audyssey auto eq using the 3806 at Audioholics A bit technical, but a worth while read.

Nick

http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/specsformats/AudysseyMultEQDenonAVR3806.php

I would like to share a 3806 equalization success story. Or at least success story based on pursuing the equalization process!

On day one of owning the new 3806 I ran the Audyessy program. The test tones began..bleep..bleep.very high bleep..bleep..bleep

Very high bleep? Vas ist das?

Moved the speakers around to see if the receiver was at fault. Nope...it was the speaker. Took the speaker into the local repair facility...sure enough there were some problems with the solder in the crossover. Who knows why or for how long...but the speaker had a working tweeter but the two woofers were out of commission. Which expains why I had been muttering about new speakers for a while.

All speakers are back in full action. I still have yet to fully use all the capabilities of this new machine (including bi-wiring). I don't have the sense I am in any way straining the unit even at higher volumes. This was a good purchase.

All speakers are back in full action. I still have yet to fully use all the capabilities of this new machine (including bi-wiring). I don't have the sense I am in any way straining the unit even at higher volumes. This was a good purchase.

Good that are happy with your 3806. Audyssey is a nice feature. I suggest you read the FAQ that Chris from Audyssey wrote before starting down that road. Post 145 (or there about) of the thread linked below. There are many things one can do to improve the sound quality in your listening room. Bi-wiring is not one of them.

Nick

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7969145#post7969145

Anyone compared the 3806 to the new VSX-84 from pioneer? Which sounds better?

Has anybody seen a more in depth guide to programming the remote for this unit than what is included in the instruction manual? I do not find the printed instructions very helpful.

For some reason the remote does not seem to be taking the codes I have been trying to program for my TVIX unit. So I figure I am probably doing something wrong, and am looking for some pointers.

Also, does anybody know if Denon makes the remote themselves, or if it is made for them by somebody else like Universal Electronics? I figure that maybe I can get some ideas from reading the manuals from the manufacturer if it is somebody other than Denon.

Has anybody seen a more in depth guide to programming the remote for this unit than what is included in the instruction manual? I do not find the printed instructions very helpful.

For some reason the remote does not seem to be taking the codes I have been trying to program for my TVIX unit. So I figure I am probably doing something wrong, and am looking for some pointers.
Sometimes you have to make sure that all previously input codes, even if they were loaded inadvertently or incorrectly, have to be cleared. The manual does have a section indicating how to clear the remote and start over again.

Has anybody seen a more in depth guide to programming the remote for this unit than what is included in the instruction manual? I do not find the printed instructions very helpful.

For some reason the remote does not seem to be taking the codes I have been trying to program for my TVIX unit. So I figure I am probably doing something wrong, and am looking for some pointers.

Also, does anybody know if Denon makes the remote themselves, or if it is made for them by somebody else like Universal Electronics? I figure that maybe I can get some ideas from reading the manuals from the manufacturer if it is somebody other than Denon.


Thats why I have my Pronto Pro 7000. When I first setup the reciever I was using the factory remote and was very frustrated with it. If I had to use it everyday I would have never gotten this reciever. But I knew I was not going to use it. :)

Has anybody seen a more in depth guide to programming the remote for this unit than what is included in the instruction manual? I do not find the printed instructions very helpful.

From personal experience it is not worth investing the learning curve with this remote. It is perhaps the one thing about the receiver that I would grade C or below. I use a URC programmable remote (MX-950) and only pull out the Denon remote when I need to make non-routine set-up changes (such as adding new equipment and setting up the 3806 with that). I absolutely dislike the "virtual" screen buttons. It took many hours and several reads of the manual to finally realize that what appeared on the remote screen were actually buttons! Very poor manual, and very poor remote design...

I agree, in my opinion, this remote simply sucks, the previous 3805 remote was a better design.

Hello

I recently got a 3806 and I'm having a few problems;

1) When I select an HDMI audio/video source, whenever I use the OSD I get a dropout in audio play back even if the video output isnt hdmi, even if it's plain old video, what's up with that?

2) If I select an HDMI video source, it seems that I cannot listen to anything else other than what is coming through on HDMI? For instance if I am watching a movie with audio and video over hdmi, then switch to tuner, I get no video!

If I use the "V select" button I can never select HDMI video only analog video?

This is especially important to me because I want to send PC video over HDMI and PC audio over SPDIF and listen to the SPDIF while watching the HDMI...

Ideas?? Can it do this? If not do any avr's do this?

SD A10

What you have is a surround system that happens to not have a center. No big deal. The sound that would usually go to the center is divided equally between the the two front speakers. You will have what is called a "phantom center". When sitting in the sweet spot you can not even tell there is no center. Again, this is fine and some people even like it this way.

Nick

I'd love to hear more about this - I have the 3806 driving a pair of Def Tech 7004's, and hear a lot about how important that center channel is. The fact is, the system sounds great without it, but then again I don't know what I'm missing since I've not purchased or installed a center channel yet. I'd rather avoid the purchase altogether, and if the 3806 truly "ghosts" that channel, perhaps I don't need one???

I'd love to hear more about this - I have the 3806 driving a pair of Def Tech 7004's, and hear a lot about how important that center channel is. The fact is, the system sounds great without it, but then again I don't know what I'm missing since I've not purchased or installed a center channel yet. I'd rather avoid the purchase altogether, and if the 3806 truly "ghosts" that channel, perhaps I don't need one???

The receiver takes the "center channel" content and divides it equally between the two front speakers so nothing is actually lost. When you are sitting in the sweet spot it sounds exactly like it is coming from the center. The "phantom" center. If you had a friend over and they were sitting in the sweet spot area and you asked what they thought of your center speaker, they would say "great"! You can not tell there is no center speaker except by sight. When you start getting in to trouble is when you are out of the sweet spot. The further you move from sweep spot the center content sounds less connected to where it is supposed to be. It's late and that's my best shoot at explaining this for now. Feel free to ask more.

Nick

Can anyone help with my HDMI issues from 2 posts above?

SD

I acknowledge that the remote is deficient.

Which remotes have people found do and good job and pick up most of the Denon commands (or better yet have them pre-programmed?).

Did anybody get the Denon remote to learn any of the TVIX 5000 commands? I can't seem to get any of them to stick.

I do what kidziti does, although I use a Harmony 880 instead of the MX-950. Basically, once everything is set up all you really need a remote to do is turn it on and off, select the input, and volume.

One more question for the night.

I have a number of audio sources connected digitally, such as the Scientific Atlanta 8300 cable/pvr, and my old laserdisc player. For some reason, the unit does not seem to send the analog output to my vcr and dvd recorder. I assume, I hope, that there is some way to tell the unit to send the analog decoding from the digital source to the vcr 1 and 2 audio outputs.

Can somebody tell me how to do this? At first I thought I had the dvd recorder hooked up incorrectly, but then I found the same problem with the vcr. I sure hope that the unit does not insist on only sending analog input to the analog outputs.

Postscript: Upon very careful re-reading of the manual, I have come to the conclusion that the dubbing must stay true to the source. In other words, digital inputs are not sent to the analog outputs. So to dub from the Scientific atlanta 8300; I have to connect the analog audio to the receiver. The receiver will play the digital output to the speakers, and will dub to the digital video recorder or vcr using the analog feeds. Pretty silly if you ask me, but that is how the schematics are laid out in the manual.

Gee - I asked this question a few months ago and never got a reply, and of course Denon won't respond to my emails (amazingly deficient customer service), so here goes the as-yet unanswered question again:

Is it possible to hook up a subwoofer to zone 2? If so, how?

Lee

I've never done any Zone 2 stuff so I'm not sure what's possible.

You might try asking the question in the 3805 thread as I know there's a lot of folks there who have done all sorts of things with Zone 2 setups and the like.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8379958#post8379958
Pseudo-Official 3805 Thread - AVS Forum

Reply to POST: 1347
The only way I know to connect a sub in that configuation, would be a stand alone
type. I have a PSA-100 amp for my sub, which is not built into the cabinet housing
the driver. This amp has the abilty to use speaker level inputs, so your your speakers
are now called satellites. Before HT was a part of the home audio systems,
this was the only way to connect a sub to your existing 2 channel audio system.

Pish eastern Penn.

I hope someone in this thread has Dish Network....anyone???, ok here is my
question. I have the DVR-625 tuner, that has a optical output. This output
is connected to optical input #1 on the 3806, and I have audio, but it is
only PCM. Inside the menu of the DVR is a choice for DD 5.1, and when
select it .....no audio. Select PCM/DD 5.1, audio comes back. Has anyone
been able to get a DD 5.1 signal to the 3806 from this DVR ( not HD ), if
so what is the trick. I learn something everyday about this receiver, but
sometimes I'm stumped, this is one of those times.

Pish (eastern Penn.)

I don't have any trouble with a 622, I'm not familiar with the 625.

Re: the dish question. If you can get a digital signal from one to the other; you are half way there. Make sure you don't have the dish unit set to downconvert dolby digital 5.1 to stereo. I bet it is a setting issue on the dish unit. Make sure the Denon is set for auto.

I don't have any trouble with a 622, I'm not familiar with the 625.

ViP622 DVR™. DISH Network’s top-of-the-line high definition receiver and Digital Video

The DISH Player-DVR 625 is not a high definition receiver, but has a optical output
and also has the ability to to choose: PCM/DD 5.1, DD 5.1 only, or PCM only. As of
right now I'm set for PCM/DD 5.1.

As for downconverting the audio, in what menu or submenu could I find this
item?

I don't have one of these units. My advice was based on common mistakes I have made with other similar components. did you try DD 5.1 only yet?

Is it tuned to a channel that broadcasts in DD? If not you'll only have stereo pcm. Most of the channels will only be in stereo pcm.

Reply to Post 1354: Yes I have tried it in the DD 5.1 only, and I get no audio. Switching
it back to PCM/DD 5.1, audio is ok.

Reply to Post 1355: Ahhhhhh now here is the question!, "are they broadcasting in 5.1?"
This is important, and I never thought about it, why?, well when they (Dish Network) says
that there is a 5.1 output I just thought they meant that most?, some?, one or two might
be the answer here. So no, I don't know if they are broadcasting in 5.1......thank you for
pointing this out, PISH

hello all! i am new to this site!! my question is... i've just ordered the 3806 and i wonder if i want to bi-wire my speakers can i place the one cable at speakers a and the other on speakers b and then at my speakers at lf and hf is this a proper way of bi-wirng??

Josoua,

No, this is Biamping, which will many say, will provide better results than biwiring. How much better is a always a debate.

Biwiring is where you connect two wires to the same amplifer channel, then at the speaker connect one to lf, and the other to the hf connection. Some say that simply using a single thicker wire has the same effect. Othes say biwiring helps. This too is a source of debate.

Regards,
Darrell


hello all! i am new to this site!! my question is... i've just ordered the 3806 and i wonder if i want to bi-wire my speakers can i place the one cable at speakers a and the other on speakers b and then at my speakers at lf and hf is this a proper way of bi-wirng??

yes but since the a speakers and b speakers have the same amp unit(because 3806 have amp untis only for 7 speakers not 9 it has to seperate the front speakers outpout in 4 speakers... am i right???)so this is biwiring not biamping!sorry if i got you confused but my english are not so good

yes but since the a speakers and b speakers have the same amp unit(because 3806 have amp untis only for 7 speakers not 9 it has to seperate the front speakers outpout in 4 speakers... am i right???)so this is biwiring not biamping!sorry if i got you confused but my english are not so good


That will allow you to run 4 front speakers. Front A and make the surround back amps to run Front B.

Then you can also (if your fronts allow biamping) remove the metal biamping posts from your fronts and use the surround back amps to power the same fronts. Basically you can use one setof amps to power the fronts high range and use the other set to power the low range. :) Hope this makes sense.

yes but since the a speakers and b speakers have the same amp unit(because 3806 have amp untis only for 7 speakers not 9 it has to seperate the front speakers outpout in 4 speakers... am i right???)so this is biwiring not biamping!sorry if i got you confused but my english are not so good

I will try to make it a bit easier for you josoua. You can do all these things, but it will not make much of a difference in the sound quality. My suggestion is that you set up your system normally using auto set up and see if you are happy with the sound. If not, there are two possible reasons. The first possible reason is speaker choice and the second possible reason is room acoustics. Speaker choice and room acoustics are fixable, but not by employing bi wiring or bi amping.

I would like you to do a basic set up on your system (no bi wiring or bi amping) and then report back here telling us how things are sounding. If there are issues we can go from there. Oh, and have fun!

Nick

OK, before I buy a new remote, I want to give the included remote one more try.

So what is the deal here. Once I have entered the codes for learning, and told the unit what kind of device I am programming, do I hold down the button on the denon remote first, and then the button on the other remote. Or is this reversed, or do you hold both down simultaneously, or what? I keep thinking I must be doing something very wrong.

Otherwise, its off to Logitech Harmony I go (or whatever).

Just buy the damn Harmony! Look at it this way. The Harmony costs $100. You use it for three years. That's nine cents a day to have a good remote. If you can own a 3806, I have to believe nine cents a day is not going to put a crimp in your cash flow ;)

Seriously, I have a Harmony and programing it using the online data base and and wizard is a breeze.

Nick

OK, I hear you Nick.

I ordered the 676. It seems to have positive reviews.

I have been testing the bass management setup that many recommend where you set all the speakers to Small, and the crossover to 80. This works fine. I still need to decide if I prefer this, or setting each speakers crossover individually, but that is anothe matter.

When I go to listen to 2CH, I get the sub to play at the crossover I specified in the Direct/Stereo setup menu, when I use the Stereo mode. I verified this by changing the crossover point from 40 to 250 in the Direct/Stereo menu and heard the difference in the sub and speakers. I am using Small,LFE,40.

My problem is that when I switch to Direct or Pure Direct Mode, I know longer hear the sub, and the speakers play full range.

I have heard that Bass Management is turned off in these modes, but why have a "Direct/Stereo" setup menu that has bass management settings then?

Has anyone gotten thier sub to work in Direct and Pure Direct modes correctly? By correctly, I mean by not using the LFE+Main setting. I don't consider sending the LF to two places correct.

Thanks,
Darrell

Has anyone figured out a way to pass digital input sources to Zone 2 or Tape out? Can you jumper Line Out into an analog source In, i.e. VCR In, to get a now converted analog signal from Tape Out?

I am just sick with myself...I bought Orb Audio Speakers Mod 2 with Super-8 Subwoofer.

The sound is clean and bass is tight and responsive with my 3806.

Only one problem.............Speakers are 4 ohm and 3806 is 6-8 ohm rated.

I am getting thermal shut down with receiver. I can't believe there is not a low impedance setting with the 3806.

It works better with a fan cooling it down but I don't want to live with this. Any suggestions to cool it better or another approach that might solve my problem would be greatly appreciated.

Has anyone gotten thier sub to work in Direct and Pure Direct modes correctly? By correctly, I mean by not using the LFE+Main setting.


There appears to be a bit of a bug in the Denon's Pure Direct/Direct modes whereby if you set the speakers to small, bass to sub in the 2CH Stereo/Direct setup menu you don't get sub output despite it being selected.

The only way to get sub output in the Direct/Pure Direct modes is to set the bass to LFE+Main and the speakers to Large. I reported it to Denon UK's Tech Support. It happens on the 3806 and A1XV (5805).

I have been testing the bass management setup that many recommend where you set all the speakers to Small, and the crossover to 80. This works fine. I still need to decide if I prefer this, or setting each speakers crossover individually, but that is anothe matter.

When I go to listen to 2CH, I get the sub to play at the crossover I specified in the Direct/Stereo setup menu, when I use the Stereo mode. I verified this by changing the crossover point from 40 to 250 in the Direct/Stereo menu and heard the difference in the sub and speakers. I am using Small,LFE,40.

My problem is that when I switch to Direct or Pure Direct Mode, I know longer hear the sub, and the speakers play full range.

I have heard that Bass Management is turned off in these modes, but why have a "Direct/Stereo" setup menu that has bass management settings then?

Has anyone gotten thier sub to work in Direct and Pure Direct modes correctly? By correctly, I mean by not using the LFE+Main setting. I don't consider sending the LF to two places correct.

Thanks,
Darrell

could you use your pre outs on your L/R run them to the sub and use its crossover, you would than be able to use your sub in pure direct mode I think :confused:

I am just sick with myself...I bought Orb Audio Speakers Mod 2 with Super-8 Subwoofer.

The sound is clean and bass is tight and responsive with my 3806.

Only one problem.............Speakers are 4 ohm and 3806 is 6-8 ohm rated.

I am getting thermal shut down with receiver. I can't believe there is not a low impedance setting with the 3806.

It works better with a fan cooling it down but I don't want to live with this. Any suggestions to cool it better or another approach that might solve my problem would be greatly appreciated.

Make sure all your speakers set to small, this is very important.
Check your speaker docs to make sure the crossover setting your receiver is set to the right number for the Orbs.
Plenty of ventilation on all sides of the receiver including below (I know, the bleedin' obvious, but just making sure)
If you can't get what you need here in the receiver/amp forum I would suggest also posting this on the speaker forum as there is a fair size Orb user base there. Just mention in the post on the speaker forum that the same thread exists here.
Nick

External amps that can handle 4 ohm loads would be a next-step if you cannot get enough cooling on the receiver and all the setting/wiring check out.

Thanks for the verification Jase. I appreciate it.

While the news is not good, I can quit wasting my time trying to get the 3806 do this. Boy would I like to get 2 minutes with the knucklehead at Denon that alledgedly tested this. :rolleyes:

Denon didn't happen to mention a fix did they? I assume the only fix they could do would be to upgrade the firmware which would require us to send them the receiver.

That basically means that if you want to use the Direct (pass through modes), you had better have a full range speaker up front.

Do you know how Multi CH Direct works? Does it pass LF from the speakers (below the crossover point), to the sub?

Thanks,
Darrell



There appears to be a bit of a bug in the Denon's Pure Direct/Direct modes whereby if you set the speakers to small, bass to sub in the 2CH Stereo/Direct setup menu you don't get sub output despite it being selected.

The only way to get sub output in the Direct/Pure Direct modes is to set the bass to LFE+Main and the speakers to Large. I reported it to Denon UK's Tech Support. It happens on the 3806 and A1XV (5805).

Denon didn't happen to mention a fix did they? I assume the only fix they could do would be to upgrade the firmware which would require us to send them the receiver.

It would have been reported back to Denon Japan and then left in their hands. I'd imagine a firmware fix could be done for the 5805 quite easily as the end customer can update their units if need be. Not so sure about the 3806. The other models may also suffer from this (2807, 4306, 4806) but maybe no-one else has noticed or uses a different setup.

Having the Fronts set to Large and bass to LFE+MAIN works well as this mode also bass manages the speakers. In the past I've always used all speakers small, all bass to sub for my systems but now use Large/LFE+MAIN as it sounds excellent.



Do you know how Multi CH Direct works? Does it pass LF from the speakers (below the crossover point), to the sub?



To be honest that's not a mode I use but if the Input is the EXT In's then there would be no bass management at all as the 3806 has no DSP processing on that Input. You'd be relying on the source to perform bass management (if any).

Make sure all your speakers set to small, this is very important.
Check your speaker docs to make sure the crossover setting your receiver is set to the right number for the Orbs.
Plenty of ventilation on all sides of the receiver including below (I know, the bleedin' obvious, but just making sure)
If you can't get what you need here in the receiver/amp forum I would suggest also posting this on the speaker forum as there is a fair size Orb user base there. Just mention in the post on the speaker forum that the same thread exists here.
Nick

Thanks Nick,

I will check all settings and try post on speaker thread.

Jase,

When you have the Fronts set to Large and bass to LFE+MAIN, are you getting double the LF that you should?


Having the Fronts set to Large and bass to LFE+MAIN works well as this mode also bass manages the speakers. In the past I've always used all speakers small, all bass to sub for my systems but now use Large/LFE+MAIN as it sounds excellent.

I use HDMI for Multi CH input, so it does get bass managed. I just don't know if it is feeding the LF (below the crossover) to the sub or not. I may test it next time have a few minutes to set it up.


To be honest that's not a mode I use but if the Input is the EXT In's then there would be no bass management at all as the 3806 has no DSP processing on that Input. You'd be relying on the source to perform bass management (if any).

Jase,

When you have the Fronts set to Large and bass to LFE+MAIN, are you getting double the LF that you should?


As far as I can tell, no. It seems very well balanced (I don't like excessive LF and don't run the sub hot). Audyssey has set the crossovers to 40hz for the Fronts/Centre and 60hz for all the Rears.


I use HDMI for Multi CH input, so it does get bass managed. I just don't know if it is feeding the LF (below the crossover) to the sub or not. I may test it next time have a few minutes to set it up.

I use Denon Link for all my sources so haven't needed to try the HDMI input but I'd imagine that they operate in the same way with regards to bass management etc.

There appears to be a bit of a bug in the Denon's Pure Direct/Direct modes whereby if you set the speakers to small, bass to sub in the 2CH Stereo/Direct setup menu you don't get sub output despite it being selected.

The only way to get sub output in the Direct/Pure Direct modes is to set the bass to LFE+Main and the speakers to Large. I reported it to Denon UK's Tech Support. It happens on the 3806 and A1XV (5805).
This is quite a disappointment as I like Denon's tweakability that other brands don't provide. Sub out in Pure Direct mode is an example I like that Yamaha, Pioneer, Marantz, HK, etc do not support.

Jase, did you compare sound quality in your system of the "Small" setting for front L/R in Stereo mode versus the "Large" & "LFE+Main" setting in Pure Direct mode?

This is quite a disappointment as I like Denon's tweakability that other brands don't provide. Sub out in Pure Direct mode is an example I like that Yamaha, Pioneer, Marantz, HK, etc do not support.


It's a shame it has this "bug" as my old Denon didn't suffer it.


Jase, did you compare sound quality in your system of the "Small" setting for front L/R in Stereo mode versus the "Large" & "LFE+Main" setting in Pure Direct mode?

I prefer Pure Direct and the Large & LFE+Main. To me, the overall balance appears smoother and more even with regards to bass response.

I just got a new computer with an nVidia 7950 GX graphics card. When i first hooked up the DVI out to the 3806, the 7950 seemed to detect the display as "DENON[some code]" - good... I installed the latest windows updates and DirectX to get Civ 4 working. I played Civ for a while, then switched over to watch some TV (thru 3806 as well). In the mean time the computer went in sleep mode. When i went back to the PC input i could no longer play Civ because it couldn't get into 1024x768. The monitor detected was just the "Default Monitor", and now I am more limited to the resolutions available.

Is there something special i have to do to get the computer/7950 to detect the DENON display again?

Any help is appreciated,

Thanks!

It's a shame it has this "bug" as my old Denon didn't suffer it.

I prefer Pure Direct and the Large & LFE+Main. To me, the overall balance appears smoother and more even with regards to bass response.
Thanks, Jase. Nevertheless I would still consider buying Denon. As for the bug, we still have a independent speaker setting for 2-ch listening. For example, we can have "Small" & "LFE" setting for multi-ch listening, and "Large" & "LFE+Main" setting for 2-ch listening without any problem. Correct? This is still a good thing to have that other brand receivers don't provide.

First, thanks to everyone here. As I was trying to muddle through the cryptic document Denon calls a manual (at one point I thought I discovered where the Arc of the Covenant was, but then realized I just had my rear speakers hooked up incorrectly), I was able to find my answer as to auto-setup not finding my rear speakers by looking on this forum. Now, here's my question:

I have BA VRM-90's up front and a PV600 SW. Auto-Detect set my crossover at 80. Movies sound fine, but on 5CH Stereo (I don't have 7.1 hooked up yet) and while listening to CD's, my SW is completely ignored. Does the SW not read on 5CH or 7CH stereo or do I have a setting incorrect? My much cheaper Pioneer sounded great at 80 crossover and utilized the SW fully. Denon may sound fantastic, but they could use a lesson from Pioneer on Manuals...

Thanks in advance for any help...

Thanks, Jase. Nevertheless I would still consider buying Denon. As for the bug, we still have a independent speaker setting for 2-ch listening. For example, we can have "Small" & "LFE" setting for multi-ch listening, and "Large" & "LFE+Main" setting for 2-ch listening without any problem. Correct?

Yes, that's correct. :)

First, thanks to everyone here. As I was trying to muddle through the cryptic document Denon calls a manual (at one point I thought I discovered where the Arc of the Covenant was, but then realized I just had my rear speakers hooked up incorrectly), I was able to find my answer as to auto-setup not finding my rear speakers by looking on this forum. Now, here's my question:

I have BA VRM-90's up front and a PV600 SW. Auto-Detect set my crossover at 80. Movies sound fine, but on 5CH Stereo (I don't have 7.1 hooked up yet) and while listening to CD's, my SW is completely ignored. Does the SW not read on 5CH or 7CH stereo or do I have a setting incorrect? My much cheaper Pioneer sounded great at 80 crossover and utilized the SW fully. Denon may sound fantastic, but they could use a lesson from Pioneer on Manuals...

Thanks in advance for any help...

Just a note on Audyssey auto setup, after you run Auto EQ, check you speaker sizes. If any of them are set to large, set them as small and if any speakers crossovers are less than 80Hz, then reset them to 80Hz and the LFE crossover at 120Hz. Audyssey gets this wrong a lot of the time. Check out the FAQ that Chris from Audyssey wrote for us. It's at post 145.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7969145#post7969145

Nick

For example, we can have "Small" & "LFE" setting for multi-ch listening, and "Large" & "LFE+Main" setting for 2-ch listening without any problem.
Why would you be listening to multi-channel via the 2-channel setting? :(
P.S. I would agree with others posting here that Large w/LFE & Main, with crossover set to 60 or 80 offers the smoothest blend for stereo/direct listening.

Why would you be listening to multi-channel via the 2-channel setting? :(
P.S. I would agree with others posting here that Large w/LFE & Main, with crossover set to 60 or 80 offers the smoothest blend for stereo/direct listening.
Perhaps you're confused. I simply meant that independent speaker settings in the 3806 for different surround modes (i.e., for 2-ch direct/stereo and for other surround modes) make it possible to have such settings as the example I mentioned.

Are there display drivers i can download somewhere to get my nvidia 7950 to recognize the Denon 3806 as the display? :(

Are there display drivers i can download somewhere to get my nvidia 7950 to recognize the Denon 3806 as the display? :(

Have you checked with NVidia and downloaded/reinstalled the drivers?

And on a different subject...To everybody else...After having to send off my 3806 to get repaired, I finally got it back today (long story worthy of it's own thread)...And I'm getting wonky stuff out of the cable box.

After reading through most of this thread...Am I correct that there's still no fix for NOT being able to use HDMI from a SA 8300 HD box through this receiver due to HDCP issues?

F'n HDCP. :mad:

how do I connect my 3806 +12V trigger to an external amp? Looks like a headphone jack, where as the amp has a 2-pin quick connect (like those on computer vent fans) :confused:

Just a note on Audyssey auto setup, after you run Auto EQ, check you speaker sizes. If any of them are set to large, set them as small and if any speakers crossovers are less than 80Hz, then reset them to 80Hz and the LFE crossover at 120Hz. Audyssey gets this wrong a lot of the time. Check out the FAQ that Chris from Audyssey wrote for us. It's at post 145.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7969145#post7969145

Nick


Thanks for the information and the heads up on the post. Very much appreciated.

Does anybody know if there is a command to toggle between dolby prologic cinema and movie mode on the remote? Or a way to directly go to one mode or the other?

I'm trying to put such a command into the Logitech Harmony.

anyone using the +12V trigger here? if so, could you explain to me how am I supposed to hook it up?

My amp only has a 2-pin connector like those found in PC fans...two wires, one black one red. The 12V trigger connection on the 3806 looks like a headphone (mono) jack; So I assume I have to cook something up.

I stopped by radioshack and bought a headphone male plug...so I assume the red (positive) goes to the center/top part of the phone jack, and the black goes to the bottom/outer_jacket part, right?

any help is appreciated!

anyone using the +12V trigger here? if so, could you explain to me how am I supposed to hook it up?

My amp only has a 2-pin connector like those found in PC fans...two wires, one black one red. The 12V trigger connection on the 3806 looks like a headphone (mono) jack; So I assume I have to cook something up.

I stopped by radioshack and bought a headphone male plug...so I assume the red (positive) goes to the center/top part of the phone jack, and the black goes to the bottom/outer_jacket part, right?

any help is appreciated!

What are you wanting to power?

Just wondering, because on some things, it really wouldn't matter which way you wired it.

What are you wanting to power?

Just wondering, because on some things, it really wouldn't matter which way you wired it.
an external amplifier....Cinenova Grande

I just talked to Denon over the phone, and they said I could just splice the wires and use a headphone jack, positive to the middle (top connection on head) and negative to outer jack.

we will see

an external amplifier....Cinenova Grande

I just talked to Denon over the phone, and they said I could just splice the wires and use a headphone jack, positive to the middle (top connection on head) and negative to outer jack.

we will see

Pfffft! You're a LIAR!

We all know that Denon can't be reached by phone. ;)

Pfffft! You're a LIAR!

We all know that Denon can't be reached by phone. ;)
they did.....after a 45 min wait :)

anyways.....I still can't get it to work. Perhaps the output of the trigger control is not large enough. My amp needs a step of 300mA, and then continuous 30mA to stay on, and I thing the trigger output doesnt have enough juice.

anyone know what the specs are?

ps- Auddessey worked pretty nice....not bad! not bad at all!!! :D

FYI

My 3806 (silver) is on backorder with SecondAct.biz, however they expect a shipment of these to arrive this week for an expected ship date of Monday. So, any prospective buyers may do well to check periodically starting Friday, as this is the lowest price I've found.

Just a heads up! ;]

Digerati;

The price on the Silver units is sure nice. Are these new units that are listed as B stock; or regular B stock? My black unit was new but listed on the web site as B stock--they told me on the phone that that particular unit was actually new (which it was). But I think I paid more like $780; the website price now is much lower than that!

At this price, it might be worth getting another for the basement setup.

Hai I just got the AVr 2807 and now I am wondering whether I should have gone for the AVR 3806 there is just 100$ difference between the two models is it worth spending the
extra 100$ ????

Depends how much a $100 difference means to you and whether you're more interested in audio or video. I'd say that from an audiophile's perspective -- except for iPod usability which is not an audiophile's idea of critical music listening, anyway -- the extra expense is well worth it. More power, better audio DACs, DenonLink, DDSP processing, etc. However, if you like to listen to recorded music from an iPod and if you're using your receiver for video upscaling, you may even be better off with the 2807.

I was just reading on the Cnet reviews that 2807 does better HDMI switching than the 3806 so i am thinking I will stick with the 2807.
Moreover it also has a better rating in Cnet.com than the 3806

Digerati;

The price on the Silver units is sure nice. Are these new units that are listed as B stock; or regular B stock? My black unit was new but listed on the web site as B stock--they told me on the phone that that particular unit was actually new (which it was). But I think I paid more like $780; the website price now is much lower than that!

At this price, it might be worth getting another for the basement setup.


Its listed as a Refurb, but it comes with the factory 90-day warranty and I opted for the 2yr extended. They're an authorized reseller, which is why I went with them.

Definitely! This is a great unit... I've been reading these forums for months trying to decide. :D

Has anyone set up a Polk SurroundBar through the Denon 3806?

We currently own one due to our constraints on ripping apart the room our system is in for a normal 5 or 7 speaker surround system. I was curious as to what other's settings are for the SurroundBar with the 3806.

I was just reading on the Cnet reviews that 2807 does better HDMI switching than the 3806 so i am thinking I will stick with the 2807.
Moreover it also has a better rating in Cnet.com than the 3806
Again, if that's more of a priority that audio quality, that's the right decision. Accordingly, the higher Cnet.com rating is attributable to the better HDMI switching.

Depends how much a $100 difference means to you and whether you're more interested in audio or video. I'd say that from an audiophile's perspective -- except for iPod usability which is not an audiophile's idea of critical music listening, anyway -- the extra expense is well worth it. More power, better audio DACs, DenonLink, DDSP processing, etc. However, if you like to listen to recorded music from an iPod and if you're using your receiver for video upscaling, you may even be better off with the 2807.


Thats why I went with the 3806 because I have no use for the video portion of the reciever.

Alas, to each his own. :)

Hai I just got the AVr 2807 and now I am wondering whether I should have gone for the AVR 3806 there is just 100$ difference between the two models is it worth spending the
extra 100$ ????

I doubt there would be any audible differences. I would make the decision on price and features.

Nick

I doubt there would be any audible differences. I would make the decision on price and features.

Nick
There sure are audible differences (between the 3803 and 2807); I've heard them. But cainath is more interested in video switching and upscaling, so the 2807's the right choice for him at a lower price point. Bluer101 and I, on the other hand, wanted the more audiophile oriented receiver, so we went with the '3806. As I said, to each his own.

There sure are audible differences (between the 3803 and 2807); I've heard them. But cainath is more interested in video switching and upscaling, so the 2807's the right choice for him at a lower price point. Bluer101 and I, on the other hand, wanted the more audiophile oriented receiver, so we went with the '3806. As I said, to each his own.

Indeed, to each his own and while I stand by view, in point of fact I own a 3806 myself and am very pleased with it except for the manual and remote. How Denon management could think these items were even borderline acceptable is a mystery to me.

Nick

I was just reading on the Cnet reviews that 2807 does better HDMI switching than the 3806 so i am thinking I will stick with the 2807.


The HDMI switching is the same on both units. The advantage the 2807 has over the 3806 is that has an internal de-interlacer to convert from 480i/576i to 480p/576p as part of it's analog to HDMI conversion.

The HDMI switching is the same on both units. The advantage the 2807 has over the 3806 is that has an internal de-interlacer to convert from 480i/576i to 480p/576p as part of it's analog to HDMI conversion.
...and therefore viewers with TV monitors that don't accept a 480i feed can get a picture.

What is wrong with the remote? Unless of course the utter inability of it to control the on/off on my TV, the inability to learn any commands at all from my media player (TVIX 5000), and so and so forth are an issue for you....

There are defitely some weirdnesses with the unit. For example, optical inputs from say the DVD player do not get converted to analog outputs for video 1 and video 2 purposes. In other words I can not hook up the Scientific atlanta 8300 cable box, laserdisc or dvd player in digital and expect the output to show up at the VCR or dvd recorder. Unless of course I also run analog connections from those devices to the receiver also.

But it does sound great. And based on multiple person's input, I did go with the Logitech remote.

The Logitech Harmony remote solution will work; but boy oh boy it has a learning curve unto itself. To do tweaking requires learning a very complicated and annoying submenu system.

What is wrong with the remote? Unless of course the utter inability of it to control the on/off on my TV, the inability to learn any commands at all from my media player (TVIX 5000), and so and so forth are an issue for you....

There are defitely some weirdnesses with the unit. For example, optical inputs from say the DVD player do not get converted to analog outputs for video 1 and video 2 purposes. In other words I can not hook up the Scientific atlanta 8300 cable box, laserdisc or dvd player in digital and expect the output to show up at the VCR or dvd recorder. Unless of course I also run analog connections from those devices to the receiver also.

But it does sound great. And based on multiple person's input, I did go with the Logitech remote.

The Logitech Harmony remote solution will work; but boy oh boy it has a learning curve unto itself. To do tweaking requires learning a very complicated and annoying submenu system.

I have never used the factory remote for my unit. :)

The Logitech Harmony remote solution will work; but boy oh boy it has a learning curve unto itself. To do tweaking requires learning a very complicated and annoying submenu system.

Really.. the Harmony 659 I bought was a piece of cake to set up. Installed the Harmony software, plugged the remote into a USB connection, ran the setup wizard and in about 25 minutes I was up and running and controlling the cable box, Denon DVD player, Sony Plasma and the 3806. I hit "watch movie" and the 3806 turns on and the DVD connection selected, the DVD player turns on and then the Plasma is turned on and video connection 5 (where the DVD player video is connected) is selected and all I have to do is pop in a DVD. I do not do setup type stuff with the Harmony, I use the individual remotes for that. Maybe you are doing more complicate stuff than I am.

Nick

The TIVX 5000 is a fairly complicated piece of equipment. It is really a media server; almost a media computer. I mean you can go into the submenus and set addresses (similar to configuring your router). So that was part of my harmony issue.

Plus it took me a while to understand that there is no point in configuring devices but rather one should configure activities. So I wasted a fair amount of time defining devices at first.

I do like the way the logitech harmony will turn on a number of devices and get them to the proper configuration to work together (e.g. the TV, the Denon 3806, the TVIX).

It just took me a few hours to get it all to work. Plus I had to perform some tweaks to stop some key repeats on one device (bet you would not guess it was the TVIX!!).

This morning I noted a curiosity in the AVR3806....

This amp gives the possibility to set the manual equalizer curve identical to the flat curve. What I noted was that the sound was crisper (clearer) when equalizer is set to flat than when it was set to manual even though they had the same curve....Have you noticed this too?

Secondly when set to pure direct..I do not know why the display turns off.(factory setting which I do not find necessary)

Thanks

with regards to pure direct, there is a theory that any additional circuits such as the display are not "pure" and should therefore be turned off.

What I noted was that the sound was crisper (clearer) when equalizer is set to flat than when it was set to manual even though they had the same curve

That's quite normal, because when you set the eq. to FLAT, same takes advantage out of the AUDYSSEY FILTERS ( as well as in AUDYSSEY & FRONT options). When you set at NORMAL, the red led at front panel turns off, right? It means that Audyssey filters are not been applied though.

Regarding to PURE DIRECT, yes, the front panel will automatically be turned off, anytime you select such an option, in order to avoid any interfereance of digital circuitry (sound will be analogic).

Hope this helps. Enjoy your 3806, it's a darn good machine (I just got mine couple of weeks ago and I'm loving it. Before I had a 3805 though).

Cheers / Avliner.

Thanks....why did you change your 3805? for hdmi option? Regarding sound is there any difference between 3805 and 3806? Some magazines argue that 3805 was slightly better....I did not have the opportunity to hear the 3805. I think they should be the same...

Hi Norge,

firstly I'd like to correct something about the EQ. serttings; i.e., where your read NORMAL, please change it to MANUAL instead. I did upgrade to the 3806 because I've got a pretty good deal on my 3805 and I'm a bit more up-to-date now.

In my particular case, the Audyssey only made a huge improvement in overall sound, thus justifying every extra penny spent on the 3806 (I was not expecting that, though).

Well, HDMI is another bonus (not the reason for my upgrade), but I'll tell you what, IT DOES make an improvement on PQ. Last Friday a friend of mine brought his Samsung 860 player over (with HDMI port) and I connected it directly to my TV set and the difference from component was a whole lot better.
I couldn't make it pass thru the 3806, as there was only one HDMI cable though.

Will try that out in close future, so bottom line is that I'm pretty much happy with my upgrade.

Cheers / Avliner.

Thanks ..I did not know that the 3805 had no Audyssey settings.....So 3806 should sound better even though some reviews said the opposite.....Yes I knew that you meant manual with normal. Thanks.....In future I will buy another system for another place and I have in mind the AVC-A11XVA.....

Thanks....why did you change your 3805? for hdmi option? Regarding sound is there any difference between 3805 and 3806? Some magazines argue that 3805 was slightly better....I did not have the opportunity to hear the 3805. I think they should be the same...

I did the same thing. although I went from a 3805 to a 2807 to a 3806. I think the 3806 sounds just like my 3805. But without the HD DVD player I wouldn't have upgraded. That is currently the only HDMI device connected straight to my receiver. My other HDMI devices go to my VP50 first.

I own at 3806, not a 3805, but I was under the impression that the 3805 simply did not include the microphone for the Audyssey, but that it did have this capability.

I also gather that the 3805 remote was much better.

As also referenced, this is a belief among some that the 3805 has better sound. I am not sure how this could be. I am very satisfied with the 3806. But then again, I was happy with my old 2801, I just wanted some new features...

the microphone on the 3805 has always been optional and it's to be used when making to EQ. ROOM SET UP ( not the AUDYSSEY set up).

Regarding to the remote, I do agree with you in a certain manner, as in the old one (3805), you could see all things at once. Now, with the new one (3806), several buttons are not back-lit and that's somehow difficult to operate in the dark.

In other hand, I've found the new remote to be much more anatomic and also not too sensitive as the old one. I'm quite sure that the new remote is not a "battery-eater" as the old one though.

Bottom line, IMO, is that the new remote gets my vote.

Cheers / Avliner.

Does anyone know if the remote for the avr-3806 will work for the avr-3805?

Does anyone know if the remote for the avr-3806 will work for the avr-3805?
The Harmony remote codes for the 3805 operate the 3806 so I'd say, yes, the 3805 remote will operate the 3806.

Anyone know if there's an option to show the volume level on the display whenever the volume is changed?

Sure, mine is set up that way.

Nick

Thanks to all in this forum, the information has been very helpful in setting up my new receiver. I am having a couple issue though.

After running the automated setup, I was having similar issues as other and I was not getting the output from my subwoofer that I expected. As recommended, I changed the speakers settings to small and set the crossover to 80Hz. I did a little tweaking because I think I get a better overall sound with my front speakers set to large and the crossover at 60Hz for the fronts. However, after changing the speaker settings and crossovers, I am now only able to select manual or off in the Room EQ. I do not have a selection for Audyssey, Front, or Flat. Is this typical when you manually adjust the speakers?

Second question, does anyone experience a delay or loss of signal with their HDMI switching? I have a Series Tivo and a Denon 1910CI connected through the HDMI switch. I then have a HDMI-DVI cable connected to my TV. Occassionally when selecting a program from the Tivo, nothing occurs. The 3806 cycles through the inputs but nothing shows on the screen nor do I get any sound. If I hit another button on the Tivo, then I get picture and sound. The Tivo appears to have been playing because the program has advanced. I didn't have this issue when the S3 was connected directly to the TV. Any advice?

Sure, mine is set up that way.

Nick Where's the option?

Video Setup . OSD . Master Volume Status

anyone know if there is a way of upgrading the Audyssey version on a 3806? I just got the 3806, but reading thru the review at Audioholics and at Stereosound, seems like there is new "improved" version of Audyssey....can anyone shed light on this?

anyone know if there is a way of upgrading the Audyssey version on a 3806? I just got the 3806, but reading thru the review at Audioholics and at Stereosound, seems like there is new "improved" version of Audyssey....can anyone shed light on this?
I remember I read your post somewhere. You basically said the Denon receiver (I think it was 4306) you auditioned in comparison with the Pioneer Elite and the Yamaha performed so poorly that you didn't even want to talk about its SQ. You also said that the Yamaha sound was very close to that of some high-end gear.

Why did you buy the 3806? Just curious...

[EDIT] Looks like epsilon answered the question.

Where's the option?

It's not covered in the manual under display settings or something like that? I did this six months ago when I got the receiver so all I would be doing is looking in the manual myself. I will try to remember to take a look when I get home later

Nick

I remember I read your post somewhere. You basically said the Denon receiver (I think it was 4306) you auditioned in comparison with the Pioneer Elite and the Yamaha performed so poorly that you didn't even want to talk about its SQ. You also said that the Yamaha sound was very close to that of some high-end gear.

Why did you buy the 3806? Just curious...
temporary solution until next year ;)

After listening to the anthem D2, there was just no comparison in audio quality.....but unfortunately, I dont have anthem D2 budgets, thus I just bought the 3806 because I needed something.......... I still may go with the Yamaha 2700 now that its out, due to its ethernet/music compression enhancer/CinemaDSP modes as well as even a longer temporary solution until I get more $$, but I may just keep the 3806 as well.

basically it boils down to budget. My Cinenova is so superb, that even with the 3806 preamp section + Audyssey it sounds excellent, so I'm ok for the time being.

you don't know anyone with an Anthem D2 or AVM-50 that they don't want do you? :p

I just discovered that the volume on output from my media player when playing wma is much lower than with mpeg files. My receiver seems to limit the amplification to 8.5. Does anybody know how to increase the output levels for situations like this?

I was just reading on the Cnet reviews that 2807 does better HDMI switching than the 3806 so i am thinking I will stick with the 2807.
Moreover it also has a better rating in Cnet.com than the 3806

I've read the cnet review on the 2807, but I'm still not sure whether I "need" its increased upscaling capabilities over the 3806, for my system-in-progress.

I am getting a sony kdl-40V2500 LCD, I have a denon 1730 DVD (upcaling). my only legacy unit is a VHS player the will not be connected (but may be pulled out of the closet for some old family movies once a year -I don't have a VHS movie collection).

So because I am much more audio centric, it seems the 3806 will be a better choice(DACs). but I don't want to limit my video connectivity.

EDIT: The question: So, with the 2 main components listed above, do I need the 2807's upscaling?

thanks, ed

I think the 3806 sounds better than the 2807. It lookslike the only thing you would be upscaling is from the DVD player which already does the upscaling for you.

thanks aaron
what else would need upscaling? things like older game consoles and vhs?
would digital cable already be the right res?

My current set-up is 5.1 in the main zone and zone 2 is set up for stereo in another room. I'm having a party here at which I'd like to play a slide show of JPEGs on the Denon 1920 DVD player. Can I also play a CD along with the side show (the slide show and CD both playing in the main zone)?

My current set-up is 5.1 in the main zone and zone 2 is set up for stereo in another room. I'm having a party here at which I'd like to play a slide show of JPEGs on the Denon 1920 DVD player. Can I also play a CD along with the side show (the slide show and CD both playing in the main zone)?
If you had a separate CD/DVD player connected to its own input, it would be easy, as long as the audio for both sources was analogue. However, I don't see how you can play a JPEG slide on its own disc, presumably a CD-R, and then a music CD in the same player, at the same time. Or, maybe, I'm just missing something about the JPEG slide show and how it operates.
But if you are using separate sources to play each media, all you have to do is toggle the remote between the Main Zone and Zone 2 and then engage the sources in their respective inputs. To control either device make sure you're in the right mode on the remote to do so. Let me know if this makes any sense.

I just picked up a 3806 yesterday. It's still in the box because I've been pondering about the 4306 ethernet capability. Is there a way to play music from my PC through the 3806? It would be nice not to deal with all the CDs.

Yes, either connect the PC output to the Denon or use a networked (DVD or not) player.

Yes, either connect the PC output to the Denon or use a networked (DVD or not) player.Thanks. I guess it's cheaper to take this route than to get the 4306.

If you had a separate CD/DVD player connected to its own input, it would be easy, as long as the audio for both sources was analogue. However, I don't see how you can play a JPEG slide on its own disc, presumably a CD-R, and then a music CD in the same player, at the same time. Or, maybe, I'm just missing something about the JPEG slide show and how it operates.
But if you are using separate sources to play each media, all you have to do is toggle the remote between the Main Zone and Zone 2 and then engage the sources in their respective inputs. To control either device make sure you're in the right mode on the remote to do so. Let me know if this makes any sense.

Hi - I do indeed have separate DVD and CD players. Unfortunately, Zone 2 is set up in another part of the house, so playing the slides in the Main Zone and the sound in Zone 2 won't really work - if that's what you're getting at...

Hi - I do indeed have separate DVD and CD players. Unfortunately, Zone 2 is set up in another part of the house, so playing the slides in the Main Zone and the sound in Zone 2 won't really work - if that's what you're getting at...
Then it's even easier. First, engage CD player input in your main zone. Then, use the "Video Select" button to set the Denon DVD player as your video source. No need to even involve Zone 2.

They are clearancing the 3806 at Best Buy on these pups at 50% off. I have seen a couple of open boxes.

I wonder why? I know the '2807 is newer and very close in price to the '3806, but it does lack a few essential features such as DenonLink and is not considered as strong on the audio side.

Maybe the new 3807's coming out soon. I picked up one for my garage to use when I am detailing my car.

I just picked up a 3806 yesterday. It's still in the box because I've been pondering about the 4306 ethernet capability. Is there a way to play music from my PC through the 3806? It would be nice not to deal with all the CDs.

Apple Airport Express...

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wo/1.RSLID?mco=96190CF2&nplm=M9470LL%2FA

Apple Airport Express...

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wo/1.RSLID?mco=96190CF2&nplm=M9470LL%2FA
Thanks. The analog mini to RCA sounds horrible.

Thanks. The analog mini to RCA sounds horrible.

I never have any issues with analog mini to RCA as long as you have a decend DAC on your PC and a high quality MP3 or which ever format you use. I can't hear the difference between I play over Airport and CD player.

I know it's not full iPod interoperability, but if you really want to hear "iTunes" through your AV receiver, what's so bad about using a mini-to-RCA stereo cable into the Aux input of the receiver? Personally, when it comes to critical music listening from my HT system, I have no use for the compressed sound of iPod recorded music.

I’m posting this on your 3806 Owners Thread since 3805 owners’ havent posted anything in a long while and the two units are very much the same.

I've been reading this forum for a couple months now. This is my first post.

mattkruse posted "Video Problems" on 8/23/05 (Post 2155 on "Pseudo-Official 3805 Thread" ). I have the exact problem as he describe today 10/31/06. I purchased a Westinghouse 42" LCD a month ago which till then I wasn't utilizing my component in/outs of my DENON AVR3805. I've gone through extensive troubleshooting and eliminated all other components of my system including wires and have come to the conclusion the problem is in the component out of the 3805. I could go on for hours describing each step of my troubleshooting. Everything has been tested by itself and tested again. It’s not the DVR, it’s not the DVD player, it’s not the TV and it’s not the component wiring. It’s from the DENON. I also purchased a Belkin PureAV PF60 to clean up my power and ground everything to the main ground of my house and still have those damn horizontal lines.

Brief description of lines:
Its most noticeable on darker scenes with predominate reds or blues. Lighter programming, the likes of live sports, shows no such lines. I believe them to be masked by the brightness of such programming.

There are always two “sets” of lines at all times, moving from the bottom of the screen upward. Once one set runs off the screen at the top you can find one set near the bottom and one set near the middle of the screen. The sets of lines are comprised of two lines with a space between them of about a half inch. Sure this is descriptive but it may catch someone’s attention who has seen it before.

Does anyone have a similar problem and/or a fix. I’ve though of bypassing the DENON’s video switching all together with a dedicated video switching component (will need for HDMI down the road though) but really don’t want to purchase anything else at this time and the DENON should do its job anyway.

Thank you in advance
Mopar426

I just got off the phone with Denon (Got right through called exactly at 9am EST) and want to confirm his explanation.

I am trying to run component out of the Comcast Motorola Box (outputing 1080i) to the 3806 and then through HDMI switching to my TV monitor (Sony KDL46v25L1) however I do not get a picture. I do however get sound.

The CSR explained that since I have a 1080p television the Denon can not handshake properly and the video signal cannot be displayed.

Through reviewing this forum I understand that there is a problem using HDMI from tuner to the 3806 and then to the TV however I am surprised that I cannot use component into the 3806 and HDMI to the TV.

Can someone please explain / confirm?

Thank you

I just got off the phone with Denon (Got right through called exactly at 9am EST) and want to confirm his explanation.

I am trying to run component out of the Comcast Motorola Box (outputing 1080i) to the 3806 and then through HDMI switching to my TV monitor (Sony KDL46v25L1) however I do not get a picture. I do however get sound.

The CSR explained that since I have a 1080p television the Denon can not handshake properly and the video signal cannot be displayed.

Through reviewing this forum I understand that there is a problem using HDMI from tuner to the 3806 and then to the TV however I am surprised that I cannot use component into the 3806 and HDMI to the TV.

Can someone please explain / confirm?

Thank you
First, the explanation from Denon, as you describe it, does not make any sense. The '3806 is capable of passing 1080i and 1080p, and if you're TV set is capable of receiving that output, as you say it is, you shouldn't have a problem.
As for making a component connection through the receiver, I'm one of many people who haven't been able to pass an HDMI signal from a STB, through the receiver's HDMI input, and out to the monitor by HDMI. However, I have no problem sending a component signal from the STB into the '3806 and then having the AVR convert the component signal for HDMI output to the TV. I also happen to have a Sony monitor with DVI input.

I am on who sees little benefit in running the video through the receiver. I suggest running all video from the source ( cable box, DVD player etc) directly to the the TV. Run all audio directly to the receiver. A clean solution IMO. A Harmony remote provides one touch switching to any audio or video configuration I could want.

Nick

Nick, that's great and all but if your HDMI carries audio also it's not possible.

Nick, that's great and all but if your HDMI carries audio also it's not possible.

True, but it's not what I said.

Nick

There are always two “sets” of lines at all times, moving from the bottom of the screen upward. Once one set runs off the screen at the top you can find one set near the bottom and one set near the middle of the screen. The sets of lines are comprised of two lines with a space between them of about a half inch. Sure this is descriptive but it may catch someone’s attention who has seen it before.

Hi Mopar,

I'd bet that the above issue doesn't lie on the 3805, but on your TV instead.
It seems that your TV monitor is not properly set up.

If you have the AVIA disc or SOUND&VISION (or any other set up disc), you'll find a chapter where they mention about those "damn bars" though (Basic Video Adjustments and/or Video Test Patterns).


Try to figure that out first. Hope this helps.

Cheers / Avliner.

Nick250?

Are you replying to my post of the 3805? As I assume you know, there is no HDMI switching capabilities in that receiver. Thats the major difference between the 3805 and 3806.

I'd be game for bypassing the receiver and running straight from the sources to the TV but my LCD is 25' worth of component cable away; from my rack, under the floor, through a concrete hearth, through the wall to were the TV is mounted above the fireplace. So, well, no thanks to that option. Also, before we jump on my wiring scheme, I've tested my "install" as being the problem in every way I can imagine and proven to myself that its not the wires or any electrical interference from any other source in the walls.

So, I'm back to square one with the DENON being my video switch or purchasing a separate component to do the switching. I have a Universal Genesis remote capable of handing a one touch operation of both the DENON handling the audio and another component handling the video. However, I'm just not ready to purchase more equipment and the receive should push the signal through its component outs with ease.

Thanks

Hi Mopar,

I'd bet that the above issue doesn't lie on the 3805, but on your TV instead.
It seems that your TV monitor is not properly set up.

If you have the AVIA disc or SOUND&VISION (or any other set up disc), you'll find a chapter where they mention about those "damn bars" though (Basic Video Adjustments and/or Video Test Patterns).


Try to figure that out first. Hope this helps.

Cheers / Avliner.

Thanks for your input Avliner.

I will try anything at this point so a Set Up disc WILL be purchased. However, I've run direct from my SA8300HD DVR and my Toshiba DVD player and the lines were not present. Tried several different DVDs, live broadcast in HD, crap signals from Time Warner's lower 1-99 channels, DVR HD recordings and if hooked through the DENON theres lines but if run direct to the LCD...poof..gone!!!

More proof, in my opinion, that its not the monitor: If you press pause on the DVR the lines will continue to move up the screen while the image remains still. If you "freeze" the LCD the lines freeze in place along with the image. I'm not sure if thats solid proof but the fact that when i bypass the DENON and the lines disappear...I just cant fathom its anything other than the Component out of the DENON. I've even run junk cables and the same situation occurs.

Man is this frustrating...and I'm just now posting about it.

:confused:

Hi Mopar,

well, if you bypass the Denon and the lines just disappear, then it really seems the problem lies on the AVR, unfortunately.

You said you've swapped cables (component ones) and problem still remains, right? If you have a COMPOSITE AND S-VIDEO cables, try to connect both (one at a time) and remove the component cable, in order to be sure whether the problem remains.

If the lines just go away when you connect either composite & s-video, then the isseu is certainly on the component port. If not, then there's gotta be a sort of malfunction in the input video board itself.

Oh, there's something else you could do before anything else (maybe you've done already), i.e.; the 3805 has 3 component inputs, right? Just start plugging from # 1 to # 3 ports, once at a time (maybe one of the female connectors may be faulty though).

By the way, wish luck on your quest. I did have a 3805 and never ever had any issues (now I have a 3806, which belongs to the same breed, though).
Keep us posted!

Cheers / Avliner.

For what its worth, there is a similar dialog on the TVIX 5000 forum about similar problems with .... a 42 inch Westinghouse.

There may be something about special needs for this particular monitor.

Avliner,

I have a COMPOSITE cable hooked up to the 3805 video out that runs the 25' trek to the monitor as well. I use this to run the DENON menus as you can not run the menus through the COMPONENT lines. Something about them clearing out everything possible to get the best video signal through the unit without interference (imagine that). With the LCD input set to "AV" and the DENON set to "TV" i can view the menu on the monitor to make my adjustments. I will test as soon as i get home BUT since the menu is black and white I would have to assume that i would see the lines and i never have...I will double check this. I have no S-Video cable but can try a test run if the local store will let me borrow one.

Yes, there are 3 COMPONENT inputs on the 3805. I’ve tried the DVD and DVR in all three, assigning each and testing and no success. This is why I’m convinced of the output pots being the problem or something along the circuitry just ahead of that.

Thanks for all your help thus far
Mopar426

For what its worth, there is a similar dialog on the TVIX 5000 forum about similar problems with .... a 42 inch Westinghouse.

There may be something about special needs for this particular monitor.

I'm curious. Any way you can supply a link? I can find it.

Thanks
Mopar426

Mopar,

the COMPOSITE run you're using already is for MONITORING purposes only, so that one will stay in its place.

What I meant was to remove the COMPONENT and plug either COMPOSITE or S-VIDEO (obviously at proper input ports), in order to be sure whether the bars disappear or not. In other words, consider for a moment that the only video connection you have from dvd to the 3805 is the composite one (yellow RCA jack).
If problem persists, then consider the sole option the S-video jack.

If the "damn bars" still remains, after trying out the above options, chances are that the video input board on the AVR is somehow faulty.

Another hint: do you have another TV set that you could connect the 3805, just for cross-checking purposes?

Anyway, you better also look after what originalsnuffy said about issues on the Westinghouse 42" tv set.

Cheers / Avliner.

OK, I get it now.

Advise if you think this will work: In the 25' run of wiring I have audio left and right cable that is not connected to anything but there for using the LCDs speakers (This is a monitor only) whenever I get around to caring about it. Can I use one these cables (w/ RCA connectors) to test your COMPOSITE scenario. Of course I'm at work and can't do anything but research right now but will when I get home. They are quad shielded cables.

Mopar426

I would say yes, in principle (for testing purposes), but bear in mind that video cables are 75 Ohm rated, for best picture signal transport.
If your cables are not 75 Ohm, there might have a PQ degradation though.

Cheers / Avliner.

I'll give it a whirl. The cables are a mated pair (two cables stuck together, I make words up) and do have writing on them but I cant recall what. I want to think 75ohm. The fact that they are mated makes me wonder though. I'll let ya know what I come up with.

Till then...thanks

Mopar426

I was wondering if denon will offer a upgrade fro this reciever to do 1080p upconversion and 1.3 hdmi standard?

Nick250?
Are you replying to my post of the 3805?Thanks

Nope.

There's not a method on the 3806 to completely bypass the internal amps is there? I'm going to use an external amp anyway, so they aren't exactly needed.

There's not a method on the 3806 to completely bypass the internal amps is there? I'm going to use an external amp anyway, so they aren't exactly needed.
Just use the pre-outs, then the 3806 acts like a pre-pro only.

Right... I was just hoping for a way to switch the amps off completely in case they affect the sound at all. But no biggee.

Right... I was just hoping for a way to switch the amps off completely in case they affect the sound at all. But no biggee.
I don't know the exact circuit topography, but by using the pre-outs there shouldn't be any signal degradation. The pre-outs probably use a parallel circuit. The amplifier section with no draw on it(no load-no speakers) shouldn't cause any issues, they will probably just idle.

Just picked my 3806 up today. Want to thank all the contributors to this thread since that helped me make up my mind, (also posting to get subscribed to this thread ;) )

Any ONE BIG THING I should be aware of before setting this beauty up?

Thanks

I would step through the various menu screens just to see how everything's organized and get a sense of some of the connection decisions you're going to have to make before you actually set it up to play. Be especially careful about coordinating audio and video connections if you're going to be using the '3806 for full AV switching. Otherwise, some input, component, or another, won't be properly activated and you'll be back in this Forum looking for troubleshooting tips. ;)

The suggestion about connecting to the unit carefully was excellent.

My 2 cents worth; be aware that if you will use the unit for recording to a DVD recorder, VCR, or something similar, that signals pass through in the same format they entered for the most part. So analog stays analog; digital stays digital. Don't expect a digital input to pass out as analog to the VCR, or an analog input to be converted to digital. IF you record from the monitor out connections this comment is irrelevant.

Two very good comments and I thank you both for them. My "plan" at this point is to use the 3806 for audio only and feed the outputs from the HD-DVD and cable box directly to the FHD-1. I am also going to use a 3910 for CD playback and MAYBE for upconverting SD DVD to the plasma, only because the Toshiba is so slow. But definitely for CD. This completes my upgrades to my HT. Along with the B&W 705 speakers, I think I will have a darn good sounding and looking HT.

Again, thanks for the tips. :)

Just picked my 3806 up today. Want to thank all the contributors to this thread since that helped me make up my mind, (also posting to get subscribed to this thread ;) )
Any ONE BIG THING I should be aware of before setting this beauty up?
Thanks

If you are going to use Audyssey auto eq, read the thread referenced below, especially post 145, I think, which is a FAQ written by Chris from Audyssey. If you figure out how to easily use the Tuner section, let me know.

Nick

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7969145#post7969145

As you may have read below my experience with the sub setup. If your like me and super excited about hooking it up, it is an immersion experience spanning several weeks. As for the sub problem, make sure your channel is set up right, meaning push the little button on the middle of the remote control and see what the sub is set to. I found mine at -15db after an Audassey setup. Quickly changing this made it thump the hell out of me as desired. If this isn't it...On page 94 of the manual shows the signal adjustable modes for surround sound. lfe output can be configured individually for the lfe signal. the mode you are using might be setup goofy like a -15db sub in one of the modes.I can't hear my sub unless I turn it up ALL the way. Here's my setup:
1. 2 Channel Direct w/sub
2. EQ is off
3. Sub is setup at +12db (middle 'CH SEL/Enter' button)
4. Subwoofer mode = LFE+Main
5. LFE Crossover = 80Hz
6. Yes, sub set to 'On'
7. A subwoofer cable from the 'SW pre-out' on the receiver to 'Line In' on the sub

Any ideas anyone?

I was wondering if denon will offer a upgrade fro this reciever to do 1080p upconversion and 1.3 hdmi standard?
Very unlikely.

Probably featues that will be in the 3807/3808(whatever they call it) next year.

Oh well I guess we will have to wait and see.

I'll give it a whirl. The cables are a mated pair (two cables stuck together, I make words up) and do have writing on them but I cant recall what. I want to think 75ohm. The fact that they are mated makes me wonder though. I'll let ya know what I come up with. Till then...thanks Mopar426

Hi Mopar,

did you try to fix those "damn bars" issue already?
Just curious though.

Cheers / Avliner.

Avliner

Thanks for your interest. I haven't had a chance to troubleshoot with your suggestion. Hopefully tonight or tomorrow morning. I will keep you posted.

On a side note, the wire I am using to test is a 75 ohm, quad shielded video cable. It was run to feed the TV audio L & R from the DENON but with no feasible means to send a low voltage audio signal to the TV, I decided to connect it straight out of the DVR but ended up with a buzzing noise out of the TV speakers. Add to that the annoying popping Vol+ & Vol- crap of the Westy 42" I just dumped the idea altogether and never removed the cable.


Mopar426

Please share your best deal with Manufacture warranty.
thx. Kev

I can't hear my sub unless I turn it up ALL the way. Here's my setup:
1. 2 Channel Direct w/sub
2. EQ is off
3. Sub is setup at +12db (middle 'CH SEL/Enter' button)
4. Subwoofer mode = LFE+Main
5. LFE Crossover = 80Hz
6. Yes, sub set to 'On'
7. A subwoofer cable from the 'SW pre-out' on the receiver to 'Line In' on the sub

Any ideas anyone?

What sub are you using? I would start over in any case. Set sub volume at about 11 o'clock, run auto eq. After auto eq, change all speaker settings to small and crossover at 80Hz. When speakers are set to small, the Sub Mode setting makes no difference, everything goes to the sub. Report back after you have completed the new setup.

Nick

I'm considering upgrading to the 3806 from an Onkyo 800. I have a Samsung HL-S6188W. As of now, I have a PS2 over component cables and a Pioneer DVD player (563 with the DVD-A and SACD). I'll be purchasing a 2nd generation BR and/or HDDVD player as soon as they're available. I have a 7.1 Klipsch setup (RB-61, RC-52 and RC-42) and will have an SVS sub soon.

With all of that in mind, what do I need to know about the 3806? This thread is so incredibly long, I don't think I'll be able to read page after page just for a few pointers and tips. So, what are the pros and cons of this receiver now that some of you have been using it?

Thanks!

Hi Mopar,

did you try to fix those "damn bars" issue already?
Just curious though.

Cheers / Avliner.

Avliner, Well…this is quite bizarre and I have no explanation for it but the fix is on.

I tested my connection from the DENON 3805 to the Westy 42” LCD with your COMPOSITE AV cable idea and found the “Damn Lines” yet again. Basically it didn’t matter what source is feeding the DENON (DVR or DVD) or what route out of the DENON to the monitor (via Component or Composite) was used, the lines were still present. I was able to create some very noticeable lines but plugging in a space heater and setting it on the lowest heat setting. Something in that made the lines quite obvious. So erasing the mind-set that I had some sort of grounding loop problem I turned my focus to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and I decided something from the DENON was getting EMI from this heater.

*** Now, keep in mind the lines do not occur with DVR or DVD fed direct to the monitor bypassing the DENON and I do have a power console ***

As stated in a previous post I have the Westy mounted above my fireplace of which I’ve run a 20amp outlet off the main line that feeds all the AV equipment from my 200amp panel. This outlet, like the rest of the connections, is behind the TV and runs through the wall as well. Also stated I purchased a PureAV PF60 Power Consol by Belkin in hopes to fix my problem. However outstanding I think this product is, I still had these lines and a raging headache trying to figure out the problem…

Now the good news which presents some more work down the road; Since the TV has about 25’ of cable between it and the AV rack I have been ignoring the fact that it is not plugged into the PureAV line conditioner. I unplugged the monitor from the wall and ran an ugly but good extension cord from the monitor to the appropriate HDTV dedicated outlet of the line conditioner and poof…just like that…no more lines, turned the microwave on and a hair dryer just to be sure and not a line in site. :)

So I’m please with my picture but now have a power cable issue to attend too. Any suggestions? Any clue why I would have lines through the DENON and no lines on direct signal feeds to the monitor?

Lost but happy
Mopar426

I'm considering upgrading to the 3806 from an Onkyo 800. I have a Samsung HL-S6188W. As of now, I have a PS2 over component cables and a Pioneer DVD player (563 with the DVD-A and SACD). I'll be purchasing a 2nd generation BR and/or HDDVD player as soon as they're available. I have a 7.1 Klipsch setup (RB-61, RC-52 and RC-42) and will have an SVS sub soon.

With all of that in mind, what do I need to know about the 3806? This thread is so incredibly long, I don't think I'll be able to read page after page just for a few pointers and tips. So, what are the pros and cons of this receiver now that some of you have been using it?

Thanks!

No offense, but this must be the best "lazy" post I have ever seen. Basically all the information you need is already here, just about anything and everything you might want to know about the 3806, but your too lazy to read it so you want everybody to repost what they think YOU might find relevant? Sheesh.

Read the thread.

Bullseye.

Greetings!
I am going to be using the 3806 in a bar that has a pre existing muzak system hooked up to 6 Bose 101's. I want to use those same speakers to connect to the 3086. I need to have the input from a DVD player, audio out from an LCD TV AND the pre existing muzak all selected from the 3806. Is that possible, since the muzak is coming from another part of the building and is powered?
Thanks in advance for your help...
Best,
James W Barron
snowtrooper1966@hotmail.com

What sub are you using? I would start over in any case. Set sub volume at about 11 o'clock, run auto eq. After auto eq, change all speaker settings to small and crossover at 80Hz. When speakers are set to small, the Sub Mode setting makes no difference, everything goes to the sub. Report back after you have completed the new setup.

NickI'm using an Axiom digital sub. It works now. I'm not sure what I did, but I redid everything I did the first night, basically adjusted the receiver settings and changed the crossover on the sub. The exact moment it worked was when I changed the crossover from 40 to anything else. Again, I did this the previous night and it didn't work that night. However, it sounds logical that if it was stuck in 40Hz, it would explain that I could feel it but not hear it. Oh well. - thanks

No offense, but this must be the best "lazy" post I have ever seen. Basically all the information you need is already here, just about anything and everything you might want to know about the 3806, but your too lazy to read it so you want everybody to repost what they think YOU might find relevant? Sheesh.

Read the thread.

I'm glad you have the free time that allows you to read a fifty page thread.

I thought that after fifty pages, users of the 3806 would have figured out the ins and outs of the 3806 and could quickly provide some feedback with the basic dos and don'ts of this receiver as well as some tips for getting started . I guess not.

I'm considering upgrading to the 3806 from an Onkyo 800. I have a Samsung HL-S6188W. As of now, I have a PS2 over component cables and a Pioneer DVD player (563 with the DVD-A and SACD). I'll be purchasing a 2nd generation BR and/or HDDVD player as soon as they're available. I have a 7.1 Klipsch setup (RB-61, RC-52 and RC-42) and will have an SVS sub soon.

With all of that in mind, what do I need to know about the 3806? This thread is so incredibly long, I don't think I'll be able to read page after page just for a few pointers and tips. So, what are the pros and cons of this receiver now that some of you have been using it?

Thanks!I purchased mine after trying out a Yamaha RX-V659, Denon 2307CI. I was not looking for sophisticated feature sets or tons of HDMI functionality. I was trying to replace my existing 16+ year old Denon AVC-3030 A/V amp (which still sounds sharp/fantastic till today, it lacks Dolby Digital and I wanted to watch movies on my HT setup. I did not want to compromise on the audio/stereo quality of my old unit and wanted something with the same audio fidelity or better). I purchased the AVR-3608 refurbished (still warrantied by Denon for 90 days) from secondact.biz (seems like a reliable company IMHO - I arrived at that conclusion after speaking with Mark, the owner for almost 20+ minutes on the phone). The unit appears to be very new without any external issues.

These observations are based on my usage of the 3806:

Pros:
1. Power
2. Audio quality (I found it superior to 2307CI, possibly 2807, you'll find lots of "I doubt you'll be able to discern the audio quality" posts in the forum, but I did :D :D) - I hear more audio detail, clarity - this was basically my paramount issue. It does sound a tad brighter than the 2307CI (which can possibly be corrected using Manual EQ for every speaker - can someone confirm this please?)
3. Audessy setup IMHO is very nice, it automatically configured my HT parameters
4. Lots of (assignable optical, other) inputs, outputs

Cons:
1. Hard to follow manual
2. Remote - they should be providing customers with Harmony type remotes, instead Denon is lightyears behind on remotes - they seem to have a remote team that is thoroughly lost, confused or designing them on a different/ancient planet :D :D
3. Interface is confusing/compex, hard to figure out
4. HDMI (I have not tried it, but I was not looking for video features)

Overall, I am very satisfied/happy/excited with my purchase.

Good Luck!

How is HDMI a con?

I'm glad you have the free time that allows you to read a fifty page thread.

I thought that after fifty pages, users of the 3806 would have figured out the ins and outs of the 3806 and could quickly provide some feedback with the basic dos and don'ts of this receiver as well as some tips for getting started . I guess not.

Two things:

1. Dozens of requests like yours are posted in the receiver forum every day. I have answered a few hundred over the years. I have gotten about 25 "thank you" replies. I rarely respond to posts like yours anymore.

2. There is a search function, get off your butt and use it.

Nick

I purchased mine after trying out a Yamaha RX-V659, Denon 2307CI. I was not looking for sophisticated feature sets or tons of HDMI functionality. I purchased it refurb (still warrantied by Denon for 90 days) from secondact.biz.

These observations are based on my usage of the 3806:

Pros:
1. Power
2. Audio quality (I found it superior to 2307CI, possibly 2807, you'll find lots of "I doubt you'll be able to discern the audio quality" posts in the forum, but I did :D :D) - I hear more audio detail, clarity - this was basically my paramount issue. It does sound a tad brighter than the 2307CI
3. Audessy setup IMHO is very nice, it automatically adjusted my setup
4. Lots of (assignable optical, other) inputs, outputs

Cons:
1. Hard to follow manual
2. Remote - they should be providing customers with Harmony type remotes, instead Denon is lightyears behind on remotes - they seem to have a remote team that is thoroughly lost, confused or designing them on a different/ancient planet :D :D
3. Interface is confusing/compex, hard to figure out
4. HDMI (I have not tried it, but I was not looking for video features)

Good Luck!


Thanks, anonymouse99. I appreciate it. :)

The Audessy setup sounds neat, but part of my enjoyment of audio is setting everything up and calibrating it, so I don't know if I'd use that feature.

My Onkyo 800 has lots of assignable ins and outs, so no difference there.

The Onkyo's remote is excellent and programmable; I use it for every device in my theater setup. I may just end up waiting for the Onkyo 804. :o


nick250, :rolleyes: The amount of useful tips, dos and don'ts and information gleaned from reading a fifty page thread is negligible considering the amount of time it would take. Kudos to you if you have a lifestyle which permits you to do that. Too bad you've stopped helping people out by spreading your knowlege around. It looks like you're more interested in a pat on the back. So, here's to you! ;)

How is HDMI a con?Oops, spaced out - meant to elaborate HDMI :D.

Basically meant to say, relative to 2807, it does not upconvert from 480i --> 480p. I do not know the rest of the HDMI differences, if any. Maybe, you, someone could kindly elaborate if there are any other significant missing HDMI features.