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recovering AVR-2808CI owner needs recommendation for something simple

post #1 of 11
6/7/12 at 7:17pm
Thread Starter 
Hi,

I have a Samsung LCD TV, Samsung Blue Ray, Apple TV 2, Logitech Harmony remote, and Denon AVR-2808CI. The rig was put together by an AV expert who is no longer in the biz. At some point I attempted some minor configuration changes, and since then nothing has worked. The setup is way to complicated for me, and the worst offender is the Denon. I've read the manual carefully, but even trying to reset to factory defaults does not work (at least not as described in the manual).

I realize I made a huge mistake in buying individual components. I should have bought an all-in-one like Bose, because I really don't want to have to learn anything at all about the technology. I really want something that "just works". But at this point, I've already spent a decent chunk of money, and I don't want to throw everything out and start over from scratch. Instead, I'm hoping to ditch the Harmony remote (i'm fine with using multiple remotes) and replace the Denon with something much simpler and much cheaper. I don't care if the quality is not as good as the Denon-- as long as it's easy to setup and use.

Any recommendations for a simple and cheap replacement for Denon? I want cheap because I see this as a stopgap solution. I"m hoping that Apple will come out with something so simple that even I can use it.

thanks for any suggestions.

-joe
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post #2 of 11
6/7/12 at 7:27pm
Welcome to AVS Forum ....

There's two ways to look at this as I'm sure we can get your 2808CI setup without too much difficulty on your part; however, the newer Denon models now offer networking and an easy Setup Wizard which makes the experience even easier. For one thing, it's important to note that when resetting the microprocessor, you must press/hold the two buttons [STANDARD] and [DSP SIMULATION] under the front panel flap while powering on the AVR. The front panel display should start flashing 4-5 seconds later and the next step is to plug the mic in and run AUTO SETUP. Unless you have a lot of devices to set up, there's not really much more involved. So ... balls in your court ... if you want help ... say the word, otherwise, you can review the first few posts of either last year's XX12 models or this year's new XX13 models to see which model would meet your requirements.

Denon XX12 thread ---> click on link in my sig and back up to post #2 in that thread

Denon XX13 thread ---> http://www.avsforum.com/t/1409431/the-official-denon-avr-xx13-model-owners-thread-faq/0_100#post_21995236
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post #3 of 11
6/8/12 at 4:57am
Thread Starter 
OK, you make it sound easy, so I'll give it a shot.

Processor reset now seems to be working. I'm able to get to the blinky lights.

Thanks for the pointers, and I'll give a shout here if I get stuck.

regards,

-joe
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post #4 of 11
6/8/12 at 5:05am
Great! Also take some time to review the Audyssey 101 Guide linked in my sig so you can be sure to set the Audyssey mic correctly.
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post #5 of 11
6/9/12 at 3:02pm
Thread Starter 
I found the Audyssey mic. and read the instructions. I plugged in the Audyssey mic.; selected "Auto Setup", told it to detect the speakers from center listening position. I got this:

Warning:

No speakers
or
No Mic.

I do have speakers and the mic. is not the problem, because the Denon didn't even play the test tones. So the Denon thinks I have no speakers. Here's the speaker config:

Bose Accoustimass 5 serries III subwoofer
Bose center channel speaker
2 Bose 161 speakers (L & R) as "Front" speakers

The Front speakers output wires from the Denon go to the Front speaker inputs on the Subwoofer. Then Front speaker outputs lead from the subwoofer to the front speakers. There is no dedicated wire from the Denon just for the subwoofer channel. The center speaker wires go directly from the Denon to the center speaker.
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post #6 of 11
6/9/12 at 3:07pm
Thread Starter 
I see in the instructions:

"When using a subwoofer, make the following settings before starting the auto setup procedure:

"Defeat the volume and crossover controls if possible".

What the heck does that mean?
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post #7 of 11
6/9/12 at 4:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by trurl00 View Post

I found the Audyssey mic. and read the instructions. I plugged in the Audyssey mic.; selected "Auto Setup", told it to detect the speakers from center listening position. I got this:
Warning:
No speakers
or
No Mic.
I do have speakers and the mic. is not the problem, because the Denon didn't even play the test tones. So the Denon thinks I have no speakers. Here's the speaker config:
Bose Accoustimass 5 serries III subwoofer
Bose center channel speaker
2 Bose 161 speakers (L & R) as "Front" speakers
The Front speakers output wires from the Denon go to the Front speaker inputs on the Subwoofer. Then Front speaker outputs lead from the subwoofer to the front speakers. There is no dedicated wire from the Denon just for the subwoofer channel. The center speaker wires go directly from the Denon to the center speaker.

This is one of the many reasons why Bose speakers are put down so much in these threads ... they don't work well with AVRs that have their own EQ systems as the sub is never recognized (and therefore cannot be EQ'd) which is the most important part of the setup that needs to be EQ'd. I'll say it once and let it go ... sell the Bose setup and get something for about 1/2 the cost that will likely sound even better then the overpriced Bose system. Bose systems are akin to Monster HDMI cables .... why pay $80 for a Monster HDMI cable at Best Buy when a $5 cable from Monoprice will work just as well or better?
Quote:
Originally Posted by trurl00 View Post

I see in the instructions:
"When using a subwoofer, make the following settings before starting the auto setup procedure:
"Defeat the volume and crossover controls if possible".
What the heck does that mean?

For you it doesn't apply. As noted above the sub doesn't exist.

That said, the speakers should at least be recognized. Are you sure you're placing the mic plug in the mic jack? Upper right corner under the front panel and above the optical input? Make sure it fits securely. Also is it a DM-A405 mic?
Edited by jdsmoothie - 6/9/12 at 4:50pm
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post #8 of 11
6/10/12 at 4:13am
Thread Starter 
The AV guy had it working... somehow. Guess that's why he's the AV guy. And since I"m trying to move away from solutions that require dedicated AV staff to keep working, I'm willing to part with the Bose.

Can you recommend an inexpensive 3.1 or 5.1 speaker set that is known to be easy to set up with my particular Denon model? I say inexpensive, because I view this as a stopgap solution.

thanks,

-joe
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post #9 of 11
6/10/12 at 4:25am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jdsmoothie View Post

That said, the speakers should at least be recognized. Are you sure you're placing the mic plug in the mic jack? Upper right corner under the front panel and above the optical input? Make sure it fits securely. Also is it a DM-A405 mic?

Yes, it's definitely in the right jack-- "setup mic".
Yes, it's the DM-A405 mic that came with the AVR.

-joe
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post #10 of 11
6/10/12 at 4:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by trurl00 View Post

The AV guy had it working... somehow. Guess that's why he's the AV guy. And since I"m trying to move away from solutions that require dedicated AV staff to keep working, I'm willing to part with the Bose.
Can you recommend an inexpensive 3.1 or 5.1 speaker set that is known to be easy to set up with my particular Denon model? I say inexpensive, because I view this as a stopgap solution.
thanks,
-joe

The Energy Take 5.1 Classic speaker setup is often recommended in the Denon threads for a < $500 setup.

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/542253461/energy-take-classic-5-1?v_c=netelixir&ne_ppc_id=705&ne_key_id=14107446&ne_sadid=11555595647

However, let's try to resolve your current issue, as although the Bose isn't ideal, as you noted, it "used" to work correctly. If you have confirmed all the speaker wires are connected correctly to the AVR, Acoustimass module, and each speaker, it's possible the mic has somehow become damaged. Do you have a laptop or desktop computer with a mic in jack that you can connect it to in order to test that it's working? If not, try reconnecting it to the AVR again and see if it works this time. Until the mic is recognized there won't be any test tones.
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post #11 of 11
6/10/12 at 9:38am
Try turning on your system BEFORE plugging in the microphone. That makes a difference on one of my systems.
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