Customer Reviews

Denon AVR-2809CI 7.1-Channel Multizone Home Theater Receiver

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Hi,

I had this receiver (Denon AVR-2809CI) for 2 weeks before I returned it. The sound is great and the remote is awesome. The video passed through perfectly fine as well. There was a problem though. It took a week researching on what could be the problem and it looks like others are having this problem as well.

If you have a Sony flat panel LCD that starts with the letters KDL (ex. KDL-52XBR4, KDL-Z4100, KDL-W3000) then you will have picture and sound dropouts. They will last for 3 seconds then picture and sound will restore. It'll happen anywhere between one to five times an hour and can get quite annoying.

I've spoke to Denon and there is no cure (firmware) or settings that can fix this problem with Sony LCD TVs. Those with rear projection Sony LCDs should be fine.

No complaints on video or audio quality. Like previous reviewer, setup was not as difficult as I expected. However, operating the unit is not as easy as it should be. I still can't figure out how to tone the bass down when in Audyssey mode, regardless of setting. Some movies have an overwhelming low frequency. Whatever happened to a simple scale or dial vs. layers of DOS-like menus? Also, when Zone 2 is used with the FM tuner, the unit only displays Main Zone Off, making it impossible to figure out the station you are trying to select.

I've only had the unit for about 3 weeks, so there could be things I haven't figured out yet that will make it easier. Sure would be nice not to have to dig through a poorly written manual, though. I don't think I should have to refer to a manual to tune in a radio station.

Overall, if you can put up with minor negative nuances as described above, you'll be very happy with sound and video quality - an area that Denon continues to excel in.

UPDATE:
Since originally posting my review, I've come across a GREAT resource for getting the settings on this unit correct. Link is below. I have to re-iterate that I am still VERY disappointed in the poor "usability" design of this (and virtually all Denon products). In order to resolve my issues with the overwhelming bass, I had to manually set MultEQ, which disables some nice features, like Dynamic Volume (maintains steady volume for loud commercials). I wouldn't mind the set-up so much if I was the only one using the unit, but my wife and 3 kids constantly ask why I bought something so complicated.

I considered taking my rating down to 3 stars, but stuck with 4 because of the overall quality output of the unit.

[..]

Just wanted to help the next person in their purchase. If you want this unit. Go to www.6ave.com and enter coupon code AFLAUD25 and it's yours for $749.25, no tax and includes shipping. Can't beat it!!! And 6ave is an authorized Denon dealer. This sale has been good since Nov 26 and currently it's still available. Best Wishes!!

When researching AVR head units years ago I settled on Denon's AVR-3802. It performed flawlessly for years and years. The drawback was its limited HDMI support - which really wasn't very popular then and HD did not exist.

During the process of upgrading to HD (shocked to see that Sony's PS3 was the BEST Blue Ray player! gads...) required replacing this Denon head unit. Sadly it still works flawlessly!

After an extensive research and considering other units (Onkyo - owned by my brother) I really could not stray from Denon. Hours were spent finally comparing one Denon unit to the other. What made me settle on THIS unit was a combination of cost and the generous HDMI input (4).

Set up wasn't difficult IF YOU READ THE DIRECTIONS. If you're like most guys and try to blow through it and "plug and play" the thing - forgetaboutit. Really suppress your male genes and actually READ the process and follow it to a "T". You will be grateful in the long run. Allow a couple hours or so for this process.

Right now my Denon's like a good football referee. I don't even KNOW it's there. Just FLAWLESS, CLEAR operation with a single click. PHENOMENAL sound and video pass through.

Bottom line: you just can NOT go wrong with a Denon unit. WHICH Denon unit is your only dilemma. Price point and features your require are what should guide you to the exact model number.

Can I give it a 6-star rating?

I sifted through a ton of reviews and product comparisons before I settled on this Denon receiver, and I'm very happy with it. In the end I had it narrowed down between a Denon and a Pioneer Elite (which are great products, too). The salesperson in BB tried to sell me either the AVR-2808 (the step down, which only has 2 HDMIs for $999) or the 3809 (the step-up, which had a lot of nice features, but probably unnecessarily high-end for the average person and was out of my price range at about $1499).

So I did some research and found the AVR-2809 on here for $999. It's a perfect balance between the 2 models I described in the above paragraph. It has a very adequate 115 Watts x 7 and 4 HDMI inputs, twice as much as the step down. The sound quality is excellent. It was easier to set up than I thought it would be. I may just be saying that because I'm pretty good with electronics, but as long as you look at the instructions (you don't need to read them cover to cover), it shouldn't be a problem. It does a lot for you, and it has on-screen setup. I won't go into too much detail, but it also has a feature to optimize sound quality for each of your listening positions in your living room. It's part of set-up, and all you really have to do is move a little microphone to different spots and press a button. Really a great receiver.

I researched many A/V receivers and finally settled for this one based on Denon's reputation. I picked this particular model as I wanted to have two independent zones. In Zone 1, I have my family room (TV + surround system). In Zone 2, I have stereo speakers to all the bedrooms. My kids can watch a cartoon in the family room, and I can listen to music in the other rooms.

I would highly recommend this product.

I'm really happy with my AVR-2809CI. The receiver produces remarkable sound; I can hear various instruments precisely. I configured my room using Audyssey EX, and the sound staging is fantastic.

Inputs can be configured to your needs (e.g. HDMI input #2 can be used for any AV input from any component that provides an HDMI out).

First-time setup can be confusing, but after you figure it out, it's pretty easy.

The unit arrived on schedule and works as I expected it to. The price was exceptional and allowed me to go up to a higher level receiver than I had originally planned on. The receiver allows full EQ on each audio channel unlike the comparable Sony. The menu interface is simple text rather than fancy graphics on the Sony but for me the audio EQ was much more important feature. Over all it is a winner!

A wonderful sounding amplifier with a Blu-Ray movie when using HDMI input, IF you are willing to do a complete, 100% manual setup. I believe the unit mis-reads Doldy True HD and DTS HD Master audio inputs. Low frequency audio EQ is way off, and to some degree, the dynamic range is too wide, in my opinion. I use different EQ setups for Blu-Ray, regular DVD, HDTV, etc. For some reason, audio CD's don't seem to require any adjustment.
Video. Here's the big disappointment. I have some older equipment that I am not ready to give up. The big sales pitch for this unit over some of the others was: It can convert formats to simplify your cable hook-up. Move component to S-Video, composite to component, etc. Hooked me! After 7 months of ownership, one word: PROTOTYPE!! (Def: a great idea at the very beginning of its engineering cycle that may work someday, just not today) My unit appears to lose video sync between input and output signals. Heaven help you if you push a pause button. My TV monitor will display a picture with enough video noise/snow to warrant a winter storm warning. (Only after 4 or 5 seconds required to re-sync things, of course) Someone had written about this problem with a Sony TV; add Hitachi and Panasonic to that list.
A suggestion to Denon: You have owned McIntosh Labs for some time now, walk in the front door, see how it's done right.

July 2011. One million one adjustments later, the audio sounds great. The video conversion is still "prototype". I now past only audio through this unit from older "non-HDMI" equipment.
I don't like the input presets on the touchscreen of the remote, they should of been assinged buttons. I mess up to many settings with the touchscreen in the dark before it lights up.

Wow!! This receiver is amazing. We are so glad we spent the extra money to buy this one. Fantastic sound, takes care of the variable sound issue when commercials come on. Would definitely use this vendor again, product was shipped quickly and was exactly as described.