Denon AVR-883 (AVR-1803) Receiver for $327 + cheap shipping ** Buy from NXGen with Extreme Caution **

[T2T III]

** Buy from NXGen with Extreme Caution **

I'm putting a warning out for any potential purchasers to buy from NXGen with extreme caution. The Denon AVR-883 receiver that I purchased from them would not function properly with the 2nd zone outputs. Within 30 days of purchasing this receiver, I elected to return the receiver. I went through the RMA process after reading their policy. NXGen does not have a "definate" policy when it comes to restocking fees. They can "elect" to charge restocking fees where appropriate. Clearly, when I submitted the RMA request to them, I described the issue that I was experiencing and sent the receiver to them. Well, last week I received my credit card statement. NXGen hit me up for a 15% restocking fee on this receiver. NXGen took $49.05 out of the refund for the "restocking fee."

I'm all for restocking fees or open box fees when people insist on buying items to "try" them out for a few weeks, then return the item. However, if I get charged a restocking fee on an item that is clearly defective, then I get pi$$ed off. Please use extreme caution when buying from NXGen.

** Buy from NXGen with Extreme Caution **




At the following site: NXGen - their shipping prices are cheap! I only paid $11.## to get the receiver shipped to me. They ship using UPS Ground shipping, but I received mine the next day because it came from the Harrisburg, PA warehouse - only 200 miles from where I live.

More details:

- Link to the page with the Denon 1803 information: Denon A/V Receivers
- The Denon AVR-883 is the same receiver as the AVR-1803 - just the model identifier is different.
- The manual for the receiver states "AVR-1803/883" right on the front cover.
- The Denon 883 only has a 1-year warranty vs. 2 years on the 1803.
- The Denon AVR-1803 is sold for $499 + tax from all "authorized" retailers.
- NXGen may not be an "authorized" Denon retailer, but their price is still cheaper than the other "unauthorized" vendors that sell off of the Yahoo! stores.
- If you need to make a warranty claim with Denon, you tell them you received the monitor as a "gift" -- and you wouldn't be lying - because it was a gift that you gave to yourself.

NXGen was great to deal with and I quickly received what I ordered. I previously had the Denon AVR-1802, but jumped on this one because of the 2nd zone outputs so I could power speakers in another room. This new model features subwoofer crossover points of 80/100/120 Hz. The 1802 was fixed at 80 Hz. In my situation, I love the 100 Hz crossover option.

This receiver provides more than enough power for the typical user. I have a 15" AudioSource subwoofer with my 5 speakers (6.5" woofers, 1" tweeters) and I never use all of the volume that is available and my listening/viewing area is 21' x 15' x 8'. My daughter was watching Montsters, Inc. last week at about 20db under reference levels and my house was still shaking.

One more thing, the NXGen site states *free* shipping for orders over $200. However, there is a 16 Lb. weight limit on this free deal, so a 26+ pound receiver wouldn't apply to this situation.

 

[Doggus]

What kind of speakers are you running with this receiver? Also does it require a seperate amp for the bass unit?

 

[T2T III]

Originally posted by: Doggus
What kind of speakers are you running with this receiver? Also does it require a seperate amp for the bass unit?

I have NXG in-wall speakers that have been mod-ed and built into on-wall speakers made from MDF, painted to match the color of my walls and stuffed with polyfill. They have a 91db sensitivity rating. I've listened to PSB, Mirage, Klipsch, Boston Acoustics ... and the list goes on. I'm actually quite happy with the sound of my setup - because I created the sound that I was looking for - along with the look that suited my wife. I'm also driving a 15" AudioSource subwoofer, but I have a 15" Dayton DVC driver on the way - which should kick some major booty!

In regards to the 2nd zone, no, a separate receiver is not required. The remote control controls both the primary zone and the secondary zone in regards to the input source and output. If you want to control everything from the 2nd zone, then a base unit is required because your Denon remote that came with the receiver will be out of range.

 

[mailnride]

This is a very good price on a highly recommended unit. I paid $400 for the last generation of this receiver at Sears 2 years ago, it's a great unit. I have it running my whole home theater 5 speakers, + supplying an input to my powered subwoofer, and it's performed flawlessly. Other Sony's and JVCs died in a few weeks, this unit is rock solid, great mix of inputs (the unit now has discrete s-video in, which mine does not)

Overall a great unit, and definitely in a quality class above all other $300+ DD receivers.

 

[myn]

Denon is EXTREAMLY ANAL in regards to their warranty policies. They'll require a receipt regardless if it was gift.

I bought a 1802 last year from an authorized reseller and them did a BVG through amex to get the cheaper price.

 

[myn]

Originally posted by: wje

Originally posted by: Doggus
I'm also driving a 15" AudioSource subwoofer, but I have a 15" Dayton DVC driver on the way - which should kick some major booty!

Should have bought a Tempest

http://www.adireaudio.com/car_audio/drivers/tempest.htm

Things are only $150 each and will demolish both the Dayton and AudioSource in sound quality and sound pressure

Do a search on google for Tempest sub and check out all the cool things people have done with the sub.

 

[Fatboy420]

Be very careful with warranties with Denon. They specifically state on their site:

http://www.usa.denon.com/home/default.asp

WARNING TO VALUED CONSUMERS:
The warranty on DENON Electronics products is NOT VALID if the products have been purchased from an unauthorized dealer/on-line E-tailer or if the original factory serial number has been removed, defaced or replaced in any way. Recently DENON Electronics has become aware of numerous instances in which such serial number tampering has occurred. Unauthorized dealers/on-line E-tailers and/or their suppliers frequently alter the serial numbers in an effort to prevent manufacturers from tracing the supplier source. DENON Electronics sell products through authorized retail and on-line channels to insure that consumers obtain quality pre-sale and after-sale support and service. PROTECT YOUR WARRANTY. Buy from an authorized DENON Electronics dealer/E-tailer. Check the unit and its packaging to determine whether the factory serial number may have been altered. If in doubt, call DENON Electronics at (973)396-0810.

Authorized DENON Online E-Tailers:
GoodGuys.com
ListenUp.com
Sears.com (Limited Selection)
Crutchfield.com
Ovation-AV.com
6th Avenue Electronics.com
Abt Electronics.com (Specialty Audio Only)
Tweeter.com

I bought my 1802 last year for $450 shipped/tax from GoodGuys. I did see cheaper prices, but I feel more comfortable knowing I don't have to hassle with warranty issues.

 

[T2T III]

Originally posted by: myn

Originally posted by: wje

Originally posted by: Doggus
I'm also driving a 15" AudioSource subwoofer, but I have a 15" Dayton DVC driver on the way - which should kick some major booty!

Should have bought a Tempest

http://www.adireaudio.com/car_audio/drivers/tempest.htm

Things are only $150 each and will demolish both the Dayton and AudioSource in sound quality and sound pressure

Do a search on google for Tempest sub and check out all the cool things people have done with the sub.

Actually, the Tempest and the Dayton are very close in specs. Plus, I was able to get the Dayton for a great, great price.

Tempest:
SPL: 89.1 db
fs: 18.8 Hz

Dayton:
SPL: 94.84 db
fs: 20.48 Hz

The Tempest will get down a little lower, but in efficiency, the Dayton pulls through as the clear winner. The individual that I bought it from has owned both. In his opinion (granted it's just an opinion), the Dayton was of much better construction quality. I was initially looking at the Tempest, but decided on the Dayton.

In regards to the warranty on the Denon receiver, NXGen assured me that the receiver was covered. Well, if Denon doesn't want to honor the warranty, then, I'll go back th NXGen and make them resolve the situation for me - if it falls within the 1 year warranty period. However, in my experience, equipment of this nature has never died on me. I'm sure the RMA rate for receivers is quite a bit lower than computer components.

Finally, the price being about $200 under what I would have paid at Tweeter - I can afford to self insure myself, if needed. Heck, at $329, I can just buy another one.

 

[myn]

Actually, the Tempest and the Dayton are very close in specs. Plus, I was able to get the Dayton for a great, great price.

Tempest:
SPL: 89.1 db
fs: 18.8 Hz

Dayton:
SPL: 94.84 db
fs: 20.48 Hz

The Tempest will get down a little lower, but in efficiency, the Dayton pulls through as the clear winner. The individual that I bought it from has owned both. In his opinion (granted it's just an opinion), the Dayton was of much better construction quality. I was initially looking at the Tempest, but decided on the Dayton.

In regards to the warranty on the Denon receiver, NXGen assured me that the receiver was covered. Well, if Denon doesn't want to honor the warranty, then, I'll go back th NXGen and make them resolve the situation for me - if it falls within the 1 year warranty period. However, in my experience, equipment of this nature has never died on me. I'm sure the RMA rate for receivers is quite a bit lower than computer components.

Finally, the price being about $200 under what I would have paid at Tweeter - I can afford to self insure myself, if needed. Heck, at $329, I can just buy another one.

Sweet. I'm all about deals

 

[htne]

Did you look at the picture of the back of the unit? The audio left and right channel phono jacks are all over on the left, and the SVIDEO connections are all over on the right. I use bundled cables with audio left and right and SVIDEO all bundled together. They will NOT work with this receiver.

 

[777php]

How would you compare this receiver to the Pioneer VSX-D811S?

 

[istvan]

Originally posted by: htne
Did you look at the picture of the back of the unit? The audio left and right channel phono jacks are all over on the left, and the SVIDEO connections are all over on the right. I use bundled cables with audio left and right and SVIDEO all bundled together. They will NOT work with this receiver.

Phono is for turntables, not for audio coming form a vcr or dvd!!!!!!!!

 

[C'DaleRider]

Originally posted by: istvan

Originally posted by: htne
Did you look at the picture of the back of the unit? The audio left and right channel phono jacks are all over on the left, and the SVIDEO connections are all over on the right. I use bundled cables with audio left and right and SVIDEO all bundled together. They will NOT work with this receiver.

Phono is for turntables, not for audio coming form a vcr or dvd!!!!!!!!

He was probably referring to the RCA jacks and misnamed them........lighten up, dweeb.

 

[T2T III]

Originally posted by: 777php
How would you compare this receiver to the Pioneer VSX-D811S?

I've never had a chance to compare them side-by-side. Rumor has it that the Pioneer 811S is the same receiver as the Pioneer Elite VSX-41 -
Pioneer Elite VSX-41

 

[WolverineGator]

The Pioneer is cheaper (VSX-D811S) at $287, but the Denon's multizone capability, remote, and deeper discount make it a better value, IMHO. 6th Ave has the Denon for $498, BTW.


Pioneer Elite VSX-41 and Pioneer VSX-D811S are similar, but NOT the same.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Quote from gw360 at HomeTheaterSpot:

The VSX-41 looks great on paper, but in reality, it is virtually identical to the non-Elite VSX-D811S. True, it's an amazing value - the feature set and flexibility are great. But you can also see and hear the compromises that were made to achieve the relatively low price point.

In listening, I found the VSX-41 (note: it's not "41TX", which would denote THX certification) and its twin, the 811S, somewhat underpowered, with a "brittle" or "edgy" sound quality I usually associate with an amplifier that's being overworked. While it may be rated at 110 wpc, I'd say it performed more like a 65 wpc amp.

Don't get me wrong - I'm not bashing the VSX-41. In the sub-$500 price class, it is definitely one of the better buys. But IMHO, Pioneer is doing their Elite brand a disservice by offering a re-badged version of one of their mainstream receivers. And if you are interested in the VSX-41, you'd do well to consider the D811S and pocket the $100 or so in savings.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>

 

[alluu]

For me the extra year warranty and knowing that I bought it from a authorized dealer would lead me to buy it from goodguys.com.

With their 10% sale/coupon, it comes to $450 less 2% ebates.

 

[Thump553]

This denial of warranty unless you buy from an "authorized" retailer has always gets my goat. The manufacturer produced and sold the product and put it in the chain of commerce. If Denon really wanted to cut off these "unauthorized dealers" they could just stop selling to the distributors that pass the goods on-they can easily trace them. The "authorized retailer" does absolutely nothing to the product. Its just a scam to maintain a high priced retail outlet chain. If Denon is not going to stand behind this product when purchased from this vendor, which appears to be the case, I'd take a pass and not give Denon the benefit of a sale-unless you can get an alternate warranty elsewhere (through your credit card, for example).

 

[tuan121]

heard very good things about these receivers

 

[manko]

How does this compare to the Onkyo TX-SR500 and 600 or Harman/Kardon AVR225 and 320?

 

[T2T III]

Originally posted by: manko
How does this compare to the Onkyo TX-SR500 and 600 or Harman/Kardon AVR225 and 320?

It depends on the type of sound that you are looking for. Quite a few people really love the H/K when it comes to music quality and sound. The H/K receivers are rated on conservative levels with their power. The H/K 225 is sold for $299 at Hifi.com which seems like a pretty good price.

People also love the Onkyo line. However, this latest line of Onkyo receivers isn't so good. Onkyo grossly over-stated their power output when all of the channels are driven at one time. Given the fact that you probably can't get the Onkyo '600' for the price of a Denon, personally, I'd go for the Denon. Denon also over-states their power output - to a degree, but not as badly as Onkyo.

Originally posted by: Thump553
This denial of warranty unless you buy from an "authorized" retailer has always gets my goat. The manufacturer produced and sold the product and put it in the chain of commerce. If Denon really wanted to cut off these "unauthorized dealers" they could just stop selling to the distributors that pass the goods on-they can easily trace them. The "authorized retailer" does absolutely nothing to the product. Its just a scam to maintain a high priced retail outlet chain. If Denon is not going to stand behind this product when purchased from this vendor, which appears to be the case, I'd take a pass and not give Denon the benefit of a sale-unless you can get an alternate warranty elsewhere (through your credit card, for example).

Oh, you can be assured that Denon knows exactly what it's doing with this process. How can "Denon" let 500,000 receivers accidently "slip" into the hands of unauthorized retailers? That task would be nearly impossible. I'm sure that with every shipload of Denon receivers that hit our shores, there's at least a couple of crates that are destined for the gray market.

What I like about NXGen as a retailer is that they're not one of the N.Y. camera/audio shops located in the city of N.Y. - or even one of the surrounding burroughs. Quite a few of the Yahoo Shops vendors would fall into the camera/audio classification of retailers - which I'd avoid. Nothing against NY-ers, it's just the fact that I hate dealing with those shops because they advertise something at a very aggressive price, then hit you up with shipping charges of $50.00. NXGen apparently has a solid supply of Denon receivers. Mine came from a warehouse in Harrisburg, PA - not one of their own warehouses. I'd be willing to bet that my receiver sat on a pallet in a warehouse next to other Denon receivers that were destined for "authorized" retailers - and at a shelf price of $450 - $500.

 

[WolverineGator]

Here's another review from HomeTheaterSpot, quoting JSTERK:

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The new 1803 is my first Denon A/V Receiver. I have been using it for about 2 days and wanted to share my initial impressions. Please chime in with your thoughts.

2 Channel stereo - quite frankly, I found the sound to be flat and lifeless as compared to my $200 60Wx5 Yamaha HTR5230. The Yammie seems to have more low end "punch" when no subwoofer is used. The Denon, while very clear and detailed, just doesn't bring my Paradigm Mini Mons to life. Even my decade-old 37 Watt AR integrated amp put out more sound with more authority with the Minis. With the PDR-10 fired up the differences in bass output vanish, but the overall sound quality just seems a bit dead. Some further tweaking of the sub output level may improve this to some degree.

Volume control - I really do not like Denon's electronic master volume control. I prefer analog controls with a linear taper. Even an audio taper is better than the Denon "inverse-log" electronic dial. Why? because the scale runs from -70dB to (I think) 0db. I didn't push it past -2. But about 80% of the perceived volume is realized in the last 10dB - the opposite of a standard audio taper. Also, by the time you get to -10dB you can hear audible "clicks" through the speakers each time the electronic dial steps to the next level. I have experienced this with every electronically "stepped" volume control I have ever used, and I think it is very cheap. My Yamaha HTR5230 has a very elegant feeling analog dial with a linear taper and no "control distortion". Now, if you only use the remote to control volume, well then I guess this is a moot point.

5.1 Ch. DD sound - I cannot perceive any difference between the 1803 and the Yamaha. I still need to do some calibration to get the levels and delays correct, which may improve the imaging of the Denon.

I have not experimented with the 6.1 formats yet.

Multi-zone operation - neat feature. Wish the Zone 2 speaker outputs were stereo (that would require a 7th amp section).

Overall build quality seems very good. The remote is clean and easy to use. The cabinet seems solid. The buttons and controls have a solid feel. The internal heat sinks for the 6 amplifiers look a bit small, and the output transistors do not look very large compared to other 75~80 watt amps I've dissected. But this could be due to improved amp design over the past decade.

Overall a good receiver packed with features and the Denon name for $450. Not sure if it is worth more than double the price of my Yammie.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

hometheaterforum.com has a lot more info on this receiver.

 

[NewSc2]

Originally posted by: WolverineGator
Here's another review from HomeTheaterSpot, quoting JSTERK:

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The new 1803 is my first Denon A/V Receiver. I have been using it for about 2 days and wanted to share my initial impressions. Please chime in with your thoughts.

2 Channel stereo - quite frankly, I found the sound to be flat and lifeless as compared to my $200 60Wx5 Yamaha HTR5230. The Yammie seems to have more low end "punch" when no subwoofer is used. The Denon, while very clear and detailed, just doesn't bring my Paradigm Mini Mons to life. Even my decade-old 37 Watt AR integrated amp put out more sound with more authority with the Minis. With the PDR-10 fired up the differences in bass output vanish, but the overall sound quality just seems a bit dead. Some further tweaking of the sub output level may improve this to some degree.

Volume control - I really do not like Denon's electronic master volume control. I prefer analog controls with a linear taper. Even an audio taper is better than the Denon "inverse-log" electronic dial. Why? because the scale runs from -70dB to (I think) 0db. I didn't push it past -2. But about 80% of the perceived volume is realized in the last 10dB - the opposite of a standard audio taper. Also, by the time you get to -10dB you can hear audible "clicks" through the speakers each time the electronic dial steps to the next level. I have experienced this with every electronically "stepped" volume control I have ever used, and I think it is very cheap. My Yamaha HTR5230 has a very elegant feeling analog dial with a linear taper and no "control distortion". Now, if you only use the remote to control volume, well then I guess this is a moot point.

5.1 Ch. DD sound - I cannot perceive any difference between the 1803 and the Yamaha. I still need to do some calibration to get the levels and delays correct, which may improve the imaging of the Denon.

I have not experimented with the 6.1 formats yet.

Multi-zone operation - neat feature. Wish the Zone 2 speaker outputs were stereo (that would require a 7th amp section).

Overall build quality seems very good. The remote is clean and easy to use. The cabinet seems solid. The buttons and controls have a solid feel. The internal heat sinks for the 6 amplifiers look a bit small, and the output transistors do not look very large compared to other 75~80 watt amps I've dissected. But this could be due to improved amp design over the past decade.

Overall a good receiver packed with features and the Denon name for $450. Not sure if it is worth more than double the price of my Yammie.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

hometheaterforum.com has a lot more info on this receiver.

eh, i don't know about this review, but my Denon 1802 starts at -60dB and it goes up past 0dB (don't know how high, hvaen't been able to stand the sound levels)

 

[deadseasquirrel]

Originally posted by: NewSc2

Originally posted by: WolverineGator
Here's another review from HomeTheaterSpot, quoting JSTERK:

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Overall build quality seems very good. The remote is clean and easy to use. The cabinet seems solid. The buttons and controls have a solid feel. The internal heat sinks for the 6 amplifiers look a bit small, and the output transistors do not look very large compared to other 75~80 watt amps I've dissected. But this could be due to improved amp design over the past decade.

Overall a good receiver packed with features and the Denon name for $450. Not sure if it is worth more than double the price of my Yammie.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

hometheaterforum.com has a lot more info on this receiver.

eh, i don't know about this review, but my Denon 1802 starts at -60dB and it goes up past 0dB (don't know how high, hvaen't been able to stand the sound levels)

i agree. the statement in bold is enough to make me not give the review too much credit. don't get me wrong... you would havta pry my denon out of my kung-fu grip to get it away from me, but the remote blows. not "okay", not "decent", not "doesn't suck too bad", and certainly not "easy to use".

deadseasquirrel

 

[m0digital]

Denon's are very solid and dependable products. They have one of THE best build qualities. They are one of THE best.

I bought my AVR1602 a few months ago from NXGen.com. They are a solid company and shipping was super low. I got my denon in just a few days. I would definitely deal w/ NXGen again. I bought the 1602 from NXGen for $245. My friend bought his 1602 a few months before I did and he paid 400 retail.

If you want a solid receiver w/ crystal clear sounds plus exceptional sound quality, You can't go wrong w/ Denon. I was researching before i bought the denon. I looked in to Yamaha, Onkyo, and a few others, and none produced the crystal clear sounds I was looking for. The Denon sure is a keeper.

Hope you enjoy it.

 

[T2T III]

If you want a solid receiver w/ crystal clear sounds plus exceptional sound quality, You can't go wrong w/ Denon. I was researching before i bought the denon. I looked in to Yamaha, Onkyo, and a few others, and none produced the crystal clear sounds I was looking for. The Denon sure is a keeper.

I've also had the opportunity to demo many other receivers. However, I had a Yamaha HTR-5560. After 3 weeks of use, I was so happy to get my Denon AVR-1802 back into use. I packed up the Yammy, send it back and never thought twice about it again.