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

Over whelming at first, and the learning curve is big when trying to show someone else how to use it. I have a Flat Screen,HD DVR Satellite, Xbox 360, Wii, Blu-Ray, with home theater speakers(6) connected. Everything works well together but it took sometime to get this working. I installed it...

We upgraded from a Yamaha RXV-1070 to move into the HDTV world last year ago when this receiver was released. It has been an excellent choice. The receiver has allowed us to simplify the set up by connecting all our components - from cable box to the old turntable - to the receiver with just one simple HDMI output to the plasma HDTV (for video only). The receiver is able to automatically set the parameters for each device - from the 5.1 channel sound for the HD channels to stereo sound for the turntable. It does an outstanding job of upscaling the picture from our old Sony DVD player to our HDTV's 1080p resolution. The sound is fantastic thanks to the Audyssey microphone that recognizes the speaker setup and optimizes it automatically for all viewing / listening positions. The Internet connection allows for all software upgrades to keep the system current. The connection is however very slow when it accesses music on the Internet or on our PC with a long lag between the command and the action. The remotes are complex and consequently, you cannot realize the full potential of all the features unless you are technophile [hence the one star penalty!]

The Denon AVR-3808CI is the best receiver I've ever tested. I was so impressed I took it home. The unit provides qaulity sound and advanced features.

I've installed multi room listening and the unit has handled the installation perfectly even spotting wiring problems along the way.

I've been very impressed with ability to update the firmware directly over the unit's Internet connection and the ability to play Music from my PC server, from Internet streaming services or even from a USB memory stick.

I've unit may also be configured from your PC via it's HTML interface. Once connected to your home network all the settings on the system can be changed, and more importantly stored and restored from your PC.

The HTML interface lacks sophistication, I would rate it as cluncky, but it does work. Denon would be better off enhancing the HTML interface to be far more user friendly.

The on-screen User interface matches the front panel interface exactly, however the on-screen interface is easier to use, since l the options are displayed. The Front panel display can only display the current selection and the next option below. Without a manual and a good understanding of AV programming it's easy to get lost in the process.

Overall this is a fantastic unit and will be more unit than most households will ever need. This unit strikes a perfect balance allowing great home theater setup and being easy enough to program by any enthusiast.

This is one awesome unit for the money! You cannot beat the amount of features and sound quality for the price. Did I mention the sound quality? The automatic speaker setup makes this thing easy to setup. Be sure to get the new "feature upgrade" on denon's website. There are some great additional features (five of them) that improve the unit even more. One awesome addition is Rhapsody music through the unit via a network connection. That's over a million songs, at your finger tips, through the denon unit... Another cool feature is the ability to control every setting of the unit from my laptop. This makes setup even easier. I can also use my wifi PSP to control the unit(even Rhapsody!)!

Pros: sound quality, features, networking, XM or Sirius, Rhapsody, upgradable

Cons: Video upscaler (480i to 1080p) not so good(video quality not much better)

Summary: I waited for some time to be able to purchase this unit, and I do not regret it at all! If you are shopping for a superb mid-range receiver...look no further.

I received my 3808CI last week. What a great value! When I was younger I worked as a sound engineer and even though I have moved on professionally since then I have always chosen my audio equipment with an emphasis on quality and value - bang for the buck. I found myself wanting a new AV receiver with lots of HDMI inputs after setting up a high definition video system. The 3808CI sure fits the bill.

What impresses me most, aside from all of the flexibility and internet features, is the quality of the sound. Plenty of power, very clean, with the wonderful Audysey automated EQ software. This unit as far as I am concerned is the best value on the market.