BobAruba

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 2.00 votes

Price Paid:  $100.00 from From a friend

Summary:
I wanted to build a good sounding inexpensive 5.1 surround system. The positive reviews of the AVR-1802 when first introduced in early 2002 (back then MSRP was $1600 USD) led me to attempt to acquire a used unit in decent shape. Low and behold ~ my audio intensive friend desiring to upgrade to a 7.1 surround system was happy to sell me his AVR-1802 at the incredible price (to me) of only $100 (USD)! The processed sound from the AVR-1802 compares favorably to the dual Carver M500t amps and Harman Kardon Citation 25 pre-amp setup I had. Denon’s known quality of build with their amplifiers together with my friend’s careful care and handling of his stereo components made me one happy guy. It will be the commanding centerpiece in my 5.1 surround system and it doesn’t get much better than that!

Strengths:
Quality engineered amplifier section processes great sound ~ Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS decoding. Solid performance in all areas.

Weaknesses:
Remote control is adequate but could have been a little larger with larger buttons ~ no biggie. The AVR-1802 is a winner to me on all counts.

Similar Products Used:
Carver M500t (2)
Harman Kardon Citation 25 pre-amp
Carver TX11

Price Paid:  $380.00 from Bizrate

Summary:
Ever since the first day I had the receiver, Ive been absolutely in love with it. Compared with a Marantz, Yamaha, Harman/Kardon, and Onkyo, the Denon left them in the dust for price, sound quality, features such as ProLogic 2(a huge strength), versatiliy, and overall build quality. It sounds better every time I listen to it. It drives my Paradigm Monitor3's with no trouble, even at high levels, and has great sound in a hometheater set-up. Very recommended!

Strengths:
SOUND!!!! DPL2 build easy setup

Weaknesses:
stupid remote

Similar Products Used:
Marantz Yamaha Onkyo Harman/Kardon

Price Paid:  $250.00 from Tweeter

Summary:
I listened to Onkyo, Yamaha, Sony, Pioneer, Denon and others before deciding on the Denon. Its sound was just better than the others, probably comparable to the Onkyo. This unit sounds better than a $1000 Sony receiver, though the processing may not be as slick.

Strengths:
Design. Straight-forward setup. Simple but adequate feature set. Amazing, open and slightly warm sound quality. High-current amplifier section sounds like more than the 80 WPC RMS rating.

Weaknesses:
I agree, the remote sucks.

Price Paid:  $670.00 from A&B Sound

Summary:
That 670 Canadian Dollars Or 12 US. After reading many reviews and searching the internet for price comparison's I found the unit @ a retailer near me. I am totally pleased. The unit was going head to head against a Yamaha RX 1200. After looking and listening it was very appearent the Denon was easily the winner. I've got in surround by Energy C5, c-c1 and c-r1's and to top it off the xl s-12 sub. I think I've gone to heaven. Or it sounds like heaven.

Strengths:
More power and purer sound than any I listened to. For the Price point and TCO this unit can't be beat.

Weaknesses:
Minor but remote doesn't operate 2 year old DVD Player.

Similar Products Used:
Sony 770 (1993 era)

Price Paid:  $1100.00 from Abbott's Home Theatr

Summary:
I have owned the 1802 since late January 2002 (an early b'day present for myself when my old JVC amp decided to pack it in). After reading several magazine and online reviews (thanks to all those that post on here), i decided the 1802 suited my needs. I wasn't to be disappointed, this is one nifty lil unit! I have it in my very small scale home theatre set-up in my room (about 9sq m or 100 sq feet) and therefore only have sattellite speakers running with it so as not to blow the walls out with sound. A 100W, 8" active subwoofer really makes the earth shake for DVDs thanks to more than enough power from the receiver. Sure it looks very plain but what do u want in a receiver, fancy dials, lights and whistles or a great, crisp sound? Now if i could just afford a set of JBL floorstanders i could get an idea of the receiver's full potential. Just a note on the price for those suffering a heart attack, it is in Australian Dollars (we get hammered with a lot of freighting, taxes and import charges).

Strengths:
As many others have said, Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby Pro Logic II. Pro Logic II truely comes into it's own when playing CDs, u have to hear it to believe it

Weaknesses:
My only disappointment is the lack of sound i'm getting from my Mirage sattellite speaker pack. I think however that is a function of smaller speakers rather than a gutless receiver. Will know more when i can afford bigger speakers.

Similar Products Used:
JVC, Sony