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A better Denon
Moving up the range sounds better
By Michael Jones
July 2001
Denon AVR-2801 AV receiver. $2499
As
you go up the Denon range of AV receivers, the power output doesn't increase
that much. My favourite budget AV receiver (the AVR-1601,
reviewed in December 2000) is rated at 60 watts. The under appreciated
1801 is 70 watts; the 2801 produces 90 watts while the 3801 breaches the
tonne at 105 watts.
But these figures really don't explain the real differences. The 1601 is a great sounding budget receiver, sounding better than anything I've heard at the price. The 1801 sounds noticeably better while the subject of this review, the AVR-2801, sounds so good that it will appeal to many who listen mainly to music, with movies an occasional indulgence.
Now that's saying a lot, as most AV receivers still range from atrocious all the way up to mediocre when it comes to playing music.
The AVR-2801 continues with Denon's understated and elegant layout and appearance. There's not much to scare away even the most technophobe people.
The power rating is interesting at 90 watts for all five channels. The rating conforms with the strict US FTC regulations, while many other receivers use "looser" measurement standards, in order to make their products look more powerful. Don't be fooled. The AVR-2801 has enough power for any speakers you're likely to use with it.
The 2801 has all of the normal suspects when it comes to features: Dolby Digital, Pro Logic and DTS decoding, on screen displays, a handful of DSP modes and a remote control that can also operate equipment from other brands.
There are three optical (Toslink) and one coaxial digital input, nine analog inputs (including an increasingly rare phono input for your turntable) plus six-channel external inputs for a multi-channel DVD-A or SACD player.
Video inputs are both composite (five) and S-Video (five) while there are three composite and three S-Video outputs.
I suspect that one of the reasons that the AVR-2801 sounds so good is because it follows many traditional audiophile practises. For example, the 2801 has a hefty mains transformer with separate windings for the various sections, helping isolate inactions between the various parts of the receiver. The power amp section includes discrete power output devices, instead of the cheaper op-amps, in order to produce a better sound.
My initial use with any AV receiver is with music, as this quickly enables me to get a grip on the sonic characteristics of the item. I've found that the sound on music carries through when using video sources.
The AVR-2801 sounds as musically capable as many good mid-line hi-fi integrated amplifiers, but with extra kick, power and control. Some of the UK integrated amps can have a little more grip on musical nuance, but there's no doubt in my mind that most listeners will find the 2801 a great amp on music.
There's
no doubt that Pixar's Toy Story 2 is one of the best DVDs available,
for picture, sound and story. The opening scenes really demonstrated how
good the AVR-2801 is with Dolby Digital material. The action is what we
later discover to be a computer game featuring Buzz Lightyear. Heavy use
of bass and split surrounds make this a sonic delight. The 2801's control
allowed the large and moving soundfield to really open up with sound swooshing
around me while the action stays firmly up front.
Conclusion
Denon does it again! The AVR-2801 is a superb-sounding AV receiver at
a great price.
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