Entered CNET Catalog: 06/03/2003
SKU: AVR-2803
Manufacturer: Denon
Manufacturer description
The AVR-2803 features an equal power 7-channel amplifier section, with identical amplifier design on all 7 channels, with high current discrete output devices on all channels. Each of the 7 amplifier channels is rated at 90 watts, into 8 ohms, from 20 Hz - 20 kHz with no more than 0.05% THD. The AVR-2803 can automatically store the surround mode for any of four input signals: (1) Analog and PCM 2 channel, (2) Bit stream 2-channel (Dolby Digital, DTS) and (3) Bit stream multi-channel. If the type of input signal changes, the most appropriate surround mode is automatically selected for the signal. The AVR-2803's Component Video terminals allow you to connect, and switch, up to 2 sources utilizing these high resolution video outputs. A high-performance relay with a 100MHz bandwidth is utilized to switch signals with no signal loss or degradation, making it most compatible with HDTV and Progressive Scan DVD sources. These terminals can be especially useful if your display device has only one set of Component Video inputs.CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 06/03/2003
Denon Electronics won't honor the warranty on products purchased from unauthorized dealers or if the original factory serial number has been removed, defaced, or replaced in any way. If in doubt about a particular retailer, online or brick-and-mortar, call Denon at 973/396-0810.
The 2803's fit, finish, and general feel are a step up from the low-buck competition's. The receiver's quality is reflected in its weight; this component tips the scales at nearly 29 pounds. We were especially pleased with the ease of setup and menu navigation, an area we knocked on the previous-generation models. We had the 2803 up and running in no time.
The 2803 lets you turn the EX/ES rear-surround speakers on or off from the remote or the receiver. That's a good thing because a lot of standard 5.1-channel DVDs don't sound right when played back in EX/ES mode. The remote control isn't backlit, but thanks to its differently shaped and colored buttons as well as its thoughtful design, we found it to be one of the best standard units we've seen in a while. Beyond the usual set of features, the 2803 offers custom installation options and multiroom flexibility, with independent volume control for the second zone. Sound quality in today's receivers is inevitably linked to the state of the digital-to-analog converter, and the 2803 sports Analog Devices' premium-level SHARC surround processors. A discrete 90-watt power amplifier serves each of its seven channels.
All surround modes are represented: Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 6.1, DTS-ES Discrete, DTS-ES Matrix, DTS-Neo:6, and Dolby Pro Logic II. The 2803 also features the latest advance: DTS 96/24. This format delivers nearly DVD-Audio-quality sound from specially encoded discs with standard DVD players. Also, Denon's Widescreen 7.1 mode coaxes 7.1-channel reproduction from 5.1-channel and stereo sources.
Connectivity facilities are comprehensive. There's wide-bandwidth, component-video switching for two HDTV sources, six digital inputs (four optical, two coaxial), and one optical output. Analog audio/video ins and outs are plentiful and include an eight-channel input for multichannel audio sources--in other words, DVD-Audio/Super Audio CD players. The 7.1 pre-amp outputs provide an upgrade path for those owners who would like to add a separate power amplifier. All that's lacking is a front-mounted set of A/V inputs.
The AVR-2803 stands in the middle of Denon's receiver line, which starts with the $299 AVR-1403 and graduates to the $4,300 flagship, the mighty AVR-5803. We commenced our auditions with the Catch Me If You Can DVD, which proves that Spielberg's longtime collaborator, John Williams, still has some new ideas. His jazzy orchestration is punctuated with a chorus of crisp finger snaps and a sexy saxophone--the sound was wonderfully rich and vibrant. Better yet, some of the early scenes were filmed in downtown Brooklyn, just steps away from our listening room. So we know just how real and natural-sounding the street noises actually are.
Next up, the U-571 DVD served up an extremely active surround mix. This World War II submarine drama has more than its share of really big explosions and thundering low-frequency effects. Those sounds made heavy demands on the 2803's power amplifiers, which delivered the goods without strain. The 90-watt-per-channel rating seems rather conservative.
After we finished the home-theater trials, we couldn't wait to test the 2803's musical abilities. Bob Belden's Black Dahlia SACD was first up. This big-band jazz is wonderfully dark and moody, in a film noir kind of way, and the layered brass sections twist and turn; we find this complex music sounds right on only the best systems. The 2803 positively reveled in the horns' rich harmonics, and the recording's soundstage was deep and spacious.
The Denon coaxed great sound from our Energy Take 5s, the NHT Super Audio ensemble and our reference Dynaudio Contour speaker systems. The sound was so weighty and full that we thought the bass level had been accidentally bumped up a notch or two. It was flat, but it proved that the AVR-2803 is just richer-sounding than most receivers. This is an audiophile-grade receiver, and we love it.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5
User Rating: 
2/10
Not so much user-friendly, more user-hatred
Pros: Wonderful sound
Cons: Impossible to set up or even switch on. If you're an autobot, you might like it. If you're a human being, probably not.
User Rating: 
9/10
all around quality and bang for buck
Pros: build quality of denon, spectacular price point for the features, all the inputs you need. i run cd,dvd,xbox and pc through this AVR and will run my outdoor speakers as well come spring.
Cons: remote control has somewhat confusing, little buttons everywhere.
User Rating: 
7/10
Denon 2803
Pros: Lot's of clean power blows my old Kenwood VR307 right off the planet. I'll be buying higher end speakers to go with this AVR in the years to come. Right now I have Bose 301's in the front a bose 150w centre & 201's in the rear & a paradigm PDR 12
Cons: This thing is a ***** to learn how to set up, my advice buy it from a dealer who can either help you set it up in your home or at least is open to tech suport calls.
User Rating: 9/10
only 90W?!
Pros: The AVR-2803 competes with the Yamaha RX-V2400 and the Onkyo TX-SR701 but it definitely is better sounding than both competitors when it comes to multi-channel music. As for movies, it holds its own against the other two but it doesn't pack as much wallo
Cons: Not THX certified if that's a factor for you. Only 90W considering that the Yamaha RX-V2400 has 120W and the next model down the RX-V1400 provides 110W of power while the Onkyo TX-SR701 has 100W of power . The Denon does not have an automatic acoustic set
User Rating: 
10/10
Fantastic component and functionality
Pros: Vast array of new technology to support any home enironment. Easy to function and performance driven.
Cons: Me knowing or caring to learn every function
