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Entered CNET Catalog: 01/07/2006
SKU: 0081757507059
Manufacturer: Denon
Manufacturer description
The AVR-2807 is Denon's latest addition of versatile A/V Receivers, which incorporates all current surround formats and enhanced installation flexibility, all with great simplicity of setup and operation. The AVR-2807 can automatically store the surround mode for any of three inputs signals: Analog and PCM 2 channel, Bit stream 2-channel (DolbyDigital, DTS) and Bit stream multi-channel. If the type of input signal changes, the most appropriate surround mode is automatically selected for the signal. The Audio Delay function corrects slight lags between sound and picture that can occur when a video signal is processed, such as in a Progressive Scan DVD player or outboard video processor.Product summary
The good: The Denon AVR-2807 is a full-featured 7.1-channel receiver highlighted by its ability to switch between two HDMI sources and convert analog video inputs to 480p HDMI output. It also offers advanced autosetup capabilities and compatibility with Denon's optional iPod dock.
The bad: The Denon AVR-2807 has only two HDMI inputs, its built-in XM radio function won't play the new XM HD Surround stations, and the XM and iPod functions require additional accessories.
The bottom line: The Denon AVR-2807's keen balance of superb sound, gotta-have HDMI features, and an affordable price put it in the sweet spot in the company's line.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: Yes
- Reviewed on: 05/02/2006
Editors' note: Denon Electronics will not honor the warranty on Denon components purchased from unauthorized dealers or if the original factory serial number has been removed, defaced, or replaced. If in doubt about a particular online or brick-and-mortar retailer, call Denon at 973/396-0810. The Denon AVR-2807 shares the understated design of Denon's up-market brethren: it keeps most of the lesser-used controls tucked under a flip-down panel. The receiver is nearly 17 inches deep and weighs almost 31 pounds. It also puts out a lot of heat, so we'd advise against placing the receiver inside a cabinet unless it's well ventilated.
The AVR-2807's big remote has room enough to spread out lots of different sized and colored buttons. It's nicely organized and easy to use, and we actually preferred it over the touch-screen remotes found on some of the higher-end Denon receivers (such as the AVR-4306). The touch screens' disappearing menus and controls drove us nuts, but the AVR-2807's buttons were always exactly where they were supposed to be.
Denon's advanced Audyssey MultEQxt Room EQ autosetup system can enhance the sound for large groups of listeners. With the exception of determining the subwoofer's level and distance from the measuring microphone, the setup's accuracy was excellent. Either Denon's engineers have streamlined the autosetup or we're just getting used to it, but we had the whole thing done in 6 minutes vs. 20 for the last Denon autosetup we reviewed (the AVR-4306). Though we've had decent results with the Audyssey Room EQ (equalization) system in the past, for some reason, we couldn't achieve much of an improvement this time. If you take the time and run through the process a few times, you might get better results. Then again, if you like tinkering with audio components, you might enjoy the "manual" EQ program and diddle the nine-band graphic controls to your heart's content. We did and came up with a sound that suited our taste. The Denon AVR-2807 is a seven-times-110-watt receiver offering a full selection of Dolby, DTS, and proprietary surround modes. Connectivity options will fulfill the needs of even the most complex home-theater installations: You get a total of seven A/V inputs with S-Video. High-def sources are also well-served: three inputs can be toggled to accept component video, and two more can handle HDMI. Even better, any of the analog sources (composite-, component-, or S-Video) can be converted to component or HDMI output at 480i or 480p resolution. The 480p progressive-scan option is particularly important because it maximizes compatibility with HDTVs; many older models can't accept a 480i video signal via HDMI.
Digital audio connections are abundant: five optical (including one front-panel jack) and two coaxial inputs, as well as two optical outputs. Analog audio inputs include stereo phono and CD inputs as well as a set for 7.1-channel analog sources such as SACD, DVD-Audio, Blu-ray, or HD-DVD. The 7.1-channel preamplifier outputs can be hooked up to an external power amplifier if you outgrow the internal amps. Multizone provisions include video and stereo audio, 12-volt triggers, and infrared in and out. An RS-232 port rounds out the AVR-2807's back panel.
We were happy to see the AVR-2807 is XM Satellite Radio ready; all you need is an XM Passport or an XM Connect-and-Play Home Kit and a $12.95-per-month XM subscription. But XM's new HD Surround channels will be only in stereo. That's hardly a reason to skip the AVR-2807--as of April 2006, there are only two XM surround stations. But it's worth noting that the Onkyo TX-SR504 sport XM HD Surround, and they're $299 A/V receivers.
No, you won't find an Ethernet port, streaming network audio, or the HDMI upscaling features of the AVR-4306--but the AVR-2807 is a full $900 cheaper than that model. The AVR-2807 is also the first Denon receiver that's compatible with the company's optional iPod dock, which is available in black. Aside from the cutesy name--the iDock--it comes with all of the necessary connecting cables and a selection of five adapters to accommodate virtually all dockable iPods, including the Nano. Unlike the much cheaper Apple version, the Denon iPod dock lets you control your iPod with the Denon's receiver remote and displays a crude but functional facsimile of the iPod's menu on your TV screen. It also sends your iPod's photo and video content to your TV--but to do so, the TV menu system is disabled, leaving you inexplicably limited to maneuvering on the player's tiny screen, which is all but worthless if you're 10 feet away on the sofa. Robert Plant and Jimmy Page's No Quarter concert DVD kicked the Denon AVR-2807's auditions into high gear. Rather than just do an unplugged Led Zeppelin show, they reinvigorated the music's blues roots with a heavy infusion of African and Middle Eastern musicians and a string section borrowed from the London Metropolitan Orchestra. It was great to hear that huge band careening through "Since I've Been Loving You." Somehow, it all works--the exotic instrumentation, including a primal-sounding didgeridoo dueling with Page's ferocious electric guitar on "Black Dog." The DVD's densely layered sounds were absolutely thrilling--far beyond what we hear from most affordable receivers.
Jackson Browne's Running on Empty DVD-Audio disc sounded even better. The AVR-2807 put us in the midst of the disc's center-of-the-band surround mixes. You hear the ambiance change from one tune to the next: on "Cocaine," the guys are sprawled out in a hotel room, while "Nothing but Time" rumbles by on the tour bus, and you can feel the open space of the Garden State Arts Center on "You Love the Thunder." With a receiver as accomplished as the AVR-2807, you feel like you're there. CD sound, in stereo, was also excellent--the soundstage was deep and wide, with a natural portrayal of depth that's all too rare with receivers.
Turning to movies, the sonic riches of the King Kong DVD were the perfect vehicle to fully reveal the AVR-2807's consummate home-theater skills. We could almost sense the heat and humidity in the jungle where Kong lives. During the climactic scene atop the Empire State Building, we felt as if we were right there with Naomi Watts, with the planes circling our home theater and their machine guns firing at Kong.
On the video front, the Denon AVR-2807 has all the bases covered. The receiver's two HDMI inputs successfully passed a 1080p signal from our Sencore VP403 signal generator, proving that the AVR-2807 should be no impediment to future 1080p HDMI sources such as PlayStation 3 and Blu-ray players. It also had no trouble converting 480i analog-video sources (such as those from a VCR, a non-high-def cable or satellite box, or a video game system) from the composite and S-Video inputs to 480p progressive-scan video via the HDMI output. The receiver's onscreen display was also visible when viewing via HDMI. While those accomplishments may appear to be nothing short of ho-hum, the list of A/V receivers that cannot convert analog video to HDMI, convert 480i video to 480p, or show the onscreen display via the HDMI output, is AVR-3806, for instance--despite the fact that the AVR-2807 costs $200 less.
The HDMI prowess of the Denon AVR-2807 was borne out once we connected it to the Toshiba HD-A1. We're still getting the hang of the next-gen audio and video features offered by HD-DVD, but the Denon had no trouble delivering surround audio from the player via its HDMI (along with high-def video), optical/coaxial digital, and 5.1 analog inputs, respectively. No, the AVR-2807 can't decode the brand-new Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD audio codecs--we won't see such receivers until late 2006, at the earliest--but it's easily one of the most futureproof receivers on the market right now.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34out of 34 user reviews
I'm selling mine
Pros: I honestly couldn't find any.
Cons: Totally unmanageable.
out of 34 user reviews
Great reciever once you figure everything out
Pros: never runs out of power,
Cons: too many options makes it hard to use
out of 34 user reviews
Disappointed. Not worth the Money
Pros: HDMI Passthru
Cons: PS2 Support
out of 34 user reviews
Great receiver, programming not for the faint of heart though.
Pros: Great sound, lots of plugs.
Cons: Set up a bit tough, could be simpler, only 2 HDMI.
out of 34 user reviews
AVR 2808 is great....manual sucks
Pros: awesome sounds and a great A/V controller
Cons: Manual needs to be rewritten
Again that manual is not good....please rewrite it.
out of 34 user reviews
Excellent performance
Pros: HDMI switching capability
Cons: setup and complicated remote functions
out of 34 user reviews
Awesome Receiver - The Best Receiver for under $1000
Pros: Good Sound, HDMI Switching/Upconversion
Cons: IPOD Video does not work, only two HDMI input.
I have AVR-2807 for about a month now and I have had no major issues at all. The setup was a breeze, I had the system up and running in a couple of hours. I got the IPOD Dock along with the reciever and just loving it. I am using my IPOD more than ever before. The only problem is that it does not play IPOD videos and photos.
The sound is awesome for both music and movies alike. I have no issues with HDMI switching/up conversion. This is the best receiver for under $1000.
out of 34 user reviews
Cream of the crop as of 06/early 07
Pros: HDMI switching/upscaling, Everything else about this receiver is excellent.
Cons: Only 2 HDMI inputs, only HDMI version 1.1
out of 34 user reviews
Incredible
Pros: fantastic sound and many input jacks
Cons: reading the whole book and learning all the features for best quality
The sound was fantastic, better than a movie theater with my pioneer 50" plazma TV.
I watched King Kong the other night and it was outstanding.
I bought it at J&R in Manhattan and the audio salesman took the time and showed me 3 systems. This was the best.
My advice is to research everything you want and buy a receiver that will handle future upgrades.
Technology is always changing, and don`t cheap out. You want the best, you must buy the best.
Good Luck,
It`s been a couple of weeks now since I hook-up this receiver.
Their are no problems, only great sound.
Just make sure you ventilate this receiver very well because it gives off some heat.
This is my 2nd post.
I originally wrote how great this receiver is, now I have my doubts.
Just last night I was watching TV on my beautiful system when the picture flickered and went black. It was working great for the first month.
I thought it was over heating, even though it`s well ventilated.
I turned it on the following day and still the same, (no picture and sound)
The DVD HDMI input works fine, I could watch DVD`s with no problem.
It just seems it stop recognizing TV input from my Time Warner cable box with a HDMI cable.
I read other posts about cable boxes not being the problem, but up to now it was working great.
I don`t want to even consider hooking it up another way other than HDMI, I really think this receiver has a flaw.
Could anyone help me on this, going to call Denon tomorrow,
Stay tuned if your considering buying this receiver, I will continue posting.
out of 34 user reviews
Spectacular!
Pros: Sound Quality
Cons: Remote Control
out of 34 user reviews
HDMI/Motorola/Comcast issue...solved!
Pros: Excellent A/V receiver...worth the set-up time
Cons: ...but there is set-up time and HDMI issues.
OK, I also learned the hard way about the HDMI issue. It seems that the HDCP issue appeared when Comcast applied a firmware upgrade to the DCT6412 Phase III STB (maybe to others as well???). When that happened, it affected the changes made much earlier by Motorola and the entire Bandwidth HDTV world. It's hard to say who is at fault and it reminds me of what Microsoft is going through with Vista. Other companies that used XP as the Operating System are scrambling to become compatible because of the changes made. Hence, the finger pointing.
The solution is simple if you have a Optical Fiber connection on your STB. You run an Optical Fiber cable from the STB to the Denon along with Component cables. VERY IMPORTANT: They must enter the Denon IN THE SAME ZONE. I.E., Zone 1 OPT with Zone 1 Component Video, etc...
After that, turn off the Cable Box and hit the Menu button on the remote within 2 or 3 seconds of when you turn off the STB and the set-up display for the STB will come on the Monitor. From there you can change the format to 16:9, change the definition from 480p to 1080i, and read a bunch of useless info regarding Closed Captioning. Then, on the Denon return to assigning the HDMI cables to the appropriate connections and assign the audio from the box to OPT; NOT HDMI. You also have to run the normal set-up which I understood 95% of but it's quite obvious that the user's manual was a direct translation from Japanese! Anyways, if you were not too cheap, you would have bought the Denon from Crutchfield and they can assist you just about anytime of day. Although it took me a couple of days to figure it all out I now understand the Remote completely after using every button on it plenty of times! I hope this helps!!!
out of 34 user reviews
The Best Bang For The Buck
Pros: An Outstanding AVR
Cons: Not That I Know Of
out of 34 user reviews
terrible instruction maunal, set up not too smooth
Pros: great sound, denon quality
Cons: instruction manual, volume control
out of 34 user reviews
Great sound, Doesn't work well with DirecTV HD PVR
Pros: Awesome sound quality. Brings 5.1 programming to life
Cons: Complex set up. Does not work well with new set top boxes
The other issue I had was getting the room analyzer to work...I just could never get it to automatically detect and manage the sound field. I was able to set the sound field manually...and maybe it is not perfect, but it is pleasing to my ear. Since I bought the unit for me to listen to, I figure that I achieved my objectives. I tried a Sony AV first, and took it back for the Denon. There is simply no comparison in the sound quality...the Denon wins hands down.
out of 34 user reviews
Really Terrific
Pros: Auto-setup
Cons: So many options
out of 34 user reviews
I waited 3 months for delivery and now am lost trying to figure out the set-up
Pros: none that I'm aware of at this time
Cons: an expensive dust collector
I don't know what to do next. The manual is very difficult to follow and jumps all the place. If I could reboot the unit and get back to the auto set up feature perhaps I can figure out where I went wrong but I can't even do that. For the moment all I can do is look in despair at this very expensive dust collector. If there's anyone out there who can help I certainly will be greatful.
out of 34 user reviews
The Denon 2807 has serious flaw in HDMI output signal
Pros: Feature rich, good remote, good sound, good tuner, attractive box
Cons: HDMI video output requires 4 minutes to settle down, setup is confusing
out of 34 user reviews
Stopped working within 4 months
Pros: Great sound and video while I had it
Cons: Worst customer service I've ever dealt with
out of 34 user reviews
This is a great reciever
Pros: Easy to set up. Good power, lots of inputs.
Cons: I have no problems with the unit.
I have a HD DVD player and may get a Bluray. The HD DVD is set up to the Denon via HDMI. The Denon is able to recieve this hidef information and pass it along to my panasonic 50 inch plasma tv seemlessly. I am able to play Dolby TruHD as the Toshiba decodes this information and sends it to the Denon via hdmi. If you can't wait until hdmi 1.3 recievers come out, or new ones that decode Dolby TruHD and DTS HD, then the Denon is a great choice.
out of 34 user reviews
Excellent product
Pros: Lots of options - easy setup.
Cons: Not happy with DVD recorder setup (must use a VCR option)
out of 34 user reviews
Entry level HT AVR? For this novice, none better
Pros: Inputs/outputs, speaker options, HDMI switching
Cons: Owners manual a hard read, set up challenging
Although set up was a bit challenging and tenuous to begin with, patience wins out. In short, this receiver rocks my 16'x 20' vaulted ceiling den- I'm 10' from the monitor. Just watched x-men II and the windows almost shattered.....neighbors' security alarm keeps going off.
I was a little hesitant on making this jump to a high-priced $1k AVR, but after almost 3 months, no buyers remorse.
out of 34 user reviews
Nice receiver
Pros: Very customizable, plenty of power, quiet, HDMI, good looking
Cons: MUST read manual, runs hot, heavy, only comes in black
One ding this product gets from average folks like me is that it can be difficult to set up. I tend to agree with them, however, if you're willing to shell out $1k for this thing, you'd be a fool not to take your time to figure out how this works and what benefits it can provide you. The manual is written well but I would say it assumes that the person using it is pretty wise to the ways of HT. I was not so I had to use the manual and websites like www.avsforum.com to figure out what all was going on. It was worth it and I believe I'm a better HT user for it.
Additionally, once you get things set up just right, the device saves it. So the investment is really a "one time" thing and then you can get on with your life and enjoy the HT experience.
out of 34 user reviews
Love the Denon 2807, Need a little help with speaker problem
Pros: Great sound, love the single HDMI cabling
Cons: A little difficult setting up for a newbie.
Also, I'm unable to get sound using the zone2, I'm able to get sound when assigning the amp to Front A, but not when I assign it to zone2.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
out of 34 user reviews
excellent, all u need!
Pros: sounds great, setup very easy, HDMI switching and conversion is very good
Cons: manual will require more than i read, hdmi port not compatible with comcast box
out of 34 user reviews
A must have!!!
Pros: HDMI switching, awesome sound, too many to list!!
Cons: It's not the AVR-4306! No ethernet connection, no 480i to 1080i/1080p upscaling, horrible remote!
out of 34 user reviews
need help with this receiver
Pros: denon quality
Cons: manual is confusing and no tech support from Denon
out of 34 user reviews
Component vs HDMI
Pros: great sound
Cons: none to speak of
With its great sound just use component and it seems you would have the best audio and video possible > just my 2 cents worth.
out of 34 user reviews
Terrific Value
Pros: HDMI switching/ sound quality
Cons: Remote sucks
You can change input names to match your setup- making it more user friendly, HDMI switching means no changing TV inputs. After I replaced the pathetic remote with a Harmony 880 even my wife can use the system-a remarkable achievement! Thanks to everyone who wrote reviews before I purchased I was prepared for the minor issues and got a receiver I hope to run for many years.
out of 34 user reviews
Another Jewel in Denon's Crown
Pros: Easy to setup/use, Beautiful clarity and accurate soundstage, $350 less than the 3806
Cons: Too heavy to carry around with me to show off!
With it I had also decided to upgrade my speakers from Polk Audio to klipsch Reference Series (RF82's RC 62 and 4 RB10's to round out the surrounds)
Setup connections were quick and easy. the layout of the back pannel was well thought out and made sence.
I don't have a high def TV yet so I decided to see if the famed component upconversion would work with standard digital cable. (S-Vid to component) and I do say that it made my signal almost as good as some of the high def TV's I have at the store.
The auto-setup is aparently the same one they use on the 4306 and I do say they tuned my speakers perfectly except for a slight shrill ness from my center channel and fronts at louder volumes. After re-reading the manual and realizing I had forgotten to position the mic at 6 locations around my chair to get a better reading of the rooms accoustics. (in my case there was only one main seating position) I re-ran the setup and it fixed the problem.
Works wonders with DTS or Dolby and can translate standard 2 channel into 5 or 7.1 effortlessly. & channel stereo is amazing for music. as it does a very good job spacing out the track among the speakers to give you that "Im there with the performer" feel.
all In all I have yet to find ANY and I mean ANY real downsides to this amp and I've been putting it through its paces in the home and at work.
Bravo Denon on yet another beautiful piece of art!
out of 34 user reviews
Disappointed, returned for Yamaha
Pros: Good feature set, great sound
Cons: HDMI problems with DirecTV HD Tivo, quality problems
I have been a Denon customer for more than 10 years, so I was really disappointed that the 2807 didn't work for me. Hope you all have better luck.
out of 34 user reviews
re:Denon Reciver
Pros: On a Denon purchase you can't go wrong
Cons: The manual is like reading a best of year end magazine
out of 34 user reviews
NOT recommended......Beware!
Pros: Flexibility, Power, Sound
Cons: What.....No HDMI support for Comcast?
out of 34 user reviews
GREAT Receiver but has HDMI issues
Pros: Fantastic A/V quality, great feature set.
Cons: HDMI does not work with Comcast (Motorola) Cable Boxes
out of 34 user reviews
Nice unit but has some minor flaws
Pros: HDMI switching, ipod control with opt dock
Cons: No OSD video overlay on component or HDMI inputs
My only complaint is that my television takes a long time when switching between sources with different resolutions on the HDMI input (between 480p and 1080i). The unit complicates the problem as the setup menu is only in 480p and doesn't overlay component or HDMI input video. In fact the on screen display overlaying video is only available when using composite or s-video input which I will NEVER use (except in the rare case of viewing a VHS tape). When using component or HDMI input, the OSD is only available for setup menus over a black screen (no video). When displaying the status screen, the video is blanked and status is displayed over a black screen.
There seems to be a stability problem when ff/rew video tape which infrequently cause green vertical bars to be displayed over the video. There is also an occasional flicker problem on the HDMI output when switching between input sources of different resolutions. In both cases the problem persists until the input source is changed and switched back again. More a nuisance than anything as it's occurs infrequently.
