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Features
Dolby Pro Logic II processing
Dolby Digital and DTS Surround processing
80 watts RMS x 5 channels power output
Virtual surround system
Digital signal processing
Cinema Equaliser system
9-input front end
Pros
Cons
Ratings
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Distributor
Audio Products
TEL 1800 642 922 |
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Denon AVR-3802
Pro Logic II AV surround sound receiver
Recommended retail price: $1299
(inc. GST)
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Reviewer: Richard Morgan
The AVR-1802 is a very well made, pleasantly styled product whose headline feature is definitely the inclusion of Dolby Pro Logic II processing in addition to the inclusion of Dolby Digital and DTS Surround processing, which almost seem like standard inclusions in this area of the market nowadays.
Dolby Pro Logic II is the latest consumer product to come from Dolby Labs in the US. It's a multi-channel matrix method of processing standard surround sound and conventional Pro Logic movie soundtracks in a way that approximates true 5.1 channel performance. In other words it can make old movie recordings sound new and much better.
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Pro logic II is an improved and enhanced adaptation of the early Dolby matrix circuitry. The new system offers left, right and centre front channels of sound and two rear surround or effects channels. It also offers a '0.1' channel subwoofer outlet, which wasn't feasible in the old surround processing format, via Dolby's proprietary Bass Management system.
Importantly, with Pro Logic II the rear surround channels are dedicated left and right channels, not a mono (summed) channel. They are also handle full range rather than the band limited (to 7kHz) chanel in the original circuit. What's more, the new steering decoders are independent for the front channels in Pro Logic II to create better sonic balance, directivity and sonic realisation.
Pro Logic II is backwards compatible with earlier Dolby products. It promises to deliver enhanced three dimensional sound from Early Dolby systems and does nearly everything claimed of it. What's more, it can be used to stunning effect to turn conventional density stereo compact disc music into an impressive multi-channel listening experience.
Okay, so the technology works, but how does it benefit us? Well, the soundtrack on my (well worn) copy of Bladerunner is recorded using standard Pro Logic encoding and it's rather average, considering the potential of 5.1 channel encoding. However, Pro Logic II literally transformed the audio component and as a result the entire movie as a viewing experience. There was more presence, better sonic effects and directional transitions and the Vangelis soundtrack was even more emotive, involving and downright appropriate.
Multiply this experience by the number of movie titles in the market that are recorded in Pro Logic or less and you have a wealth of new viewing material just waiting to be re-discovered. Naturally, there's Dolby Digital and DTS Surround processing and the techniques used to process these sound formats are leading edge and thoroughly implemented.
The AVR-1802 produces 80 watts RMS into five channels (into 8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, at less than 0.08 per cent distortion). It increases to 115 watts into 6 ohms. Basically this is more than enough power to meet all but esoteric home theatre needs (remember you would need to double power to gain even a perceptible increase in sound volume). Of equal importance is Denon's attention to those elements of design that support the output of that power and to create solid, high quality sound.
The unit handles nine inputs (five of them for visual related products). There are a bunch of analogue and digital inputs to cover most connection scenarios and S-Video I/O support. Component video I/O would have been nice. Speaker connection is via binding posts on all channels.
With so much going on with this product, it's easy to overlook that it actually has a tuner or radio section too. It's a digital tuner with all related mod cons and a bunch of presets to remember your favourite broadcast stations. The tuner is dead easy to use and I reckon it sounds pretty good too.
In fact AVR-1802 sounds very good all round, particularly with my Sonique speaker set-up. In 5.1 channel movie mode there's a good sense of neutrality and openness. There's enough refinement to give movies like Snow Falling on Cedar a good sense of intimacy and enough clean grunt and impact available to easily make up for Arnie's signature stilted performance in something like 6th Day.
Music wise it's also pretty good. Maybe inner detail is shrouded slightly when compared to good amplifiers, but the bass is rhythmic and nicely defined and vocals are still quite natural and easy to relate to.
Overall a well thought-out package from Denon and one that looks good. The remote could have done with some re-design though (it's still hard to negotiate the small buttons).
Denon has given us a powerful, versatile AV receiver here at a responsible price point. The Dolby Pro Logic II feature will have you scurrying to get out your movies with standard processing because it does breathe new life into old recordings. The Dolby Digital and DTS systems on board It's also pleasing to know that the receiver looks like it can do the job.
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