Denon 4802 Question (1 Viewer)

[Holadem]

I made an impulse decision for an insane deal that I simply couldn't pass up: A factory refubished Denon 4802 for $1000. I jumped on it because the guy lives in Jersey so either he will deliver or I will pick up. I spoke to him on the phone, I can't wait!!!
I should add that I currently own an Onkyo 575x - which happen to be for sale in the Harware for Sale section . I am really curious to see what kind of improvement one gets from moving from a $500 receiver to a $1600 one, both virtually the best in their price ranges. My move from a $200 Kenwood to the Onkyo was a TREMENDOUS difference, NOT subtle at all, and I am not exactly an audiophile. As a matter of fact, I am happy with the Onkyo, but it won't do when I upgrade to better speakers, and again, that deal was just incredible.
Anyway... :b Here is my question. The Denon has an adjustable crossover, only that it has to be the same for all speakers :rolleyes. Now, can it differ between input? I would like to set my crossover @ 60Hz for 2Ch (my mains are towers).
Also, please tell me if I understand pure direct mode right: In that mode the receiver is essentially just an amplifier (all processing is eliminated) and I would have to use the DAC from my CD player? So if the one in my receiver is better, then I guess I won't use the pure direct mode until I get a transport with a better DAC than what I currently have?
Last, is there anyway at all to use the sub in direct mode? I don't think I could live without my sub, even with music.
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Holadem

 

[Dave Dahl]

Hi,

In many ways to spend only a thousand dollars for a twenty five hundred dollar machine seems a little shady. Even if it's refurbished.

Anyway, pure direct mode does not eliminate all processing. It disables the video portion of the unit from functioning. It will still be possible to use a digital connection between your CD player and receiver so you can still use it's internal bass management.

-Dave

 

[Greg Haynes]

The price does seem too good to be true for a factory refurb, but if everything checks out okay, who cares! Good find
Wish I could find a 4802 for that price, but I'm really happy with my 3802 for the time being.

 

[Laurent Balloy]

So if the one in my receiver is better, then I guess I won't use the pure direct mode until I get a transport with a better DAC than what I currently have?

AVR-4802 provides Alpha 24 processing (AL24) in PURE DIRECT (DIGITAL). AL24 enhances sound accuracy and channel separation (IMHO). Try it . It’s works great (if AVR-4802 DACs are better than your CD player’s DAC).
Laurent

 

[Holadem]

Well, it was too good to be true, wasn't it
After talking with the guy yesterday and agreeing to drive to NYC to pick it up (couldn't wait anymore), he calls me an hour later, saying that the problem with the unit was appearently not solved: it shuts down right after power up. Now for a unit that just came from the factory I would think they would have tested it before returning it to him, especially if that problem is so easy to check :rolleyes. Obviously, this whole thing is starting to look real fishy... The deal at this point is to call me back when the unit comes back from service the second time, which according to him should be in a week or so.
Common sense tells me to stay away from this one but... it's $1000 fer crissake!
Problem is now I am hooked on the idea of a Receiver of the class of the Denon 4802. SO wether or not this deal goes through, I won't rest until I get one. This sucks, I as I was quite happy with my Onkyo :frowning:
While we are at it, anyone knows where to find this receiver at a resonnable price? (no, not a grand, but only a tad higher )
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Holadem

 

[Mariusz Filonowicz]

Holadem,
I'm considering a purchase of Anthem AVM-20 pre/pro; just waiting for upgraded versions to hit the dealers (DPL II and upgraded circuit board) and I'll be selling my Denon 4802. I'm currently bypassing Denon's internal amps and using 5 channel Bryston 9BST amp. Let me know if you're interested.
Mariusz

 

[ReggieW]

Holadem,

I believe that a used/refurbished 4802 would probably still run you in the 1400-1600 dollar range. Marantz makes a receiver, the SR-8200, which has THX certification and similar power output to the 4802. You can pick this one up new for 1,200.00-1,300.00 and around one grand refurbished. The Marantz is said to be a stellar component for music, and very good for HT. I personally swear by Denon as well, but they get quite pricey after the 3802, which probably explains why it is the most popular receiver in their line-up for the money.

Reg

 

[Reece]

Holadem..
Try this site for Denon. I've seen this retailer mentioned on another thread for good prices on audio equipment. The price for the 4802 can be had for $1800 new and the thread said they are an authorized dealer.
Worth checking out.

 

[Holadem]

Update:
I got a call early yesterday from the guy: The problem was that he wasn't plugging the power supply all the way in... I knew it still looked fishy, but I went ahead, made the 4 hour round trip drive to NYC to pick it up, and was back home yesterday @ 11PM. This thing is a freaking nightmare to setup, for the first time I actually had to read the manual... but it paid off. I am having a hard time wiping this stupid smile off my face. Imaging and dept of soundstage is actually a reality in my living room now. I only wish I could set the crossover for each speaker, but for this price, I ain't gonna complain!
I need to do some extensive testing and listening to see if anything is wrong with the unit. The only test I can come up with at this point is to watch some reference material and hope that it won't go into protection mode or something... anything else I should check?
Marius, thanks for the offer but as you see I have to decline it .
Reggie, I considered the 8200, and would have ended up getting it if I couldn't find an offordable 4802.
[EDIT] to say that I don't like the remote. It's powerful but not very practical. My trusty old Radio Shack one isn't going anywhere just yet...
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Holadem