Review: Denon AVR-1804

October 09th, 2003 (cr)

First of all we would like to thank our cooperation partner HIFI-REGLER for the provision of the testing rooms and corresponding testing equipment. 

In our earlier tests Denon AVR-1803 has provided convincing performances in demonstration. Since that time however, its competition has launched numerous and very interesting AV-receivers. Above all Yamaha offers two AV-receivers (RX-V640 and RX-V740) in its product range , which overall provide better performance than the AVR-1803. The performance efficiency of the power amplifiers, the dynamics, the acoustical homogeneity and its very clear high-frequency range demonstrate that the receivers from Yamaha are presently the best choice in this marketplace. 

However: "The Empire strikes back". Denon presented its new AVR-1804 at the IFA, at the same price of EUR 599,-- as its predecessor AVR-1803. In addition to the black variant, the AV-receiver is now also available in silver. The gold variant of the AV-receiver is now no longer available. In order to compete successfully, extensive measures have been undertaken by Denon to improve the efficiency of the appliance’s power amplifiers and power supply at high levels. 

The specified transformer is very highly rated relative to the suggested retail price of the AVR-1804 and with 6 x 125 watts (to 6 ohms) the output of the integrated amplifiers is impressive. Competition from Yamaha also offers similar output values. However, the aim of Denon is to deliver still more, e.g. in the price range of this Denon appliance a complete passive cooling technology is included in the standard equipment. Such a cost-intensive feature is not often the case within this price range. Solid, extruded heat sinks made of aluminium, revised again in its form with regard to the predecessor AVR-1803, will permanently ensure an optimum operating temperature. During our testing operation these measures also demonstrated that the effectiveness of calefaction with the AVR-1804 during steady state was considerably lower than its predecessor and many other competitive products .

Other features of the new Denon AV-receivers are included. Dolby Digital 5.1 EX and DTS ES Matrix/Discrete 6.1 are decoded. The sixth channel, required for back surround operation, can be split up so that alternatively one or two back surround loudspeakers can be connected. Dolby Pro Logic 2 inclusive all adjustment parameters in the music mode is also available such as DTS Neo:6. A high-quality Analog Devices Melody 32-Bit DSP is responsible for the internal signal processing. For all channels 96 kHz/24-bits D/A-converters have been built in. 

In regard to connectivity Denon supplies all the essential features. A 6-channel-direct input is available, YUV-connections (two inputs, a monitor-output) can be found on the rear side. Three optical digital inputs and a coaxial digital input can be found on the rear side of the appliance, too, as well as an optical digital output. On the front panel there is additionally a complete A/V-connection, including an optical digital input and S-video-jacks. 

The design of the new variant is not revolutionary - its plain appearance is able to fit into a lot of different living environments - however the AVR-1804 doesn't look exceptionally exciting. Its finish, as we are used from Denon, makes a very good impression - not only internally , but externally as well. The front panel of the AVR-1804 consists of aluminium. Impressive are both the high resolution of the display with good contrast and the carefully finished rear-side of the appliance. Only the plastic cover of the front AV-inputs reduces the appeal of the appearance. Although not in the ‘excellent’ category the remote control provided with the package is entirely appropriate within this price range. In its first assessment the AVR-1804 was awarded six stars. Its practical and useful features , the appliance’s very good finish and well designed internal construction demonstrate that the AVR-1804 is an especially good choice. 

Rating

Operating

The operating of the AVR-1804 appears to be particularly simple. We were very pleased with the exact set-up method for the time alignment. In steps of 0,1-metre the distance of the individual loudspeakers from the listener's place can be adjusted. Besides this another positive aspect is that the assembling of each loudspeaker can be carried out individually. An on screen display (OSD) is also provided by the Denon, which facilitates the basic assembly. With numerous competitors within this price section an OSD is not included within the specification. The separating of the IR-controller into differently-coloured units with several buttons and function groups succeeded well. The navigation unit has unfortunately been positioned too deeply. Important function elements of the remote control are visible in darkness and the operating elements on the appliance itself can also be easily operated and the buttons provide a solid impression. 

Rating

Acoustical performance

Testing equipment

• DVD Players Harman/Kardon DVD-30, Denon DVD-2200

• Loudspeaker systems Nubert nuBox 5.1-Set, KEF KHT-2005.2, KEF KHT-3005, Mirage Omnisat

• Wired by Oehlbach

Level stability

The Denon AVR-1804 seemed to be a very good match for all requirements. In addition endurance tests lasting two three-hours have been very well sustained by the AVR-1804 – and this at a high level (turn 1 with 80 % of the maximum level, turn 2 is changing with 60 up to 90 percent of the maximum level, each turn for 1,5 hours with the active subwoofer and for 1,5 hours without the active subwoofer). Even half an hour of use at almost maximum level (95 percent) has been managed by the Denon, without switching off or without any noticeable loss in dynamics,- and bass - overall an excellent performance. Above all we have been greatly impressed by the perfect reproduction achieved by the AVR-1804 connected to extensive stand loudspeakers. The connection to nuBox 580, which we used as front loudspeakers, was excellent. Denon provided convincing proof of powerful volume, a solid and powerful bass, combined with perfect precision. At the "Pod Race"-sequency from "Star Wars: Episode 1" Denon demonstrated outstanding results. In this respect it is even in a position to compete with the Yamaha RX-V740 . Denon is also able to manage increased volumes, which was also proved with the "Chronos"-trailer on the seventh DTS Demo DVD. With its convincing volume and outstanding resultant power it also collected points from 85 up to 90 percent of the maximum volume - well done ! With the DVD audio-reproduction of Ludwig van Beethoven's Third symphony (96 kHz/24-bits-6-channel) the AVR-1804 presented no problems with increased volume demands. 

Home cinema multichannel operation

With regard to the movie-sound-reproduction the Denon is able to produce outstanding results relative to its price range. At the classical THX Broadway-trailer the AV-receiver was impressive with its spontaneous start and an excellent demonstration of volume. Also the sequence of "The Fast and the Furious", positioned on the current seventh DTS Demo DVD, was managed by the AVR-1804 very well. Above all the integration of the voices attracted our attention besides the dynamic presentation of the pursuit. Screams pierced the listener's room with a lot of emphasis, without excluding the precision work of the voice. In particular the AVR-1803 attracted favourable attention due to its balanced and natural voice reproduction - therefore it was difficult to improve on the previous standards offered. Nevertheless the technicians from Denon have succeeded. The AVR-1804 is able to work out even small characteristics with still more feeling and further improves its position in this partial rating. 

Multichannel-music operation

Also with regard to its musicality the AVR-1804 is superior than its predecessor. We do not wish to claim that the AVR-1803 was not capable of demonstrating a high level of performance. Nevertheless the AVR-1804 does provide audible improvements. Above all its dynamics attracted favourable attention with the arrangement of Antonio Vivaldi’s "The Four Seasons", contained within the THX Ultimate Demo DVD. The musicians perform with a lot of spirit and attention to detail. The performance with DVD audio-reproduction also shows that the AVR-1804 provides a high level of musical quality. The AVR-1804 manages the demands of an accurate DVD audio-reproduction with amazing results. 

Dolby Pro Logic 2

The developers of Denon succeeded perfectly with the Dolby Pro Logic 2-integration. The AVR-1804 audibly outperforms its predecessor with its excellent bass range, which again offers more pressure and volume - and not only is the AVR-1803 in this case inferior: At the moment no other competitor is able to offer a comparable performance. The AV-receiver presents the voices and instruments so clearly and precisely so that even stereo-fans can be convinced to use this "Pro Logic 2-experiment". The sound of AVR-1804 never seems boring and unemotional, and the AV-receiver always generates a lot of liveliness. Also at the movie sound presentation in the PL 2 movie-mode the Denon offers a very bright and lively surround-sound-environment. The sound picture never seems too monotonous and the AVR-1804 always supplies the surround range with sufficient movement. Also in the PL 2 movie-operation the extremely successful voice reproduction is very attractive. 

Stereo sound

Concerning the stereo quality, the Yamaha RX-V740 has especially amazed us. Its exceedingly compact and pleasant presentation with a good feeling for details cannot presently be achieved by any other AV-receiver within this price segment, nor by the Denon AVR-1804. We are not claiming that the Denon would not be able to achieve good performance during stereo operation, because with its clear sound high frequency range and the high-quality bass reproduction the AVR-1804 provides results, which compare well with considerably more expensive AVR-2803. Overall the integration of the instruments succeeded very well - which means that the Denon has to let only the Yamaha be ahead

Rating level stability
Rating home cinema multichannel
Rating music multichannel
Rating Dolby PL 2
Rating stereo

Summary

The Denon AVR-1804 is audibly viewed as better than its predecessor with regard to all sound-testing disciplines. Also most of its competitors are viewed as performing below the especially recommended AV-receiver. Together with the Yamaha RX-V740 the Denon shares the lead in the price sector between EUR 500,-- and 700,--. 

Excellent
Middle class
Reviewed October 09th 2003

Value:

Pro:

• High-loaded power amplifiers

• Dynamic multi-channel music-and home cinema sound

• Excellent voice presentation

• Precise and powerful bass range

• Best Dolby Pro Logic 2-integration of its class

• Outstanding stereo sound

• Very good finish

• Simple operating
  

Contra:

• Negligible deficiencies
  

Specifications

Suggested retail price: EUR 599,- 
Variant: silver, black 

Sound formats:
Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital 5.1 
DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS-ES Matrix 6.1, DTS 5.1, DTS NEO:6
Dolby Pro Logic II

Supplementing details:
Completely constructed six-channel-power amplifier
OnScreen-Display (OSD) – comfortable picture screen menu
Video-conversion (video -> S-video; S-video -> video)
Front panel made of aluminium
32-bits melody-DSP of analogue devices
Extensively dimensioned heat sink made of aluminium (no fan)
Power supply with two rectifier diodes (parallelly switched) and screened current transformer
Terminals for the total surround-set of loudspeakers, inclusive 2 surround back-connections
A/B-shifting-main loudspeakers
Bass management / four cross-over frequencies
Audio/video-input on the front panel
RDS-tuner with radio text 
Ergonomically-shaped multi-function remote control with GLO-keys

Connections:
audio:
8 x analogue-inputs (incl. phono) ; 6-channel-input; digital-input (4 x optical, 1 x coaxial)
1 x pre-amplifier output subwoofer; 3 x analogue-output; digital-output (1 x optical)

Video:
Inputs: 2 x components; 5 S-video; 5 composite
Outputs: 1 x components; 3 S-video; 3 composite (incl. monitor)

Data: 
Output performance (at 6 ohms, 1kHz, 0,7 % total harmonic distortion): 6 x 125 watts
Dimensions (B x H x T): 434 x 171 x 417 mm
Weight: 11,7 kg 

Reviewed by: Carsten Rampacher
Assistent: Matthias Walther-Richters

October 09th, 2003

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