Denon AVR-3801 manual

A V SURROUND RECEIVER A VR-3801 OPERA TING INSTRUCTIONS 2 We greatly appreciate your purchase of the A VR-3801. 2 T o be sure you take maximum advantage of all the features the A VR-3801 has to offer , read these instructions carefully and use the set properly . Be sure to keep this manual for future reference, should any questions or problems aris[...]

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2 2 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER- SERVICEABLE P ARTS INSIDE. REFER SER VICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence [...]

3 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1. Read Instructions – All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated. 2. Retain Instructions – The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. 3. Heed Warnings – All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.[...]

4 2 INTRODUCTION 2 ACCESSORIES Thank you for choosing the DENON A VR-3801 Digital Surround A / V receiver . This remarkable component has been engineered to provide superb surround sound listening with home theater sources such as DVD, as well as providing outstanding high fidelity reproduction of your favorite music sources. As this product is pro[...]

5 3 CAUTIONS ON HANDLING 4 FEA TURES • Switching the input function when input jacks are not connected A clicking noise may be produced if the input function is switched when nothing is connected to the input jacks. If this happens, either turn down the MASTER VOLUME control or connect components to the input jacks. • Muting of PRE OUT jacks, H[...]

6 5 CONNECTIONS • Do not plug in the AC cord until all connections have been completed. • Be sure to connect the left and right channels properly (left with left, right with right). • Insert the plugs securely . Incomplete connections will result in the generation of noise. • Use the AC OUTLETS for audio equipment only . Do not use them for[...]

7 Connecting video components • T o connect the video signal, connect using a 75 Ω /ohms video signal cable cord. Using an improper cable can result in a drop in video quality . • When making connections, also refer to the operating instructions of the other components. TV or DBS tuner Connecting a TV/DBS tuner TV/DBS • Connect the TV’ s [...]

8 Connecting a video component equipped with S-Video jacks • When making connections, also refer to the operating instructions of the other components. • A note on the S input jacks The input selectors for the S inputs and pin jack inputs work in conjunction with each other . • Precaution when using S-jacks This unit’ s S-jacks (input and o[...]

9 Connecting the antenna terminals DIRECTION OF BROADCASTING ST A TION 75 Ω /ohms COAXIAL CABLE FM ANTENNA 300 Ω /ohms FEEDER CABLE FM INDOOR ANTENNA (Supplied) 300 Ω /ohms AM LOOP ANTENNA (Supplied) AM OUTDOOR ANTENNA GROUND AM loop antenna assembly FM antenna adopter assembly Connect to the AM antenna terminals. Remove the vinyl tie and tak[...]

10 Connecting a Video Component Equipped with Color Difference (Component - Y , C R , C B ) Video Jacks (DVD Player) • When making connections, also refer to the operating instructions of the other components. • The signals input to the color difference (component) video jacks are not output from the VIDEO output jack (yellow) or the S-Video ou[...]

11 Connecting the external input (EXT . IN) jacks • These jacks are for inputting multi-channel audio signals from an outboard decoder , or a component with a different type of mu lti-channel decoder , such as a Super Audio DVD player , or a multi-channel SACD player , or other future multi-channel sound format decoder . • When making connectio[...]

12 Speaker system connections • Connect the speaker terminals with the speakers making sure that like polarities are matched ( ≈ with ≈ , √ with √ ). Mismatching of polarities will result in weak central sound, unclear orientation of the various instruments, and the sense of direction of the stereo being impaired. • When making connecti[...]

13 • This unit is equipped with a high-speed protection circuit. The purpose of this circuit is to protect the speakers under circumstances such as when the output of the power amplifier is inadvertently short-circuited and a large current flows, when the temperature surrounding the unit becomes unusually high, or when the unit is used at high ou[...]

14 6 P AR T NAMES AND FUNCTIONS Front Panel • For details on the functions of these parts, refer to the pages given in parentheses ( ). q Power ON/ST ANDBY switch ....................................................(41) w Headphones jack (PHONES) ....................................................(44) e MUL TI button ............................[...]

15 1 2 3 45 6 789 +1 0 0 TV/ VCR OFF TV CD CDR/MD / TAPE RECEIVER VCR DBS/ CABLE SKIP SKIP ENTER MEMORY VOLUME CHANNEL + - + - VDP DVD POWER REMOTE CONTROL UNIT RC-883 ON / SOURCE TUNER VDP VCR-1 VCR-2 / V.AUX DVD TV/DBS CDR/ TAPE PHONO CD SURROUND INPUT OUTPUT TEST TONE SPEAKER 6.1 / 7.1 SURROUND 5CH / 7CH ANALOG EXT.IN MODE CALL 2 BACKLIGHT CALL [...]

16 SKIP SKIP ENTER MEMORY VOLUME CHANNEL + - + - TUNER PHONO CD DISPLAY RETURN SETUP MENU SHIFT SURR. PARA. OSD A/B MUTING BAND MODE TUNING TUNING 7 SETTING UP THE SYSTEM • Once all connections with other A V components have been completed as described in “CONNECTIONS” (see pages 6 to 13), make the various settings described below on the moni[...]

17 • Speaker system layout Basic system layout • The following is an example of the basic layout for a system consisting of eight speaker systems and a television monitor: With the A VR-3801 it is also possible to use the surround speaker selector function to choose the best layout for a variety of sources and surround modes. Subwoofer Center s[...]

18 Before setting up the system 1 2 Check that all the connections are correct, then turn on the main unit’ s power . SETUP Display the System Setup Menu. Make this setting to switch the power amplifier for the surround back channel to Multi. 1 At the System Setup Menu, select “Power Amp Assignment” and press the ENTER button BAND MODE TUNING[...]

19 2 3 ENTER SHIFT BAND MODE TUNING TUNING BAND MODE TUNING TUNING Switch to the speaker configuration screen. Set whether or not speakers are connected and, if so, their size parameters. • T o select the speaker • T o select the parameter 4 ENTER SHIFT Enter the setting. a) If no surround speakers are used (if “None” is set for both A and [...]

20 2 ENTER SHIFT Enter the setting. When “Front” is set to “Large” and “Subwoofer” is set to “Y es”, the set switches to the subwoofer mode. Speaker type setting when using both surround speakers A and B If “Small” is set for either surround speakers A or B, the output is the same as when “Small” is set for both A and B. Set[...]

21 2 Select the desired setting. We recommend setting this to “OFF”. When set to “ON”, the operation for software for which no identification signals are recorded is set. BAND MODE TUNING TUNING 3 Enter the setting. The System Setup Menu reappears. ENTER SHIFT Setting OFF ............Set the “OFF” mode to perform 6.1-channel playback wi[...]

22 2 3 4 5 6 ENTER SHIFT BAND MODE TUNING TUNING BAND MODE TUNING TUNING BAND MODE TUNING TUNING Switch to the Delay T ime screen. Select the desired unit, meters or feet. Select (darken) the desired units, “Meters” or “Feet”. Once “Meters” or “Feet” is selected in step 3, the Delay T ime screen appears automatically . Select the sp[...]

23 7 ENTER SHIFT Enter the setting. The System Setup Menu reappears. The A VR-3801 automatically sets the optimum surround delay time for the listening room. NOTE: • If the distance unit is changed after the delay time is set, the settings are reset to the factory default values (see page 16 ). Setting the channel level • Use this setting to ad[...]

24 6 7 8 BAND MODE TUNING TUNING Select “T est T one Start”. BAND MODE TUNING TUNING BAND MODE TUNING TUNING BAND MODE TUNING TUNING BAND MODE TUNING TUNING Select “Y es”. 9 ENTER SHIFT After the above settings are completed, press the ENTER button. The “Channel Level” screen reappears. T o cancel the settings, select “Level Clear” [...]

25 Setting the Digital In Assignment • This setting assigns the digital input jacks of the A VR-3801 for the different input sources. 1 2 3 4 BAND MODE TUNING TUNING ENTER SHIFT BAND MODE TUNING TUNING ENTER SHIFT BAND MODE TUNING TUNING At the System Setup Menu select “Digital In Assignment”. Switch to the Digital Inputs screen. Select the d[...]

26 Multi V ol. Level Set the multi pre-out output level adjustment. 1 BAND MODE TUNING TUNING At the “System Setup Menu” screen, select “Multi V ol. Level” and press the ENTER button. 2 3 BAND MODE TUNING TUNING ENTER SHIFT Enter the setting. The “System Setup Menu” reappears. Select the desired settimg. 0 dB, -40 dB: The output level i[...]

27 4 ENTER SHIFT Enter the setting. The System Setup Menu reappears. BAND MODE TUNING TUNING Auto tuner presets Use this to automatically search for FM broadcasts and store up to 40 stations at preset channels A1 to 8, B1 to 8, C1 to 8, D1 to 8 and E1 to 8. NOTE: • If an FM station cannot be preset automatically due to poor reception, use the “[...]

28 After completing system setup This button can be pressed at any time during the system setup process to complete the process. SETUP 1 At the System Setup Menu, press the SYSTEM SETUP button. The changed settings are entered and the on-screen display turns off. • On-screen display signals Signals input to the A VR-3801 VIDEO signal input jack ([...]

29 8 REMOTE CONTROL UNIT • The included remote control unit (RC-883) can be used to operate not only the A VR-3801 but other remote control compatible DENON components as well. In addition, the memory contains the control signals for other remote control units, so it can be used to operate non-Denon remote control compatible products. Inserting t[...]

30 Operating DENON audio components 1 2 Use the mode selector buttons to select the component you want to operate. The mode switches between “AMP”, “TUNER” and “MUL TI” each time the RECEIVER button is pressed, between “CDR”, “MD” and “T APE” each time the CDR/MD/T APE button is pressed, between “DBS” and “CABLE” eac[...]

31 Preset memory 1 2 3 45 6 789 +10 0 TV/ VCR OFF TV CD CDR/MD/ TAPE RECEIVER VCR DBS/CABLE SKIP SKIP ENTER MEMORY VOLUME CHANNEL + - + - VDP DVD POWER REMOTE CONTROL UNIT RC-883 ON / SOURCE TUNER VDP VCR-1 VCR-2/ V.AUX DVD TV/DBS CDR/TAPE PHONO CD SURROUND INPUT OUTPUT TEST TONE SPEAKER 6.1 / 7.1 SURROUND 5CH / 7CH ANALOG EXT.IN MODE CALL 2 BACKLI[...]

32 Checking the preset memory settings 1 2 3 ON / SOURCE OFF ENTER SHIFT BAND MODE TUNING TUNING ENTER SHIFT Press the power ON/SOURCE button and the OFF button at the same time. • “SET UP” appears on the remote control unit’ s display . Press the ENTER button. Use the D and H cursor buttons to display “CODE NO” on the remote control un[...]

33 1 2 3 45 6 789 +10 0 TV/ VCR OFF TV CD CDR/MD/ TAPE RECEIVER VCR DBS/CABLE SKIP SKIP ENTER MEMORY VOLUME CHANNEL + - + - VDP DVD POWER REMOTE CONTROL UNIT RC-883 ON / SOURCE TUNER VDP VCR-1 VCR-2 /V.AUX DVD TV/DBS CDR/ TAPE PHONO CD SURROUND INPUT OUTPUT TEST TONE SPEAKER 6.1 / 7.1 SURROUND 5CH / 7CH ANALOG EXT.IN MODE CALL 2 BACKLIGHT CALL 1 ST[...]

34 Learning function If your A V component is not a Denon product or if it cannot be operated using the preset memory , it can be controlled with the included remote control unit by storing its remote control signals in the remote control unit. 1 2 3 45 6 789 +10 0 TV/ VCR OFF TV CD CDR/MD/ TAPE RECEIVER VCR DBS/CABLE SKIP SKIP ENTER MEMORY VOLUME [...]

35 System call (1) System call buttons The buttons that can be used for the system call function are shown on the diagram at the right. System call signals can be stored at different buttons according to the mode. System call signals can be stored at a maximum of 6 buttons other than the CALL 1 and CALL 2 buttons. 29 successive operations can be se[...]

36 5 6 Use the D and H cursor buttons to select the mode for the button at which the system call signals are to be registered, then press the ENTER button. “SELECT KEY” is displayed. Press the button at which the system call signals are to be registered, then press the ENTER button. • “ENTER KEYS” is displayed, then the mode display appea[...]

37 4 Use the D and H cursor buttons to display “RESET SYS” on the remote control unit, then press the ENTER button. • “SYS SEL” appears on the remote control unit’ s display . The remote control unit’ s display switches as shown below each time the D and H cursor buttons are pressed. q T o reset CALL 1 or CALL 2, select “SYS CALL 1?[...]

38 4 5 6 7 BAND MODE TUNING TUNING ENTER SHIFT BAND MODE TUNING TUNING ENTER SHIFT ENTER SHIFT Use the D and H cursor buttons to display “RESET PRE” on the remote control unit, then press the ENTER button. • After “SEL PRE” is displayed on the remote control unit’ s display , the registered preset memory is displayed on the remote contr[...]

39 • This function is for resetting all the settings to the factory defaults. 1 2 3 45 6 789 +10 0 TV/ VCR OFF TV CD CDR/MD/ TAPE RECEIVER VCR DBS/CABLE SKIP SKIP ENTER MEMORY VOLUME CHANNEL + - + - VDP DVD POWER REMOTE CONTROL UNIT RC-883 ON / SOURCE TUNER VDP VCR-1 VCR-2/ V.AUX DVD TV/DBS CDR/TAPE PHONO CD SURROUND INPUT OUTPUT TEST TONE SPEAKE[...]

40 Auto search function • The set is equipped with a function for searching for the registration number if you do not know the preset code (a 4-digit number) when setting the preset memory . 1 2 For TV , DBS or CABLE components, turn on the component’ s power . For CD, MD, T APE, DVD, VCR and VDP component’ s, turn on the component’ s power[...]

41 9 OPERA TION Before operating 1 Refer to “CONNECTIONS” (pages 6 to 13) and check that all connections are correct. 2 Select “AMP” using the RECEIVER button. (only when operating with the remote control unit) 3 T urn on the power . Press the POWER switch (button). RECEIVER ON / STANDBY (Main unit) (Remote control unit) Light ON / SOURCE O[...]

42 Playing the input source 1 Select the input source to be played. FUNCTION Example: CD 3 CD (Main unit) (Remote control unit) T o select the input source when REC MUL TI OUT or TUNING PRESET is selected, press the SOURCE button then operate the input function selector . 2 Select the input mode. • Selecting the analog mode Press the ANALOG butto[...]

43 LOCK SIGNAL DIGITAL LOCK SIGNAL DIGITAL LOCK SIGNAL DIGITAL ANALOG DIGIT AL DIGIT AL DIGIT AL ANALOG AUTO INPUT PCM DTS AUTO INPUT PCM DTS AUTO INPUT PCM DTS AUTO INPUT PCM DTS PCM • Selecting the PCM mode Press the PCM button to switch to the PCM signal input. DTS • Selecting the DTS mode Press the DTS button to switch to the DTS signal inp[...]

44 After starting playback [1] Adjusting the sound quality (TONE) The tone control function will not work in the direct mode. 1 The tone switches as follows each time the TONE CONTROL button is pressed. TONE CONTROL (Main unit) 2 With the name of the volume to be adjusted selected, turn the SELECT knob to adjust the level. SELECT NOTE: T o prevent [...]

45 Multi-source recording/playback [1] Playing one source while recording another (REC OUT mode) 1 Press the REC button. REC 2 With “RECOUT SOURCE” displayed, turn the FUNCTION knob to select the source you wish to record. • The “REC” indicator and the indicator of the selected source light. FUNCTION 3 Set the recording mode. • For oper[...]

46 [3] Remote control unit operations during multi-source playback (selecting the input source) This operation is possible when Multi mode is selected. This operation is not possible in the REC OUT mode. 1 Select “MUL TI” using the RECEIVER button. (Remote control unit) 2 Press the input source button. The multi source switches directly . [4] R[...]

47 Playback using the external input (EXT . IN) jacks 1 Set the external input (EXT . IN) mode. Press the EXT . IN to switch the external input. EXT.IN EXT.IN (Main unit) (Remote control unit) Once this is selected, the input signals connected to the FL (front left), FR (front right), C (center), SL (surround left), SR (surround right), SBL (surrou[...]

48 2 MUL TI ROOM MUSIC ENTERT AINMENT SYSTEM (When using SPEAKER OUT) ANOTHER ROOM MAIN ROOM PROGRAMMABLE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT SYSTEM REMOTE CONTROL UNIT RC-883 ROOM-TO-ROOM REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM (separately sold) control line MUL TI SOURCE SPEAKER cable SPEAKER cable * Refer to CONNECTIONS on pages 6 to 13. Multi-source and multi-zone playback MUL [...]

49 10 SURROUND Before playing with the surround function • Before playing with the surround function, be sure to use the test tones to adjust the playback level fr om the different speakers. This adjustment can be performed with the system setup (see page 23) or from the remote control unit, as described below . • Adjusting with the remote cont[...]

50 Fader function • This function makes it possible to lower the volume of the front channels (FL, C and FR) or the rear channels (SL, SR, SBL and SBR) together . Use it for example to adjust the balance of the sound from the different positions when playing multi-channel music sources. 1 Select “F ADER”. CH.VOL ENTER SHIFT (Main unit) (Remot[...]

51 Dolby Digital mode (only with digital input) and DTS Surround mode (only with digital input) 1 Select the input source. Playback with a digital input q Select an input source set to digital (COAXIAL/OPTICAL) (see page 25). FUNCTION 5 VDP (Main unit) (Remote control unit) w Set the input mode to “AUTO” or “DTS”. AUTO DTS MODE (Main unit) [...]

52 4 Display the surround parameter menu. SURR. PARA. (Remote control unit) SURROUND PARAMETER (Main unit) (When displayed with the remote control unit) (When displayed with the buttons on the main unit) 5 Select the various parameters. SURROUND PARAMETER 6 BAND MODE TUNING TUNING (Remote control unit) (Main unit) SELECT BAND MODE TUNING TUNING (Re[...]

53 11 DSP SURROUND SIMULA TION • The A VR-3801 is equipped with a high performance DSP (Digital Signal Processor) which uses digital signal processing to synthetically recreate the sound field. One of seven preset surround modes can be selected according to the program source and the parameters can be a djusted according to the conditions in the [...]

54 DSP surround simulation 1 Select the surround mode for the input channel. • T o operate the surround mode and surround parameters from the remote control unit. The surround mode switches in the following order each time the DSP SIMULA TION button is pressed: SURROUND 6.1 / 7.1 SURROUND 5CH / 7CH STEREO STEREO DOLBY/DTS SURROUND DSP SIMU. DIREC[...]

55 • Operating the surround mode and surround parameters from the main unit‘s panel. 1 T urn the SELECT knob to select the surround mode. SELECT • When turned clockwise • When turned counterclockwise 2 Press the SURROUND P ARAMETER button. Press and hold in the surround parameter button to select the parameter you want to set. • The param[...]

56 T one control setting • Use the tone control setting to adjust the bass and treble as desired. • T o operate the tone control from the remote control unit. 1 Display the surround parameter screen on the monitor . The screen for the selected surround mode appears. “TONE” cannot be selected in the Direct mode. SURR. PARA. 1 2 3 45 6 789 +1[...]

57 Surround parameters w MODE: (DTS NEO:6) • Cinema This mode is optimum for playing movies. Decoding is performed with emphasis on separation performance to achieve the same atmosphere with 2-channel sources as with 6.1-channel sources. This mode is effective for playing sources recorded in conventional surround formats as well, because the in-p[...]

58 12 LISTENING TO THE RADIO If tuning does not stop at the desired station, use to the “Manual tuning” operation. 1 Set the input function to “TUNER”. FUNCTION 3 Watching the display , press the BAND button to select the desired band (AM or FM). BAND MODE TUNING TUNING 4 Press the MODE button to set the auto tuning mode. BAND MODE TUNING T[...]

59 Checking the preset stations 1 Use the “Auto tuning” or “Manual tuning” operation to tune in the station to be preset in the memory . 2 Press the MEMORY button. MEMORY RETURN A/B 3 ENTER SHIFT Press the SHIFT button and select the desired memory block (A to E). 4 SKIP SKIP CHANNEL + - Press the CHANNEL + (UP) or – (DOWN) button to sele[...]

60 Recalling preset stations • T o call out preset stations from the remote control unit. 1 Watching the display , press the SHIFT button to select the preset memory block. ENTER SHIFT SKIP SKIP CHANNEL + - (Remote control unit) 2 Watching the display , press the CHANNEL + (UP) or – (DOWN) button to select the desired preset channel. (Remote co[...]

61 15 TROUBLESHOOTING If a problem should arise,first check the following. 1. Are the connections correct ? 2. Have you operated the receiver according to the Operating Instructions ? 3. Are the speakers, turntable and other components operating proper ty ? If this unit is not operating properly , check the items listed in the table below . Should [...]

62 16 ADDITIONAL INFORMA TION Optimum surround sound for different sources There are currently various types of multi-channel signals (signals or formats with more than two channels). 2 T ypes of multi-channel signals Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic, DTS, high definition 3-1 signals (Japan MUSE Hi-Vision audio), DVD-Audio, SACD (Super Audio CD), MPE[...]

63 Surround back speakers A 6.1-channel system is a conventional 5.1-channel system to which the “surround back” (SB) channel has been added. This makes it easy to achieve sound positioned directly behind the listener , something that was previously difficult with sources designed for conven tional multi surround speakers. In addition, the acou[...]

64 • Set the front speakers, center speaker and subwoofer in the same positions as in example (1). • It is best to place the surround speakers directly at the side or slightly to the front of the viewing position, and 60 to 90 cm above the ears. • Same as surround back speaker installation method (1). Using dipolar speakers for the surround b[...]

65 • Set the front speakers slightly wider apart than the setup for watching movies only and point them toward the listening position in order assure clear positioning of the sound. • Set the center speaker in the same positions as in example (1). • Set surround speakers A for watching movies in the positions described in example (1) or (2), [...]

66 Surround The A VR-3801 is equipped with a digital signal processing circuit that lets you play program sources in the surround mode to ac hieve the same sense of presence as in a movie theater . Dolby Surround (1) Dolby Digital (Dolby Surround AC-3) Dolby Digital is the multi-channel digital signal format developed by Dolby Laboratories. Dolby D[...]

67 (2) Dolby Pro Logic Dolby Pro Logic is a multi-channel signal playback system developed by Dolby Laboratories which decodes sources recorded in Dol by Surround into four channels: front left, center , front right and surround (the surround channel is monaural, but is played thro ugh two surround speakers). Here, “sources recorded in Dolby Surr[...]

68 DTS-ES Extended Surround TM DTS-ES Extended Surround is a new multi-channel digital signal format developed by Digital Theater Systems Inc. While offering high compatibility with the conventional DTS Digital Surround format, DTS-ES Extended Surround greatly improves the 360-degree surround impression and space expression thanks to further expand[...]

69 System setup items and default values (set upon shipment from the factory) Surround modes and parameters C : Signal/adjustable B : T urned on or off by speaker configuration setting E : No signal/not adjustable Signals and adjustability in the different modes Channel output Parameter (default values are shown in parentheses) TONE CONTROL CINEMA [...]

70 17 SPECIFICA TIONS 2 Audio section • Power amplifier Rated output: Front: 105 W + 105 W (8 Ω /ohms, 20 Hz ~ 20 kHz with 0.05% T .H.D.) 150 W + 150 W (6 Ω /ohms, 1 kHz with 0.7% T .H.D.) Center: 105 W (8 Ω /ohms, 20 Hz ~ 20 kHz with 0.05% T .H.D.) 150 W (6 Ω /ohms, 1 kHz with 0.7% T .H.D.) Surround: 105 W + 105 W (8 Ω /ohms, 20 Hz ~ 2[...]

14-14, AKASAKA 4-CHOME, MINA TO-KU, TOKYO 107-8011, JAP AN T elephone: (03) 3584-8111 Printed in Japan 511 3663 106[...]