Page 3 - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS; C A U T I O N; RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK; CAUTION; NOTE ON USE / OBSERVATIONS RELATIVES A L’UTILISATION
2 2 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS C A U T I O N RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DONOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICINGTO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within anequilateral triang...
Page 4 - SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS; B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the
3 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1. Read Instructions – All the safety and operating instructionsshould be read before the appliance is operated. 2. Retain Instructions – The safety and operating instructionsshould be retained for future reference. 3. Heed Warnings – All warnings on the appliance and in theope...
Page 5 - TABLE OF CONTENTS; Remote control unit; BEFORE USING; power cord and input/output connection cords.; Wall
4 2 INTRODUCTION 2 ACCESSORIES Thank you for choosing the DENON AVR-3801 Digital Surround A / V receiver. This remarkable component has been engineered to provide superbsurround sound listening with home theater sources such as DVD, as well as providing outstanding high fidelity reproduction of your...
Page 6 - Digital Surround Sound Decoding
5 3 CAUTIONS ON HANDLING 4 FEATURES • Switching the input function when input jacks are notconnected A clicking noise may be produced if the input function is switchedwhen nothing is connected to the input jacks. If this happens, eitherturn down the MASTER VOLUME control or connect componentsto the ...
Page 7 - CONNECTIONS; • Do not plug in the AC cord until all connections have been; Connecting the audio components
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 a...
Page 8 - Connecting video components; • To connect the video signal, connect using a 75
7 Connecting video components • To 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...
Page 9 - Connecting a video component equipped with S-Video jacks; A note on the S input jacks
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...
Page 10 - Connecting the antenna terminals; AM loop antenna assembly
9 Connecting the antenna terminals DIRECTION OF BROADCASTING STATION 75 Ω /ohms COAXIAL CABLE FM ANTENNA 300 Ω /ohms FEEDERCABLE FM INDOORANTENNA(Supplied) 300 Ω /ohms AM LOOPANTENNA(Supplied) AM OUTDOORANTENNA GROUND AM loop antenna assembly FM antenna adopter assembly Connect to the AMantenna term...
Page 11 - color difference output.; Connecting a DVD player; • Connect the DVD player’s color difference; Connecting a monitor TV; • Connect the TV’s color difference; • The color difference input jacks may be indicated differently on
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 ...
Page 12 - Connecting the MULTI ZONE jacks; in another room at the same time.; Another room
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 multi-channel decoder, such as a Super Audio DVD player, or a multi-channel SACD player, or other future multi-channel sound ...
Page 13 - Speaker system connections; Connections
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 b...
Page 15 - PART NAMES AND FUNCTIONS; Front Panel; Display
14 6 PART NAMES AND FUNCTIONS Front Panel • For details on the functions of these parts, refer to the pages given in parentheses ( ). q Power ON/STANDBY switch....................................................(41) w Headphones jack (PHONES) ....................................................(44) ...
Page 16 - BACKLIGHT button
15 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +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...
Page 17 - SETTING UP THE SYSTEM; SYSTEM SETUP button; left
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 AV components have been completed as described in “CONNECTIONS” (see pages 6 to 13), make the v...
Page 18 - Speaker system layout; Subwoofer; Surround speaker selector function; Using A only
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 AVR-3801 it is also possible to use the surround speaker selector function to choose the best layout for a variety of so...
Page 19 - Before setting up the system; Display the System Setup Menu.; Setting the power amplifier assignment; combination of speakers actually being used.
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 AmpAssignment” an...
Page 20 - Parameters
19 2 3 ENTER SHIFT BAND MODE TUNING TUNING BAND MODE TUNING TUNING Switch to the speaker configuration screen. Set whether or not speakers areconnected and, if so, their sizeparameters.• To select the speaker • To select the parameter 4 ENTER SHIFT Enter the setting.a) If no surround speakers are us...
Page 21 - Setting the Subwoofer mode; Select the Subwoofer mode.; — Assignment of low frequency signal range —
20 2 ENTER SHIFT Enter the setting.When “Front” is set to “Large” and “Subwoofer” is set to “Yes”, the set switches to the subwoofer mode. Speaker type setting when using both surround speakers A and BIf “Small” is set for either surround speakers A or B, the output is the same as when “Small” is se...
Page 22 - Select the desired setting.; Setting; identification signal described below is not recorded.; Setting the delay time; At the System Setup Menu select “Delay Time”.
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” mod...
Page 23 - Example: When “Feet” is selected
22 2 3 4 5 6 ENTER SHIFT BAND MODE TUNING TUNING BAND MODE TUNING TUNING BAND MODE TUNING TUNING Switch to the Delay Time 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, theDelay Time screen appears...
Page 24 - Setting the channel level; At the System Setup Menu select “Channel Level”.; System Setup Menu (when both A and B have been set to “Large” or “Small”).
23 7 ENTER SHIFT Enter the setting.The System Setup Menu reappears.The AVR-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 ...
Page 25 - Example: When the volume is set to –12 dB
24 6 7 8 BAND MODE TUNING TUNING Select “Test Tone Start”. BAND MODE TUNING TUNING BAND MODE TUNING TUNING BAND MODE TUNING TUNING BAND MODE TUNING TUNING Select “Yes”. 9 ENTER SHIFT After the above settings are completed, press the ENTER button. The “Channel Level” screen reappears. To cancel the s...
Page 26 - Setting the Digital In Assignment; At the System Setup Menu select “Digital In Assignment”.
25 Setting the Digital In Assignment • This setting assigns the digital input jacks of the AVR-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...
Page 28 - Auto tuner presets; using the manual “Preset memory” operation.
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 a...
Page 29 - After completing system setup; At the System Setup Menu, press the SYSTEM SETUP button.; On-screen display signals; connected to the S-video MONITOR OUT video signal output jack.
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 ...
Page 30 - REMOTE CONTROL UNIT; Inserting the batteries; Notes on Batteries; Using the remote control unit
29 8 REMOTE CONTROL UNIT • The included remote control unit (RC-883) can be used to operate not only the AVR-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-Denonr...
Page 31 - Operating DENON audio components; It may not be possible to operate some models.; Tuner system buttons
30 Operating DENON audio components 1 2 Use the mode selector buttons to select the component youwant to operate. The mode switches between “AMP”, “TUNER” and“MULTI” each time the RECEIVER button is pressed,between “CDR”, “MD” and “TAPE” each time theCDR/MD/TAPE button is pressed, between “DBS” and“...
Page 32 - Preset memory
31 Preset memory 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +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 ...
Page 34 - Some models cannot be operated with this remote control unit.; buttons
33 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +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...
Page 35 - Learning function
34 Learning function If your AV component is not a Denon product or if it cannot be operated using the preset memory, it can be controlled with the included remotecontrol unit by storing its remote control signals in the remote control unit. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10 0 TV/ VCR OFF TV CD CDR/MD / TAPE RE...
Page 36 - System call
35 System call (1) System call buttons The buttons that can be used for the system call function areshown on the diagram at the right. System call signals can be stored at different buttons according tothe mode. System call signals can be stored at a maximum of 6buttons other than the CALL 1 and CAL...
Page 37 - Resetting
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 thesystem call signals are to be registered, then press theENTER button.• “ENTER KEYS” is di...
Page 41 - Auto search function
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) whensetting the preset memory. 1 2 For TV, DBS or CABLE components, turn on the component’spower. For CD, MD, TAPE, DVD, VCR and VDP component...
Page 42 - OPERATION; Before operating
41 9 OPERATION Before operating 1 Refer to “CONNECTIONS” (pages 6 to 13) and check that allconnections are correct. 2 Select “AMP” using the RECEIVER button. (only when operating with the remote control unit) 3 Turn on the power.Press the POWER switch (button). RECEIVER ON / STANDBY (Main unit) (Rem...
Page 43 - Playing the input source; Input mode selection function; Note on playing a source encorded with DTS
42 Playing the input source 1 Select the input source to be played. FUNCTION Example: CD 3 CD (Main unit) (Remote control unit) To select the input source when RECMULTI OUT or TUNING PRESET isselected, press the SOURCE buttonthen operate the input functionselector. 2 Select the input mode.• Selectin...
Page 44 - Input mode display
43 LOCK SIGNAL DIGITAL LOCK SIGNAL DIGITAL LOCK SIGNAL DIGITAL ANALOG DIGITAL DIGITAL DIGITAL 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...
Page 45 - After starting playback; The tone control function will not work in the direct mode.; • To increase the bass or treble: Turn the control clockwise.; PHONES; • The output to the speaker and pre-out jacks is turned off; BASS
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 CONTROLbutton is pressed. TONE CONTROL (Main unit) 2 With the name of the volume to beadjusted selected, turn the SELECTknob...
Page 46 - [4] Combining the currently playing sound with the desired image
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 thesource you wish to record.• The “REC” indicator and the indicator of the selected source light. FUNCTION 3...
Page 47 - indicator of the selected source light.; respective components.
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 “MULTI” using theRECEIVER button. (Remote control unit) 2 Press the input sourcebutton.T...
Page 48 - • In play modes other than the external input mode, the signals
47 Playback using the external input (EXT. IN) jacks 1 Set the external input (EXT.IN) mode.Press the EXT. IN to switchthe 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 (surro...
Page 49 - MULTI ROOM MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM (When using SPEAKER OUT); MULTI ROOM MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM; MULTI ROOM MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM (When using PREOUT)
48 2 MULTI ROOM MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM (When using SPEAKER OUT) ANOTHER ROOM MAIN ROOM PROGRAMMABLEREMOTECONTROL UNIT SYSTEM REMOTECONTROL UNIT RC-883 ROOM-TO-ROOM REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM(separately sold) control line MULTI SOURCE SPEAKER cable SPEAKER cable * Refer to CONNECTIONS on pages 6 to 13...
Page 50 - Before playing with the surround function; Press the TEST TONE button.; • The adjustment range for the different channels is +12 dB to
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 from the different speakers. This adjustment can be performed with the system setup (see page 23) or from the remote control unit, as descr...
Page 53 - Select the various parameters.; Adjust the parameter settings.; Surround parameters; This adjusts the tone control. (See “Surround parameters
52 4 Display thesurround parametermenu. 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...
Page 54 - 1 DSP SURROUND SIMULATION; Surround modes and their features; Personal Memory Plus
53 11 DSP SURROUND SIMULATION • The AVR-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...
Page 55 - DSP surround simulation
54 DSP surround simulation 1 Select the surround mode for the input channel. • To operate the surround mode and surround parameters from the remote control unit. The surround mode switches in the following order each timethe DSP SIMULATION button is pressed: SURROUND 6.1 / 7.1 SURROUND 5CH / 7CH STE...
Page 56 - Turn the SELECT knob to select the surround mode.; • When turned clockwise
55 • Operating the surround mode and surround parameters from the main unit‘s panel. 1 Turn the SELECT knob to select the surround mode. SELECT • When turned clockwise • When turned counterclockwise 2 Press the SURROUND PARAMETER button.Press and hold in the surround parameter button to select the p...
Page 57 - Tone control setting; To end the setting mode, press the surround parameter button again.; • To decrease the bass or treble:; TREBLE
56 Tone control setting • Use the tone control setting to adjust the bass and treble as desired.• To operate the tone control from the remote control unit. 1 Display the surround parameterscreen on the monitor. The screen for the selectedsurround mode appears.“TONE” cannot be selectedin the Direct m...
Page 58 - Cinema; Surround modes and parameters; : Turned on or off by speaker configuration setting
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 sameatmosphere with 2-channel sources as with 6.1-channel sources.This mode is effective for playing sources recorded in conventio...
Page 59 - 2 LISTENING TO THE RADIO; Auto tuning; “Auto” appears on the display.; Manual tuning; Set the input function to “TUNER”.
58 12 LISTENING TO THE RADIO If tuning does not stop at the desired station, use to the “Manualtuning” operation. 1 Set the input function to “TUNER”. FUNCTION 3 Watching the display, press theBAND button to select the desiredband (AM or FM). BAND MODE TUNING TUNING 4 Press the MODE button to set th...
Page 60 - Checking the preset stations; Press the MEMORY button.; • When in the auto tuning mode on the FM band, the “STEREO”
59 Checking the preset stations 1 Use the “Auto tuning” or “Manual tuning” operation to tunein 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 selectthe desired memory block (A to E). 4 SKIP SKIP CHANNEL + - Press the CHA...
Page 61 - Recalling preset stations; • To call out preset stations from the remote control unit.; 3 LAST FUNCTION MEMORY; power switch is off and with the power cord disconnected.; 4 INITIALIZATION OF THE MICROPROCESSOR; • Calling out preset stations from the main unit‘s panel.
60 Recalling preset stations • To call out preset stations from the remote control unit. 1 Watching the display, press theSHIFT button to select the presetmemory block. ENTER SHIFT SKIP SKIP CHANNEL + - (Remote control unit) 2 Watching the display, press theCHANNEL + (UP) or – (DOWN)button to select...
Page 62 - 5 TROUBLESHOOTING; When playing records
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 property ? If this unit is not operating properly, check ...
Page 63 - 6 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION; Optimum surround sound for different sources; Types of multi-channel signals; SB; Multiple surround speakers; Other types of audio
62 16 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Optimum surround sound for different sources There are currently various types of multi-channel signals (signals or formats with more than two channels). 2 Types of multi-channel signals Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic, DTS, high definition 3-1 signals (Japan MUSE Hi-Visi...
Page 64 - Surround back speakers; SR ch; Change of positioning and acoustic image; Number of surround back speakers
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 toachieve sound positioned directly behind the listener, something that was previously difficult with sources designed for conventional mul...
Page 65 - Speaker setting examples; (1) Basic setting for primarily watching movies
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...
Page 66 - position in order assure clear positioning of the sound.; (3) When using different surround speakers for movies and music; When not using surround back speakers; subwoofer within the listening room.
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 ...
Page 67 - Surround; Dolby Surround; Marks indicating Dolby Digital compatibility:
66 Surround The AVR-3801 is equipped with a digital signal processing circuit that lets you play program sources in the surround mode to achieve the samesense of presence as in a movie theater. Dolby Surround (1) Dolby Digital (Dolby Surround AC-3) Dolby Digital is the multi-channel digital signal f...
Page 68 - Dolby Pro Logic compatible media and playback methods; Mark indicating Dolby Pro Logic compatibility:; DTS Digital Surround; DTS compatible media and playback methods; Marks indicating DTS compatibility:
67 (2) Dolby Pro Logic Dolby Pro Logic is a multi-channel signal playback system developed by Dolby Laboratories which decodes sources recorded in DolbySurround into four channels: front left, center, front right and surround (the surround channel is monaural, but is played through two surroundspeak...
Page 69 - DTS-ES Extended Surround; surround
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 compatibilitywith the conventional DTS Digital Surround format, DTS-ES Extended Surround greatly improves the 360-degree surround impress...
Page 71 - 7 SPECIFICATIONS
70 17 SPECIFICATIONS 2 Audio section • Power amplifierRated 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...
