Denon AVR-3801 Operating Instructions Manual

Denon av surround receiver operating instructions avr-3801

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Page 1 We greatly appreciate your purchase of the AVR-3801. To be sure you take maximum advantage of all the features the AVR-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 arise.
Page 3: Safety Precautions
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. 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 PARTS INSIDE.
Page 4: Safety Instructions
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Read Instructions – All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated. Retain Instructions – The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. Heed Warnings – All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
Page 5: Table Of Contents
INTRODUCTION Thank you for choosing the DENON AVR-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.
Page 6: Cautions On Handling
The AVR-3801 is compatible with DTS-ES Extended Surround, a new multi-channel format developed by Digital Theater Systems Inc. The AVR-3801 is also compatible with DTS Neo:6, a surround mode allowing 6.1-channel playback of regular stereo sources. 5. Wide screen mode for a 7.1-channel sound even with 5.1-channel sources...
Page 7: Connections
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.
Page 8: Connecting Video Components
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/DBS tuner TV/DBS...
Page 9: Connection Cords
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. •...
Page 10: Connecting The Antenna Terminals
Connecting the antenna terminals DIRECTION OF BROADCASTING STATION FM ANTENNA 75 Ω/ohms COAXIAL CABLE FM ANTENNA ADAPTER (Supplied) FM INDOOR 300 Ω/ohms ANTENNA (Supplied) • An F-type FM antenna cable plug can be connected directly. • If the FM antenna cable’s plug is not of the F-type, connect using the included antenna adapter. AM loop antenna assembly Connect to the AM antenna terminals.
Page 11: Dvd Player
In addition, the video signals input to the VIDEO input (yellow) and S-Video input jacks are not output to the color difference (component) video jacks. • The AVR-3801’s on-screen display signals are not output from the color difference (component) video output jacks (MONITOR OUT). • Some video sources with component video outputs are labeled Y, C color difference output.
Page 12 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 format decoder. •...
Page 13: Speaker System Connections
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.
Page 14 If the protection circuit is activated again even though there are no problems with the wiring or the ventilation around the unit, switch off the power and contact a DENON service center. • The protector circuit may be activated if the set is played for long periods of time at high volumes when speakers with an impedance lower than the specified impedance (for example speakers with an impedance of lower than 4 Ω/ohms) are...
Page 15: Part Names And Functions
6 PART NAMES AND FUNCTIONS Front Panel • For details on the functions of these parts, refer to the pages given in parentheses ( ). Power ON/STANDBY switch...(41) Headphones jack (PHONES) ...(44) MULTI button ...(46) Surround speaker system indicators (SURROUND SPEAKER A/B) AUTO button ...(42) PCM button ...(43) DTS button ...(43)
Page 16 Remote control unit • For details on the functions of these parts, refer to the pages given in parentheses ( ). DISPLAY/SURR. PARA button ...(52) System setup/ system buttons ...(16) Tuner system/ system button ...(16) System buttons ...(59) ENTER/system button...(16) Speaker selector button ...(54) TEST TONE button ...(49) Surround mode buttons ...(54)
Page 17: Setting Up The System
S-VIDEO MONITOR OUT jack. (For details, see page 28.) • The AVR-3801’s on-screen display function is designed for use with high resolution monitor TVs, so it may be difficult to read small characters on TVs with small screens or low resolutions.
Page 18 With the AVR-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.
Page 19 Before setting up the system Check that all the connections are correct, then turn on the main unit’s power. Display the System Setup Menu. SETUP Setting the power amplifier assignment Make this setting to switch the power amplifier for the surround back channel to Multi. TUNING ENTER SHIFT...
Page 20 Switch to the speaker configuration screen. ENTER SHIFT Set whether or not speakers are TUNING connected and, if so, their size parameters. BAND MODE • To select the speaker TUNING • To select the parameter TUNING BAND MODE TUNING Enter the setting. ENTER a) If no surround speakers are used (if “None”...
Page 21 Enter the setting. ENTER When “Front” is set to “Large” and “Subwoofer” is set to “Yes”, the set switches to the subwoofer mode. SHIFT 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. Setting the Subwoofer mode Select the Subwoofer mode.
Page 22: Setting The Delay Time
Select the desired setting. TUNING We recommend setting this to BAND MODE “OFF”. When set to “ON”, the TUNING operation for software for which no identification signals are recorded is set. Enter the setting. ENTER The System Setup Menu reappears. SHIFT Setting OFF...Set the “OFF”...
Page 23 Switch to the Delay Time screen. ENTER SHIFT Select the desired unit, meters or feet. TUNING Select (darken) the desired units, “Meters” or “Feet”. BAND MODE TUNING Once “Meters” or “Feet” is selected in step 3, the Delay Time screen appears automatically. Select the speaker to be set.
Page 24: Setting The Channel Level
Enter the setting. ENTER The System Setup Menu reappears. The AVR-3801 automatically sets the optimum surround delay time for the listening room. SHIFT 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).
Page 25 Select “Test Tone Start”. TUNING BAND MODE TUNING Select “Yes”. TUNING BAND MODE TUNING a. If the “Auto” mode is selected: Test tones are automatically emitted from the different speakers. The test tones are emitted from the different speakers in the following order, at 4-second intervals the first time and second time around, 2-second intervals the third time around and on: When the surround back speaker setting is set to “1spkr”...
Page 26 MD recorder or other digital recorder. Use this for digital recording between a digital audio source (stereo - 2 channel) and a digital audio recorder. • Do not connect the output of the component connected to the OPTICAL 3 OUT jack on the AVR-3801’s rear panel to any jack other than the OPTICAL 3 IN jack.
Page 27 Multi Vol. Level Set the multi pre-out output level adjustment. ENTER TUNING SHIFT BAND MODE TUNING Select the desired settimg. TUNING 0 dB, -40 dB: BAND MODE The output level is fixed at the set level and the volume can no longer be adjusted.
Page 28 Enter the setting. ENTER The System Setup Menu reappears. SHIFT 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: •...
Page 29 At the System Setup Menu, press the SYSTEM SETUP button. SETUP The changed settings are entered and the on-screen display turns off. • On-screen display signals Signals input to the AVR-3801 VIDEO signal input jack (yellow) (C: Signal E: No signal) NOTES: •...
Page 30: 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-Denon remote control compatible products.
Page 31: Operating Instructions
Operating DENON audio components Use the mode selector buttons to select the component you want to operate. The mode switches between “AMP”, “TUNER” “MULTI” each time the RECEIVER button is pressed, between “CDR”, “MD” and “TAPE” each time the CDR/MD/TAPE button is pressed, between “DBS” and “CABLE”...
Page 32 • Some manufacturers use more than one type of remote control code. Refer to the included list of preset codes to change the number and check. The preset codes are as follows upon shipment from the factory and after resetting: TV, VCR ...HITACHI CD, MD, TAPE, CDR, VDP, DVD, DVD SETUP...DENON DBS...GENERAL INSTRUMENT CABLE...JERROLD ON /...
Page 33 Checking the preset memory settings 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. ENTER SHIFT Use the D and H cursor buttons to display “CODE NO” on the remote control unit, then press the ENTER button.
Page 34 Operate the component. • For details, refer to the component’s operating instructions. Some models cannot be operated with this remote control unit. 1. Digital video disc player (DVD, DVD SETUP) system buttons POWER : Power on/standby (ON/SOURCE) : Manual search (forward and reverse) : Stop : Play...
Page 35 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 remote control unit by storing its remote control signals in the remote control unit.
Page 36 System call The included remote control unit is equipped with a system call function allowing a series of remote control signals to be transmitted by pressing a single button. This function can be used for example to turn on the amplifier’s power, select the input source, turn on the monitor TV’s power, turn on the source component’s power and set the source to the play mode, all at the touch of a button.
Page 37 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. TUNING BAND MODE TUNING “SELECT KEY” is displayed. Press the button at which the system call signals are to be registered, then press the ENTER button.
Page 38 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. TUNING BAND MODE TUNING The remote control unit’s display switches as shown below each time the D and H cursor buttons are pressed.
Page 39 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 control unit’s display.
Page 40 (4) All reset function • This function is for resetting all the settings to the factory defaults. 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. ENTER SHIFT Use the D and H cursor buttons to display “RESET”...
Page 41 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. For TV, DBS or CABLE components, turn on the component’s power.
Page 42: Operation
9 OPERATION Before operating Refer to “CONNECTIONS” (pages 6 to 13) and check that all connections are correct. Select “AMP” using the RECEIVER button. (only when operating with the remote control unit) RECEIVER (Remote control unit) Turn on the power. Press the POWER switch (button).
Page 43: Playing The Input Source
In this mode, the types of signals being input to the digital and analog input jacks for the selected input source are detected and the program in the AVR-3801’s surround decoder is selected automatically upon playback. This mode can be selected for all ANALOG input sources other than PHONO and TUNER.
Page 44 • Selecting the PCM mode Press the PCM button to switch to the PCM signal input. (Main unit) • Selecting the DTS mode Press the DTS button to switch to the DTS signal input. (Main unit) Select the play mode. Example: Stereo SURROUND SELECT...
Page 45 After starting playback [1] Adjusting the sound quality (TONE) The tone control function will not work in the direct mode. The tone switches as follows each time the TONE CONTROL button is pressed. TONE CONTROL (Main unit) With the name of the volume to be adjusted selected, turn the SELECT knob to adjust the level.
Page 46 [4] Combining the currently playing sound with the desired image Simulcast playback Use this switch to monitor a video source other than the audio source. Press the VIDEO SELECT button repeatedly until the desired source appears on the display. Cancelling simulcast playback. •...
Page 47 [2] Outputting a program source to an amplifier, etc., in a different room (MULTI mode) Press the MULTI button. The display switches as follows each time the button is pressed. With “M-SOURCE SOURCE” displayed, turn the FUNCTION knob and select the source you wish to output.
Page 48 Playback using the external input (EXT. IN) jacks Set the external input (EXT. IN) mode. Press the EXT. IN to switch the external input. (Main 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 (surround back left) and SBR (surround back right) channels of the EXT.
Page 49: Operation
Back Speaker OUT cannot be used for MAIN ROOM. (See page 18.) • When a sold separately room-to-room remote control unit (DENON RC-616, 617 or 618) is wired and connected between the main room and another room, the remote-controllable devices in the main room can be controlled from another room using the remote control unit.
Page 50: Surround
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 described below. •...
Page 51 • For operating instructions, refer to the manuals of the respective components. NOTE: • There are four Dolby Surround Pro Logic modes (NORMAL, PHANTOM, WIDE and 3CH. LOGIC). The AVR-3801 sets the mode automatically according to the types of speakers set during the system setup process (page 18). ENTER...
Page 52 Dolby Digital mode (only with digital input) and DTS Surround mode (only with digital input) Select the input source. Playback with a digital input q Select an input source set to digital (COAXIAL/OPTICAL) (see page 25). FUNCTION (Main unit) w Set the input mode to “AUTO” or “DTS”. AUTO (Main unit) Select the Dolby/DTS Surround mode.
Page 53 SURROUND PARAMETER SURR. PARA. (Main unit) (Remote control unit) Select the various parameters. SURROUND PARAMETER TUNING BAND TUNING (Main unit) (Remote control unit) 6.1 / 7.1 Surround: “ON” ...Sets to a status in which signals can be played from Surround Back ch. At this time the Surround Back CH OUTPUT indicator lights.
Page 54: Dsp Surround Simulation
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 adjusted according to the conditions in the listening room to achieve a more realistic, powerful sound.
Page 55 DSP surround simulation • To operate the surround mode and surround parameters from the remote control unit. Select the surround mode for the input channel. SURROUND DOLBY/DTS SURROUND SIMU. 6.1 / 7.1 DIRECT SURROUND (Remote control unit) The surround mode switches in the following order each time the DSP SIMULATION button is pressed: WIDE SCREEN MONO MOVIE...
Page 56 • Operating the surround mode and surround parameters from the main unit‘s panel. Turn the SELECT knob to select the surround mode. SELECT (Main unit) • When turned clockwise DIRECT STEREO DOLBY PRO LOGIC MATRIX VIDEO GAME • When turned counterclockwise DIRECT STEREO DOLBY PRO LOGIC...
Page 57: Tone Control Setting
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. Display the surround parameter screen on the monitor. SURR. PARA. The screen for the selected surround mode appears.
Page 58 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-phase component is assigned mainly to the center channel (C) and the reversed phase component to the surround (SL, SR and SB channels).
Page 59: Listening To The Radio
12 LISTENING TO THE RADIO Auto tuning Set the input function to “TUNER”. FUNCTION (Main unit) Press the RECEIVER button on the RECEIVER remote control unit to select “TUNER”. (Remote control unit) Watching the display, press the TUNING BAND button to select the desired band (AM or FM).
Page 60 Press the TUNING UP or DOWN TUNING button to tune in the desired station. BAND MODE The frequency changes continuously TUNING when the button is held in. (Remote control unit) Preset memory Use the “Auto tuning” or “Manual tuning” operation to tune in the station to be preset in the memory.
Page 61: Last Function Memory
Recalling preset stations • To call out preset stations from the remote control unit. Watching the display, press the ENTER SHIFT button to select the preset SHIFT memory block. (Remote control unit) Watching the display, press the CHANNEL CHANNEL + (UP) or – (DOWN) button to select the desired preset SKIP channel.
Page 62: Troubleshooting
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 the items listed in the table below. Should the problem persist, there may be a malfunction. Disconnect the power immediately and contact your store of purchase.
Page 63: Additional Information
The AVR-3801’s surround speaker selection function makes it possible to change the settings according to the combination of surround speakers being used and the surrounding environment in order to achieve the ideal surround sound for all sources. This means that you can connect a pair of bipolar or dipolar surround speakers (mounted on either side of the prime listening position), as well as a separate pair of direct radiating (monopolar) speakers placed at the rear corners of the listening room.
Page 64 SCREEN mode is a mode for achieving surround sound with up to 7.1 channels using surround back speakers, for sources recorded in conventional Dolby Surround as well as Dolby Digital 5.1-channel and DTS Surround 5.1-channel sources. Furthermore, all the Denon original surround modes (see page 54) are compatible with 7.1-channel playback, so you can enjoy 7.1-channel sound with any signal source.
Page 65 • We recommend installing the surround back speaker(s) at a slightly downward facing angle. This effectively prevents 60° • Connect the surround speakers to the surround speaker A jacks on the AVR-3801 and set all settings on the setup menu Surround back speakers...
Page 66 Subwoofer • Connect the surround speakers for watching movies to the surround speaker A jacks on the AVR-3801, the surround speakers for playing multi-channel music to the surround speaker B jacks. Set the surround speaker selection on the 45°...
Page 67 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 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.
Page 68 Mark indicating Dolby Pro Logic compatibility: When playing in Dolby Pro Logic, select the input signal according to how the player is connected to the AVR-3801, in the same way as selecting the stereo signal. Set the surround mode to “DOLBY SURROUND” (see page 50) to play in Dolby Pro Logic.
Page 69 DTS-ES Extended Surround 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 expanded surround signals.
Page 70 System setup items and default values (set upon shipment from the factory) System setup Power AMP Set this to switch the surround back channel’s power amplifier for Assignment use for multi-zone. Input the combination of speakers in your system and their Speaker corresponding sizes (SMALL for regular speakers, LARGE for full- Configuration...
Page 71: Specifications
17 SPECIFICATIONS Audio section • Power amplifier Rated output: Dynamic power: Output terminals: • Analog Input sensitivity / input impedance: Frequency response: S/N: Distortion: Rated output: • Digital D/A output: Digital input: • Phono equalizer (PHONO input — REC OUT) Input sensitivity: RIAA deviation: Signal-to-noise ratio:...
Page 72 14-14, AKASAKA 4-CHOME, MINATO-KU, TOKYO 107-8011, JAPAN Telephone: (03) 3584-8111 Printed in Japan 511 3663 106...

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