Denon A/V receivers are known for delivering genuine techno- logical advancements, not whoopee-cushion gimmickry, and the mid-priced AVR-3806 is no exception. With the addition of XM capability, HDMI v.1.1 switching with analog source/video upconversion and HDCD decoding, this 120Wpc 7.1-channel receiver easily trumps its overachieving forbear, the AVR-3805.1The 3806 also features Audyssey Lab’s MultiEQ XT auto-setup/room EQ system—tech- nology previously reserved for elite,
premium-priced components.2 Sonically, the AVR-3806 did not dis-
appoint. Credit Denon’s performance- oriented PURE DIRECT mode, which bypasses all unnecessary video and audio circuitry. The Denon also caters to audiophiles by allowing reassign- ment of unused surround back chan- nels for biamping duties up front.
The AVR-3806’s voicing was similar to that of Denon’s earlier 2805, strong- ly midrange-oriented, infused with rich textures, and possessed of a darker overall personality. Treble was lightly rolled off, resulting in reduced high-fre- quency “air” and slightly narrowed soundstages. Nevertheless, orchestral harmonics were well preserved and sibilance was held in check. Where the AVR-3806 distanced itself was in bass extension, offering slam that left the
2805 gasping for air in comparison. Even so, the 3806 gave up some control and definition when pressed hard. On Bryn Terfel’s rendition of “Il Mio Cuore Va” [Sings Favourites: DG], the largest bass drum crescendos demonstrated an exaggerated roundedness that under- mined the drum’s native timbre.
Most auto-setup/EQ protocols leave me cold, but the Audyssey system is one I’m inclined to use. The key differ- ence is that Audyssey takes measure- ments at multiple listening positions, collecting both time delay and frequen- cy information. Crunching that data, Audyssey compensates for room/ speaker interactions, setting specific EQ curves and crossover points for each speaker. The result: an enhanced sweet spot for all listening positions. On James Taylor’s Live at the Beacon Theater the before/after comparison was startling. Image focus, soundstage width, and soundspace continuity were markedly improved, and center chan- nel information was more stable and better integrated. On a sound effects tour de force such as King Kong, there was not only greater energy but improved low level detail and a far greater sense of envelopment.
The Denon AVR-3806 is a sweet combination of innovation, perform- ance, and value. And I can’t say enough about MultiEQ XT from Audyssey
Labs. It adds to the home theater expe- rience immeasurably, proving once again that Denon knows the difference between gimmicks and genuine advancements to the art of surround sound. 
User Interface/Ease of Use
Sound Quality, Film
Sound Quality, Music
Value for Money
0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Poor | | | | Good | | | Excellent |
The Last Word
•Smooth, midrange-oriented voicing
•HDMI support
•Value
•Audyssey MultiEQ XT system really works
•Bass loses some control and definition when the receiver is pushed hard.
Specifications
Denon AVR-3806
7.1-channel A/V Receiver, $1299
•Dimensions: 17.1" x 6.7" x 16.9"
•Weight: 38 lbs
Manufacturer Information
Denon Electronics (USA), Llc.
(973)396-0810 www.usa.denon.com
