Denon AVR-4802 7.1 Channels Receiver

In selecting the AVR-4802R, I solicited performance, reliability, warranty and price information from several, Internet sources, local merchants and Denon Customer Service. I was puzzled by the great differences in sale prices for this unit on the Internet. Apparently, Denon markets itself as a high-end component manufacturer that sells its products through a chain of authorized dealers. Their dealers include direct retail stores and e-Tailers. Lower prices are non-dealer sales since Denon attempts to enforce a one-price-fits all structure for its dealers. At the time of this writing, their retail for this receiver was $1999.00.

Be advised that sales from non-authorized dealers invalidate Denon's two-year parts and labor warranty. They will, however, accept unwarranted units for repair at the owner's expense. Denon customer service indicated that unwarranted machines received for repair, generally generate an average repair bill between $200-$250.

I bought from Crutchfield, an authorized Internet dealer, because I wanted the warranty. They were professional, fast and accommodating. Information I uncovered in researching the AVR-4802R indicated that the manufacturer's shipping carton and interior packaging was not well-buffered or sufficiently durable to sustain transportation abuse. Crutchfield double-packed my receiver by suspending the manufacturer's shipping container in a larger box with ample packing material all around. I received the unit in three working days, in mint, undamaged condition, as advertised, with no shipping charges or taxes.

Listening to the first DVD, "Chicago," was "awesome!"