Channel Crap-out: Denon 3805

[gavinski]

This is pretty frustrating. The Denon has performed flawlessly. Until now.

First I lost the ability to use the composite video out and had to switch to S-Video. In trying to fix that problem, I re-initialized the unit, which meant I had to go through setup again. During auto setup (with the mic), the unit would shut down when sending a signal to the left surround channel. When I manually sent test tones to the various speakers, I got nothing but silence from the left surround. And so I tried a different (working) speaker. No deal.

I guess the unit is about three years old. Is there an easy fix, or is it toast? Do I try and get it repaired? Or do I make the case for a new receiver?

- G

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum! Sorry to read about your troubles.

Have you also tried a different speaker cable? Perhaps something in the cable or connection is wrong. Did you recently move anything?

 

[gavinski]

Thanks for the welcome!

I haven't touched or moved any speakers or wires. I used the other surround speaker to test it so I can isolate the problem. It appears that it isn't the speaker or the wire. I just can't get anything out of that channel.

 

[phlakvest]

Did you try calling denon to see if by any chance its still under warranty? I didn't see any details on their site how long the warranty is.

 

[gavinski]

I am not sure of the warranty situation. I have submitted a support request to Denon. We'll see what they say.

I have a sense it is going to cost me some $$$ either way.

 

[PENG]

I am not sure of the warranty situation. I have submitted a support request to Denon. We'll see what they say.

I have a sense it is going to cost me some $$$ either way.

The 3805 is so well built that it seems indestructible. You may want to have everything disconnected, reinitiate it one last time and then hook up just one channel at a time with a known good speaker and pair of wires. After that I guess you are at the mercy of Denon. I really hope they will fix it for free even if it is out of warranty. If you frequent this forum you will know that reports of problems with Denon receivers are rare.

 

[MatthewB.]

If it is the reciever and the channel is gone, I would scour pawn shops and look for a used mono or stereo amp and use that instead by hooking up an RCA cable from the Denons preouts to the amp.. You can buy them at pawn shops for about 80-100.00 and this will drive the channel that didn't work on the reciever.

Denom makes great recievers, so if Denon won't fix it, this may be another alternative.