I have an opportunity to pick one up used, cheap.

Already own 2 AVR-3808ci's in 2 different systems in my own home. Used to be an installer/dealer, been out of the biz about 6 years...

Any of you folks sold and installed any for customers? Any known problems in the field? Reliability issues? Etc.?

Stay away?

Thanks for any info or feedback.

No HDCP 2.2, No HDMI 2.0a, No Atmos, No interest....

Goodwill item

I had issues with that unit....hdmi issues on the only 2 units I dealt with, both feeding Epson projectors. One in my own home, another on a customer's home. Replaced the customer's unit with a Yammy, replaced my unit with an Marantz (different vintage). Never was bold enough to spec another due to that time vampire. Subsequent Denon's were fine but that particular model (which was unique in their lineup) sucked for me. Maybe they fixed the issue with a firmware update?

However, unless the price is uber cheap, my advice is to run away.

Denon is as close to a four letter word as you can get.....

Nuff said.

Ok. Let me pose my question/s differently...

I was thinking about using the avr4520 to replace an older really low end home theater in a box Onkyo avr in my master bedroom 7.1 "theater". Avr, LG 720p plasma, Dish hd dvr. The Onkyo doesnt have hdmi switching, only component video n such. And especially not DD+ decoding for my Roku w/Netflix. Would change everything over to hdmi.

Or...

I had also thought about maybe using the avr4520 to replace the avr3808 connected to a Panny aeu3000 1080p pj via hdmi in my 7.1 media room, currently using zone 2 and 3 for DA throughout the house and outside, and moving the 3808 to the bedroom system.
Only 1 hdmi out to the pj would be used from the 4520, Dish hd dvr, Roku, Panny BD connected via hdmi and zone 2 line out to the kitchen and zone 3 line out to outside. Currently using Urc mx850 and kp900 with mrf350 for control
Would not be using Airplay, I have a Denon Heos Link

May or may not go to 4K in the media room in the near future, so maybe I should hold off on replacing anything there at all. (For now)

I used to always spec Denon AVR's in all the systems I sold and installed, 1999 - 2010.

So wondering what you guys think about my thoughts?

Would anybody have a different model in mind or go to a different manufacturer?

Obviously I am a diy'er anymore but still love this shit and read here every day.

Since you got out in 2010, Denon product has gone down hill - really, since Matt left; who knew he was such a shining beacon for Denon :)

The 4520 isn't worth much but if you can get it for a really good deal (and everything still works on it), then yes jump on it - and use it till it breaks.

Never had an issue with mine. I've used it since it came out and have it loaded with sources and two displays! Not sure why everyone else has had so many problems?

KRAZYK, good to hear. Have you sold and installed many of that model? Just trying to get a feel for this particular model.

FPCrazy, thanks for your real world feedback on this model.

Brad, that seems to be what I read here all the time but, I sure sold a shit ton of Denon over those years I was in it... 5805's, 3808's, 2808's, 2805's, 3805's, 1905's, etc. On & on... Maybe I am a fanboy! Haha!

Seems real easy for some to just decide "Denon sucks!" and then just hold that opinion and quote it all the time...

Trying to get a feeling for trends with this model. Was in the consumer electronics industry (mobile then home) for 28 years so I do know some model runs can be crap from any manufacturer, for sure.

I guess the main question should be "What do you need an AVR to do?" and then compare this with whatever is out there at a similar price. If a new model does enough that this can't and it's not much more (I know I was thrilled after selling an AVR-3311CI and finding out a couple of months later that the 3312 was almost $500 less), maybe it would be better for your application especially since last year's models are starting to be discounted to make room for the next model year.