Denon 5803A vs. Bryston 3BST+Marantz SR8000

[Larry]

great site - first post for me so excuse the length but I have worked myself into a stupor trying to figure out a best value play as I'm remodeling my home and my AV system for a relatively small room (14 x 16) with a 10 foot ceiling and windows (not a dedicated HT room).

My current set up;
Misubishi 36" tube tv (top of the line in 1996 - to be upgraded soon),
Marantz SR 8000 AV Receiver
Acoustic Energy AE3 speakers
Velodyne DD-10 subwoofer
ADS rear surround and center channel speakers
Arcam CD Player (HDCD capable)
Marantz CD Recorder
Pioneer DV-444 DVD (with progressive scan)
Thorens turntable

I also just purchased a set of paradigm SA-35 in wall speakers for front and surround and will most likely pick up the compatable Paradigm center channel speaker. I have thoroughly insulated the walls for the in wall speaker system installation and I think they are as acoustically dead as possible. Though I love my AE3's I think the Paradigm SA-35's will be fine (3 driver 2-1/2 way, tweeter, 8" midrange, 8" bass) for a Denon 5803A and / or my Marantz AVR. I am very intrigued by the 5803A and have been reading the posts and reviews. I have listened to it (sounds awsome), love the idea of having everything in one box, am extremely close to buying one and even have what seem to be great prices ($3,500 - 3,600) from two retailers.

The problem is I still have lust in my heart for a Bryston amplifier and the 20 year warranty speaks volumes to me about reliability. I think my AE3's bi-wired would sound awsome with it , and I do not want to spend more $$$$ 5-6 years down the road if microprocessors crap out.

So my alternate plan is to keep my current set up and improve the Audio section significantly while maintaining my current Marantz / Paradigm AV processing section. For less money than I would pay for the Denon 5803A I could purchase a 3B SST, run it through my Marantz multi out mode to an Acurus Preamp I have, to the Bryston, to the Velodyne S/W with LFE inputs and bi-wired to my Acoustic Energy AE3's. I could switch back to the Marantz / Paradigm for watching DVD / Satellite - and use the same Marantz RC2000 MkII remote that I love for everything. When I boil it down the trade seems to be everything in one box with great (awsome) audio and Awsome AV features vs. a robust amplifier with probably better sound for audio and a decent AV receiver with an easy to use remote and two more boxes, and speakers.

again, so sorry about the long post - any guidance out there?
Thanks !!!

[surveyor]

I personnaly would go with the Denon 5803A. It has pre-amp outs for later amp options. The existing very good Marantz would make a great family member or close friend a nice gift. It would definately sell on EBAY. I think the Denon linked with a good SACD player would provide outstanding audio.
I personally have my home theatre seperate from my designated audio gear. It's gotten way too costly over the years. The wife acceptance factor diminishes with all the gear scattered everywhere.!

Cheers,

Surveyor

[Larry]

Ehanks Surveyor - it does seem like the more elegant solution. what are your thoughts on denon reliability?

[Dan]

While I don't have a Denon receiver, my brother does and has for about four years with no problem. I don't off hand know the model number however. I have had two Denon DVD players. I upgraded because I needed progressive scan and wanted to do SACD and DVD-A. They have both been fine; one for two years, the other is three months old. My only Denon complaint is that the manuals seem translated from original Japanese and poorly translated at that. I believe this is common to many Japanese makes. For units that require big time user interface like a pre/pro or DVD this is a problem in that the learning curve is longer and more frustrating. They perform well based on my brothers unit and what I have heard.

I have also heard that Denon and Marantz are owned by the same parent company for what it is worth.

[surveyor]

Larry, I have not heard of any reliability problems with Denon recievers! My friends son has used a Denon 3802 now for a couple of years without problem.
I have a Yamaha reciever, so I can't specifically answer your question. I have heard a lot of good comments about Denon over the years.

Cheers,

kelly