Denon 3808 vs. Yamaha 3800 receivers

[mike c]

I think it's time to start a research on which one has more "useful" features than the other ... who knows, I might get to pick which one falls off the truck.

i'm not familiar with both receivers except data available from the websites.

I would like the info in this thread to be divided into:

Denon has this feature that Yamaha doesn't have ... and vice versa.

I'll start:

I'm thinking the Denon will retain it's individual variable crossover (for each set of channels) - the yamaha receivers never had this feature.

 

[jcPanny]

Receiver features

Those two receivers should be comparable.
Denon has Faroudja DCDi scalling and the Yamaha has an anchor bay chip.
Denon has Audyssey MultEQ XT and Yamaha has Yapo
. . . but you only get the Denon Link on the Denon. However, this digital input is pretty much obsolete with HDMI audio processing.

 

[mike c]

let's add links:

http://www.yamaha.co.jp/english/product/av/products/ht/rxv3800.html

http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3510.asp
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/denon-avr-3808ci-first-look

 

[Seth=L]

I hear the Anchor Bay 1010 is better than the Faroudja DCDi. The RX-Z11 has an updated Anchor Bay 1080 chip. I am also hearing that the REON HQV is tearing them all to shreds.

I know you are searching for what each has and doesn't, but based on looks and specs I have seen I would lean toward the Yamaha RX-V3800.

 

[jliedeka]

I plan to upgrade my receiver and speakers next year. I'm thinking these two are the best candidates and it will be a tough call. I don't care about multi-room, XM integration or lossy audio portable integration. Since I currently own a Yamaha, I would be tempted to stick with the devil I know but I also think Denon is a good brand. I hope I can listen to them side by side.

Jim

 

[Jeje2]

Is there a config software available for RX-V3800 (through RS-232 or something) as there is for my V2600? (RcvMgr2600.v1.0.exe)

I really liked it as it was so much easier to do radiostation setup with the control software

 

[mike c]

Is there a config software available for RX-V3800 (through RS-232 or something) as there is for my V2600? (RcvMgr2600.v1.0.exe)

I really liked it as it was so much easier to do radiostation setup with the control software

there's the port, but I don't know what it does.

 

[Jeje2]

there's the port, but I don't know what it does.

Yeah - so much is well known.

Similiar connectors can be found in Onkyo 905/875, Denon 4308/3808 & Marantz SR8002 - but on these models it isn't clear to me how they can be used. Eg. Onkyos 905 manual states only on page 12

RS232
This port is for connecting the AV receiver to home
automation equipment and external controllers

Similar comments can be found on other models as well.
Have asked this on other models as well on this (&other) forums with no reply sofar.


With my current amp - Yamaha RX-V2600 I have a win2000 & Xp compatible software (RcvMgr2600.v1.0.exe) which makes it possible for me to control the amp with a PC through RS-232 connection. (This was very good in setting up the radiochannels and now I also have a bakup of my setup on PC for just in case)

By little google I can also find the software for RX-V2700 (just change the number), but for 3800 there is no such luck. So thus my question. - I liked the remote config and would like to have it in further amp's of mine as well.

 

[Seth=L]

I plan to upgrade my receiver and speakers next year. I'm thinking these two are the best candidates and it will be a tough call. I don't care about multi-room, XM integration or lossy audio portable integration. Since I currently own a Yamaha, I would be tempted to stick with the devil I know but I also think Denon is a good brand. I hope I can listen to them side by side.

Jim

Why is it that Onkyo/Integra are not in the consideration?

 

[Bluesmoke]

I'd go with the Denon simply because Yamaha tends to have issues with HDMI. Denon has been really good with HDMI since they started using them.

 

[jliedeka]

Why is it that Onkyo/Integra are not in the consideration?

I've always felt that Denon and Yamaha were better brands. I've heard that some Onkyos can run a little hot. I'll definitely be checking the Yamaha and Denon units for that issue. Also, The specs on Yamahas and Denons tend to be conservative, especially in things like watts RMS and load. I don't know if that's also true of Onkyo.

Jim

 

[Seth=L]

I've always felt that Denon and Yamaha were better brands. I've heard that some Onkyos can run a little hot. I'll definitely be checking the Yamaha and Denon units for that issue. Also, The specs on Yamahas and Denons tend to be conservative, especially in things like watts RMS and load. I don't know if that's also true of Onkyo.

Jim

I don't entirely agree. While their are some piping hot Onkyo receivers (ones with stupid tunnel heatsinks and fans) but the TX-SR805 and up are new animals. They completely re-define the Onkyo line. They do still run a tad hot, but that is a small sacrifice for the dynamic power of the TX-SR805 or 875. What would one expect from a 50 pound THX Ultra II certified receiver? I know I would expect it to perform like a 50 pound THX Ultra II certified receiver, and it does (have heard it in action, and it has some serious grunt to it).

I just hate to see someone toss out Onkyo, because IMO they are a great deal.

 

[avliner]

Hi Seth,

a bit off-topic but now you have an Onkyo AVR, right?
What happened to your beloved JVC?
What model is your new Onkyo, BTW?

Cheers!

 

[jcPanny]

HDMI problems?

I'd go with the Denon simply because Yamaha tends to have issues with HDMI. Denon has been really good with HDMI since they started using them.

Most of the HDMI issues that I am aware of relate to cable boxes that don't adhear to the HDMI spec. I wouldn't worry about a current model Yamaha (or Denon) being the source of an HDMI problem, however, an old cable box might not allow an HDMI repeater in the chain.

 

[Bluesmoke]

Most of the HDMI issues that I am aware of relate to cable boxes that don't adhear to the HDMI spec. I wouldn't worry about a current model Yamaha (or Denon) being the source of an HDMI problem, however, an old cable box might not allow an HDMI repeater in the chain.

Well, I had the V1600. Terrible receiver. It sounded good, but I couldn't get anything to work with it. HDMI handshakes and then drops it, on cable boxes, my PS3, my DVD player. A 2807 I borrowed for a day, which sold for the same price as the V1600 had none of these issues.

 

[Seth=L]

Hi Seth,

a bit off-topic but now you have an Onkyo AVR, right?
What happened to your beloved JVC?
What model is your new Onkyo, BTW?

Cheers!

The model is Onkyo TX-DS787, I am going to update the sig again so everyone knows. I traded the JVC for the Onkyo+cash. The JVC is overkill for my apartment as is the Onkyo.

 

[mustafiz]

Hi. I m going to start with Av rceiver. got good deal with Denon and Yamaha. Confused with Denon 2807 or 2307 or 3805 with Yamaha RXV-1500. Need some Advice.
Thanks.

 

[mustafiz]

Well, I had the V1600. Terrible receiver. It sounded good, but I couldn't get anything to work with it. HDMI handshakes and then drops it, on cable boxes, my PS3, my DVD player. A 2807 I borrowed for a day, which sold for the same price as the V1600 had none of these issues.

Hi. I m going to start with Av rceiver. got good deal with Denon and Yamaha. Confused with Denon 2807 or 2307 or 3805 with Yamaha RXV-1500. Need some Advice.
Thanks.

 

[mike c]

Hi. I m going to start with Av rceiver. got good deal with Denon and Yamaha. Confused with Denon 2807 or 2307 or 3805 with Yamaha RXV-1500. Need some Advice.
Thanks.

here are some hints:

denon ... the last digit is approximately the year model of the unit

2807 2007
2307 2007
3805 2005

yamaha ... the second digit (of the 4 numbered models) is approximately the year model of the unit

1500 2005
1600 2006
1700 2007
1800 2008

denon ... the higher the first two digits are, the higher the model

2807
2307
3805

 

[Starmax]

Those two receivers should be comparable.
Denon has Faroudja DCDi scalling and the Yamaha has an anchor bay chip.
Denon has Audyssey MultEQ XT and Yamaha has Yapo
. . . but you only get the Denon Link on the Denon. However, this digital input is pretty much obsolete with HDMI audio processing.

HDMI doesn't allow the playback of SACD, while Denon Link III does (along with DVD-A, etc.) At least HDMI 1.1 doesn't. Does anyone know if HDMI 1.3 allows it?