3805 vs 2805

[Karp]

I've been wanting to upgrade my HT for a while now.
My local Tweeter is closing it's doors, and I spotted a demo 3805 that they were willing to part with for $950. I loved the way it sounded, but hadn't read any reviews on it, so I went home and did some research (That's how I discovered Audioholics). I went back the next day ready to buy, but someone beat me to it
After checking out HK's, Onkyos and Yamahas, I decided that I loved the full sound of the Dennon over the others. I really didn't want to spend $1200 though. After listening to the 2805 and finding no difference in sound (to my ears at least) between it and the 3805, and also since it is $300 cheaper,I bought the 2805.
Did I make a mistake? Should I have splurged on the 3805? The only differences I see are the remote (not that important), 20 more WPC, and the DAC's - both have 24bit/192kHz, but the 3805 has Burr-Brown and I don't know what the 2805 has. At least the 2805 comes with the microphone!
I currently use my system for 50% music and 50% movies/TV. I am planning on eventually refinishing my basement and setting up a full-blown home Theater.

 

[Jason Coleman]

There are a lot of differences btw the 2805 and the 3805...check them out at Denon's site. Also, you shouldn't ever pay msrp for equipment...I don't care what you're buying or who you're buying it from. Any dealer, whether it's Tweeter or your local B&M should give you some sort of discount. $950 for a used demo unit isn't even a good price. Most people are paying btw 900-1000 for them brand new. I'd recommend shopping around for a dealer that is willing to work on price.

The included mic on the 2805 is a nice bonus, and Denon dropped the ball by not including it with the 3805...making all of us pay an additional $65 (msrp) for it...but it's worth it. If that much of your use is music, and depending on the speakers you plan to use, the 3805 might be the better fit. 20 wpc is quite a bit. Barter with Tweeter and see if they'll deal on a better price for a new unit...if not, find another dealer.

Jason

 

[BIG FISH]

I say keep it. I was also stuck between the two, and thought that I can add an amp later on if I feel the need. Here in Canada the price diff., (that I came across) is $500 + approx. $100 for the mic. So for a $600 diff., I chose the 2805 and I couldn't be happier. But all in all it is your choice.
By the way what speakers are you running? I use Paradigm mon. 7's and the sound is awsome!!

 

[Karp]

I say keep it. I was also stuck between the two, and thought that I can add an amp later on if I feel the need. Here in Canada the price diff., (that I came across) is $500 + approx. $100 for the mic. So for a $600 diff., I chose the 2805 and I couldn't be happier. But all in all it is your choice.
By the way what speakers are you running? I use Paradigm mon. 7's and the sound is awsome!!

I have been trying to rebuild my system on a budget after my divorce last year. I started with my tried, true (and ancient) Klipch KG-4's and a 6 year-old pair of Optimus LX5's (which actually got very good reviews back then). I bought a Klipch SC-3 center channel speaker to hold me over.
While I love the old klipch's, I am planning on upgrading my speakers and going to a full 7.1 after I recover from the Amp purchase.

 

[Rob Babcock]

The 3805 has some additional features that I'd consider worth the money, but the 2805 is a fine receiver in its own right. I seriously doubt you'll have cause to regret your purchase, and certainly not because of the negligible 20 wpc diff.

 

[Unregistered 2]

You made a great choice; I'll soon be making the same one. The $300 you didn't spend on the 3805, you can now put your speaker upgrade.

 

[jeffsg4mac]

I also have a 2803 and the difference in power from the 3803 is not even worth talking about. The only thing you would gain is better handling of the surround back speakers. The 3803/05 have some extra switching. Power wise and decoding wise they are the essentially the same.

 

[jlanzy]

BurrBrown DAC

With 24/192 Burr Brown DAC's in the 3805 and the (generic?)24/92 DACs in the 2805, does the Burr Brown higher frequency DACs have any audible benefit to movies or does that 'upgrade' have relevence only for dvd audio/sacd?
joe