AVR-3805 vs. AVR-2805 (Digital Interface Receiver?)

[danny6869]

I just got back from my local A/V dealer with a Denon AVR-2805 in-hand. I went in wanting to check out the AVR-3805, but after seeing a HUGE price difference, and being assured that the differences were things that I didn't really care about, I decided to get the AVR-2805.

Just to make sure, I did a quick comparison on Denon's site, and notice one difference, and I'm not sure what it exactly meant. I was hoping someone could explain exactly what this is, and what the difference would impact in relation to sound quality.

AVR-3805
Real 24 bit, 192 kHz Digital Interface Receiver

AVR-2805
Real 24 bit, 96 kHz Digital Interface Receiver

What exactly is a DIGITAL INTERFACE RECEIVER??? Should this be something to affect my decision. (I haven't opened the box of the AVR-2805 yet)

 

[danny6869]

It looks like the Digital Interface Receiver is some sort of Digital/Analog convertor (although I may be mistaken).

If it is, then does it convert ANALOG signals to DIGITAL for processing, or is it the other way around? or am I way off base with what this thing is?!

If it only affects ANALOG to DIGIAL conversion, then I could care less as all of my inputs are digital already.

 

[Unregistered]

All receivers today have a 'digital interface'. Saying the Denon is a Digital Interface Receiver is just marketing. You've correctly identified one difference between the 2805 and 3805 - the 2805 uses 96kHz DACS (digital to analog converters) and the 3805 uses 192kHz dacs. There are other subtle differences (search for 'denon 2805 3805).

Open the box and enjoy it.

 

[Leprkon]

the biggest differences between the 2805 and 3805 is that the 3805 has the "Denon link" which is a digital connection between a Denon DVD-audio player and the receiver for even purer digital sound, the addition of a third room capability (note that is output only, you still need an amplifier in the third room and actually have to give up 7.1 for 5.1 to even get a second room without yet another amp), 120 watts instead of 100 and a better remote.

if you can live without these upgrades, I'd say to keep the 2805. it looks like the 2805 is a pretty fine instrument from the reviews.

 

[danny6869]

So the 96KHz/192KHz difference is in DIGITAL to ANALOG conversion, and not the other way around. I realize this is probably a question that has been asked a million times, but is there an audible difference, or is this more of a bragging rights kind of decision. I mean, I'm spending alot of money here, and I don't mind spending more if it's for something useful/noticeable.

Any help, or opinions on this would be appreciated (preferrably before I open the box...haahaa).

 

[Unregistered]

The only 24/192 sources that are avaialable are the hi-res multi-channel mixes on sacd or dvd-a. If you were to play one of them, the receiver will downsample to 24/96. 24/192 is a direct integer multiple of 24/96 (sampling frequency is exactly double) and downsampling effectively means discarding every other sample.

Will you notice the difference? Not likely. If you don't need the extra zone features described above, I would stick with the 2805.

 

[danny6869]

Maybe I should word this a better way.

Would I notice a sound quality improvement if I went from a 2805 to a 3805?

I already own an older AVR-3802 which is very similar to the AVR-2805...and I am quite happy with it (except for the fact that the OSD doesn't show on the component outputs...which is what prompted me to get the new receiver), but if the AVR-3805 is a noticeable step-up sound-wise, then I may re-consider.

Again...any feedback on this would be appreciated! I am trying to become edumacated on this subject! Haahaa!

 

[Duffinator]

I recently purchased the 3805, it's sounds terrific and has all of the bells and whistles I wanted. I upgraded from a HK AVR85. But the OSD does not work when you are switching a component input throught the receiver. I have the component output connected to my Toshiba 56H80. If I'm watching my S-Video input then the volume and ODS shows up on the screen. All the setup OSD menus show up when watching a component input, but that's because the receiver switches internally to a different OSD generator. My receiver is 13 feet away from my viewing area and I find the screen difficult to read from there. It would have been nice if the volume OSD would work when viewing a component input. BTW, I'm switching my DirecTV HD receiver, progressive scan DVD player, and an S-video DirecTV TiVo through my receiver. So the volume and misc. OSD is only available when I'm watching my TiVo box.

 

[danny6869]

So you don't get all of the menus, and stuff showing up when viewing component input??? That's one of the main reasons I'm switching receivers!?!?!?!

 

[Duffinator]

That's what I got from your post and why I posted mine. But to my surprise I cannot see any degradation in video signal quality switching HD and DVD through the 3805. My wife really appreciates how much easier it is to switch inputs now. Maybe the next round they will have the volume, DSP, and misc. OSD stuff available when using a component input.

Good Luck

 

[danny6869]

I will have to call my AV store to make sure about the OSD not available in component. I DO NOT want to have to switch my TV back and forth between SVideo, and Component just to change my receiver's settings. that's why I've spent the $$$.

As a side-note, I think the Burr-Brown only appears to be used when connecting a DVD/CD player via Denon-Link. I hope someone can correct me on this if I'm incorrect!!!

 

[danny6869]

The more I am reading...the more I feel that the AVR-2805 is a step down from the AVR-3802 that I currently own, even though they look pretty much the same on the spec sheet.

This is depressing!

Anyone try out both of these receivers and have an opinion?

 

[Duffinator]

You don't have to switch your TV, just the inputs on your receiver. I just have one component cable from the receiver to my TV. I have three inputs into the receiver. In order to see the OSD you have to be either watching an S-video or composite input into the receiver. Everything is distributed through the component connection from my receiver to my TV. I hope that clears this up for you.

 

[danny6869]

Right...so if I am watching a DVD via my component cables (from dvd to receiver to TV), then I get no OSD??? Unless I switch my receiver to VCR (for example) which is using SVideo????

Is this correct???

 

[Duffinator]

You got it.

I was considering both the 2805 and 3805. For me I thought the 3805 was a step up and I wanted the 3 component inputs.

 

[danny6869]

Well...the 2805 also has 3 component inputs...so I don't know if you got wrong info, or if I misunderstood what you said.

As for the OSD...that REALLY SUCKS...and I have seen many write-ups, and spec sheets that make it sound like the OSD happens in component mode as well, but if this is not the case, I will have to take the denon back (sniff sniff), and consider another alternative. Perhaps a loaded Yamaha...this is very depressing because I absolutely LOVE my AVR-3802, but the wife gets too confused with having to switch inputs on the TV.

Anyways...if anyone has any other info on these topics, I would still like to hear it, as I will not be returning it for a few days yet.

 

[Duffinator]

Maybe I'm thinking of the Yamaha 2400, which I was also looking at.

I think you need to step up to flagship receivers to get what you are looking for. Beyond that one annoying problem it's a great receiver.

 

[Unregistered]

component osd

No receiver has the ability to output an onscreen display to a high def tv with component video outputs. What you will get is that when you press the menu button on your receiver, you will lose your picture and pick up the setup menu on the receiver. This is how they all currently operate. However, if you would like the best bang for the buck, have a listen to the Pioneer Elite VSX54-TX. It is the best sounding in your price range for music and movies, and also is the easiest to use, by far.

 

[Karp]

I weighed the differences between the 3805 and 2805, and picked the 2805. I am very happy with it. I heard no differences between the two units, but I liked the sound of both of them more than the Pioneer and Yamaha I listened to with the same speakers.

Are you referring to being able to see the volume change on the monitor while you are watching a DVD or HDTV when you are asking about OSD? If so, then no you cannot see it. You can see it on the TV in any other circumstances even if the only connection between the receiver and the TV is component. You can see the onscreen setup no matter what the source or the connection to the TV is, although you cannot see what is "on" the TV at the same time.

 

[Karp]

I will have to call my AV store to make sure about the OSD not available in component. I DO NOT want to have to switch my TV back and forth between SVideo, and Component just to change my receiver's settings. that's why I've spent the $$$.

As a side-note, I think the Burr-Brown only appears to be used when connecting a DVD/CD player via Denon-Link. I hope someone can correct me on this if I'm incorrect!!!

Both the 2805 and the 3805 use Burr-Brown DAC's. The difference is 192Khz vs 96Khz sampling rates.

You do not have to switch the TV back and forth to change settings. You can view the setup menu with the component hookup.