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

[danny6869]

I'm posting this follow-up to help anyone else who might be trying to make a similar decision. I finally cracked open the AVR-2805, and hooked it all up, and I must say, although the specs are similar to my current AVR-3802, it sounds NOWHERE near as good.

The 2805 (during movies) had more detail, but not as clear as the 3802. The sounds that came out of the speakers seemed to JUMP out a little too much for my liking during both MUSIC, and MOVIE sound...almost to the point of being distracting.

Also...the menus DO show via component inputs, but the picture doesn't play in the background, which is fine. I wanted to replace my 3802 because it WOULD NOT show the menu AT ALL via component cables.

I am taking the 2805 back tonight, and probably not trying the 3805, as it looks to be basically the same. I may try an upper-end yamaha, or possibly wait a few more models for Denon to get these receivers back to being outstanding!

As a side-note, I purchased a Harmony 688 remote control, and set up an "activity" (macro on other remotes), that basically hits picture-in-picture and shows video-1 when I want to configure my receiver. That way it pops up the denon's menu in the pip window, allowing me to see the menu. (by the way...that remote is ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!!)

If I try another receiver, I'll place yet another follow-up. Otherwise, I'd be interested to hear how different the 3805 sounds to the 2805 (or 3802), as I have heard many conflicting reports.

 

[aarond]

danny
if you like the 3802 buy a 3803 they should still be available from authorized dealers in the $500-$600 range. Same as 3802 with video conversion and osd thru component
aaron

 

[danny6869]

I am very skeptical now, and I don't know if I can trust that the 3803 has the same excellent sound wuality of my 3802.

I have tried searching for people's opinions on this comparison, but have found nothing really.

 

[Polkfan]

Huge sonic differences between two very similar receivers indicates that something was/is not properly hooked up or an inferior component is defective perhaps. It always amazes me to see how peoples opinions on a product can very so much. The 2805 is a very good receiver, and it really surprises me (skeptically) to hear that it is no where near the sound quality of the 3802. I have read just the opposite from people who have owned the 3802 compared to the 3805 and the consensus seems to be that the 3805 is much better power and feature wise.

 

[HighEnd]

I'm posting this follow-up to help anyone else who might be trying to make a similar decision. I finally cracked open the AVR-2805, and hooked it all up, and I must say, although the specs are similar to my current AVR-3802, it sounds NOWHERE near as good.

The 2805 (during movies) had more detail, but not as clear as the 3802.

You don't mention anything about your audio settings: Did you use normal, flat or custom room equalization for films? Did you use Pure Direct for music? Or perhaps you used some kind of DSP mode? Are you sure your room equalization settings are 'optimal'? What sound sources did you use? And so on.

Frankly, I think the problems has more to do with incorrect settings and user errors than the receiver itself. It's strongly recommended that you take the time to read the manual carefully to get the most out of the receiver.

I am taking the 2805 back tonight, and probably not trying the 3805, as it looks to be basically the same.

The 3805 is an outstanding receiver, many magazines actually consider it to be reference class. 3805 also won the EISA prize. I think it's worth considering.

If I try another receiver, I'll place yet another follow-up. Otherwise, I'd be interested to hear how different the 3805 sounds to the 2805 (or 3802), as I have heard many conflicting reports.

You should check out some professional reviews as well. Relying only on feedback from users can lead to some confusion, because people have different equipment (not necessarily as good as the ones used in pro tests) and people don't always know how to take full advantage of their equipment. Feedback from users also tend to be based on rather informal testing.