B&K Components AVR507

[nujra]

Trying to decide between Denon 3805 and B&K AVR507. I can't find any reviews of the B&K AVR507. What's the scoop on the B&K. Is it sonically superior? and superior on the whole. I currently have the Denon 3805 and there's really absolutely nothing wrong with it. In fact, I love it. It's just that I upgraded to some very, very nice 4omh speakers and think a more powerfull receiver maybe the way to go. Will miss DPLIIx which the B&K does not currently have. Any pointers? Thanks

 

[Dan]

I have a B&K Ref 30 prepro and B&K amp. My brother has an even older model Denon receiver (I don't recall which number). I am happy with my B&Ks. I would recommend that you take your main speakers if practical to a dealer carrying one or both and comparing them. I do not recommend Best Buy, Circuit City or the like as they are too noisy for good listening. See which you prefer both in terms of sound and ease of interface. Take your time. Bringing a friend may help as well.

I have found that Denon products(I have a universal player) are quite good. However, the manual is rather awkward to read and this was even more true for my brothers receiver. Perhaps this will be less of an issue to you as you are already familiar with the line. I found the B&K manual to be much better written. The B&K is a very well thought out design with great flexibility in terms of bass management and room eq. I am not familiar enough with Denon to compare.

 

[stiletto pat]

B&K vs Denon

Nujra,

I just purchased a AVR-507 a couple of months ago, and have only had it set up for a short time, but I am very pleased with it. I did not have the opportunity to A/B test the Denon against the B&K in a controlled environment, but was able to A/B it against the Yamaha RX-Z1. I found the B&K to produce sound that I felt to be more accurate, contain greater clarify, and have greater ability to accurately reproduce peak passages. I also had the ability to compare the Denon 3803 against the Yamaha RX-Z1, and found that I preffered the sound of the Yamaha above the sound produced by the Denon.

My only complaints with the B&K is that it runs very warm, and does not have a built in phone preamp. Other than that, it is extremely flexible, offers a high degree of programmability, and sounds fantastic. (btw, I am running Paradigm Studio Reference 100 Monitors, V3, CC-470 Center, and ADP-470 Surronds with a HSU TN-1220 Sub). I also A/B tested the AVR-507 against the B&K Ref 50 Processor and 200.7 Amp, and found that I honestly couldn't tell the difference until about +7 db - or, until it was extremely loud!! I was inclined to go with the separates, since I've had separates for many years. However, that session convinced me that AVR-507 would easily serve my purposes, at a nice price savings over the separates.

That said, I have heard from many members of this forum that Denon makes great gear, but I can't speak to that directly. If you already have the 3805, why not live with it for a while and wait for the next generation to be released? At any rate, I am vouching for the AVR-507.

Good Luck,

Pat

 

[frostbyte]

B&K 507

These don't really fit in the same category for quality or price. The Denon is much cheaper retail. Nearly 1/3. The 507 is more of a match up with the 5803. I would definately go with the 507 if you have found a good deal on it somewhere. If the price difference still exists get the 3805. Great receiver for the money.