Denon 2308 vs. 2808

[bryanalban]

I'm trying to decide between the Denon 2308CI and the 2808CI. If money was no object I would get the 2808. But right now the 2308 are around $450 and the 2808 is around $699, and $450 fits into my budget much better.

What I'm trying to figure out is the 2808 worth the extra $250.

I have HD cables coming in via HDMI, a DVD via component, a CD player and a phono.

A couple questions:

Will the 2808 sound better, especially on music?

The 2808 says it has Burr-Brown convertors, will this make a difference for me?

Will the 10 watts difference make a noticeable difference?

The 2808 has DTS Master Audio, what is this, and will I really miss it?

I think those are the main differences. Does anyone know if one or the other has a better remote (or are they the same). I've read some people say they don't like the remote on the 2308, but no one has said anything about not liking the remote on the 2808.

Thanks so much for all the help, I want to order this puppy by the end of the week, and have it setup for when the family comes over for Turkey Day.

 

[chas_w]

I've owned both the 2308 and the 2808. My opinions on some of your questions:

Hooked up with a digital connection (optical or coax) CD's sound better to me on the 2808. In addition to the different DAC the 2808 has Denon's AL24 processing for stereo PCM signals.

The extra 10 watts is not noticeable to me.

The 2808 has internal decoding of hi-def audio (like DTS Master) so you can bitstream hi-rez audio from Blu Ray disks and let the receiver decode them (opposed to letting the blu ray player decode them).

Neither of them have great remotes...not a deciding factor either way to me.

 

[speakerman39]

The 2308 does NOT process the new sound codecs whereas the 2808 does. This means if you are using a BR player, then the player must be able to send a PCM signal. The 2308 does NOT have pre-amp outs for all channels like the 2808 does. So, if you decide to go with an outboard amp, then you would need the 2808. The Audyssey allows for up to (8) positions of measurement whereas the 2308 only has (6). There are a few others, but this is what I remember off the top of my head so to speak. If, your budget allows I would get the 2808. In fact, I just bought one myself. Good luck in your decision.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[speakerman39]

BTW, since your money is a bit tight right now have you considered this receiver?
http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=91987

Lots of bang for your buck. I was taking a good look at it, but opted for the Denon instead. If my budget was as tight, I would have gone with the 1018. Good luck in your decision. Be sure to let us know what you decide.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[Chopin_Guy]

Bryan,

Is this not the third or fourth thread you have started about the same subject---picking a receiver....

That aside the 2808 is the better unit....HD codecs....beefier amplifier...pre-amp outputs which will aid in future expandability....as a few of the advantages. No you won't notice the 10 extra watts directly but a little edge never hurts.

If you have can, spend the money now as you won't wonder if you 'should have' or 'why didn't I'. It's a long term purchase so it's best to lay the cash down now....and if you can, you cannot beat the 2808c for the current price....

 

[bryanalban]

Thanks for all the help. Sorry about starting various thread I'm new to the forum thing).

I thought I have decided on the 2308CI (just because of the budget).

Am I correct in thinking if I have to "down-grade" I should do it on the receiver and not the speakers?

The speakers I have chosen are the NHT Classic Two's. I noticed:

Sensitivity: 86dB (2.83v@1m)
Impedance: 6 ohms nominal

I'm new to the electronics thing, should I be worried about this. In another thread, someone said something about the sensitivity needing to be at least 90 if you don't want to also get an amp.

Thanks

 

[Chopin_Guy]

Those are not terribly sensitive speakers and with the 2308 you cannot even ad an amp at a later time. I would urge you go with the 2808 if you plan on running a full set of speakers like that at some point....Are you starting with 2.0 and then expansing later....??? I know the 2308 can handle that in 2 channel as the review here on Audioholics of the 2308 gave the amp a very good rating. But if you expand to 5.1 with those I would not want to do it on that amp, and again you won't be able to add an amplifier with no pre-outs....

Again, this all depends on the size of your room and how loud you listen. But if you do like it loud or have a large room---or even worse both---then I would not suggest the 2308 for those speakers looking in the long term of putting together a full set-up...

 

[EJ1]

Agreed on the 2808CI. More future-proof and expandable.

 

[bryanalban]

What will it convert?

Forgive my lack of knowledge.

When you say it has better convertors (Burr-Brown), what is that converting. I know it's an analogue signal to digital, but what signal?

Will this affect the sound of my CD players? If it comes into the receiver on the standard RCA type cables, will the receiver convert it to digital before putting it out to the speakers?

Thanks.

 

[Chopin_Guy]

I do not know to what post you are reffering to in asking about 'conversion'. More important than that is the speakers you are buying and with the 2308, I would not reccomend it. Those NHT speakers are moderate load to drive and as said many times already---you cannot add an amplifier with the 23808. This is more important than A/D and D/A conversion. If you are getting those NHT's you need the 2808 as a minimum so you have more options of future expandibility and a better amplfier upfront to start with....Your question about conversion is no where near important as this point....

That aside, for your question about CD sound, you won't be able to hear an audible difference in the 2308 vs. 2808....with your CD player connected the way you described...

 

[speakerman39]

I do not know to what post you are reffering to in asking about 'conversion'. More important than that is the speakers you are buying and with the 2308, I would not reccomend it. Those NHT speakers are moderate load to drive and as said many times already---you cannot add an amplifier with the 23808. This is more important than A/D and D/A conversion. If you are getting those NHT's you need the 2808 as a minimum so you have more options of future expandibility and a better amplfier upfront to start with....Your question about conversion is no where near important as this point....

That aside, for your question about CD sound, you won't be able to hear an audible difference in the 2308 vs. 2808....with your CD player connected the way you described...

Very much agreed. The larger issue is the ability to use outboard amplification. As such, the need for pre-amp outputs is paramount. Great advice here. BTW, so far, I love my 2808.

 

[bryanalban]

2808CI or 988

Hi,

thanks for all the help. I've decided to get the 2808CI, because of all the points you guys brought up.

One last thing, I was in Best Buy yesterday picking up a CD, and walked back to the Magnolia area. They had a Denon AVR-988 on clearance for $525. It seems to have the same specs as the 2808CI, I was gong to order.

Are they basically the same product, or am I missing something?

 

[Chopin_Guy]

I wasn't aware that Best Buy carried the 988....I thought those were for Circuit City stores. Any Magnolia I have been at has the AVR-2808 model line....interesting. In any event they are essentially the same unit cosmetic differences aside...I sold my AVR-987 which was the equivalent to the 2807. If that price is for a new unit and not a floor model or open box model you could always go with that as it is a good price and is the same as the 2808ci. Otherwise, I would go for the 2808ci just as I like their looks better... Good luck and let us know what you end up with....

 

[bryanalban]

I wasn't aware that Best Buy carried the 988....I thought those were for Circuit City stores. Any Magnolia I have been at has the AVR-2808 model line....interesting.

It must have been Circuit City then, I was at both (also Fry's) yesterday, so I probably got things mixed up.

If that price is for a new unit and not a floor model or open box model you could always go with that as it is a good price and is the same as the 2808ci. Otherwise, I would go for the 2808ci just as I like their looks better... Good luck and let us know what you end up with....

What price should I look to be getting a 2808CI at? I know that they are last year's model and a closeouts, but some places have them for the same price as the 2809CI. What is a good sale price that I might find the 2808CI at, that will help me figure out if I should jump on the AVR-988 at $525.

Thanks

 

[Chopin_Guy]

Well the lowest I found on the 2808ci was $598 and that included shipping....so you should be in the $600-625 ballpark. But certainly the price should be nowhere near the new 2809ci. Otherwise, just go with the 988 and you will be getting the same AVR with a slightly different cosmetic look. Just be sure that the unit is new, as I know sometimes Circuit City will try to sneak in an open-box or returned item....which might be why the price is so low---just be careful....Happy hunting!!!