Denon 2308 vs. Emotiva DMR-1

[roshi]

Hey,
So I was almost ready to buy the Denon, since I really like what it has to offer. Then I saw another ad for Emotiva and took another look at the DMR-1.

I understand that the Emotiva has great built quality and is supposed to sound very good. My big question is what does the EQ look like. The Denon has a nice 9-band EQ (not to mention the whole automatic mic adjustment), but as far as I can tell the Emotiva just has a low and high shelving EQ. Is there something I overlook? How important is EQ in hometheater anyways?
Thanks for your help!

 

[mike c]

i don't think the emotiva is capable of decoding audio through its HDMI.
(not that you were asking but I didn't want to see you buy something thinking it'd give you HDMI audio)

I never used the EQ on my receiver.

 

[Seth=L]

Emotiva has a good home theater preamp section. The amp section is a hybrid Class D switching. HDMI is switching only. I would have trouble deciding as well. If the same price I would go with the Denon out of the two. But I would get the Onkyo TX-SR805 before either one, and it is cheaper than the DMR-1 for sure.

 

[arftech]

Emotiva has a good home theater preamp section. The amp section is a hybrid Class D switching. HDMI is switching only. I would have trouble deciding as well. If the same price I would go with the Denon out of the two. But I would get the Onkyo TX-SR805 before either one, and it is cheaper than the DMR-1 for sure.

From what I understand, the DMR-1 was actually priced at $2,900 when it hit the market a couple or so years ago. Emotiva, has decided to get out of the receiver business and just concentrate on their seperates offerings. They are unloading all of their DMR's in stock at an unbelievable price of $999!

If you're into all of the latest HDMI technology then the DMR-1 will not be for you. However, if the sonics is what matters most then the DMR-1 should be at the top of your list. The unit is based on the DMC-1 platform and is one of the best sounding Pre/Pros on the market.

The build quality is something I have never seen in an under $1000 receiver.
You really have to have one in your possession to really appreciate the high quality.

What I'm going to do is wait on the release of Emotiva's new 5 channel 200 watt amp and use the DMR-1 as a pre/pro.

Happy Listening,

Al

 

[billy p]

I had suggested the Onkyo line to a forum member, much like yourself. However, a member with the tx-sr905 chimed in a stated that there are issues with firmware upgrades and technical support in regards to upgrade support for hdmi glitches. IMO go with Denon!!

 

[roshi]

What I'm going to do is wait on the release of Emotiva's new 5 channel 200 watt amp and use the DMR-1 as a pre/pro.

Happy Listening,

Al

I'm assuming you have the DMR-1. Could you let me know if it only has the high and low shelving EQ or if there is more on board. Does it come with any other EQ functions manually or automatically?

Thanks a lot!

 

[Nomo]

I don't believe any of the current Emo receiver or processors have any EQ beyond the basic bass and treble. Possibly a midrange but I doubt it.
Your best bet is to call them and ask.

 

[arftech]

I'm assuming you have the DMR-1. Could you let me know if it only has the high and low shelving EQ or if there is more on board. Does it come with any other EQ functions manually or automatically?

Thanks a lot!

Roshi, the only EQ offered is bass management.

Happy Listening,

Al

 

[roshi]

How would you describe the overall sound of the DMR-1? Is it more warm or clear or fat? Give me a reason why I should buy Emotiva over Denon or Onkyo or so.
Since there is not much EQ to play with I want to know what I get into before I buy it. Of course I could just order it and send it back if I don't like it.

Thanks so much! Slowly I'm getting a picture of what I want.

 

[arftech]

How would you describe the overall sound of the DMR-1? Is it more warm or clear or fat? Give me a reason why I should buy Emotiva over Denon or Onkyo or so.
Since there is not much EQ to play with I want to know what I get into before I buy it. Of course I could just order it and send it back if I don't like it.

Thanks so much! Slowly I'm getting a picture of what I want.

Roshi, the DMR-1 is an excellent sounding receiver. Granted, there are no bells and whitles included, just high-end type of sound that many of us craves.

Granted, I'm only doing 2 channel stereo until Friday when the Kef center channel arrives. I refuse to cheapen my experience with this receiver in delving into the various sound fields until I get my center channel!!!

Upon further listening, the DMR sounds fantastic! There is no hint of harshness or that "electronic" type of glare that permeates so many receivers. Sound staging is very good.

The seperation of voices and instruments is on spot and there is a sense of air in the music.

Some of this I'm sure is related to the speakers I have but you need quality electronics to take advantage of some of the better speakers.

Enjoy the music!

Al

 

[WndrBr3d]

i'm rocking the 2308 right now. i decided to update my system from my previous HK 7300 because i wanted the HDMI capabilities of the 2308.

i mean, on top of 7.1 at 110wpc, it can take ANY input and output it at 1080p via HDMI.

honestly, you can't beat the value.

 

[jeevavs]

WndrBr3d,

Most likely a very stupid question - but i'm new to all this. The 2308 Product sheet claims "Processing up to 1080p from analog sources" - is there a conceivable reason to require upconversion from 480p (DVD?) or 720p on a non-analog source?
How about within HDMI, should a receiver be able to upconvert an embedded 480i/p, 720p to 1080p?
And would you know which of these, if relevant, could be supported by the 2308?

 

[jeevavs]

Ok - I think i've found the answers to some of my questions after reading relevant parts of the various product manuals.
The 2308/2808 will not do any conversion within hdmi - it will only upconvert in case of operation with analog inputs. Its only the 3808 which will upconvert within hdmi.
I'm still not sure what that means - are there many/any typical scenarios where there'll be a need to upconvert within hdmi?

Also - what do you think of the performance of the upconversion?