Denon 3805 vs 3806 dilemma

[Geno]

In my latest upgrade urge, I had decided on the 3806 because of the HDMI feature. Then I started reading various forum posts about HDMI not really adding anything noticeable to video quality. Since I'm in the process of buying a 50" plasma, I was pretty much sold on HDMI, at least theoretically.
I was in the local Good Guys today, and they had an open-box silver 3805 for $799....I decided to sleep on it, but if anyone out there has anything truly good to say about HDMI, please state your case.

 

[newfmp3]

better eq on the 3806 that can control the sub. and what looks to be a much better remote if that matters.

I'd get the 3806. But you are right, 799 for a 3805 sounds awefully nice too.

 

[Duffinator]

The reason to get HDMI is not necessarily for better video, but for compatability issues when using your receiver to switch video. If you don't ever plan on using the receiver for switching video get the 3805. But I've been burned before not keeping up with technology and if I was buying a new receiver today I'd insist on HDMI switching.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

decisions, decisions

In my latest upgrade urge, I had decided on the 3806 because of the HDMI feature. Then I started reading various forum posts about HDMI not really adding anything noticeable to video quality. Since I'm in the process of buying a 50" plasma, I was pretty much sold on HDMI, at least theoretically.
I was in the local Good Guys today, and they had an open-box silver 3805 for $799....I decided to sleep on it, but if anyone out there has anything truly good to say about HDMI, please state your case.

Nothing beats technology...except economics. What's the 3806 going for, $1400? You can buy a nice two channel amp and separate eq with the money you'll save going with the 3805. HDMI is nice, but $600 nice? NIMHO. Now in 6 months when the 3806 drops under a grand, ask me then.

 

[jcPanny]

HDMI options

You will need a new DVD player and satellite box with a DVI or HDMI connection to take advantage of the HDMI switching feature. If you only have 1 HDMI source (i.e. upconverting DVD) that you can always connect it directly to the TV.
Also, Gefen makes an HDMI switch box which you could use in conjunction with the 3805 should you need the HDMI switching feature in the future.

 

[Jase]

Don't forgot the HDMI audio capability. If rumours are true then the next generation of HD DVD/Blu Ray players with DD+/DTS HD will have onboard decoding of these formats. They will convert these signals to high res PCM which will then be passed via HDMI. If your Receiver has HDMI audio support you'll then at least have something relatively futureproofed and also capable of applying bass management to the incoming signal. Whilst the new players may also have 5.1/7.1 analog outputs there are still only a few Receivers that can apply bass management to their EXT IN's. Whether all HD DVD/Blu Ray players will have onboard bass management is still unknown. Look at the first and second generation DVD Audio/SACD players, they either had no bass management or a rather basic setup option. Denon are one of the few companies to actually offer decent bass management options in their later universal players. Fingers crossed someone might be bright enough to cover all the bases this time around..........

 

[shokhead]

No such thing as furtureproff in electronics anymore.

 

[Spiffyfast]

Yeah, save your money and buy an external hdmi switcher if you end up needing one

 

[Duffinator]

No such thing as furtureproff in electronics anymore.

There never has been. But with HDMI's capabilities it should be a standard for some time to come.

Geno, I think from just asking this question you answered it.

 

[Geno]

I did it; that big bad silver mama is mine! Now I gotta figure out how to sneak it into my stack so SWMBO doesn't notice... God, but I'm weak

 

[shokhead]

There never has been. But with HDMI's capabilities it should be a standard for some time to come.

Geno, I think from just asking this question you answered it.

Just like DVI?

 

[Duffinator]

Just like DVI?

DVI never carried both audio and video like HDMI. HDMI does it all and has plenty of bandwidth for current and future needs. But it too will be replaced one day and after reading this it may be sooner than I thought.

http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/specsformats/VESADisplayPort.php