Denon 3808, Onkyo nr906, or marantz 8002?

[PENG]

Hopefully you'll be hearing from me about some speakers in the near future!

That's the most important part especially if you are buying a 7.1 system. Once you get locked in it won't be easy to upgrade that many speakers unless you are not concerned about timbre matching. Unlike mid and high end receivers/amps, speakers at any price points could sound quite different from one another. Make sure you like the sound before pulling the trigger. Take you time!!

 

[santeini]

If possible get both Denon and Onkyo for a demo in your place for a minimum of a week each and decide for your self.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Denon AVR-3808ci

Hi Doc,

Let us know your experiences with the Denon 3808.
Are you happy with the sound, with the new GUI, with all the features and the manual, with Audyssey MultiEQ XT Room calibration system, with the DCDi
video processor...
Your feedbacks are important to us.

Cheers, and enjoy your new toy.

________ Bob

 

[greggp2]

From everything I've heard, including the opinion of a very high end Audio dealer, I'd go with the Marantz if 2 channel stereo is important to you. From what he says, it's one of the few receivers that can compete with the SQ of separates...

 

[Phil Indeblanc]

SQ or Features?

Im not sure if you care about sound, if you did you would go with the 8002, if features are more important take the Denon.

I just got out of the studio listening to a few receviers and some higher end denon gear. marantz sounded better than the Denon. I want to say the Pioneer Elite also did, but dont remember the model.

For the person who said skip the 8002 and get the higher end..? i dont know about that, as comparing anything up into the $2400 Marantz sounded better.
My ears can tell. If you don't belive me, take my ears and listen for yourself

ya I guess it is down to your ears. Dont pretend you can hear the difference...If you can't, not knowing will only make you smile more.

I left with a new puzzled look on my face as I was almost certain I wanted to purchase the Yamamha 863 or newer 1065. But after hearing the marantz, i would really like to take the 8002 and the 863/1065 home and test drive it.

 

[rawj7]

do google search for denon 4310 and you can find many repitable places to pick on up for 1399. It definietly has the others beat and comes with the new Ancore Bay 2010 chip wich is a way better scaler then the others have. check it out.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I really don't think you will hear any differences in sound quality, especially in Direct or Pure Direct modes or with discrete 5.1/7.1 surround sound (non-matrix, non-DSP) espeically Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA, and Uncompressed PCM. This is especially true in double-blinded testing. Also compare the specs - they all measure extremely accurate.

If I'm going to spend anywhere near $1K & above, I would get something that has a better reputation for reliability such as Denon & Yamaha.

But getting something like a brand new Onkyo 806 for $600 from amazon.com (free shipping) is hard to resist.

Video scaling and processing is not a factor if you are watching blu-rays.

Room EQs are not always that helpful to everyone. For example, most reviews I've read tried the EQs, but then end up bypassing it altogether.

I've tried the EQs several times also, and I always ended up bypassing it.

Onkyo Pros:
1) Measured Specs are outstanding (Power, THD%, SNR, Crosstalk, FR, etc.)
2) Features
3) Lower Price

Cons:
1) Heat issues
2) Reputation of "not being as reliable as Denon".

But if a $600 Onkyo 806 lasts 5 yrs and a $1,200 Denon 3808 lasts 10 yrs, it comes out the same on Average Overall Cost.