Denon 3808 vs Pioneer Elite

[TheFactor]

What do you guys think ? I currently have a Denon 3808 that I really like and dont have any complaints what so ever but you always wonder if the grass is greener on the other side. Fortunately I have the option to exchange if I wanted for the Pioneer elite vsx-94txh thats 980 watts total versus my 910 . Like I said im really happy with my Denon but I only have a few days left with my exchange option. Oh ya i'm running the reciever with my Paradigm studio 60's and cc-690 center. Between the two which one do you think I will be the most happiest with. Thanks in advance for the help Also it would be a straight swap the prices are exact.

 

[bandphan]

Pick up the Ditka Cause ditka would beat them both.jk The watts per ch are not sufficient to warrant change Unless you want the shinny black finish, id stay the course.

 

[TheFactor]

They are purty lol but Im concerned with the quaity of sound and what would compliment My paradigm studios more of course . Just wondering what and if anymore the Pioneer elite has on the table to offer versus my denon .

 

[bandphan]

your good to go on the avr front/ it looks like maybe start to upgrade the rest of the system; sub, and surrounds, but the lcr and power look great.

 

[TheFactor]

your good to go on the avr front it, looks like maybe start to upgrade the rest of the system; sub, and surrounds, but the lcr and power look great.

Thanks much

 

[Jack Hammer]

I doubt you'd really be able to notice any difference in sound between the two. And I highly doubt you'd notice the extra10 watt per channel. I say stick with what you got, unless there is something the Pioneer has that the
Denon doesn't that you really, really want. Basically, its a sideways move in my opinion.

Jack

 

[TheFactor]

I doubt you'd really be able to notice any difference in sound between the two. And I highly doubt you'd notice the extra10 watt per channel. I say stick with what you got, unless there is something the Pioneer has that the
Denon doesn't that you really, really want. Basically, its a sideways move in my opinion.

Jack

Ya I think your wright, for some reason though every once in a while no matter what im watching being a DVD or DIGITAL cable TV the screen for a second will go blank and act like its going to switch to another mode but it wont and then the digital channel display will appear in the right top corner of the screen like I just switched back and then the picture comes back on. So that has me a little concerned even though it only happens maybe once or twice during a 3 or 4 hour period but it does have me worried. Im not sure its the reciever or not but it never did it before.

 

[Thunder18]

You may want to check out the Audioholics review of the 94TXH here: http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/pioneer-vsx-94txh They actually found it to be quite a bit more powerful than I think most had thought it would be(225 watts x 2 @ 4 ohms!) considering the lower power consumption, lower weight and seemingly less beefy power supply.
In comparison terms, they actually compare it to the Denon 4308CI rather than the 3808.
It seems like the only real disadvantages are the crappy remote and the lackluster GUI.

 

[TheFactor]

Wow great write up, Thankyou

 

[croseiv]

If I had the 3808, I'd be inclined to stick with it, but the 94's power supply specs are quite impressive. I'm a bit of a Pioneer fan anyway (I like the 94 alot). My 1015 is keeping me happy for now though.

 

[TheFactor]

If I had the 3808, I'd be inclined to stick with it, but the 94's power supply specs are quite impressive. I'm a bit of a Pioneer fan anyway (I like the 94 alot). My 1015 is keeping me happy for now though.

Well I just called and they have the pioneer elite in stock one left so I think im going to make the switch. I appreciate the advice and input, I probably would of just stuck with my Denon but what has me concerned was that it has the issue were once in a while "3 or 4 hour period" the screen goes blue and acts like its wanting to change inputs and being I only have a few days left on my exchange program im going to take advantage of it....Im very nervous about my desicion though .

 

[TheFactor]

Well on a side note this is my second denon the first one had no sound and the face was black no power / lights so it made me kinda nervous that im having the small issue with my second one but I know thats very rare with Denon but I think i'll give The Pioneer Elite a chance.

 

[croseiv]

Well on a side note this is my second denon the first one had no sound and the face was black no power / lights so it made me kinda nervous that im having the small issue with my second one but I know thats very rare with Denon but I think i'll give The Pioneer Elite a chance.

I look forward to your impression of the 94. Sure is a looker.

 

[TheFactor]

I look forward to your impression of the 94. Sure is a looker.

Just got home and should have it hooked up and running in a hour or two being the rookie I am give or take but I'll let you know how it compares from my unbiased point of view

 

[TheFactor]

Ok gottta get back to dialing in my new Pioneer Elete 94,but just a quick update, so far it sounds incredible just out of the box and adjusting all speakers large except for srb set at small and sub set at 50. Just with running the tuner its sounds so crisp. Im going to try the auto setup now for distance ect and test out some movies. So far im very impressed except its a very large receiver but its eye candy for sure and sounds impressive, I truly believe so far out of the box it sounds more defined and clear.

 

[mazersteven]

Ok gottta get back to dialing in my new Pioneer Elete 94,but just a quick update, so far it sounds incredible just out of the box and adjusting all speakers large except for srb set at small and sub set at 50. Just with running the tuner its sounds so crisp. Im going to try the auto setup now for distance ect and test out some movies. So far im very impressed except its a very large receiver but its eye candy for sure and sounds impressive, I truly believe so far out of the box it sounds more defined and clear.

Are you suggesting you "Can" hear a difference from the Denon?

And why are you setting your mains to large?

Maybe try experimenting with a separate amp for the center channel.

 

[TheFactor]

Are you suggesting you "Can" hear a difference from the Denon?

And why are you setting your mains to large?

Maybe try experimenting with a separate amp for the center channel.

Its possible the denon wasnt setup correctly or there was something wrong with it, but I used the auto setup on that too, The picture seems better to on the elite and yes my speakers are set to large except for my surround back and after the auto setup with mic thats what it set it at too.For some reason the vocals on a movie sound better to, not as canned or a echo type thing, its hard to explain but the vocals sound more real and clear not like your talking in a cave or auditorium is the best way to explain it. Maybe there was something wrong with my Denon because I KNOW There a excellent receiver but after comparing it to this elite so far my personal non professional preference is the pioneer elite sounds better. I dont like the remote as much as the denon and the pioneer is huge and barely fits on my audio rack but looks sweet. IT seems to rrun cooler to. So far i've only listened to the tuner/radio and cable tv in HD and the sound is incredible. Im going to test out some blu-rays now. In a few days i'll try to give a better all around difference from my personal oppinion. But so far im very happy with the change.

 

[PENG]

With a review such as this "http://www.homecinemachoice.com/pdfs/HCC/151/HCC_151_056.pdf", it is hard to imagine the Pioneer can be better. Well may be this Pioneer is a make in heaven match with the Studio 60.

 

[mazersteven]

Well may be this Pioneer is a make in heaven match with the Studio 60.

LOL

The last known "Match Made in Heaven" was Rheingold and Pizza.

 

[TheFactor]

LOL

The last known "Match Made in Heaven" was Rheingold and Pizza.

Now thats funny