Denon 5803A vs 3805

[nate88818]

<font color='#000000'>Currently can't decide between models...
I know of the main differences...
Is the power &quot;cleaner&quot; because of the 8 independent power supplies on the 5803A compaired to the 4 on the 3805?
Don't care about the THX, I could go with out.
Also, the the 5803 is rated at 170x7 watts
I have Mirage OM-Rs's in the rear, they are rated 15-125 watts/RMS
Obvioulsy sounds like too much power for the OM-R2's...
Should I be safe and buy the 3805 with 120x7??

Thanks

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[docferdie]

<font color='#000000'>5803 DACs have SNR of 117 and THD of 0.0004 vs 3805 which has SNR of 113 and THD of 0.001. If you can actually hear that difference then you should be a cardiologist otherwise keep the extra $3000 and buy something else with it. Happy shopping.</font>

 

[Rob Babcock]

<font color='#8D38C9'>The two models differ in more than just their amp sections. &nbsp;But if that was your primary concern and you could afford either one, I think you'd be happy to get the 3805 &amp; an outboard amp (or several). &nbsp;There are lots of superb amps in the 5 x 200 watt or 7 x 200 watt range you could buy for $1500-$2000. &nbsp;While I'm sure the 5803 has nice amps I seriously doubt it could keep up with a Sunfire amp, a big ATI or an Aragon. &nbsp;It's just a matter of power supply.</font>

 

[petermwilson]

Hi Nate,
I have an upgraded 5800 which is about 95% of a 5803.
I use a 9 speaker array, 5 of which are my music speakers which are 4ohm Totem Model 1's with a sensitivity of 87. I mention this because of the 5800/03 THX ULTRA II certification which means to me that there are 7 separate and distinct 170w amplifiers so my inneficient 4ohm speakers have an amplifier to themselves which they need.

One other feature that may or may not be important to you if you are into HIREZ music at all is that the 5800 series recievers have 2 separate sets of 8ch analogs. I use seperate mltidisc dvd-a and sacd players, as well as a dvd player dedicated to video which is connected digitally.

Regardless of which Denon you choose I'm sure you'll appreciate the quality.

I purchased mine hoping that it was the last one I would ever need from a feature perspective.

Peter m.