Denon AVR-3805 vs. 3806

[onedrop]

In looking through the specs on the 3806 vs. 3805 I see the major change was the HDMI Inputs/Outputs that did not exist on the older model. I am currently evaluating buying the 3806, but I can get the 3805 for close to $300 less. I am wondering if anyone thought that the new features are worth shelling out the extra cash? Also, does anyone know more specifically what the improvements on the amplification are?

Thanks!!

 

[jcPanny]

Denon receivers

From what I have read, the amps are the same. In addition to the HDMI switching I think there is also an improvement in the Audisey PEQ capabilities. If you don't need HDMI, go for the 3805. You should be able to find it for $800 or less. It doesn't include the mic but you will probably want to buy it.

 

[bigpapa]

buy the mic!

It's worth the $30.

I bought the 3805 purely because I don't do HDMI... I have a remote rack anyway, so HDMI won't work.

 

[mitch57]

Actually, there are some other differences. One very useful feature that the 3806 has that the 3805 doesn't is the ability to "Fix" the power on volume as well as set a maximum volume level.

If you have teenagers who like to turn it up so loud that it either blows up your speakers or goes into overload protection you can fix the volume to any level you want.

I also like the power on volume so that it doesn't scare the crap out of you when you first turn it on after that same teenager had it cranked up to ear bleeding levels.

I have the 3805 but would love to see the reaction on my daughters face when she couldn't turn it up past about 75 DB.

 

[onedrop]

Thanks for your responses everyone. I agree that the HDMI switching is nice, but I currently use component video and if I end up using HDMI down the road, I can easily run it directly from my DVD Player or HD Cable box to the TV. I think I will probably put the $300 I will save on the receiver to upgrading my DVD player. Any rec's on a DVD player (Denon or other brand)???

 

[wuttuptae]

Thanks for your responses everyone. I agree that the HDMI switching is nice, but I currently use component video and if I end up using HDMI down the road, I can easily run it directly from my DVD Player or HD Cable box to the TV. I think I will probably put the $300 I will save on the receiver to upgrading my DVD player. Any rec's on a DVD player (Denon or other brand)???

Why upgrade your DVD player when you know Blu-ray and HD-DVD are coming down the pipe? Seems wiser to keep your current DVD player until the dust settles with those two formats (or become an early adopter of one or the other).