Denon AVR-3808CI, Yamaha RX-V3800, or Sony STR-DA5300ES?

[renegade87]

As the title says, I have narrowed down my choices to 3 receivers to replace my solid but aging Sony STR-DB930. I've looked at the datasheets and manuals so many times all the details are starting to melt together in my mind (or what's left of it) and my brain hurts

Sony STR-DA5300ES
Yamaha RX-V3800
Denon AVR-3808CI

Each receiver can be had for between $1000 and $1125 delivered. The Sony is the least expensive costing about $100 less than the Denon and Yamaha.
The Sony and Denon have a great setup GUI and the Yamaha and Denon have an ethernet port. All 3 use the Faroudja chip as far as I know. The Sony has the 6 HDMI inputs, but I'm only going to need 2 currently.
The Denon and Yamaha have 4 each which is all I will probably ever need. All 3 receivers only have 1 subwoofer pre-out but 2 would be nice (like the Yamaha RX-V863) as (my current Sony does) my Def Tech BP7006's have integrated 300w subs. The Yammy RX-V863 looks to be a good value, but I want more power!

The Denon is the best looking of the 3 (IMO) followed very closly by the Yamaha. But we're not talking about interior decoration here are we!

I like Onkyo and have had good luck with them (my Mom still has and loves the 22 year old entry level receiver I bought her for XMas in '86!) but the heat issues with the 805/875 are a major concern for me. Despite any possible advantages to the Amp and Reon Chip.

I'm leaning towards the Denon for a number of reasons. But (despite what people here think) I have always liked Sony and have several Sony components including a new Playstation 3.

The room (Den) is 10' x 12'. The rest of the equipment is in my sig.

I primarily watch broadcast TV (HD and SD) and DVD's/BD's in my Den, but my Woman does like to crank up Her country music while I'm at work.

So Guys, what would you do?

 

[PENG]

I owned products of all 3 in the past. I would go with the 3808 simply because I believe Denon=reliability and that all 3 will sound practically the same and offer similar features and power that you would likely need.

 

[Jack Hammer]

I gotta throw a vote out for the Denon 3808, mainly because I have one and am very satisfied with it. I think their all gonna sound pretty much the same and most likely you'll be happy with any of them.

I do like the way Denon looks compared to the others and find it very easy to use (once set up). The gui menu is similar in style to the one the ps3 uses, but not as easy to follow. At first it's a little confusing, but once I got my basic setting down, I rarely have had to use it. You can do most things from the front of the unit itself. I like that there is a power button for both zone 2 & 3 under the front faceplate. Plus you can access the menu controls from there without having to use the remote.

The Yamaha has more DSP's, if that matters to you. And the Sony is a good price and you may end up eventually needing more hdmi ports (though 6 is alot). I'd flip a three sided coin or just go with your gut instinct on which of the 3 to get.

Jack

 

[dobyblue]

You can get the Denon for $999 shipped right now refurbished by Denon through "Alectrics" on Amazon, which is another operating name for www.dakmart.com

The unit comes with a 90-day warranty from Denon and a year warranty from Dakmart, so if something happens with 90 days you could take it to any authorized Denon dealer.

You can see the two authorized refurb dealers listed at the bottom of this page

http://usa.denon.com/OnlineETailers.asp

I'm seriously considering the 3808 as we speak, because it's not easy to find it for much under $1,500 from any authorized dealer.

 

[Hi Ho]

The Denon and Yamaha are both very good. I'm not a fan of Sony products, especially their receivers.

I own a Yamaha 2700, the predecessor to the 3800, and I love it. I have experience with the 3808 and when comparing the two the Yamaha is definitely more user friendly. The Yamaha also has a nice GUI and in my opinion it is better than either the Denon or Sony because it is easier to navigate.

I think you will be happy with whatever receiver you get. Everyone has different opinions and qualms with once model or another but it all comes down to what you like.

 

[Duffinator]

You can get the Denon for $999 shipped right now refurbished by Denon through "Alectrics" on Amazon, which is another operating name for www.dakmart.com

The unit comes with a 90-day warranty from Denon and a year warranty from Dakmart, so if something happens with 90 days you could take it to any authorized Denon dealer.

You can see the two authorized refurb dealers listed at the bottom of this page

http://usa.denon.com/OnlineETailers.asp

I'm seriously considering the 3808 as we speak, because it's not easy to find it for much under $1,500 from any authorized dealer.

Dakmart has it for $999 plus shipping. Are you saying buying it from Amazon you save the shipping costs and still get the one year warranty? I searched Amazon but couldn't find it. Can you please provide a link? Thanks.

 

[Pyrrho]

As the title says, I have narrowed down my choices to 3 receivers to replace my solid but aging Sony STR-DB930. I've looked at the datasheets and manuals so many times all the details are starting to melt together in my mind (or what's left of it) and my brain hurts

Sony STR-DA5300ES
Yamaha RX-V3800
Denon AVR-3808CI

Each receiver can be had for between $1000 and $1125 delivered. The Sony is the least expensive costing about $100 less than the Denon and Yamaha.
The Sony and Denon have a great setup GUI and the Yamaha and Denon have an ethernet port. All 3 use the Faroudja chip as far as I know. The Sony has the 6 HDMI inputs, but I'm only going to need 2 currently.
The Denon and Yamaha have 4 each which is all I will probably ever need. All 3 receivers only have 1 subwoofer pre-out but 2 would be nice (like the Yamaha RX-V863) as (my current Sony does) my Def Tech BP7006's have integrated 300w subs. The Yammy RX-V863 looks to be a good value, but I want more power!

The Denon is the best looking of the 3 (IMO) followed very closly by the Yamaha. But we're not talking about interior decoration here are we!

I like Onkyo and have had good luck with them (my Mom still has and loves the 22 year old entry level receiver I bought her for XMas in '86!) but the heat issues with the 805/875 are a major concern for me. Despite any possible advantages to the Amp and Reon Chip.

I'm leaning towards the Denon for a number of reasons. But (despite what people here think) I have always liked Sony and have several Sony components including a new Playstation 3.

The room (Den) is 10' x 12'. The rest of the equipment is in my sig.

I primarily watch broadcast TV (HD and SD) and DVD's/BD's in my Den, but my Woman does like to crank up Her country music while I'm at work.

So Guys, what would you do?

I would go with the Yamaha. I have had good luck with Yamaha receivers, and currently use the RX-V2700. Also, they seem to have fewer problems with their HDMI connections than some brands, judging from the complaints I have read at this site.

If you are wanting great video upconversion, and only need it for DVD, you should probably forget about what is in a receiver and just buy the Oppo DV-983H:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43346

Judging from the professional on line reviews, it is the best DVD player ever made.

 

[Iamhoosier]

You can buy brand new for

You can get the Denon for $999 shipped right now refurbished by Denon through "Alectrics" on Amazon, which is another operating name for [
The unit comes with a 90-day warranty from Denon and a year warranty from Dakmart, so if something happens with 90 days you could take it to any authorized Denon dealer.

You can see the two authorized refurb dealers listed at the bottom of this e



I'm seriously considering the 3808 as we speak, because it's not easy to find it for much under $1,500 from any authorized dealer.

practically the same price if you CALL some of the authorized internet retailers. I saw a coupon today for the Yamaha 3800 for under $1,000. I've read reports of the Denon 3808 for just a little over that figure. All from an authorized internet dealer. If you want the Yamaha, call the Audioholics store and see what they will do for you. YOU NEED TO CALL. Marketing agreements keep authorized dealers from advertising below MSRP or they will lose their dealerships.

 

[audioholix]

Denon? Yamaha?

As the title says, I have narrowed down my choices to 3 receivers to replace my solid but aging Sony STR-DB930. I've looked at the datasheets and manuals so many times all the details are starting to melt together in my mind (or what's left of it) and my brain hurts

Sony STR-DA5300ES
Yamaha RX-V3800
Denon AVR-3808CI

Each receiver can be had for between $1000 and $1125 delivered. The Sony is the least expensive costing about $100 less than the Denon and Yamaha.
The Sony and Denon have a great setup GUI and the Yamaha and Denon have an ethernet port. All 3 use the Faroudja chip as far as I know. The Sony has the 6 HDMI inputs, but I'm only going to need 2 currently.
The Denon and Yamaha have 4 each which is all I will probably ever need. All 3 receivers only have 1 subwoofer pre-out but 2 would be nice (like the Yamaha RX-V863) as (my current Sony does) my Def Tech BP7006's have integrated 300w subs. The Yammy RX-V863 looks to be a good value, but I want more power!

The Denon is the best looking of the 3 (IMO) followed very closly by the Yamaha. But we're not talking about interior decoration here are we!

I like Onkyo and have had good luck with them (my Mom still has and loves the 22 year old entry level receiver I bought her for XMas in '86!) but the heat issues with the 805/875 are a major concern for me. Despite any possible advantages to the Amp and Reon Chip.

I'm leaning towards the Denon for a number of reasons. But (despite what people here think) I have always liked Sony and have several Sony components including a new Playstation 3.

The room (Den) is 10' x 12'. The rest of the equipment is in my sig.

I primarily watch broadcast TV (HD and SD) and DVD's/BD's in my Den, but my Woman does like to crank up Her country music while I'm at work.

So Guys, what would you do?

I had Yamaha rx-v2700 last 6 months and replaced with Denon avr-987. Actually for Movie I pick Yamaha . And if you into music Denon is the top choice. Stay away from Onkyo. I am not really impress with them. Goodluck bro.

 

[Jeje2]

I did last autumn a smaal home test with Yamaha RX-V3800 vs. Onkyo TX-NR905 vs. Denon AVR-4308. Ended up buing the denon 3808 and haven't regretted.

 

[AVTguy]

All three are great but...

The Denon wins hands down. The 08 lineup for Denon is so fantastic, and I think that the 3808 is the hand down best receiver for the $$$.

The HD GUI is fantastic. The fact that it displays in HD over picture, over HDMI is just fantastic. There are plenty of tweaker options. 4 HDMI is nice, and with all the analog connections you'll ever need, you're good to go.

Picture quality on the upscaling is great too. It uses a fantastic Faroudja scaler, and the audio is superb.

Also, the Audyssey MultEQ XT is just a fantastic calibration tool. It smokes the Yamaha's YPAO.

 

[renegade87]

Thanks to all who responded!!

I just ordered an Onkyo TX-NR905 as the deal was just too good to pass up ($1479 Shipped - from Amazon).

Heat is still a concern, but since starting this thread I have rearranged and added center support to my A/V Credenza (Techcraft SWP60) to handle more weight (which I will need more than ever becuase at 54lbs. the 905 weighs nearly twice as much the Sony STR-DB930 it's replacing). The room is well ventilated with a/c and a 44" Hunter ceiling fan. And, I have also replaced the door glass with A.C. Ryan honeycomb MeshxPanel to improve airflow. Should I need to, I can reinstall the Triktags 2RUFAN I removed after modifying the credenza.

Anyways, I cannot think of a receiver with the Reon HQV video processing capabilities and ethernet/wireless support in the sub $1500 price range (the TX-SR875 has no networking capabilities and the Integra DTR-8.8 is essentially the same receiver without widespread online availability and higher "A/V Boutique" pricing). Hell, the Denon AVR-4308CI doesn't even use the Reon HQV chip for video processing (Faroudja). The wireless networking (4308) is a nice feature I found interesting though.

I'm sure that by the Fall, there will be some new model available which will incorporate some feature that I wish I had, but if you wait for the next big thing, you'll always be waiting and never buy anything.

The Sony is 9 years old now. While it still runs great, it's time! I have owned many Onkyo products in the past and have never been disapointed. I expect this time will be no different. The receiver should arrive around Monday/Tuesday time frame. We'll see.

Thanks to all who responded to this thread

 

[Harrison476]

Thats Funny

I just ordered an Onkyo TX-NR905 as the deal was just too good to pass up ($1479 Shipped - from Amazon).



I got a 875, It's funny reading this thread because that's the thought process I went though, denon,sony and bought a oky.

YOu wont be disapointed. My 875, I likkkkkkkkke it

 

[Jack Hammer]

I just ordered an Onkyo TX-NR905 as the deal was just too good to pass up ($1479 Shipped - from Amazon).

Heat is still a concern, but since starting this thread I have rearranged and added center support to my A/V Credenza (Techcraft SWP60) to handle more weight (which I will need more than ever becuase at 54lbs. the 905 weighs nearly twice as much the Sony STR-DB930 it's replacing). The room is well ventilated with a/c and a 44" Hunter ceiling fan. And, I have also replaced the door glass with A.C. Ryan honeycomb MeshxPanel to improve airflow. Should I need to, I can reinstall the Triktags 2RUFAN I removed after modifying the credenza.

Anyways, I cannot think of a receiver with the Reon HQV video processing capabilities and ethernet/wireless support in the sub $1500 price range (the TX-SR875 has no networking capabilities and the Integra DTR-8.8 is essentially the same receiver without widespread online availability and higher "A/V Boutique" pricing). Hell, the Denon AVR-4308CI doesn't even use the Reon HQV chip for video processing (Faroudja). The wireless networking (4308) is a nice feature I found interesting though.

I'm sure that by the Fall, there will be some new model available which will incorporate some feature that I wish I had, but if you wait for the next big thing, you'll always be waiting and never buy anything.

The Sony is 9 years old now. While it still runs great, it's time! I have owned many Onkyo products in the past and have never been disapointed. I expect this time will be no different. The receiver should arrive around Monday/Tuesday time frame. We'll see.

Thanks to all who responded to this thread

After you get it and have used it for a few weeks, post back and let us know your thoughts on it.

Jack

 

[m5isa540]

I have had both Yamaha and Denon. In fact I was a Yamaha man for nearly 20years until I fowned a Denon (AVR4308). In my opinion both are good but Denon has a better sound.... similar to the B&K AVR's.

 

[m5isa540]

I have owned both Yamaha and Denon. In fact I was a Yamaha man for nearly 20 years. I recently purchased a Denon AVR 4308. Both Yamaha and Denon are good but in my opinion Denon sounds better... similar to the B&K AVR's.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

The Denon is the best looking of the 3...I'm leaning towards the Denon...

In terms of performance, I think they will be practically identical.

So it comes down to the minor details like aesthetics and personal preferences.

So in this case, it looks like the Denon 3808 is the winner.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

If Dakmart or anybody else has the Denon 3808 for $1K, J&R will BEAT their prices.

 

[Seth=L]

Denons are more musical, la la la. Yamaha has a cold and flat sound, blah, blah, blah.

 

[Duffinator]

Denons are more musical, la la la. Yamaha has a cold and flat sound, blah, blah, blah.

And Onkyo's are cheaper.........................