Denon AVR 5803 or 3808

[rcpilot_971]

what would be better way to go a vey good like new condition 5803 for 1200 or a new 3808 Im f up grading form a kenwood that I bought in like 1987 first pro logic they came out with still works great but its time to upgrade and I cant decide on the 5803 I know this was like 5K when they came out and I know new technology has come a long way since 2002 I do like the 170 watts of power on the 5803 I have infinity kappa 7s and they like a lot of power


Thanks Tim

 

[croseiv]

The 5803 has no HDMI capability. The 3808 does (It can decode the latest HD sound formats). With out a doubt the 5803 has the better power supply of the two, but I'd get the 3808 or better yet the Onkyo 875.

 

[rcpilot_971]

The 5803 has no HDMI capability. The 3808 does (It can decode the latest HD sound formats). With out a doubt the 5803 has the better power supply of the two, but I'd get the 3808 or better yet the Onkyo 875.

Idont know what HDMI is or does
what does HDMI do can you tell me more about this HDMI

Thanks Tim

 

[mtrycrafts]

Idont know what HDMI is or does
what does HDMI do can you tell me more about this HDMI

Thanks Tim

That cable and protocol passes the video signal in the digital domain and also the newer lossless audio codes on hi-def DVDs to be decoded by an appropriate receiver. HDMI is needed for the 1080p type video signals to be passed from the hi def DVD players. Components will not pass this high and depending on the DVD, it may only pass it in the much lower res and lets the TV upscale it.
If you are planning on getting into the hi-def video, this is desirable.

 

[croseiv]

If you want to enjoy any of the latest hi-def formats in their truest form you'll need an HDMI capable system(HDMI=High Definition Mutlimedia Interface). The new formats (Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD) have superceded the older surround formats. These newer formats are found on the new blu-ray and HD DVDs. You'd also need a specific high definition player (some dual format jobbies are coming out now).

This may help a little.

 

[croseiv]

Here is a comparison of the two formats. They are hitting the main stream now. Dual format players seem to be the best way to go as of now or you can hold off a little longer and see which one wins.

 

[rcpilot_971]

so if Im not in HD DVD witch reciver would you pick


Thanks Tim

 

[Seth=L]

Audio/gear changes a lot faster than it used too. Since the days of Dolby Pro Logic there have been extraordinary advances in surround sound. Ever since DVD and the use of digital surround formats Dolby Digital and DTS there has been a steady developement in surround sound for home theater. These formats used SPDIF (signified by optical or coaxial cables) to transmit digital surround to a capable surround sound receiver.

On a completely different front, the video side, came the common use of Component video when DVD hit big. It uses 3 RCA connectors to handle video exclusively. It is pretty much standard that every DVD player short of some of the very first limited function and generic DVD players could use component video for an enhanced picture.

Then there was HDTV. HDTV is digital as well as DVD and is converted to analog for output via component to an HD monitor or HDTV.

HDMI combines sound and video transmission into one cable. It is also purely digital until it reaches where date streams can be processed from it either in a TV or surround sound receiver. The bandwidth of the HDMI allows for very high bitrates. So super nice HD video and very high quality sound beyond that of SPDIF can be experianced. (it is noteworthy that the video performance of component video can match that of HDMI)

Blu-ray and HD DVD, two competing High Definition video formats fighting to take the place of regular DVD, offer High Definition video and sound. HDMI can transmit all this down a single connection. Connecting the HDMI from the HD DVD or Blu-ray player to a capable receiver allows the user to get the high quality sound from high resolution audio formats Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital TrueHD, and DTS-HD (MA). Then using the HDMI output on a receiver allows you to connect to your display to get your High Definition video.

Concerning your speakers, they are power hungry, and I agree that you need some power. Might I recommend getting a receiver like the Onkyo TX-SR705 and use the preouts on the receiver (basically use it like a preamp) and get a two channel power amplifier like this one to power the Infinitys?

 

[Seth=L]

so if Im not in HD DVD witch reciver would you pick


Thanks Tim

If you plan on upgrading in the future getting a receiver with HDMI like the Onkyo TX-SR705 and adding an amplifier to it is a good route to go. The amplifier can be reused in a new system.

If you must get a receiver and you have no interest in HD formats, and don't think that you will in the future (though at some point you might not have a choice because eventually DVD will go the way of VHS), then maybe the Denon AVR-5803 would work fine. The power of the Emotiva amp linked in my other post will likely outperform the Denon in terms of power. Buying used amplifiers on Audiogon or eBay is a good thing to do if you want to save some bucks. Accurus, Adcom, and Rotel are pretty commonly seen for decent deals used.

 

[croseiv]

so if Im not in HD DVD witch reciver would you pick


Thanks Tim

I'd be inclined to get one that you will be happy with for several years. The market is going over to high def, so I'd seriously consider that when buying a receiver now. Seth=L makes a very good point about getting a cheaper receiver like the 705 and adding a nice external amp.

I am seriously considering something like the Onkyo 875 or 905 and a nice multi format player myself...

 

[rcpilot_971]

I'd be inclined to get one that you will be happy with for several years. The market is going over to high def, so I'd seriously consider that when buying a receiver now. Seth=L makes a very good point about getting a cheaper receiver like the 705 and adding a nice external amp.

I am seriously considering something like the Onkyo 875 or 905 and a nice multi format player myself...

Ok thanks for all the info I dont plan on getting a blue ray any time soon I just have a regular DVD player so If the 3806 did not have HDMI would you still pick the 3808 over the 5803 ? for the same money

Thanks Tim

 

[croseiv]

That's a tough one. The 5803 is one heck of a receiver, just dated now...You sound like you really want the 5803. I'd probably pass it up for better technology now, but that's me. The new lossless formats sound great (from what I've read).

 

[Seth=L]

Ok thanks for all the info I dont plan on getting a blue ray any time soon I just have a regular DVD player so If the 3806 did not have HDMI would you still pick the 3808 over the 5803 ? for the same money

Thanks Tim

I still think you would benefit more from getting a lower priced receiver and a power amplifier. Most receivers aren't going to be able to compete with power amplifiers.

 

[croseiv]

Most receivers aren't going to be able to compete with power amplifiers.

Except one like the 5803.

 

[Seth=L]

Except one like the 5803.

Consider you put $600 into the Emotiva RPA-1 or a used Adcom, Carver, or Rotel amplifier, you will typically get better power performance from these amplifiers. The Denon is rated at 170 watts per channel, the Emotiva is rated at 200 watts per channel and sparkled on the benchtests. Pro amps in this price range would crush the Denon in terms of power.

 

[rcpilot_971]

other than the HDIM would the 5803 have the same decoding as the 3808 or does the 3808 have better decoding

 

[Seth=L]

other than the HDIM would the 5803 have the same decoding as the 3808 or does the 3808 have better decoding

Probably about the same, but even budget receivers like the Yamaha RX-V661 have good decoding, the RX-V659 comes highly recommended as an older receiver here, and it works excellent as a preamp.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Umm...I kind of like the 659 as a pre amp if you not need HDMI...heck it powered my system as good as the 200 watt/ch ext. amp...

 

[dpnaugle]

It seems to me that in almost every case. If someone is interested enough to join the forum for upgrade advice, they will likely be considering upgrades to their entire system.

If you are planing on spending $1500 on a new receiver then buy a new receiver. Hands down the 3808 over the 5803. You will want to go HD eventually, whether it is the TV or the DVD or both, in the HD arena the 3808 will do what the 5803 will not.

 

[Seth=L]

It seems to me that in almost every case. If someone is interested enough to join the forum for upgrade advice, they will likely be considering upgrades to their entire system.

If you are planing on spending $1500 on a new receiver then buy a new receiver. Hands down the 3808 over the 5803. You will want to go HD eventually, whether it is the TV or the DVD or both, in the HD arena the 3808 will do what the 5803 will not.

But if he gets a lower priced receiver, like the Yamaha RX-V659 now with a good power amplifier he can upgrade to a receiver that can handle HDMI and all the HD niceties in the future when it is less expensive. He will still have a great amplifier to power the Infinitys as well.