Elite VSX-56txi, Denon 3805, or wait?

[ToolZero]

I am new to HT.

I am about to purchase a Klipsch Cinema 10 system for my family room. In 3-5 years I will build a much more serious system in a different room.

I have narrowed down my receiver list to the Pioneer Elite VSX-56txi and the Denon AVR-3805.

Dynaco.com has the 56txi for $887 + $50 shipping.
Dynaco.com has the 3805 for $759 + $40 shipping.

I have a CRT 36" Toshiba HDTV and no HD receiver (yet).

Can anyone point me to the better one or tell me if it simply won't matter? Or should I wait for the new 3806 or the 74txvi that come out next month? Do I care about HDMI?

-Grant

 

[Thunder18]

Very hard choice there my friend. I have a 56TXi and I love it. The only drawback I can think of compared to the 3805 is fewer digital inputs and 1 less component video input. Both have analog multichannel inputs and digital via Denon's Denon-link and Pioneer's I.link however, I believe I.link may be more universal than Denon-link with the distinction being that only dvd-a is compatible with Denon-link while I.link is compatible with both dvd-a and sacd. Both have pre-amp outputs, learning remotes and room correction, although you have to buy Denon's microphone where Pioneer includes it. Honestly, I'd test out your retailers return policy and try both out.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Just out of curiosity, why Dynaco.com?

HDMI will take over the component connections very soon, but it's still a pricey option. I'm not seeing 3 HDMI inputs on many receivers, so to pay all that more for a newer model with one HDMI input doesn't make much sense if you can save $500 on this years model.

Pioneer, Denon, and Yamaha all make outstanding HT receivers. I have a few friends with electrostatic towers, Krell amps, all using Elite receivers. They use the 59TXi though, and I'm not sure if the other Elites even compare. It's probably similar comparing the 5805 to the 3805.

I own a 3805, and love the internal eq. It's wonderful to be able to tweak each speaker. I highly recommend a unit with an internal eq.

 

[ToolZero]

Thanks for the advice guys.

Dynaco.com is the cheapest place I have found and it doesn't look like they can't be trusted. If you can recommend a better store please let me know!

-Grant

 

[avliner]

I own a 3805, and love the internal eq. It's wonderful to be able to tweak each speaker. I highly recommend a unit with an internal eq.

Hi Buckie,

been this a bit off topic, could you please elaborate a bit better on the above subject? For your info, I've just got a 3805, which is pretty amazing and I'd like to know more about the internal eq., because, as you know, their manual really sucks. Shall bother you, asking for more info in due time...

Looking forward to hear from you soon.

Cheers / Avliner.

 

[malvado78]

Hi Buckie,

Looks like avliner has a pet anme for you Buckeye

 

[avliner]

Looks like avliner has a pet anme for you Buckeye

No, by no means. BUCKEYEFAN1, you know that it isn't true!
By the way, MALVADO in spanish means WICKED...

Cheers / Avliner.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Adjusting the 3805 EQ

Hi Buckie,

been this a bit off topic, could you please elaborate a bit better on the above subject? For your info, I've just got a 3805, which is pretty amazing and I'd like to know more about the internal eq., because, as you know, their manual really sucks. Shall bother you, asking for more info in due time...

Looking forward to hear from you soon.

Cheers / Avliner.

Buckie is fine. It's impossible to offend me. MacManNM tries, but to no avail. Unless you're my wife, it can't be done. I've been conditioned to take abuse.

That's one of the best features of this receiver. Are you familiar with the on screen display and how to work the remote? You must have your receiver hooked up to a free yellow video "in" jack on your tv. That rca "out" jack is located on the back of the receiver on the very bottom, 4 holes to the right of your digital coax "in." You probably already know this.

Just hit "AMP" at the top left of the Denon remote, then hit "ON SCREEN." On your tv set, assuming you now have the OSD, it should give you 6 options. Choose #2; "Manual EQ Setup." It will take you to a screen that says 1-2. Manual EQ Setup.

Now using your toggle key on the remote, go up and down, left and right to select the frequency and if you want it boosted or cut. You can do this for every speaker. It's super flexible.

Want a little punch? Try boosting the 63Hz, 125Hz, 4kHz, and 8kHz 3-4dB. That will really wake up your speakers. Want to get rid of some mud? Try cutting the 250Hz 3-4dB.

The best way to tweak your speakers is to set them to "stereo," and put a great cd in. It's much easier to hear the two fronts being adjusted than all 5 or 7 at a time. Once the two fronts are tweaked, you can just mirror image the center and surrounds.

Let us know how it works out.

 

[avliner]

Hi Buckie,

good to hear that you're Malvado's proof!!

Who needs a manual, by the way??
It'll take me a while till I can get all those junks out of this pretty baby!
Shall keep you posted on my improvements.

Cheers / Avliner.

 

[Duffinator]

That's one of the best features of this receiver. Are you familiar with the on screen display and how to work the remote? You must have your receiver hooked up to a free yellow video "in" jack on your tv. That rca "out" jack is located on the back of the receiver on the very bottom, 4 holes to the right of your digital coax "in." You probably already know this.

Great instructions Buck. BTW, Buck sounds much more manly than Buckie

Just to clarify you can use the OSD with any video output connection from the receiver including S-Video and component cables.

ToolZero, three high bandwidth video inputs were part of my decision making process when I purchased my 3805 over a Yamaha 2400. If you are at all interested in HDMI switching I'd wait and check out the new Yamaha 2600 which is claimed to "upconvert" all analog inputs to HDMI. Some don't find video switching and upconversion useful but I use it and and cannot detect and degradation in the video quality. Isn't that one of the main reasons they call them AVR's in the first place?

 

[avliner]

Great instructions Buck. BTW, Buck sounds much more manly than Buckie

You're absolutely right! Buck sounds a whole lot better (manly wise...).

Cheers / Avliner.