Exclusive Denon AVR-3805 First Look!

[Unregistered]

Read all info on the forums and in the Audioholics test.
But I can't get it working!
Suppose I must be doing something wrong...I also wondered how to set the MULTI 2 volume?

1. In setup (power amp mode) selected MULTI ZONE 2.
2. Connected all speakers as they should, with split L/H and H to the FL/FR and L to MULTI/BS.
3. Cable from FL/FR to VDP input.
4. Pushed button Multi/REC on amp and selected VDP as source for MULTI ZONE 2.
5. Put on a CD in STEREO mode and no bass came out.
6. Selected VDP on the amp input and turned up the volume. Nothing at all.

Also tried this:
3. VDP cable replugged into MULT2/3 pre outs. Same difference.
4. Additionally assigned VDP to MULTI SOURCE 3.

Remember setting this up on my H.K. receiver was a breeze, but I can't get it to work on the Denon.
Don't want to experiment any further before I have a clue, because something started oscillating at one point and almost blew up my speakers ...
Barend

If you still have a problem, please give me a call at:
(973) 396-0810
Dial 09 for the recptionist and ask for Tony

It will work!

 

[Audiosouse]

3805 comparison test

I swapped my 3805 for a new 3805 and it's working fine. The thought of a different receiver was just too much. However, I still can't figure out why no LFE is output to my sub in DPL II or DTS Neo:6 with TV content (via analog OR coax). The sub works fine if I switch to Direct or Stereo, and Dolby Digital and DTS work great with DVD.

TV discolourations seem to be gone...for now anyway. Who knows, nobody has an answer for me, all I heard was "I've never heard of that before..." and all the implications I'm an idiot implied. But I swear, the 3805 was reacting with my Sony direct view HDTV via the AC, and if you've read my previous threads you'll know I left no stone unturned (I think).

I evaluated the Denon AVR-3805 side by side with the Yamaha RX-V2400, Pioneer VSX-55TXi and a Marantz (model previous to SR7400) with my speaker package (I also listned to the Rotel RSX-1056, but with different speakers and had the Arcam AVR300 on my short list, but none were available). Bare in mind this was in store with a switch box. Technical specs and reviews only tell half the story, your ear is THE final judge, don't even move those fingers if you haven't actually heard them!

If you haven't listened over the same hardware, all bets are off. Make sure the volume levels are equal, as an increase in volume will jump out at you and may be perceived as better sound quality. Don't be afraid to bring an SPL and insist on equal volume settings (dB on the volume dial means squat)! You'll be astonished at the audible difference in sound quality from competing products.

All were tested using Paradigm Monitor 7v3 speakers, Denon 2200 source while listening to familiar music in pure direct modes (in my view, the best way to actually HEAR the amplifier without unnecessary disctractions). Yamaha was very revealing of higher frequencies but had little low frequency impact. Marantz had a very warm sound, authoritative bass while sacrificing detail in the upper frequency range (the goal is neutrality remember, not tuning of the source via components). Rotel makes a beautiful sounding product, very neutral, but far fewer features for far more dollars does not a good value make. To my surprise, Pioneer was closest in sound quality, features and price to Denon.

However, there's a reason Denon has such a following. It's the most neutral and revealing sound of the bunch, with high frequency detail and low frequency impact and control all in one package. Not only that, they throw in parts separates only dream of (Burr Brown DACs and ADCs, Analog Devices HammerHead SHARC DSP) with more features for a reasonable price (that's called value). From what I've read (not actually heard remember), only the B&K AVR-507 and Arcam AVR300 compare in sound quality, but still lack features the Denon includes for HALF the price!

That makes your purchase decision simple now, doesn't it?

My ranking:
1) Denon AVR-3805
2) Pioneer VSX-55TXi
3) Yamaha RX-V2400
4) Marantz

The Yamaha is probably the best buy if you can get past the lack of low end or can't afford the Denon. Since Marantz is part of the Denon portfolio, I'm sure future products will be more like. But if bucks aren't an issue, I'd check out the more esoteric B&K (made in America!) and Arcam (UK). They're still half the price of separates, but apparently equals in performance. That's my two cents.

 

[Savvas]

RX-V2400 vs Denon AVR-3805

I wish to use either one a s apre-amp any recomendations?

Thank you..

 

[Unregistered]

3805 Review Comments

Great info and discussion on the 3805! My 3300 "died" the other day, so I'm considering the 3805, rather than trying to fix the 3300 (which was my first Denon purchase about 6 years ago). I'm very impressed with Denon products when they work, but I'm concerned about the short life of my 3300. [I still have a Sherwood receiver which works flawlessly after over 30 years of use!]

HAWKE (Cliff): Oh, on the last page of your 3805 review (on the Features Checklist) you have the column headings reversed for "Bonus" Features and "Critical" Features. The labels are correct at the bottom of the checklist, but not at the top.

Dave

 

[Audiosouse]

I wish to use either one a s apre-amp any recomendations?

Thank you..

Savvas,

I don't know why when the amp section is so good..but anyway, check the parts list on the Denon AVR-3805, most separate pre/pros don't have components of this quality (i.e. Burr Brown DACs and ADCs, Analog Devices Hammerhead SHARC DSP, etc, etc.). Many techies and reviewers seem to feel DAC and ADC quality is of prime importance. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but the Denon also has more Pre Out options.

In your case, I'd use the 3805 to power centre, side and back surrounds and get a kick *** two channel solid state or two mono blocks for the mains (Anthem, Blue Circle or Moon...and yes I know my bias is obvious). You'll still have two amp channels for zone 2!

 

[gene]

There is more to a processor than just the dac quality but it does certainly help out! Denon does a great job with layout and circuit topologies and it shows in the performance of their products. The 3805 would make a great pre/pro to use in conjunction with a great dedicated amp.

 

[Trojanlaw]

Gene or anyone - Help W/B&W Speakers

I love my 3805, but for some reason do not have a lot of punchiness to the bass. I am running B&W CDM 9NT's and have them properly biamped. Still not getting a lot of low end during music playback. Bass response for DTS or DD is great.

Any ideas. Does the fact that my speakers are a minimum 3 Ohm matter. Any idea how to increase the bass? Does the 3805 really have a enough juice to run these speakers or do I need another amp? Is there another receiver in the same price range that might be better as far as power?

Thanks in advance.

 

[gene]

You may wish to experiment with speaker placement, perhaps placing your main speakers more closely to back/side walls. Does your subwoofer only kick in for multi channel sources? You may wish to set all speakers to small since the B&W's don't have very low end authority to begin with, and let the sub produce the lows in all operational modes. Using a better amp may infact give you more impact and slam, but it is doubtful that you will notice significantly deeper bass from it. However don't be afraid to experiment.

 

[Jason Coleman]

Gene-

I have Paradigm Studio 100 v.3's bi-amped with my 3805. Overall, the sound is fantastic. However, when I re-auto-eq'd, I also noticed some bleedover from the front L and R channels. During the test tones, I could hear the pink noise from the right speaker while it was testing the left speaker and vice versa. I rechecked the connections and they aren't crossed. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Jason

 

[BIG FISH]

Bi-wire

If I was to biwire my front speakers, would I need run auto set-up again?

 

[gene]

I also noticed some bleedover from the front L and R channels.

Check your preamp out to source in rca level connections. How are they configured right now?

 

[Unregistered]

I had the same bleed over problem, ie pink noise coming from the incorrect speaker when the front preouts and the vdp inputs were wired left to left and right to right. Then I reversed the left and right preouts so that they are actually out of phase. After doing this the pink-noise generated in the correct speaker and the rest of the auto eq went fine. Strange that on mine the front preouts and the vdp input function correctly only when left is connected to right and vice-versa.

 

[Jason Coleman]

Weird as hell...just reversed my interconnects L to R and R to L and the bleedover is gone. Very bizarre. Maybe it's time for an amp after all.

Jason

 

[UmAlum1990]

Denon AVR 3805 vs Rotel RSX 1067

Does anyone have an opinion on Rotel RSX 1067 vs the Denon AVR 3805. I pretty much made up my mind between the Denon vs RXV 2400, but I have been hearing good things about the Rotel. I am even considering the Rotel RSX 1056, which is 75 watts per vs 100w per.

It is my understanding that the Rotel puts out "true" wattage; the 75 or 100 wpc is actually what it says, even when all the channels are being driven.

Also... an opinion on the Sonus Faber Concerto vs Paradigm Reference S2's?????

Thanks

 

[Access Denied]

New 3805 Remote Update

I was having problems with my 3805 remote. I called Denon and the rep said there was a new version of the remote out. This new version of the 3805 remote is now replacing the old black touch pad with a blue touch pad. It works perfecly so far and seems to be a little more readable in bright conditions.

 

[jeff/audioman]

new information on denon company and new product to come soon to replace 3805

NEWARK—Denon Electronics gave the press a look at new products it plans to ship near the time frame of the Custom Electronic & Design Installation Association (CEDIA) Expo. Company executives also discussed Denon's approach to emerging video and audio connections and commented on the status of pending products that were publicly introduced, but have yet to ship.

In its new line of DVD players, Denon has moved DVI-D digital video output, with HDCP copy protection into lower price points, starting with the DVD-1910, a $269 SRP single-disc player. It has selectable scaling for 480p, 720p and 1080i, uses the Faroudja DCDi chipset and supports WMA playback. Moving up the line, two other new players, the DVD-2910 ($729 SRP) and DVD-3910 ($1,299 SRP) add HDMI (digital audio and video over one connection) output. HDMI will allow DVD-Audio (DVD-A) players to send a multichannel DVD-A signal over a digital connection, but it won't send Super Audio CD (SACD), because it has not yet been approved.

Meanwhile, Denon holds to its own connection, Denon Link, to answer to the problem. Like HDMI, Denon Link can only supports DVD-A, but Jeff Talmudge, marketing manager, says that the company is seeking approval from Sony/Philips, developers of SACD. He notes that, currently, new receivers with Denon Link are capable of receiving digital SACD signals, but that the DVD players cannot send it. Once approval is obtained, Talmudge says consumers can upgrade the DVD players with a CD from the company that would unlock that capability.

The number of connections that accomplish relatively the same task is becoming a burden on manufacturers and a little more than confusing for the consumer, but Talmudge says Denon wants to stay in the middle of it. "We want to include all of it," he says, explaining that the company wants to keep as many connections covered as possible to avoid its products from becoming obsolete. That in mind, several of Denon's products will support both HDMI and DVI for the forseeable future.

What was not part of the line show were two categories of products that Denon touted at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January—a network media center and serveral high-end multichannel separates. The media center featured a dual-hard drive device with built-in tuner and DVR capabilities that worked with up to four client devices over an Ethernet network. The main device could stream audio and video to each client, with the ability to provide different streams to each. But Denon has experienced some trouble in delivering the product.

"It's taking us a little bit longer to develop," said Stephen Baker, president. "We will not have a shippable product in October." Though he could not mention a specific time, he said that the company was shooting release product by CES. The same is true for the high-end audio/video separates that the company previewed. These high-end amplifiers, processors, controllers and DVD players will not be released until 2005.

But one high end device will be show at CEDIA, a new receiver that boasts 10 built-in amplifiers. Details on the 12-inch tall, 90-pound AVR-5805 ($6,000 SRP, available in November) were light, save that it would offer 16-channel output for multiple sources and zones. Talmudge couldn't reveal further features, but told one reporter that he "was on the right track" when he asked if the receiver could support two separate home theaters (and therefore have more than one DSP). When asked about the target market for the product, Talmudge said that they expect that the product will appeal to the serious enthusiast as well as some custom installers.

 

[Audioholics]

That looks a lot better (actually a little TOO bright, but I'm sure it's just the lighting in the photo)

 

[Jason Coleman]

Clint or Gene-

I had some bleed-over from the L and R front channels with my 3805 bi-amping my mains. I reversed my cables (which are now L to R and R to L) from the preamp section and the bleedover is totally gone. However, I can hear a faint hum coming from the fronts now. I can only hear it when there is no signal present and it isn't affected by volume level. Any idea what might be causing this? Is it possible that the bi-amping is a bad idea with the 3805?

Thanks,

Jason

 

[barend]

Biamping

Slight hum - same here, exactly like yours. Seller said it's probably the link cable, nonsense because it's very short and I tried several...
Just curious:
Which preout did you use- FL/FR or ZONE2 OUT?
Zone outputs only give a strong buzz, no other sound.
But I do love the biamping improvement, will even endure the slight hum....
I think your hum (mine too...) is caused by some amplifying circuit running at its full gain where it should'nt.
Or the internal switching that's following the press of ZONE2 in the setup is partly faulty.

Interestingly, my dealer tried zoning on his demo AVR, no sound AT ALL !
He thinks we're making some op error here and is taking it up with Denon.
I'm not so sure!

Barend

 

[Jason Coleman]

Barend-

I've got mine hooked up through the FL/FR preamp outs. I lowered the Zone 2 volume (from +2dB) and it decreased the hum, so that's the culprit. The hum is very faint, but it's enough to cause some concern. I don't know which way to go...slight bleedover or slight hum...neither put my mind at ease. Maybe I'll have to start saving up for that 2-channel amp after all!

Really too bad, because the sound improvement is incredible! Maybe I'll get 2 2-channel amps!

Jason