Exclusive Denon AVR-3805 First Look!

[Audiosouse]

Two words: Logitech Harmony

Hi ,

Recently I bought 3805 and with it came all my worries, RC 969 ! After pressing few buttons suddenly it hangs and refuses to do any thing. any body facing this issue. I'll be very much greatful, if any body can provide any info. on this.

Only because of this bull**** remote, I am planning to return my 3805 !

Thanks in advance.

Manish

Remotes are like the zinc coated analogue cables that come with your equipment, you toss them back in the box and get a good one. Unfortunately, one can expect a piss poor stock remote. Sadly enough, the 3805's remote is the best stock remote I've seen from any manufacturer!

Future Shop was selling the Harmony 659 for $99 CDN after Christmas! Not more than two years ago, universal remotes that dreampt of doing what this remote is capable of were $500++! At his point in the Harmony product cycle, there's no excuse NOT to get one! It's works flawlessly.

As far as returning the 3805 for this alone...would you kick Pamela Anderson out of bed because she farted? What I mean is the performance benefits outweigh a few quirks, because if you find a flawless component, please let me know so I can buy it. You can spend $10K on a separate and get a remote 10 times worse!

 

[Audiosouse]

The Sub woofer (Paradigm servo-15) will not come on with all analog 2 CH sources (CD, DVD, TV,Tuner) when the receiver is in Dolby PLII (5.1 setup) Music/Cinema or DTS NEO Music/Cinema. The speaker setup is; FL=FR=C=LARGE and SUR A=Small.

All Digital sources (DTS or Dolby) run normally with the same speaker
setup.

The sub woofer mode is set to LFE in the 3805 settings.

If I set the Centre speaker for example to Small then the sub comes on.

Seismo

Hi Seismo,

Nice system dude! Being single must be great!

Same receiver setup, same problem. Denon Canada told me MOST 2 channel material does not have dedicated LFE information. So essentially, it depends on the source material. I've played DVD's that have previews w/o a Dolby Ditital or DTS soundtrack and PLII clicked on my Paradigm PW-2100 sub. However, Direct and Pure Direct Sound modes will send an LFE channel to the sub no matter the source...but that's it!

I think when you select LFE for the sub, the 3805 takes your word for it and only sends true discreet LFE info to the sub. As far as I know, no 2 channel processing like PLII has an LFE channel.
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_8_1/dolby-prologic2-3-2001.html

I've tried several quality sub cables (nada) and different crossover settings (80 Hz and 60 Hz which is what I use now) to no avail. I even exchanged my first 3805 when I experienced hum in my bi-amping setup, reversed Pre Out L/R channels and aformentioned PLII LFE issues. Nothing changed. That's how it's designed...and somehow I appreciate it's purity. Sure helps with my hydro bill. After all, the sub's got a 400W continuous, 1500W peak amp.

 

[Seismo]

Hi Seismo,

Nice system dude! Being single must be great!

Same receiver setup, same problem. Denon Canada told me MOST 2 channel material does not have dedicated LFE information. So essentially, it depends on the source material. I've played DVD's that have previews w/o a Dolby Ditital or DTS soundtrack and PLII clicked on my Paradigm PW-2100 sub. However, Direct and Pure Direct Sound modes will send an LFE channel to the sub no matter the source...but that's it!

I think when you select LFE for the sub, the 3805 takes your word for it and only sends true discreet LFE info to the sub. As far as I know, no 2 channel processing like PLII has an LFE channel.
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_8_1/dolby-prologic2-3-2001.html

I've tried several quality sub cables (nada) and different crossover settings (80 Hz and 60 Hz which is what I use now) to no avail. I even exchanged my first 3805 when I experienced hum in my bi-amping setup, reversed Pre Out L/R channels and aformentioned PLII LFE issues. Nothing changed. That's how it's designed...and somehow I appreciate it's purity. Sure helps with my hydro bill. After all, the sub's got a 400W continuous, 1500W peak amp.

Hi Audiosouse,

At one point, I moved this thread in the main Amps, Pre-pros receivers section and you will find all the answers here: http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7574&page=1&pp=10

Seismo

 

[anders0x]

Pure direct with bookshelf + sub

Hi,

I'm planning for the new B&W 805S speakers together with the 3805 + 3910. After auditioning the Denon combinations it is quite clear that I will want to use the D/A's in the 3910 and run the 3805 in Pure Direct Analogue for CD replay.

Now, having a rather large room, I will need to give the bass of the 805S speakers a bit of assitance with a sub for good results in my room.

Now getting to the point, I understand there are actually two ways to do that, with subtle but important pros and cons.

(1) "Normal way"
Set fronts=small, sub=yes, crossover = either 40 or 60 Hz, and connect a normal subwoofer cable from the sub preout on the 3805 to the subwoofer in.

(2) "Avoid crossover"
Set fronts=large, sub=no and connect a Y-adaptor from the front L&R preamp outs to the subwoofer in.

The advantage with (1) would be that timing adjustment is properly performed, as a subwoofer normally has a longer delay than the actual distance in feet, due to internal processing. The disadvantage is however that the pure incoming analogue audio signal has to pass a crossover filter.

The advantage with (2) is obviously that the signal does not have to pass any crossover causing quality reduction to the front speaker sound.


I found 1 other person making a related observation on another forum but apart from that I have found this topic properly penetrated, which is a little surprising as it must be rather common to have high-quality bookshelf speakers that you want to enhance the low-end with a sub.

Being concerned with the optimum quality and purest sound possible (as we all are), I'm curious about the forum's opinion of this.

Best Regards,
Anders Larsson, M.Sc.

 

[ChrisB]

Speaker Question

I am a neophyte and just set up my Denon 3805. The five speakers that I am using for the home theater are working fine. I have two other sets of speakers that are connected through a Niles speaker selector. I have connected the Niles speaker selector to the Surround Zone/Multi-Zone connectors.

I get sound out of the speakers connected to the Niles switch only when the Stereo option is selected and the sound is low when compared to the sound out of the five speakers connected to the front, center and surround A connectors. I would like to be able to direct more sound to the extra speakers so that I can use them for parties. Any ideas how to adjust the sound level? Thanks

Chris

 

[Duffinator]

I am a neophyte and just set up my Denon 3805. The five speakers that I am using for the home theater are working fine. I have two other sets of speakers that are connected through a Niles speaker selector. I have connected the Niles speaker selector to the Surround Zone/Multi-Zone connectors.

I get sound out of the speakers connected to the Niles switch only when the Stereo option is selected and the sound is low when compared to the sound out of the five speakers connected to the front, center and surround A connectors. I would like to be able to direct more sound to the extra speakers so that I can use them for parties. Any ideas how to adjust the sound level? Thanks

Chris

On the remote select zone 2 (or zone 3 if that's what you are using). You should be able to use your volume control to adjust the volume. I'm using a seperate amp but that's how it worked for my bi-amp setup. As for the distribution of signal remember only analog inputs/signals can be distributed through the secondary zones. So for example you are watching an HDTV program using a digital connection into the 3805 you will not be able to pass that audio signal to the other zones. It's annoying but the easy solution is to connect the analog inputs along with the digital.

 

[tejax]

Denon 3805 real power consumption??

Hi all,

I have an european model of the denon 3805. At the back, there is this inscription: "consumption: 390W". For the USA model, at the back there is no reference to the power itself, instead there is the current drain: 7.1A, but this gives a 852W power consumption. Are the two models different? How can a 7x120w per channel (or 7x70w as said on the 3805 AH review) can be done with just 390W??

best regards to all

 

[ChrisB]

On the remote select zone 2 (or zone 3 if that's what you are using). You should be able to use your volume control to adjust the volume. I'm using a seperate amp but that's how it worked for my bi-amp setup. As for the distribution of signal remember only analog inputs/signals can be distributed through the secondary zones. So for example you are watching an HDTV program using a digital connection into the 3805 you will not be able to pass that audio signal to the other zones. It's annoying but the easy solution is to connect the analog inputs along with the digital.

Thanks for the response. I will try what you suggested.

On a related point, I am considering buying the Denon S305 microphone to adjust the speakers. Do you think that it is worthwhile?

 

[Duffinator]

Thanks for the response. I will try what you suggested.

On a related point, I am considering buying the Denon S305 microphone to adjust the speakers. Do you think that it is worthwhile?

I don't own the microphone but have been thinking about buying it. I used a Radio Shack SPL meter to setup my system. What do others think that bought the microphone?

 

[PhillyDan1969]

feel like a complete newb, but...

I have been having problems with a hum/buzz from my Polk speakers since I connected the Denon AVR3805. So I just reset the factory defaults and did the auto calibration this time using a mic I had lying around. The first test said that my front's were out of phase so I fixed it and ran the test again and it seemed to nail the config. check and the delay time check but then I get completely confused. On the "Channel Level Check" all my speakers are reading at different dBs, is this normal and what exactly is it telling me??? Is this telling me that the mic is picking out ambient sound from the room which is giving each speaker a different reading??? Does it have anything to do with the hum/buzz I am experiencing???

As for the hum/buzz sound, when I set the Room EQ Setup to OFF, the hum/buzz seems to all but disappear. Any of the other settings for the Room EQ, ie Normal, Flat, Front, or Manual, seems to bring the hum/buzz on in force. I realize that I am posting in an older thread, but I didn't want to start a new one altogether. Thanks for any help.

 

[Jason Coleman]

The auto-eq setup does adjust the channel levels. If your front left speaker was closer to you than your front right speaker, it would adjust the delay (through the distance check) and increase the more distant speaker's level. This is normal. However, the buzz you refer to when using any of the eq settings doesn't seem normal. Do you have your fronts bi-amped? This is often the buzz culprit. Otherwise, I'm not sure what the fix is. You might want to contact Denon support and see if they have an idea.

Jason

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Hi all,

I have an european model of the denon 3805. At the back, there is this inscription: "consumption: 390W". For the USA model, at the back there is no reference to the power itself, instead there is the current drain: 7.1A, but this gives a 852W power consumption. Are the two models different? How can a 7x120w per channel (or 7x70w as said on the 3805 AH review) can be done with just 390W??

best regards to all

Because the UK model runs on 220AC, not 110AC.

 

[shokhead]

The auto-eq setup does adjust the channel levels. If your front left speaker was closer to you than your front right speaker, it would adjust the delay (through the distance check) and increase the more distant speaker's level. This is normal. However, the buzz you refer to when using any of the eq settings doesn't seem normal. Do you have your fronts bi-amped? This is often the buzz culprit. Otherwise, I'm not sure what the fix is. You might want to contact Denon support and see if they have an idea.

Jason

Auto-setup sets up the eq for each speaker,volume level for each speakers and distance and size.

 

[tejax]

Because the UK model runs on 220AC, not 110AC.

Thx for the answer!
As far as I know, power=current x voltage (well, actually we should be talking on average power here, but lets keep things simple). If american models have 7.1A at 110V, that means about 700W. European models have 390W... at 220V this causes a 1.7A of current drain. Hmm 1.7, 7.1... can this be a misprint on the back side of american models??

 

[UncleAlpo]

Bi-amp Problems

Thanks for the great review. I picked up one of these as my Christmas gift. In trying to bi-amp it, I must be wearing my "stupid hat", as I can't seem to get it to work. I followed the instructions verbatim, but all I get is a very loud hum when everything is connected. Have you any idea what I'm doing wrong?

Thanks,

Alan

 

[Jason Coleman]

Auto-setup sets up the eq for each speaker,volume level for each speakers and distance and size.

Yes, you are correct. Hopefully that wasn't for my benefit.

Jason

 

[Duffinator]

Thanks for the great review. I picked up one of these as my Christmas gift. In trying to bi-amp it, I must be wearing my "stupid hat", as I can't seem to get it to work. I followed the instructions verbatim, but all I get is a very loud hum when everything is connected. Have you any idea what I'm doing wrong?

Thanks,

Alan

Are you getting any sound out of the speakers? Go back and double check that you have everything connected properly including using zone 3 for the bi-amp and removing your jumper straps on your speakers. Adjust the zone 3 volume to +2. Some others have complained about the loud hum but I don't have it on my receivere. For what it's worth it did not have a big effect on my Mirage 595is speakers but in the end I left them bi-amped.

 

[UncleAlpo]

Thanks for the response. I get a little high frequency sound out of them, but if I turn up the volume I get a very loud hum and no audible source. I mean the hum is LOUD. I've gone through the instructions several times, always with the same results. I'm using Vandersteen Model 3 speakers and have run them bi-wired for several years - there are no jumper straps installed.

 

[linhsy]

Does the Denon 3805 Receiver has a 12VDC trigger buit-in?

Does the Denon 3805 Receiver has a 12VDC trigger buit-in?

The reason I am asking is because my Panamax 5410 has an input trigger which will sense the power signal to initiate the startup or shutdown sequence without using the button on the front panel.

Thanks

 

[tejax]

Does the Denon 3805 Receiver has a 12VDC trigger buit-in?

Yes, two of them.