HELP!!! Denon AVR-3808ci vs Denon AVR-989

[drich]

I'm new and looking to update my HT system. Looking at the Denon receivers. I found a refurbished 3808ci @ Dakmart for $980 or the 989 locally for $790. I compared them on the Denon website and don't know what half of the stuff means. I mainly looked at the amount of inputs HDMI & component. Three months down the road I will be back on here asking what speakers I should get with which ever receiver I end up with. Any help would be great.

 

[Chopin_Guy]

Welcome to the forum drich...

As to your questions--The Denon 989 is the model equivalent to the 2809ci, the model number is different only because these are sold at major retail locations like Circuit City. This is the newest model in the '28' line following up the 2808ci--this unit retails for $1,200. The 3808ci is the step-up model in the Denon line and retails for $1,600. I do have a bias for the 3808 as I own one, however it really is a fantastic AVR.

Despite the price difference, I would definitely go with the 3808ci over the 989 in terms of the amplifier, connectivity, and especially for the GUI menu support the makes set-up and tweaking a breeze. Of course, it all depends on your room, number of components, listening habits, and needs that will dictate which AVR will be right for you....But for the $190 difference the 3808ci is certainly worth it....

 

[Davemcc]

But for the $190 difference the 3808ci is certainly worth it....

I agree.

But let me also suggest that now is the best time to consider which speakers you might be looking to buy. If your speaker budget is going to be $1,000 for 5 speakers and a sub, I would suggest that both these receivers are more than you should be looking at, budget wise. If your speaker budget is $3,500 or more, you may end up looking at speakers that are low impedance, low sensitivity or both. In that case, you might want to reconsider the type of amplification you will use.

All I'm suggesting is that buying a receiver without knowing what speakers you are going to use is putting the cart before the horse. Your speaker selection should drive the choice of receiver, not the other way around.

 

[drich]

This is such a great place to get info.

Does buying refurbished worry you?

I will end up running 7.1 with about $2,500 for speakers. I will be using this for 60% movies 20% TV and 20% Xbox 360.

I have an older Mitsubshi Diamond series 1080i tv that has only component input. If I run a Blu-ray and Xbox360 and Directv HD DVR to the receiver either HDMI or component and then component out to the TV will I have any issues until I update the TV?

 

[Davemcc]

I have an older Mitsubshi Diamond series 1080i tv that has only component input. If I run a Blu-ray and Xbox360 and Directv HD DVR to the receiver either HDMI or component and then component out to the TV will I have any issues until I update the TV?

Running HDMI in this configuration would be a problem. Most receivers will not transcode an HDMI signal to component. Neither of the Denon will do this.

 

[Chopin_Guy]

The 3808ci will not put the signal from HDMI to component....unfortunately...

Looks like you might need to start adding to the budget for a new display...

Otherwise your $2,500 for speakers will get you a nice performing 7.1 set-up...

 

[drich]

So you think the $980 refurbished unit is a good buy? Is there anything I need to worry about a refubished unit?

 

[Chopin_Guy]

Dakmart is a reputable dealer and I know I have read of forum members here buying from them with success...I am sure they an offer extended warranty if want a little more peace of mind. The 3808ci is definitely the way to go....Now all you have to do is get the issue with your display ironed out and you will be on your way a nice setup...

 

[Highbar]

So you think the $980 refurbished unit is a good buy? Is there anything I need to worry about a refubished unit?

Dakmart is an authorized dealer so I wouldn't worry about getting anything bad from them. I would go with the 3808 and not look back.

 

[NowIsTheTime]

2809 and era d5

I agree.

But let me also suggest that now is the best time to consider which speakers you might be looking to buy. If your speaker budget is going to be $1,000 for 5 speakers and a sub, I would suggest that both these receivers are more than you should be looking at, budget wise. If your speaker budget is $3,500 or more, you may end up looking at speakers that are low impedance, low sensitivity or both. In that case, you might want to reconsider the type of amplification you will use.

All I'm suggesting is that buying a receiver without knowing what speakers you are going to use is putting the cart before the horse. Your speaker selection should drive the choice of receiver, not the other way around.

Dave,
Do you think the 2809 can drive d5s in the front and two d4s at the back?
Thanks

 

[Davemcc]

Dave,
Do you think the 2809 can drive d5s in the front and two d4s at the back?
Thanks

I ran my D5's with a Denon 2307 for quite a while. I had a chance to experiment with a separate amp and found that the Denon performed well at normal volume but became somewhat harsh when pushed to loud volume. The separate amp cleared up this harshness just fine. If you intend to limit yourself to moderate volume, the 2809 should perform well. If your room is very large and you like to play your music very loud, you might want to look into a separate amp for the mains.

 

[drich]

What about adding the Yamaha RX-V1800 into the mix. Any input on this receiver verus the Denon AVR-3808ci.

I had been holding off because I was thinking of getting a receiver that had network capabilites, but I bought the Squeezebox Deut (which is AWESOME!!) so now thats not a concern.