Marantz SR8001 VS Denon AVR-3808CI VS HK AVR 745 VS ONKYO TX-SR805

[mahdlokg]

Update on this situation. Just to throw a wrench into the works, I may have an opportunity to get an ARCAM AVR-350 for about half off retail (My friend is upgrading to the ARCAM FMJ line). I realize the limitations of the ARCAM (not much in the bells and whistles area), but the SQ is supposed to be top notch. Anyone here have any experience with ARCAM? Thanks.

 

[mdrew]

HDMI audio switching only. You would be limited to the analogue audio inputs for uncompressed BR/HD audio.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Update on this situation. Just to throw a wrench into the works, I may have an opportunity to get an ARCAM AVR-350 for about half off retail (My friend is upgrading to the ARCAM FMJ line). I realize the limitations of the ARCAM (not much in the bells and whistles area), but the SQ is supposed to be top notch. Anyone here have any experience with ARCAM? Thanks.

You should not buy it because of the claimed or reported sound quality. Buy it because it meets all your needs, not just one small aspect.

Well designed stuff has no sound of their own, no reason to. Speakers and your room will be the vast majority and then the quality of the recordings.

 

[mtrycrafts]

I am always learning about new things, thank you.

That is life, or should be, learning to the end Me too.

But, did you do the Googling? What did you find?
One of the top hits about recording studio, mic compatibility of the voice, etc

 

[jimfitz]

I just recently got my new Onkyo 805, and so far, it's great. I have always had good success with Onkyo. I also have a Sony Blu-ray DVD and Samsung HD-LCD. I'm playing through 3 Bose Acoustimass systems (7,5,5) and a Klipsch subwoofer.

 

[monsteraudio]

Update on this situation. Just to throw a wrench into the works, I may have an opportunity to get an ARCAM AVR-350 for about half off retail (My friend is upgrading to the ARCAM FMJ line). I realize the limitations of the ARCAM (not much in the bells and whistles area), but the SQ is supposed to be top notch. Anyone here have any experience with ARCAM? Thanks.

I had an AVR350 but I just did not hear much sq improvement over my Denon 3806, a Rotel RB-1080 did power my fronts in both systems, but to me it was a waste of money with no measurable SQ difference.

 

[PENG]

I had an AVR350 but I just did not hear much sq improvement over my Denon 3806, a Rotel RB-1080 did power my fronts in both systems, but to me it was a waste of money with no measurable SQ difference.

As I reported several times on this forum, I was so impressed with the SQ of the AVR300 (the one before the 350) so much that reulted in my decision to buy the Veritas that were hooked up to it when I did the auditioning in a high end store. However, I was happy to find that those speakers sounded just as good when powered with my 3805 at home, with or without the help of the external amp. That doesn't mean others cannot hear the presumably higher SQ offered by higher end receivers such as ARCAM's, especially those who are 'prepared' to hear such anticipated differences.

 

[mahdlokg]

You should not buy it because of the claimed or reported sound quality. Buy it because it meets all your needs, not just one small aspect.

Well designed stuff has no sound of their own, no reason to. Speakers and your room will be the vast majority and then the quality of the recordings.

I appreciate the feedback. While I wouldn't buy a receiver or pre/pro based on one particular feature, good SQ is a top priority to me. That is the one thing I enjoy most, and also the one thing noted most when we have guests over. My current Rotel RSX-1065 doesn't have many features at all compared to the newest crop of receivers, but it does have great SQ. In fact whichever receiver or pre/pro I do buy, I will more than likely power with Rotel amps.

 

[mtrycrafts]

I appreciate the feedback. While I wouldn't buy a receiver or pre/pro based on one particular feature, good SQ is a top priority to me. That is the one thing I enjoy most, and also the one thing noted most when we have guests over. My current Rotel RSX-1065 doesn't have many features at all compared to the newest crop of receivers, but it does have great SQ. In fact whichever receiver or pre/pro I do buy, I will more than likely power with Rotel amps.

The reason I brought up sound quality is because objective experience, bias controlled listening, has shown that well designed modern components operated within design limits have no sound of their own and cannot be distinguished. Peng has also indicated this in his post. So, while one may perceive something doesn't mean that it is a real event and not the brain fooling the person.

 

[gaby95]

For what is worth let me offer another opinion on HK. I got the avr-635 and never had an issue with it. Totally love it, very powerful as HK is one of the few that meet or exceeds their publish specs. The EZset is very nice because it takes far and near field measurements but depending on the speaker you are using it will take some trial and error to get the best out of it.
I will be getting a LPA-1 today so I will have a chance to experience how the 635 amp sections fairs against a well respected amp.

Regards...

 

[AbyssalLoris]

I will be getting a LPA-1 today so I will have a chance to experience how the 635 amp sections fairs against a well respected amp.

Regards...

I'd be interested in hearing about your findings. Please post when you get a chance to compare.

 

[rnatalli]

I've always been a fan of HK stuff, but have heard their more recent stuff has QC issues. Between these 4, I'd probably go with either the Marantz or Denon. It really comes down the inputs/outputs and what features these receivers have. What's most important to you? If you say sound quality, these are all going to have it.

 

[masbirdies]

My recommendation...

Which receiver can you get your hands on and return if you aren't satisfied? I swear, these receivers are all so close, you can freakin' go mad quibbling over the minute differenceswhile paper shopping.

Zero in on the receiver your gut tells you to go with. Take it home with the expectations of keeping it. Hook it up and see how it sounds then run it though the gauntlet.

I was stressing over this and that, almost paralyzing myself into no decision. Then I looked at the Denon 3808. It hit me like a bonk over the head. I was looking at the 4306 and 4308, Pionner Vsx 94 and 84, Yamaha 2700, etc.... Once I saw the 3808, I immediately bought it and brought it home. I have been grinning ear to ear since. If I got it home and it didn't 1. sound spectacular and 2. work without hitches then it was going back.

In my house with my speakers (Klipsch Ref Rf 82 mains, RC 52 center and RS 42 surrounds, Martin Logan Abyss Sub) this Denon thing is da bomb...and works flawlessly. I even hooked up a wireless gaming adapter to it and have it connected to Internet Radio and my home network.