<font color='#000000'>Ben, I've been wanting to write a reply, but have been so busy!
When I first bought stereo components I bought Pioneer (I hesitate to say how long ago - let's just call them "classic"
, I was attracted to the style, features and value when compared to other makes. But Pioneer changed and I stopped buying Pioneer. (My last being a Pioneer Dolby Surround recceiver - ProLogic didn't exist then). I too began to buy Sony (first ProLogic) although I had to give up some preferred features on the Pioneers to get the Sony. (Sound familiar?)
All the while I had been collecting music/movie making machines: a LaserDisc player (1987) to add to my Beta HiFi, and then the obligatory VHS HiFi followed by the Super VHS deck, satellite TV, DVD, not to mention the 25 Lb. Pioneer cassette recorder and Accutrac 4000 turntable. (what's next, a DVD-R? DirecTV HDR?). As my receiver became outdated and too crowded (thank goodness for the 4 inputs on the TV to help me out!) I started dreaming of those ES components and receivers (to keep system "purity" and compatibility). In the meantime I watched as we went from 5.1, to 6.1, to 7.1, as first DTS ES and then Dolby Digital EX came on, followed by ProLogic II and now ProLogic IIx - to give those back channels something to do. During this "waiting_for_my_pocketbook_to_catch_up_to_my_dreams" time Sony ES seemed to lag behind in adopting these capabilities. So I hestitated to buy as it seemed each year there was a new sound standard. During this time I heard good things of Denon so I began looking at Denon when the 3801/4800 were the current super models. As you said the number & types inputs is an important consideration - and when it comes to connections Denon has an advantage over the other similiarly priced receivers. (Some competitors have dropped the phono input!) I don't know what is next but it seems to me that what Denon has in the 3805/5803 is going to be good for a while yet -so I went ahead with the 3805. The 5803 is far beyond me! I am hoping we are a little stable now (I don't need 9.1 or 10.1!).
I never did an exhaustive study of the "best". I looked for inputs, features, quality, style, and cost. For me function/features were important and I assumed that electronics of a certain price level would sound good. Denon seemed to meet my criteria better than others - but like the ES models it was expensive. I then waited for the day when it seemed that that it all came together.
In addition to the other features already discussed as an advantage, Denon also has a interesting feature that allows you to hook up two seperate read surround speakers and select them based on whether you are listing to music or watching a movie. Great for multi-channel music. I first read about this is in "Widescreen Magazine". (BTW I suspect the changes from stereo to Dolby Surround, ProLogic, DD/DTS 5.1, EX/ES 6.1. -7.1, and seperate movie/music rear surrounds is brought to you by the Speaker Manufacturers Association not the electronics makers
) The Denon has greater component video bandwith than many - including the ES you are looking at.
On the other hand for the same money other receivers are THX, the Denon is not. Neither is the ES. Of course some makers claim they meet/exceed THX specs but don't want to pay THX liccense fees. It doesn't have naming as we know. Or a simulated surround feature for the headphones. But I decided that I could let go of those to get the other features/capabilities of the Denon - including way out there over the top acoustic adjustment capabilities (individual speaker, system, and room EQ - assignable to different modes!). Someone else may not. One other disappointment: the 3805 has the aux A/V input on the front panel - behind the drop down door - that effectively eliminates it from being used. I would have preferred they left it in the back as on the 3803. I don't need it on the front of the receiver I can hook up a camcorder to the front panel on my TV.
You keep mentioning your state has no stores to check these out. How far are you from Massachusetts or NYC? For this kind of money it is worth the trip! Mass has Tweeter stores that stock both brands and in NYC they have everything! You mentioned warranties - I understand that Denon is pretty serious about warranties. I found two authrozed dealers in my local who will sell at a discount - so you can save money and get the warranty. Don't know if they will go as low as $1020, I got mine for $1050. Chains are more likely to have "fixed" prices than the hungry shop owner.
Marie
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