Network Receiver Battle: Denon 3808CI vs. Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH |

[gcarroll]

After a nauseating amount of online research of looking for the latest affordable network receivers will next-gen capabilities (4 1.3a HDMI inputs, video upres, Ethernet/Wi-Fi/iPod) and audiophile power & quality, I'm down to these two bad boys. I also looked at the Yamaha 3900 but its just too expensive relatively.

I'm leaning towards the Pioneer, as its got phenomenal reviews by its owners, and Denon has some setup complexity complaints on the boards. And to be honest, the Elite just looks more like the bad-*** monster I want in return for $1000+ powering my home theatre Death Star.

Both models are a little older (released early 2007) but the newer models of each don't seem to have any new killer apps (mostly better software, and cooler running amp), so I'll take the cheaper price.

Anyone have any final input before I make the final decision?

 

[Chopin_Guy]

Well as a 3808ci owner, I can tell you that I am very happy with it as my AVR--very solid performance and excellent sound. I am not too familiar with the Pioneer, but checked the specs and it too looks like a very solid package. As for what you mentioned about setup complexity on the 3808ci, I did not find it too be back at all. I suppose it comes down to how tech literate you are really....but I will say that the new Denon GUI is awesome.

The Pioneer does have some more power than the Denon but by only 10 watts which is really a non-issue....I would look for some input from an owner of the Pioneer on here that might be able to offer some more insight. Personally I find the Denon to have excellent poise and is extremely capable....it would be my pick between the two...but then again I have an influenced opinion.

 

[Bluesmoke]

I would take the Denon over the Pioneer. The Audessey system is the clincher for me.

 

[bandphan]

Both are nice units, but considering other options for networking might be more fruitful and less buggy, so to speak.

 

[gcarroll]

Any other thoughts on networking? HTPC setup is a bit intimidating and don't want to rely on bluetooth.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

One more vote for the 3808. It is not difficult to set up, just don't read the manual as it is horrible. The 3808 has the best GUI and OSD of any AVR I have seen at this price line.

I stream all my critical music from WMP11 via wav files and it works flawlessly. For background music I use the Rhapsody so I have access to a kazillion songs.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Another vote for Denon.

 

[itschris]

I have the 94 myself... but I would definately take AcuDefTechGuy's Dennon over mine! But in the same price range, I like the Pioneer. After doing my fair of research as well, it seemed that I heard few bad things said about the 94. I love mine and have zero problems with it. I connected mine to my network in minutes and had over a thousand predetermined internet radio station on demand as well as the Neural Radio Network. I got it pullng FLACS and mp3's of my pc as well. It's a solid piece of equipment and it looks really sharp as well.

The auto setup seemed to work really well in my setup. I don't know how much better the Audissey would have been, but I have no complaints. The surround effects are pretty nice too. Usually they're way overdone, but some of the ones offered do make a nice addition. Anyway... I'm a fan.

The nice thing is though, both are great pieces of equpment. You won't make a mistake with either one.

 

[armaraas]

Both models are a little older (released early 2007) but the newer models of each don't seem to have any new killer apps (mostly better software, and cooler running amp), so I'll take the cheaper price.

Anyone have any final input before I make the final decision?

Just wanted to point out there is no "newer" model to replace the 3808, and there is no replacement imminent. Also, Denon has released a new feature pack that is free for any new purchases before the end of the year for the 3808, it may or may not be something useful for you. However, because of not having a replacement model and being able to provide upgrades easily, there may be a chance we'll see other upgrades in the future (though they may not be free).

 

[gcarroll]

The 'newer' model was in reference to the SC-05 largely replacing the VSX-94TXH. It's a beautiful piece of equipment that brings tears to my eyes, but a bit too bulky for my space.

The .09% THD for the Pioneer's vs. .05% for the Denon is bothering me a bit. Is this really significant on a nice pair of speakers or is the difference negligible?

 

[bandphan]

The .09% THD for the Pioneer's vs. .05% for the Denon is bothering me a bit. Is this really significant on a nice pair of speakers or is the difference negligible?

I wouldnt worry about that at all

 

[hmmm]

Both are nice units, but considering other options for networking might be more fruitful and less buggy, so to speak.

curious what you mean by this. for example, don't prioritize network capabilities in the receiver (saving $ or upgrading other areas) and go with a squeezbox?

 

[bandphan]

curious what you mean by this. for example, don't prioritize network capabilities in the receiver (saving $ or upgrading other areas) and go with a squeezbox?

Out of the two avrs listed, there are better stand alone units. As the next crop of avrs are introduced expect better osd with more features, wait for Genes review of the Z7 and the
3900.

 

[zumbo]

Of the two mentioned, Denon 3808.

I ordered the Z7.