Official Denon AVR-5805 Review Support Thread

[cdostrom]

In store or on the web - same price.

I would like to know where you would purchase Denon's AVR 5805 MKII. I have looked on the web and see that all the "authorized dealers" are selling them for MSRP or higher. I thought that web provided some competion where as all I see is collusion. Do you have any sugestions to help a fellow audioholic?

Thanks in advance,

 

[WeAreSurrounded]

Try authorized store and negotiate the price

I would like to know where you would purchase Denon's AVR 5805 MKII. I have looked on the web and see that all the "authorized dealers" are selling them for MSRP or higher. I thought that web provided some competion where as all I see is collusion. Do you have any sugestions to help a fellow audioholic?
Thanks in advance,

Try authorized store (not-Online), like Magnolia, Tweeter, some smaller ones?
They have quite a play-room for pricing, between their Purch.price and MSRP, so you can negotiate the price. Especially when you come often, ask proper questions and develop some kind of "trust" (or rather "wearing factor")
It happened to me with my brand new AVR 4306 (which is still pretty current model) - the manager at Magnolia knocked-off $400 of the MSRP for me !
Also, you can find sometimes "open-box" or "floor-model" deals, even when used, they come with full manufacturer's warranty !!!

 

[blekenbleu]

I would like to know where you would purchase Denon's AVR 5805 MKII. I have looked on the web and see that all the "authorized dealers" are selling them for MSRP or higher. I thought that web provided some competion where as all I see is collusion.

Costco for $5k:
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11189649&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&N=4013789&Mo=84&No=1&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=43064&

Denon seems to manage their dealers more stringently than other suppliers.
Costco is not authorized but has their own well-regarded warranty program.
Magnolia is not authorized for 5805; relatively few dealers are (and none local to me, FWIW)

 

[jussi]

Does anyone know where I can keep track on the latest firmware for these machines.... 5805, AVC-A1XV (european model)

 

[blekenbleu]

Does anyone know where I can keep track on the latest firmware for these machines.... 5805, AVC-A1XV (european model)

At least in theory, Denon will notify you directly if you register:
http://www.usa.denon.com/148.asp

 

[Pap]

Bi-amp Denon-5805 in Pre/Pro mode

Hello to all as a newcomer to this forum.

I live in Australia but the problems for our A/V equipment seem to be universal!

I have an AVC-A1XVA which I used to replace a system of separates. The Denon does what I had anticipated but I want to improve on the power amp performance and was considering using external power amps that I still have. (I have also experience cut-outs with a 4 ohm centre speaker)

Problem is, I like the bi-amp option for the main fronts but I don't think this is replicated on the pre-outs. Has anyone any ideas how to bi-amp with the pre-out connections only?

I had thought of using zone 2 pre-outs as well but was unsure of whether they output an identcal signal to the main zone. Also I read elsewhere that using a Y connector to duplicate the channels is a no-no.

I don't know how using separates would affect the auto equalization, but I tend to use manual adjstments more often than not anyway.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Kindest regards,
Tasso

 

[gene]

Problem is, I like the bi-amp option for the main fronts but I don't think this is replicated on the pre-outs. Has anyone any ideas how to bi-amp with the pre-out connections only?

Why would you want the pre outs replicated? Use the stereo pair fed into your 4CH amp via a Y-cable for each channel pair.

 

[Pap]

Why would you want the pre outs replicated? Use the stereo pair fed into your 4CH amp via a Y-cable for each channel pair.

Thanks Gene.

I had heard somewhere that the y connectors could degrade sound. I guess I should try it first - if the level isn't high enough then those channels probably could be cranked up a notch or two.

I am approaching it with some caution because last time I used the pre-outs with Rotel RMB-1095 &1080 power amps I was very, unimpressed with lack of detail in movies when compared to the built in amps. Music was nice though.
I will try the bi-amp, probably with different power amps this time.

Tasso

 

[gene]

Thanks Gene.

I had heard somewhere that the y connectors could degrade sound. I guess I should try it first - if the level isn't high enough then those channels probably could be cranked up a notch or two.

I am approaching it with some caution because last time I used the pre-outs with Rotel RMB-1095 &1080 power amps I was very, unimpressed with lack of detail in movies when compared to the built in amps. Music was nice though.
I will try the bi-amp, probably with different power amps this time.

The preamp of the 5805 has plenty of drive to parallel its outputs to 2 amps. Just select a "Better" amp than the 5805 when doing this. The 5805 has a very good, low noise amp section so be careful when choosing a replacement amp since you may actually wind up downgrading performance for more power.

 

[jussi]

At least in theory, Denon will notify you directly if you register:
http://www.usa.denon.com/148.asp

blekenbleu: Thanks for your reply,
I´m alredy registerd there but haven´t gotten a singel mail or notification upon login at website on any Firmware updates... but stil have had new frimware installed twice, once from my local dealer (after I read about a new firmware on some forum) and once when i had it shipped for repair i Denmark (I have the european model AVC-A1XV).

My problem is that the Danish serviceshop or my local dealer doesn´t seem too have better track on whitch firmeware is the latest or not for this machine than me... so my question is simply where I can keep track of the firmwares myself and just let them have the job of instaling it for me once in a while when there is a new one available.

Best regards
//Jussi

 

[blekenbleu]

Hi Jussi -

I´m alredy registerd there but haven´t gotten a singel mail or notification upon login at website on any Firmware updates... but stil have had new frimware installed twice, once from my local dealer (after I read about a new firmware on some forum) and once when i had it shipped for repair i Denmark (I have the european model AVC-A1XV).

OK, so much for theory. I have only owned my 5805 for a month;
have not received an acknowledgement for registering and,
based on your experience, should not expect more.

My problem is that the Danish serviceshop or my local dealer doesn´t seem too have better track on whitch firmeware is the latest or not for this machine than me... so my question is simply where I can keep track of the firmwares myself and just let them have the job of instaling it for me once in a while when there is a new one available.

I have not found another forum that focuses on the 5805;
a few owners contribute to related fora, but not extensively.
There are presumably only a relatively few owners; we should conspire.
Please drop a note back here if/when you learn of further updates.

- regards, blekenbleu

 

[blekenbleu]

Hi Tasso -

(I have also experience cut-outs with a 4 ohm centre speaker)

Problem is, I like the bi-amp option for the main fronts but I don't think this is replicated on the pre-outs.

Have you tried configuring the 5805 to bi-amp the center speaker? I have not yet,
was puzzled that Denon leaves an amp unused for 7.1 bi-amp preconfiguration,
but think I've read that it is possible to manually configure bi-amp..?

I don't know how using separates would affect the auto equalization, but I tend to use manual adjstments more often than not anyway.

I have read that some Deno AVRs may automatically misconfigure speakers connected to external amplifiers,
but anyway I came to the 5805 from a Lexicon MC-1 largely to leave behind the hassle of separate amps.

 

[blekenbleu]

Oppo 970 SACD over HDMI

Having blown my budget on a 5805MKII, I got a refurb Oppo 970 for SACD and DVD Audio.
The Oppo is not yet updated to eliminate fades between tracks, but doubt that will address the problem of the Denon going deaf when playing an SACD after a DVD Audio, until the 5805 is switched to another input and back.
I doubt the Oppo can be blamed for that...

This is not so bad, since I am already there to swap disks, but would be really irritating if Oppo offered a changer.

 

[Pap]

Hi Tasso -



Have you tried configuring the 5805 to bi-amp the center speaker? I have not yet,
was puzzled that Denon leaves an amp unused for 7.1 bi-amp preconfiguration,
but think I've read that it is possible to manually configure bi-amp..?



I have read that some Deno AVRs may automatically misconfigure speakers connected to external amplifiers,
but anyway I came to the 5805 from a Lexicon MC-1 largely to leave behind the hassle of separate amps.

I contacted Denon Hong Kong (where I bought the amp) who advised that the pre-outs are unaffected by the amp assignments.

It appears possible from reading the manual that the unused amp in 7.1 configuration can be manually assigned. However after experimenting with some very reasonable and powerful external amps I thought the performance suffered on movies by a noticeable degree. Either the Denon is not optimised for use as a pre-amp in the manner of say Lexicon, or the internal amps are so damn good.

Either way I am now back to using the Denon on its own with help from an impedance matching transformer (Xindak XTT-1) for the centre speaker. This provides an 8 ohm load to the Denon but impedance matches the 4 ohm speaker. The Denon will not now cut out when the system is really cranked up plus there is an improvement in the amplifier's bass control /damping factor as well for the centre speaker.

As for DVD players, I use the Denon 5910 ( DVD-A1XV), Toshiba HD XA-1 and Sony Blu-ray. When my Denon needed some attention at the service centre I tried various alternatives including the Oppo and a Pioneer DV-79AVi (DV-989 avi). The Oppo was remarkable for the price but the Pioneer could be tweaked into an even better picture. It made the Denon DVD player look overpriced even though it had the edge.

I buy most of my electronics from Hong Kong and usually the price difference is significant except that it was the same for the Pioneer player. Pioneer appear to sell their top line DVD player at the same low price world wide. It kinda explains the value thing I guess.

Tasso

 

[blekenbleu]

I contacted Denon Hong Kong (where I bought the amp) who advised that the pre-outs are unaffected by the amp assignments.

That is consistent with what I thought I read in the manual.

It appears possible from reading the manual that the unused amp in 7.1 configuration can be manually assigned.

My center channel speaker wants to be bi-amped, so I will eventually try that.
Meanwhile, I am experimenting with different subwoofer locations, crossover frequencies
and supplementary parametric corrections.

However after experimenting with some very reasonable and powerful external amps I thought the performance suffered on movies by a noticeable degree. Either the Denon is not optimised for use as a pre-amp in the manner of say Lexicon, or the internal amps are so damn good.

I prefer to believe the latter, based on my own comparisons.

Either way I am now back to using the Denon on its own with help from an impedance matching transformer (Xindak XTT-1) for the centre speaker. This provides an 8 ohm load to the Denon but impedance matches the 4 ohm speaker. The Denon will not now cut out when the system is really cranked up plus there is an improvement in the amplifier's bass control /damping factor as well for the centre speaker.

I never heard of Xindak before.
That has to be quite a lot of metal to handle impedances that low at powers that high;
you must be quite fond of your center channel speaker to take so much trouble.

As for DVD players, I use the Denon 5910 ( DVD-A1XV), Toshiba HD XA-1 and Sony Blu-ray. When my Denon needed some attention at the service centre I tried various alternatives including the Oppo and a Pioneer DV-79AVi (DV-989 avi). The Oppo was remarkable for the price but the Pioneer could be tweaked into an even better picture. It made the Denon DVD player look overpriced even though it had the edge.

I have not watched any video DVDs from the Oppo; am only using it for surround audio via HDMI.
Still using a Sony 9000ES for movies and hoping the High Def DVD schism is resolved soon.

I buy most of my electronics from Hong Kong and usually the price difference is significant except that it was the same for the Pioneer player. Pioneer appear to sell their top line DVD player at the same low price world wide. It kinda explains the value thing I guess.

I suppose the 5805 may better handle SACD and DVD Audio over i.LINK than HDMI,
but I was not sure discrete surround audio was worth the bother until I listened to some discs with the Oppo.

 

[AmpItUP]

Wow, thanks for the info, I appreciate it!

__________________
McIntosh MCD201 - MCD201 SACD/CD Player Catalog by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. for download

 

[Noobman]

I should have my 5805 up and running again in early April and along with a series of followup tests and articles for Audyssey, and upgrades to the 5805.

Call me naive but im still waiting

//Mats

 

[DavidA]

At last my local dealer (in Dubai) has managed to get the HDMI/LAN upgrade kit out of Singapore. He's been trying to get it for me for several months. It will get here in 10 days hopefully, at a cost of just over £400.

Could somebody who has had the modification done tell me how the original remote copes with the extra functions (like internet radio)?

I realise that there must be extra menus, so I'm guessing that it's all done from the OSD (which will now work on HDMI, right?)

 

[DavidA]

Well, it's back, and connected. And a bit of a disappointment.

After some aggro with the network settings on the pc, I got it to play internet radio, and to find all my music on the computer. The interface is absolutely horrible! Same font as the OSD-very, very basic. So I'll continue to use my Kiss DP-600 for streaming media. But not with the new Kiss firmware.........

The video conversion analogue to HDMI works well (so I now only need an HDMI cable between amp and tv), but as would be expected, basic set top box video does not look good when upscaled to 1080i. So maybe I won't be using that feature either.

I've posted a question elsewhere about not being able to use HDMI and D-link together (I seem to either have audio, or video, but not both at the same time), whereas I can use HDMI and firewire between the amp and my Denon 3910. If you miss the question on the other thread, and know the solution, please enlighten me!

 

[Pap]

Well, it's back, and connected. And a bit of a disappointment.

After some aggro with the network settings on the pc, I got it to play internet radio, and to find all my music on the computer. The interface is absolutely horrible! Same font as the OSD-very, very basic. So I'll continue to use my Kiss DP-600 for streaming media. But not with the new Kiss firmware.........

The video conversion analogue to HDMI works well (so I now only need an HDMI cable between amp and tv), but as would be expected, basic set top box video does not look good when upscaled to 1080i. So maybe I won't be using that feature either.

I've posted a question elsewhere about not being able to use HDMI and D-link together (I seem to either have audio, or video, but not both at the same time), whereas I can use HDMI and firewire between the amp and my Denon 3910. If you miss the question on the other thread, and know the solution, please enlighten me!

David,

You can use HDMI and D-link simultaneously from the dvd player but not for audio. You have to choose for each input where the digital audio is coming from. eg I use HDMI for video and select D-Link for audio. ( If you want to compare you simply change the menu preference for the audio selection)

For me. D-Link is superior every time so I don't bother with HDMI audio on the Denon DVD player.

Regarding your STB, you will get best results by setting the STB output resolution at the optimum resolution for your display. Use either the native resolution or whichever looks best to you. I am assuming your STB can output 720P or 1080i?.

I have found this is considerably better for whichever video processor I have used.

Tasso