Great review!
After having graduated from a 5700 to a 5803 to a 3805 to the new 5805, I would like to add a couple comments. First, this thing is a BEAST! When I first tried taking it out of the box, I was sure the box was stuck on something on the floor...it was THAT heavy! I usually chuckle at reviews that make some mention of having their neighbors over to help them lift thier new gear onto the BOTTOM shelf of their rack, but after giving it the first two (unsuccessful) attempts on my own, I began to consider doing just that. However, I soon realized that if I invited someone over to help me get it on the rack, they'd want to stay to listen to it once I'd gotten it set up. Being too selfish to share the initial audition, I mustered up the last ounce of machismo I had, and was JUST able to swing this massive piece onto my rack.
After my recovery period for the herniated disc that I received for my machismo installation efforts (kidding), I sat down and began to sort through all the options. I thought I could wing this; after all, I had mastered the previous three versions, the 5803 itself not a small feat. I was wrong again. This is a complex piece, BECAUSE of the numerous configuration possibilities, but well worth the effort. The sound is, as Gene's review states, simply incredible and POWERFUL. But, you must be patient, Luke...
RED and SHOKHEAD, I would advise you to reconsider your decision against the 5805 just because of the number of connections on the back or because you have the 3805. The connections on the back are clearly labeled, and in truth there are not that many more than the 3805 has. The ones that ARE new are the ones that're going to make a difference...the extra amps that can be used to bi-amp the 3 front channels (which is what I'm doing), running a second complete 5.1 surround room, and (most important for me) having the ability for HDMI switching, with a DVI connect, as well. You can only use one HDMI connection at a time, so keep in mind that if you have two DVD players connected with HDMI, you can't use the second to drive the 2nd 5.1 surround room AT THE SAME TIME. In addition, the 3805 doesn't have an ethernet port, which I understand will soon enable 5805 owners to link their 5805 into home networks. The POWER of the 5805 is also MUCH greater than the 3805, which I know is no slouch. You simply need to do yourself the favor of experiencing this for yourself before writing it off.
I do have one gripe, and, Gene, I respectfully disagree with you on this one. If Denon expects people to shell out 6 G's for this piece, then for cripes' sake, THROW IN THE EQUALIZATION MIKE!! What does this cost, like 30 bucks? Probably costs them 5 to make. Sheesh, was I mad when I found out that I'd have to make a seperate run to Best Buy just to complete the installation. I know that they're gearing this to home installers, but then why even SELL it to the general public if they're so afraid that it'll be set up wrong? And anyways, WHO CARES? If some old granny wants to buy a Corvette, I'll bet Chevrolet won't make her put training wheels on it...why is Denon so concerned about this? If this is the case, then they should just include a fill-out form to send in for the mike, so that new owners get one for free, but have to wait for a week or so to get the mike. This would allow for the initial "experiment" stage to sink in, so that, once the mike arrived, the owner would be more knowledgable.
Small gripe for an otherwise GREAT product. All of you "seperates are better" freaks out there, I DARE you to do a blind A-B listening test between this receiver and comparable seperates of your choice. I bet you'll be surprised.
-Doc
