Onkyo TX-SR805 versus Denon AVR-3808

[20Glove]

Hello all, new to this site.

I am thinking of purchasing a new receiver and it is down to the Onkyo TX-SR805 and the Denon AVR-3808ci.

I am wondering if anyone can tell me the strenghts and weaknesses overall for both Onkyo and Denon. From what I understand, Onkyo is not a frills company, they do just basic stuff but do it very well. I understand that Denon has just a great reputation overall. But wondering +'s and -'s of each, overall.

Here is what I plan on doing/running through this receiver:
PS3, Direct TV HD DVR, Xbox Elite, and will purchase a HD DVD player in the future (All HDMI inputs). I am using a Samsung 50" DLP 1080P, Sapphire Audio STIII Tower Speakers, Sapphire Center Channel, Sapphire Audio Surround Speakers, and Martin Logan Dynamo Subwoofer, and am using it in a room that is approximately 16' X 18', maybe 18' X 18' at the largest. I also plan on hooking up my VCR, Audiophile CD Player by Onkyo, using my Ipod, conecting XM or Sirrius as I have both at the time being, and watching HD Home movies using my Sony HandyCam. I really want a receiver that is solid in both surround sound processing but also a GREAT performer in Stereo.

From What I understand also, is that both receivers according to tech specs are very much alike, unless I am missing something. Please let me know if I am missing something. I feel like I am b/c Onkyo is at a price point of $999 and Denon is at a price point of $1500.

I want to thank everyone in advance for your time and effort.

Thanks!

 

[nick1000000]

Both of them look really good and seem to have all the features and inputs you need for your devices. One of the nice things I did see with the Denon is the Denon Link. It allows you to connect the the internet (their website)and download updates if available. So that is one really good feature the Onkyo does not have.

 

[Seth=L]

The TX-SR805 is heavier by 15 pounds (Denon 35 pounds, Onkyo 50 pounds). There is a good chance the TX-SR805 will be better suited for difficult loads and should have better overall dynamic output capability. I have looked over the chassis for the 805 and it does not exhibit useless weight to make it heavier and confuse the consumer. The TX-SR875 (mentioned on the other thread) also weighs 50 pounds, the only feature I see any real advantage to on that model is the Reon video processing it has for HDMI.

 

[Adam]

There goes Seth=L again, talking about weight.

 

[Seth=L]

There goes Seth=L again, talking about weight.

Hey, I think it is a viable indicator.

 

[Adam]

Hey, I think it is a viable indicator.

I hear ya. Just kidding around. I also think that the Onkyo appears to be one impressive machine for the money. I've always been happy with their gear. I don't know anything about that new Denon, though, and people sure like their stuff, too.

Pssst. My new amp weighs 50 pounds. Must be a good one.

 

[Seth=L]

I hear ya. Just kidding around. I also think that the Onkyo appears to be one impressive machine for the money. I've always been happy with their gear. I don't know anything about that new Denon, though, and people sure like their stuff, too.

Pssst. My new amp weighs 50 pounds. Must be a good one.

So......I pretty much hate you now that you have a SVS sub and Emotiva amp.

I hope you are enjoying them, because as soon as I find where you like I am going to steal it all.

 

[20Glove]

Does weight make that much of a difference?

I was told at Denon that the 3808 is actually 39 lbs 4 oz.... down 1 lb from the 4306. I was also told at Denon that the avr-3808ci was basically the avr-4306 with the HDMI 1.3a inputs/outputs.

Can the AVR-4306, handle what is thrown at it? It had very good reviews on Cnet.

Also, I have read many reviews on the tx-sr805 and everyone says it runs very hot, very hot, does it running very hot mean it is working too hard? Will it not last as long if it runs hot? Is the Reon processing chip on the 875 worth the extra $500?

Also, does anyone know if the 875 has a ethernet input?

 

[Adam]

So......I pretty much hate you now that you have a SVS sub and Emotiva amp.

Ahhh, my work here is done.

I hope you are enjoying them, because as soon as I find where you like I am going to steal it all.

Good luck. By the time you finish giving my pooch the five minutes of petting that she demands of anyone entering the house...every time...I'll have figured out what's going down.

 

[Seth=L]

Ahhh, my work here is done.



Good luck. By the time you finish giving my pooch the five minutes of petting that she demands of anyone entering the house...every time...I'll have figured out what's going down.

Or by the time I am trying to carry the 70 pound amplifier out of the house and I need someone to open the door for me. (I am a polite thief, I don't want bugs, strangers getting in and dogs, kids, or crazy people getting out of the house)