Questions on a few receivers, connections & capacities.

[JetSnake]

The specs. and connections look identical between the Denon AVR-2807 and the AVR-987. The 987 looks like it might be a newer version but what is the difference between the two, what am I missing?

It's time I up-date my 10 year old Pioneer Elite receiver. I was looking at possibly getting a newer Elite until I noticed it has 7 channels of speaker out put while the Denons have 9 channels. (I'm looking in the $500-$1,000 eBay price range). So, does that mean you can't use muti-room if your using a 7.1 setup in the main room with the Elite? It doesn't look like the Elite has enough connections where the Denon does. Or am I missing something?

As my research continues, I think I'm dumping the Elite idea and going with either a Denon AVR-987 or AVR-3806. I see the 3806 has a "PC setup and control capability". Does that mean you can hook it to your PC? Obviously?!?! But what connections do you use for that feature and what ability does that give you?

Will there be a benefit of waiting to buy a receiver until this Blu-ray and HD-DVD gets hashed out? I swear to god that Dolby digital came out 10 minutes after I bought my Dolby pro-logic receiver. I would like to minimize my "being left behind in techno" when I make my purchase. Thanks

 

[Thunder18]

I'm afraid I don't exactly know the difference between the two.
However, I believe that while the Denon's have an extra set of speaker outs, it's not 9 channels, but rather a separate set of terminals for the 2nd room. I don't belive that you can use 7.1 in room while still using 2 channels for another room at the same time.

However, you are correct regarding the Pioneer Elite's. You cannon use multi-room if you're using 7.1 in the main room...unless you have a separate amplifier because the Elite's only have 7 amplifiers.

As far as PC connectivity...Most of the receivers in that level has serial connectors and can use some sort of custom installer software.

If you're waiting for them to hash out the new Hi-def video disc formats...just make sure you get a receiver with 8 analog inputs and you should be pretty well future-proofed. Nothing current can decode the new formats except for the players themselves.

 

[Xsound]

The extra set of speakers terminals are for the difference between Movie Surround modes and Surround Music modes. Then you can toggle between the movie set of speakers and the music set of speakers. You can't play both sets at the same time, nor can you use the extra set for 2nd zone. There are a few receivers that will do simulated 9 channels, but they are big bucks (Carver is 1 I believe).

There is probably less difference between the 2807, 3806, and the VSX-82, VSX-84 than one would think. Denon uses Audyssey for their in room Auto-EQ. Pioneers MCACC was better than Denon's (in my opinion), but the new Auto-EQ might have put the Denon ahead. The newer model of Elites have switched from MOS-fet amplification to a traditional push-pull, so the sound of the receivers may be closer than with the older Pioneer Elite.

Unfortunately in the audio/video world, as in the computer world, everything is obsolete almost as soon as it hits the shelf. You can buy receivers that claim to be "future-proof" but they cost.

You probably won't go wrong with any of the big receiver names, Denon, Yamaha, Pioneer Elite, Maybe even Onkyo, or Sony. Second Act still has that Jamo receiver, that may be worth a look. You are wise to make sure there are enough inputs to handle your current and planned future equipment.

Have fun shopping and listening
X

 

[Nick250]

I think it's the next level up from the 3806 that has pc connection feature. I own a 3806 and it's a great receiver that has a PIA remote, manual and user interface. Now that I have it figured out, I am glad I did not throw it out the window which I felt like a few times.

Nick

 

[JetSnake]

According to the Denon web site, the 3806 has the PC setup and control but does not have the RJ-45 Ethernet port, where the 4306 (the one above it) has both. Which I'm a little confused by. If you have the PC setup and control capability, then what is the Ethernet port for?

 

[JetSnake]

Another strike against Pioneer is that I asked them to send me a catalog and they sent me a 2004 just a few weeks ago.

 

[bill_1202]

Diff between the AVR-987 & AVR-2807

I just got through looking at these two new refurbed receivers. Here are the differences I have found:

The 987 has DCDI processing support
The 2807 has a better remote

Different system cases

But which one is newer? Which one came out first?

 

[JetSnake]

I went with the Denon 3808. Very nice!!!

 

[brulaha]

But which one is newer? Which one came out first?

They are identical and were released at the same time. The 2807 is a dealer unit. The 987 is a chain store unit. This is becoming more blurred with Best Buy carrying dealer units under the Magnolia moniker, but that is the difference.

I believe you are right though, they do have different remote controls.