Setting up Denon AVR-3805 for only 5 channels

[blackpug]

I just got a Denon AVR-3805. If I'm only planning on using a 5.1 channel setup do the surrounds go in the Surround A or the Surround B slots. Any other setup need to be done in the menus? Have the book but not real clear in there (also 100 pages - yikes)

 

[Jason Coleman]

You should use the Surround A jacks for a traditional 5.1 setup. You might use the Surround B for multichannel music with direct radiating speakers and have Surround A for movies with dipole/bipole speakers. It's actually a really nice feature that's often overlooked. If you're doing the auto setup with the optional mic, the Denon will recognize that you don't have the back surround speakers hooked up and will configure accordingly. The manual is next to useless...poorly worded and laid out and all around confusing as hell. If you don't have the optional mic, I'd recommend getting it as it will certainly help set up all your speakers.

Jason

 

[blackpug]

thanks for that info - yes, agree about the book - good material for the BR though and at 100 pages that will last a while LOL

 

[free2day33611]

If you are only going to use the 5.1, another thought would be to bi-wire the front speakers with surround B. See the review of the 3805 as it discusses bi-wiring.

 

[blackpug]

dont think I'm going to do that - when I realized that you needed 6 for the PL2 and some of the other features, going to get another Niles for the rear. Seven just seems silly to me - not upgrading anymore if they add any more speakers to the mix - back to 2 channel stereo (might even just do mono)
Thats how revolutions are started....

 

[blackpug]

bad enough I gave in and am buying decent component cables (from bluejeanscables). Not quite as bad a boat but close (hell of alot more satisfying)

 

[Jason Coleman]

If you're just using a 5.1 setup, I'd definitely recommend trying bi-amping the front speakers (if they are bi-ampable). My Paradigm Studio 100 v3's sound amazing bi-amped with the 3805. I'll upgrade to an outboard amp when I wire up Zones 2 and 3, but for now the power is amazing!

Jason