there are way to many recievers in the $1000 range...

[Sounds Good]

as some of you can tell by my recent posts i am in the market for a new reciever. i am looking to spen around $1000.

i think ive narrowed it to these four
onkyo 876
used 805 (the best deal, but it is used and i dont know its history and will not get a warranty.)
integra 7.9
denon avr-3808ci

i am leaning more twards the denon simply for the hd radio and internet radio, i figure if the vid pro sucks i can just bypass it and go straight from source to tv.

i guess i am looking for some opinions of every one. ecspecially thoes that have owned one or all the recievers ive mentioned.

 

[Sounds Good]

i know, i know another 'what should i buy'....

but really, if PQ is not important would the 3808 be a deal breaker with the hd tuner and internet radio. or is the 876 worth looking at (i think it also has a hd radio ) or maybe spend 500 on a used 805 and call it a day....

so many options... grr

 

[speakerman39]

i know, i know another 'what should i buy'....

but really, if PQ is not important would the 3808 be a deal breaker with the hd tuner and internet radio. or is the 876 worth looking at (i think it also has a hd radio ) or maybe spend 500 on a used 805 and call it a day....

so many options... grr

Keep in mind, that the Denon 3808 CI can be updated via firmware. This is very important given the pace of change in the electronics industry. Not really sure if the 876/875 can be or not. If not, then it is a "no brainer" imho. Good luck in your decision. I salute you for doing your homework as a means to make a well-informed decision. Focus on the features you NEED the most.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[nibhaz]

If PQ is not a priority, then I would say go with an 805 and save your self some coin and call it a day.

If network capabilities are important go with the 3808.

If PQ is important and you want serious flexibility with calibrating video signals then go 876.

Both the 876 and 3808 do HD radio; I’ve never tried it on my 876.

Denon is more flexible in it’s implementation of AS

 

[nibhaz]

Keep in mind, that the Denon 3808 CI can be updated via firmware. This is very important given the pace of change in the electronics industry. Not really sure if the 876/875 can be or not. If not, then it is a "no brainer" imho. Good luck in your decision. I salute you for doing your homework as a means to make a well-informed decision. Focus on the features you NEED the most.

Cheers,

Phil

The 876’s firmware is updateable by the user, but the process is by no means as easys as the one used in the 3808.

Great point!

 

[speakerman39]

The 876’s firmware is updateable by the user, but the process is by no means as easys as the one used in the 3808.

Great point!

Thanks, appreciate the info and the clarification! Surely, something to think about. My vote would be for the Denon 3808 CI. Much more versatile imho. Both, would be excellent choices though. Not too sure about the 805 other than the brawn it is known for. I really like how the Denon sounds as I used to own a 2808 CI. Best receiver I have ever owned.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[Sounds Good]

wow thanks for the replies... it is such a hard decision believe it or not...

the only reason that i say PQ is unimportant is because i am sure as tech progresses there will be a point that the recievers video processor will get surpassed by tvs/blu disk players etc... i do have money set back for oppos BDplayer when it becomes available.

i think to be honest i might have rulled out the 3808...

ill start with the cheapest..
used 805 ($500) its used and i cant be certain that everything works the way it should. but on the +side its the 805 lol

refurb 876 from clubonkyo ($1100) - its a 805 thats thx ultra II certified and has a HD tuner

integra 7.9 ($1300) its a beefy 805 more or less but no HD tuner... :-( i think it still uses the reon vid pro

i think i am going to pick between thoes... i think i am pretty set on the refurb 876 because of the hd tuner.
i think seriously, if the 3808 had the reon vid processor and was like $200 cheaper i would get it...
i havent totaly ruled it out yet... but...

i can alwas buy a internet radio seprate later on (nc500) if i want, but most importantly of the two (internet/hd radio) i wanted the hd radio just to more future proof it.

 

[MatthewB.]

I own both an Onkyo 805 and a Denon 3808. If having to choose between the two, i would go with the Denon. I actually think the sound quality of the Onkyo is just a hair better than the Denon mind you, but the Denon has never given me one single issue. The Onkyo has given me lip synch issues, popping sounds and recently had to be returned to the factory for a bad solder which shut down my system. It works great now, but way too many issues. the Denon has worked flawlessly, is easier to set up, has better on screen features and unlike Onkyo when a station has lip synch the Denon allows you to go -200ms to 0 to + 200 ms (the positive I have had to use on a few stations) the Onkyo only goes from -200 to 0. With the 1.8 firmware this issue has been reduced. But if I could go back in time I would go with the Denon (even though the Denon cost me 3 times as much.

 

[speakerman39]

I own both an Onkyo 805 and a Denon 3808. If having to choose between the two, i would go with the Denon. I actually think the sound quality of the Onkyo is just a hair better than the Denon mind you, but the Denon has never given me one single issue. The Onkyo has given me lip synch issues, popping sounds and recently had to be returned to the factory for a bad solder which shut down my system. It works great now, but way too many issues. the Denon has worked flawlessly, is easier to set up, has better on screen features and unlike Onkyo when a station has lip synch the Denon allows you to go -200ms to 0 to + 200 ms (the positive I have had to use on a few stations) the Onkyo only goes from -200 to 0. With the 1.8 firmware this issue has been reduced. But if I could go back in time I would go with the Denon (even though the Denon cost me 3 times as much.

Excellet post Matthew. I now own a Yammy 663, but did have a Denon 2808 CI. Between the two, there really is no comparison. That is, the Denon is far superior in every way. However, the 663 at less than $500 is NOT supposed to be compared to the 2808 CI which was at a much higher price point. The only reason I have the 663 is the deal that I got. Otherwise, I would have opted for the Denon 1909. Just did not want to spend that much. In short, I agree with Mathew that the Denon 3808 CI would be a much better choice. But, it is not MY call it is the op.

 

[Sounds Good]

wow guys... just when i was almost set on a 876/875 gesh...

well i guess really the only reason to pick the 876/875 over the 3808 is the reon vid pro, and thx ultra2 cert... but on the flip side, the 3808 has built in hd tuner and internet radio...

like i was saying i can alwas bypass the reciever and go direct to source, lucky for me i havent bought my tv yet...

no mater what i read, onkyo Vs. denon, the denons get kudos for being reliable...

so considering the 3808 had future upgrade'ability' and built in hd tuner and internet radio i think that be my pick...

i think its just going to come down to me pulling the trigger on one of them... and honestly, it sounds like they are all nice pieces of equiptment...

 

[lsiberian]

wow guys... just when i was almost set on a 876/875 gesh...

well i guess really the only reason to pick the 876/875 over the 3808 is the reon vid pro, and thx ultra2 cert... but on the flip side, the 3808 has built in hd tuner and internet radio...

like i was saying i can alwas bypass the reciever and go direct to source, lucky for me i havent bought my tv yet...

no mater what i read, onkyo Vs. denon, the denons get kudos for being reliable...

so considering the 3808 had future upgrade'ability' and built in hd tuner and internet radio i think that be my pick...

i think its just going to come down to me pulling the trigger on one of them... and honestly, it sounds like they are all nice pieces of equiptment...

I suggest an Onkyo 705. Spend the savings on an emotiva amp.

 

[speakerman39]

I suggest an Onkyo 705. Spend the savings on an emotiva amp.

I had an Onkyo 705 before owning my Yammie 663 the first time (long story ). As such, it got way too hot even just playing a set of Polk RTi6's at low volume levels. Still yet, the thing made all kinds of popping sounds so much so it scared the daylights out of me. Of course, I could have gotten a bad one as it does happen. When I put the RTi6's on my Yammie 663 is got mildly warm at best even at reference levels. Later on, I bought a Denon 2808 CI and there really was no comparison in that the 2808 CI was significantly superior in every way. This was true even when I pushed it hard. Once I bought the Ascend speakers they worked flawlessly with the 2808 CI. It was like a match made in heaven. Take it from me, the Denon receivers AND the Ascend speakers are really that good and not just HYPE imho.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[lsiberian]

I had an Onkyo 705 before owning my Yammie 663 the first time (long story ). As such, it got way too hot even just playing a set of Polk RTi6's at low volume levels. Still yet, the thing made all kinds of popping sounds so much so it scared the daylights out of me. Of course, I could have gotten a bad one as it does happen. When I put the RTi6's on my Yammie 663 is got mildly warm at best even at reference levels. Later on, I bought a Denon 2808 CI and there really was no comparison in that the 2808 CI was significantly superior in every way. This was true even when I pushed it hard. Once I bought the Ascend speakers they worked flawlessly with the 2808 CI. It was like a match made in heaven. Take it from me, the Denon receivers AND the Ascend speakers are really that good and not just HYPE imho.

Cheers,

Phil

The 705 issues were largely fixed with the firmware and mine worked flawlessly.

It's not nearly as buggy as my HK. But power cycling fixes those problems.

 

[speakerman39]

The 705 issues were largely fixed with the firmware and mine worked flawlessly.

It's not nearly as buggy as my HK. But power cycling fixes those problems.

Was not aware that the HK 254 had a lot of issues. It was my understanding the HK 354 was more problematic. As always, I could be wrong. Power cycling was not an issue for me as both the Yammie 663 AND the Denon 2808 CI never had those issues. Mine may have been faulty from the get go-I dunno. Either way, it still got way too hot for my needs. Needless to say, I sent it back w/o any hesitation at all. I have a 663 for now that is merely serving as an in-between for the time being. Hence, I do plan to upgrade and chances are it will be a Denon. I must say, however, that I would not be affraid of another Onkyo. IMHO, the op will do well with any of the receivers he is considering. But, I still say the 3808 would be the way to go.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[MatthewB.]

I should add that I still get popping sounds on the 805 (not loud mind you) whenever the audio switches codecs. Say watching HD in DD 5.1 and then a commercial comes on in stereo. The rear channel speakers will make this slight popping sound and then pop again when the DD engages again. I have to agree get the Denon. I also have a Denon 4802 which is by far my baby. I wish it could decode the new lossless and have HDMI, because that by far is the best reciever I have ever owned and still use it daily in my office (as a preamp) hooked up to a H/K Citation amp hooked up to my Strata Minis. Just incredible sound for stereo use. The 3808 isnt as good as the 4802 in sound quality (but I also use different speakers which would account for the sound differences) but close enough not to worry about it. Don't get me wrong the Onkyo 805 (as long as it is ver 1.8) is outstanding in it's own right, I just worry every time I turn the thing on (and I use fans to keep it cool) but can attest that Denon makes excellant products.

 

[MatthewB.]

Also when my Onkyo was at the service center in Colorado, i spoke with a tech there, who said they had a huge influx of 805's (which also has me concerned with so many failing. I like to think that once back from the service center that the unit is in better shape than when made from the production line. But a bad solder joint can be found in any reciever due to the fact that silver is no longer used in solder joints in any reciever made within the past couple years. I will say that the Denon runs way cooler without fans than the Onkyo with fans. It's not the amp that heats up in the Onkyo it's the stacked video chips that generate the most heat wether you use the reciever as a preamp or pushing all the speakers.

 

[Sounds Good]

well for thoes watching this thread i went with the onk 876 from j&r for 1099. its coming from nyc and i am in ohio so it shouldnt take long. just enough time to place an order with blue jeans for some hdmi cables. i downloaded the manual for the 876 and i am amazed at the features it has, ability to bridge speakers, bi amping, etc. sounds like i am making a big jump from my 777.

 

[Davemcc]

That sounds like a fine choice to me. One thing about the Onkyo and the Reon processor, even if you run the VP in pass through, it will not degrade the signal. No matter what, you will get video signals as good as if you ran the signal straight to the display.

 

[nibhaz]

well for thoes watching this thread i went with the onk 876 from j&r for 1099. its coming from nyc and i am in ohio so it shouldnt take long. just enough time to place an order with blue jeans for some hdmi cables. i downloaded the manual for the 876 and i am amazed at the features it has, ability to bridge speakers, bi amping, etc. sounds like i am making a big jump from my 777.

It only took two days for my 876 to travel from J&R to Indiana. I ordered my HDMI cables from Blue Jeans on the same day as the 876, and they arrived on the same day as well. Needless to say, it was like Christmas when I came home from work that day.

 

[Sounds Good]

i was reading more of the manual it still blows my mind everything it will do...

i guess i never really knew much about how to use the zones (ive never had a reciever that had zones) anyhow, if i run zone 2 and 3 each off of a 2ch amp, (let me get this right) i could potintial watch a movie in my main room in 7.1 from the bluray player, watch a tv show from the sat box in zone 2 in 2ch stereo, and listen to HD radio or SACD in zone 3 all at the same time????

that is insane... lol