Wait for Harman Kardon AVR 635 or buy Denon AVR 3805?

[TornadoTX]

Hello All

I have been researching recievers for some time now and have come accross two recievers that have really interested me. I have also read most topics on the forums regarding these two recievers, unfortunately because one does not seem to have been released yet, there really is not too much information on the HK as far as reviews go.

I have listened to the Denon AVR 3805, on the same set of speakers, against other brands and was definately impressed and the list of features that it has to offer is truely outstanding. I also have to say that I have not read a review that is not excited about the Denon AVR 3805. I have also read up on a lot of the statistics that the reciever has to offer.

I have also been looking at the soon to be released Harman Kardon AVR 635 and what it has to offer is definately a good, solid reciever that will keep the end user very happy. Because it is not released yet, I have been using the AVR 630 as a bench mark for listening tests against other brands to get a feel for HK. I have been very impressed with this reciever too.

I am however new to the game and have to admiot pretty excited about it. I have learn;t a lot by reading the information that the members of the forums have to offer. So I was hoping that y'all could help me come to a decision.

If you could help me with a few Q's I would appreciate it.
What are the positives and negatives of the recievers in Question?
For home theatre which reciever yield a better result?
Why go with one reciever and not the other is what I really am asking?

Any help is appreciated. I do realise that this may be difficult to answer as The HK is not released yet, but I am hoping that you guys can provide with insightful information that I may have overlooked.

Many Thanks
Adriano

 

[Duffinator]

TX, you are focusing in on a couple very capable receivers. I have owned three HK receivers over the years and almost purchased the 7200 late this past summer when they were getting blown out for $800. I have two friends with the 7200 and am very impressed with it in both music and HT. But it's a monster and would be a tight squeeze, not to mention stretching the limits of the glass shelf in my HT so I didn't but it.

Instead I looked at the 3805 and the Yamaha 2400. Both very similar in quality, feature and price. But the 3805 has three component inputs and although I wasn't sure if I was going to use them I felt three was better than two so I bought the 3805. I also liked the sound a bit better as I perceived the bass output to be a bit stronger.

I've been very impressed with the 3805 and recommend it highly. I am using the component upconversion and switching. I was concerned about picture degradation but haven't noticed any. My family is quite happy that it's now easier to switch inputs. I think you need the three because many people like myself have HD, DVD, and PS2 or X-Box that all use component inputs.

And I personally don't care for the new look of the HK's but that's just my opinion.

Either would make an excellent choice. Good luck.

 

[TornadoTX]

Thanks for the Write up!!! Really sounds like a great reciever. Seems like either would be areally good choice. As far as the looks, I really like either or and cannot say that I would be fussy, I think I am more interested in the over all performance, but the 3805 is really turning heads and seems to be well worth the money. Glad that you like it.

Right now I am just gathering information as I really would like to say that I put in the effort and did the research before I bought one or the other.

Thanks again

Any one else?

 

[flyv65]

I'm confused-I thought the HK wasn't out yet, so how can anyone have first hand knowledge of its performance?

There is no debating that the 3805 is a great AVR at its price point, and if you want to buy one right now the Denon won't let you down. But if you're not planning to jump anytime soon, I'd chill out abit and compare the two side by side. Like Michael Biehn said in Aliens: "it's the only way to be sure."

Bryan...pretty sure...

 

[Duffinator]

I'm confused-I thought the HK wasn't out yet, so how can anyone have first hand knowledge of its performance?

I was commenting on the 7200. There should not be much difference in audio quality between the 630 and 635.

 

[flyv65]

I was commenting on the 7200. There should not be much difference in audio quality between the 630 and 635.

My bad-reading comprehension suffers when I skim posts .

Bryan

 

[PENG]

Comparing the two:

There are more reviews done on the 3805 including some British magazines such as what hi fi.

3805 has more power, especially 2 channel into 4 ohms, but even in 5/7 channel into 8 ohms, the 3805 offers more power than the 630 (according to lab test measurements by HT magazine, they tested the 630 & the 3805)

3805 has lower THD.

3805 has more useful features, e.g. auto level setup, EQ, PL2X, denon link etc.

3805 is a quieter unit, and it does not need a fan.

630, being HK, is perceived as a "warmer (you have to listen for yourself)" receiver.

630 is heavier, probably a bigger transformer but that does not seem to translate into more multi-channel power than the 3805 in lab tests done by the same magazine.

What hi*fi magazine reviewed the 630 in their Nov issue and commented that it losts its composure at high volume.

630 has Logic 7.

630 has a higher list price but probably a lower street price because people know the 635 will be out soon.

There is no information available for the 635, but it is possible that it will be a much improved 630.
One thing about HK receivers, unless you step up to the 7XXX/8XXX models, you end up getting a fan that could be audible.

 

[tallman45]

I would and am waiting. Denon is rumored to be releasing a 4805, that coupled with the release of the 635 will likely drop demand (and prices on the 3805).

 

[Leprkon]

Flyv65 Is Wrong !!!!

I'm confused-I thought the HK wasn't out yet, so how can anyone have first hand knowledge of its performance?

There is no debating that the 3805 is a great AVR at its price point, and if you want to buy one right now the Denon won't let you down. But if you're not planning to jump anytime soon, I'd chill out abit and compare the two side by side. Like Michael Biehn said in Aliens: "it's the only way to be sure."

Bryan...pretty sure...

this is SO absolutely and COMPLETELY wrong...

Sigourney Weaver said "it's the only way to be sure" first. Biehn just repeated her words 30 seconds later.....

 

[TornadoTX]

Thanks for the information, much appreciated. I am going to wait and wee the side by side comparison, but I have been reading a lot on the boards regarding other recievers, such as yamaha ect. Honestly I am at the pint where I am just completely confused and just am.... well, in limbo as far as a decision.

Most of the information that I have is from the Vanns.com website about the HK AVR 635. It has not been released, so I really do not know what it sounds like.

 

[Duffinator]

Honestly I am at the pint where I am just completely confused and just am.... well, in limbo as far as a decision.

In that Case just have another Pint and wait until the 635 is out.

 

[TornadoTX]

In that case just have another pint and wait until the 635 is out.

LOL

I think that is what I am going to do. Infact, I have kinds ruled out the HK. It seems that the HK does not have as many features as the Denon. Also, what really grabs me is that the Denon has just many fantastic reviews. I think I am going to wait and hear about the Denon 4805 that is soon to be released as suggested and see what happens. Many thanks Guys

Adriano