Yamaha 3800 vs Denon 3808

[MtVernon]

Thank you "Paradigm."

What tangible factual differences can you guys tell me about?

* are there specific features or capabilities that the Yamaha 3900 or Denon 3808 do or do not have?

* are there specific technologies that the Yamaha 3900 or Denon 3808 do or do not have?


For example, I have ferreted out that both are firmware upgradeable because they can be networked and each have a microphone and equalization process to tailor the sound to my room. Tangible factual similarities.

I called BB again today. I mentioned that of all the chat boards / forums I've visited it seemed that Yamaha was not discussed anywhere as much as Denon. I found that curious. I was told, Yamaha is not known or geared toward the AVR market and is more geared toward audio (i.e. not video). Whereas Denon is geared more toward the AVR market. While we talked specifics, he tended around what they both had in common. We did get into a discussion on class A, AB...and D -- which the Pioneer Elite 05 has so I ruled it out.

I'm okay with going about $400 more for the Yamaha if I can get some tangible factual differences or similarities. Otherwise, if the Denon is exactly the same and I'm left with the touchy feely sound difference, then I might as well save $400.

So, do you guys know what specific tangible factual differences or benefits that there are?

 

[MtVernon]

Maybe I should give you guys (and gals) some background.

I am going from an antiquated system to modern day. So, I'm trying to get a system within my financial means that will take me well into the future. I see that some of you have had numerous receivers and tv's in recent years. Me...I have an early 1990s television about 20" that I got just before the Buffalo Bills last SuperBowl. My audio system, however, I purchased right in Japan while stationed there and while the Yen rate was triple better than what it is today. I had a cd player and a bunch of cd's before you could get a cd player in the States.

Japan circa 1983-85:
* Kenwood "M-2" Amp (220 w p/ch rms at 8 ohms / 440w at 4 ohms)--I think its a class A-B amp so almost a true sine wave,
* Kenwood "C-1" Pre-Amp,
* Marantz "LS-88" 3-way double drive woofers (2 woofers p/box) speakers 280w (have since rebuilt with new woofers and added Monster cables to Amp).

Of course, I have other components but that is the heart of my system. At one point I had them all connected via VCR for great sound while watching tv.

So, today I'm looking for a good versatile receiver that will also carry me into the future. Well, maybe not 25 years...ha! So far here in 2008/09, I purchased a Samsung Plasma 50" (PN50A760), Panasonic Blu-Ray BD-35, Mirage Nano 5.0 speakers and Mirage S8 subwoofer. All are still in the box waiting for the final piece -- the receiver.

 

[Chopin_Guy]

MtVernon,

First off, welcome to the forum.

To better help you if you can let us know what your needs (types of speakers you have, room size, necessary inputs, etc.) and use (home theater vs. music and listening levels) of the AVR will be, then we might be better able to point you in the direction of the AVR which will be best for you..

 

[MtVernon]

Room is 17'x14'. At grade on three walls. 3' below grade on fourth. Concrete floor. Circa 1960 sheet rock walls.

In process now of either buying new modern bigger house or doing demo on existing and expanding it. Either way, will work in acoustic enhancements to new AVR space. And, will create outdoor living room w/audio & video.

As for video: we expect to watch movies on occasion and when we do to have a theatre-like experience. I'm very excited to be able to see hockey and football and have friends over.

Audio: I thought I would be getting something possibly better than what I have now. So, I expect to wire this up to my computer, which I'll eventually have all my family's music on the computer (from the 1920's to today) and listen to it through the receiver. Ditto Internet radio as I like to listen to stuff from my old hometown in Buffalo as well as anywhere overseas. Musically, I like to get away from the commercial stuff. However, I listen to everything - rock (B. Sabbath), classical, choral, country, blue grass, blues, international music, etc.

Thank you for welcoming me to the forum!