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Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

#31
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
I looked at the Onkyo, but there were too many reports about it
running "hot" so I opted to stick with the Denon.

I was looking at the TX905 with the toridal transformer but that was a concern I had with past Onkyo receivers. Was there any other issues with the new Onkyo's?

I am researching receivers right now and there are now quite a few different brands with new models out. I am however seriously considering the Denon AVR-3808ci to replace my old Yamaha RX-V995. I was thinking about the Denon AVR-4308ci but I am not sure its worth paying more for it and not getting a toridal transformer with it. I am also looking at the following receivers to replace my old RX-V995.

Possible Choices:
Denon AVR-4308 $2,499 ???
Denon AVR-3808 $1,599
Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH $1600
Sony ES STR-DA4300ES $1,300
Sony ES STR-DA5300 $1,700
Onkyo TX-NR905 $1,999 ??? not sure I trust it
Yamaha RX-V3800 $1,700

I am going to go to my local UE next week and do some critical listening to a few receivers.

Hey RAF did you have any issues when decoding and listening to DTS-HD Master Audio or Dolby True HD with your Denon AVR-3808ci? That is the receiver I am leaning towards for my HT.

Currently I have both HD-DVD and Blu-ray and I have a small library of SACD and DVD-A as well. I also have a decent number of DVD's and will ocationally watch a laser disc. Would love to get some feedback on the new receivers, especially the new Denon. I actually love the way the new receiver looks and would love to have it in my HT ASAP, or as long as it takes to save up the cash for it.

1080p High Definition SupporterLossless Audio Supporter Current Library: 221 DVD's / 70 HD-DVD's / 181 Blu-ray's (251 HD Titles)

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#32
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Moritz

Hey RAF did you have any issues when decoding and listening to DTS-HD Master Audio or Dolby True HD with your Denon AVR-3808ci? That is the receiver I am leaning towards for my HT.

Currently I have both HD-DVD and Blu-ray and I have a small library of SACD and DVD-A as well. I also have a decent number of DVD's and will ocationally watch a laser disc. Would love to get some feedback on the new receivers, especially the new Denon. I actually love the way the new receiver looks and would love to have it in my HT ASAP, or as long as it takes to save up the cash for it.

I let both of my HD players do the HD audio decoding to LPCM via HDMI so I've never tried out the internal decoding of the 3808ci in this regard. According to the people I've talked to, it makes absolutely no difference, aurally, where the decoding takes place.

And as to SACD and DVD-A playback - one of the nice things about the Denons (3000 series and up) is that they contain DenonLink III which is a direct digital link between a Denon player (using cat 5) and the Denon AVR. In other words, no 5.1 analog audio connections. Direct linkage via digital eliminates both a DAC and an ADC stage - which is never a bad thing. I keep my Denon 2930ci DVD player in the system for that very reason and it also worked perfectly with my 3806 in that regard (SACD and DVD-A). Speaking of which (DVD-A) my 2008 Acura MDX features a sound system that plays back DVD-A discs and it sounds great. New life for this "dead" format (and my many titles). It ain't over 'til it's over!


RAF
[Demented Video Dude since 1997]
[Computer Maven since 1956]
["PITA" since 1942]
CLICK HERE to visit My HT                 HTF Rules and Regulations
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#33
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

FYI - I originally bought an Onkyo 805 and ended up returning it & replacing it with a Denon 3808CI. The reasons were described on another forum, copying below if anyone is interested:

Quote:
Just wanted to post my experience.

I decided to upgrade from the Denon 3805 to a receiver that can handle multichannel audio via HDMI. Did research around here, decided on the Onkyo 805 since there was a good amount of positive feedback and the price was lower than the Denon 2807 (and 3808). I had had 3 previous Denon receivers so I was a little hesitant to try a new brand, but I gave it a shot. I shouldn't have.

Here are the problems I encountered with the 805:
1) Despite claims of a better video scaler (better chip, whatever), the upconverted picture from my Wii looked atrocious. Completely washed out. I had to tweak the video settings for a long time to get it close to normal, and even then something still looked wrong. I ended up just using the component cables, even though that negated one of the reasons I got the new receiver (one cable).
2) Audio delay when switching to/from Dolby Digital. Whenever an audio source went from DD 5.1 to stereo and back, there was a long delay, probably 3-4 seconds, before the sound came on. So anytime a commercial ended or I paused and restarted a movie there would be 3-4 seconds of missing audio. Same result with both HDMI and coax / optical. Unacceptable.
3) Heat. The unit got so hot it would nearly burn my hand if I held it on top. This was in an open air rack with plenty of clearance. It actually made the entire shelf above it (which held the PS3) warm to the touch.

I finally decided it wasn't worth it to have to deal with these issues (esp. #2) so I bought the Denon 3808CI and arranged to return the Onkyo. Got the 3808 and hooked it up yesterday, and I'm very happy with my decision; specifically the problems listed above:

1) Upconversion of the Wii looks perfect, to me, with no lag.
2) Transition to/from Dolby Digital sources is nearly instantaneous (< .5 seconds)
3) Heat is normal. Warm, but nothing close to the 805's nuclear core.

The on-screen interface is easy to use, and I had little need to even look at the manual (which is good from what I hear). Anyway, all I have to do now is run the auto config (and probably do some manual tweaking) and I'll be set. I'll be sticking with Denon next time (although hopefully an upgrade won't be needed for a while!)

Re: SACDs, I just got into these since getting the 3808 since my PS3 plays them (who knew?) and can output multichannel via HDMI. I must say, it's sad that this never caught on. Listening to Elton John's early albums in SACD format is amazing.

Re: Dolby TrueHD / DTS Master I too let the PS3 do the decoding and send the multichannel PCM to the 3808 ... since I have no other option. But as was mentioned, even if the PS3 could output the encoded stream via HDMI it shouldn't make any discernable difference. But yes, the 3808 has the capacity to decode those formats if it receives them from a source.
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#34
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Joshua,

First, welcome to this forum. Happy to have you here.

Listen, instead of directing our valuable membership over to
another forum, why don't you just cut-n-paste your comments
over here?

Thanks
Ronald J Epstein
Home Theater Forum co-owner
Email me at: repstein@hometheaterforum.com 
To View My Massive DVD Collection Click Here
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#35
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Done, didn't realize that was preferred.
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#36
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Thanks for the impressions. You inspired me to buy one. 6ave.com is running a SPECTACULAR deal on this puppy. Call them and you'll get a price much lower than the 2808's MSRP. WAY LOWER.

Amazing.

Guess what...

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#37
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Adam,

If you are not associated with 6th avenue then I'm certain you'll
have no problem sharing that price with the rest of the membership?
Ronald J Epstein
Home Theater Forum co-owner
Email me at: repstein@hometheaterforum.com 
To View My Massive DVD Collection Click Here
HTF Rules and Regulations
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#38
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

I am not associated with them, and this is actually my first purchase from them.

I got the 3808ci, shipped for free for $1098.

For those who don't know, these guys are an authorized Denon dealer, so rest assured that your warranty is valid and all that jazz.

Obviously, you need to call for this deal. I spoke with a guy named Scott.



Ronald - Thanks for your impressions and thanks for a great forum. I have been here for a while now and this place is an invaluable resource.


And on a side note, Scott seemed excited to tell me that they are currently offering the Yamaha RX-V3800 at the same low price. :O

Guess what...

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#39
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

I figured I might as well get a new model receiver since not all the players actually decode all the new formats. While the new ones will decode Dolby True HD they will not internally decode DTS-HD MA. And my old Yamaha RX-V995 only has composit and s-video connections and it is a basic 5.1 surround receiver. I am considering getting the Pioneer BDP-95FD Blu-ray player instead of the Denon Blu-ray, it will cost half as much.

As many of us know it is not easy building a really nice top notch home theater on a budget. I started off wanting the Denon ARV-4308ci but reality kicked in and said it out of your budget dave. So my next choice is the Denon AVR-3808ci and the back up choice so far is a Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH. I would love to have a Denon Blu-ray but my budget says I would be lucky to own the Pioneer BDP-95FD. I am thinking that if I can not go the Denon route the Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH receiver and the Pioneer Elite BDP-95FD, would be a good substitution. And they should perform very good and I technically should not hear any difference. So I just have to save up and see what happens. Especially since I have been dying to own a Denon receiver for at least 4 years now. The Yamaha has been flawless for over 10 years but am not sure that the new Yamaha's will compair to Denon? My next upgrade after a receiver will be a new 1080p HDTV and there will be some other upgrades along the way.

I would love to hear from everyone that has purchased a new Denon AVR-3808ci. I am sure many of us would like to know how good does the audio sound, how good does the Audyssey work, and is the HDMI video switching good? Ether way I am sure I will be happy with ether Denon or Pioneer Elite. But I have not ruled out a Yamaha, you just never know.

1080p High Definition SupporterLossless Audio Supporter Current Library: 221 DVD's / 70 HD-DVD's / 181 Blu-ray's (251 HD Titles)

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#40
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
Originally Posted by Adam_R
I am not associated with them, and this is actually my first purchase from them.

I got the 3808ci, shipped for free for $1098.

For those who don't know, these guys are an authorized Denon dealer, so rest assured that your warranty is valid and all that jazz.

Obviously, you need to call for this deal. I spoke with a guy named Scott.



Ronald - Thanks for your impressions and thanks for a great forum. I have been here for a while now and this place is an invaluable resource.


And on a side note, Scott seemed excited to tell me that they are currently offering the Yamaha RX-V3800 at the same low price. :O
Thanks Adam

I just placed my order for the Denon 3808CI after reading your post. $1098 includes Free shipping. Denon authorizes 6ave.com as a Authorized dealer. Thanks for the tip Adam. You must call by phone and ask for Peter, Scott or Reberto. This is my up grade from my Denon 3803. What a receiver.
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#41
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
Originally Posted by Leeland
Thanks Adam

I just placed my order for the Denon 3808CI after reading your post. $1098 includes Free shipping. Denon authorizes 6ave.com as a Authorized dealer. Thanks for the tip Adam. You must call by phone and ask for Peter, Scott or Reberto. This is my up grade from my Denon 3803. What a receiver.

My pleasure sir. I am always happy to share good news! This is also a nice upgrade for me from a 3802.

BTW - I always thought posting prices was a forum no-no, but I guess not.

Guess what...

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#42
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Great review and Great Product.

Purchased one from my work as well!

-Nick-
Home Theater Setup
TV - Sony KDS60A3000
Reciever - Denon AVR2308CI
DVD - Denon DVD1940CI
Fronts - Canton GLE409Center - Canton AV7002Rears - Canton PLUSXL2Sub - Klipsch RW10DPower - Panamax M5300PMCables - AudioQuestGame - Xbox360-PS2/3
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#43
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Adam,
Thanks for the info, you saved me a lot of money. Just ordered one from Scott myself. Anyone else that is interested, he said that today was the last day for that deal.
Jeff
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#44
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Ok, I have a question for you guys. I would like to hook this up to my 3930 using Denon Link. Does anyone know what type of Firewire cable I need, 4 pin, 6-pin or what?
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#45
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff O.
Adam,
Thanks for the info, you saved me a lot of money. Just ordered one from Scott myself. Anyone else that is interested, he said that today was the last day for that deal.
Jeff

My pleasure!

I should get mine tomorrow! I can't wait! Setting this stuff up is half the fun for me!

I'll report back with full impressions next week!

Guess what...

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#46
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

I have just bought this receiver and have a Nintendo Wii. I'm having troubles assigning the audio input for the RCA audio output from the Wii. I have the high def hookup kit for video and RCA audio. Video is working fine, however there is no audio. Audio is currently hooked up to "HDP" and Video is on "Component 3". Any help would be appreciated. thx.
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#47
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff O.
Adam,
Thanks for the info, you saved me a lot of money. Just ordered one from Scott myself. Anyone else that is interested, he said that today was the last day for that deal.
Jeff

Rats! I am still trying to decide between this and the Pioneer, but at the price I was going to take a flier on the Denon. I found out about the cutoff and hour or two too late.
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#48
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

My 3808 came today and I got it all setup. I rewired everything so it's nice and neat. (compared to my old setup anyway)

I got all my sources hooked up and assigned and it's currently doing the firmware update. Man, this takes a LONG time to update. It's reporting about 45 minutes total. At least it gives you feedback on screen about what it's doing. It actually tells you what it is updating at the time, like DSP1, DSP2 etc.

I have not run the Audyssey setup yet, but will report back after I do.

I threw on Cars on Bluray just to hear some uncompressed audio for the first time. It seemed quite a bit louder that the DD track as I switched back and forth. No impressions until it's calibrated.

This thing is beautiful.

PS3 over HDMI @ 1080p.
Xbox 360 over component @ 1080i scaled to 1080p (since the 3808 can't do 1080p from component to 1080p HDMI)
Wii over component @ 480p scaled to 1080p.

All out to my TV over one simple cable! YAY!!!!

Guess what...

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#49
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

What great timing! I just ordered a 3808 on-line 2 days ago after doing some research, and am feeling much more comfortable about my choice. Thank you for your review, Mr Epstein. I am pretty new at this home theater adventure, but decided to jump in with both feet...the Denon, a new display, and a new Klipsch RF-83 system. I will probably be asking for a little help from time to time. Thank you for this great resource site. Dave Cowger
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#50
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
Originally Posted by DtheB
What great timing! I just ordered a 3808 on-line 2 days ago after doing some research, and am feeling much more comfortable about my choice. Thank you for your review, Mr Epstein. I am pretty new at this home theater adventure, but decided to jump in with both feet...the Denon, a new display, and a new Klipsch RF-83 system. I will probably be asking for a little help from time to time. Thank you for this great resource site. Dave Cowger


Welcome to the forum!

Congratulations on your new purchase!

Come and post often!
I did nothing...I did absolutely nothing and it was everything I thought it could be..
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#51
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

More impressions:

1080p HDMI video pass through from my PS3 is flawless as expected.

1080i component converted 1080p HDMI from my Xbox 360 looks good, but I think it looked better going right to the TV over component.

480p component from my Wii upscaled to 1080p looks pretty bad. I mean, it didn't look good before on a 56" 1080p TV, but I think the 3808 does a worse job at upscaling it than my TV did.

What are other's impressions of the upscaling? Are you impressed?

AUDIO: Well, well, well... I did the Audyssey a few times. I tried different locations in the room. Different amounts of measure points. I ended up doing 6 points. The first 3 were on the couch and the next 3 were directly in fornt of those same points a few feet closer to the TV. The sound is GREAT. It found all my speakers as "small" as they should be. (one time it found the fronts as "large", hmmm...) It calculate my speaker distances very accurately. I did feel that it was a little light on bass after the first couple times I did the setup, so I set my sub amp @ 50% gain and after the setup was complete, I turned it up a bit to my liking. I usually fiddle with the bass because I play games at pretty low volume at night, but movies get loud. So it's usually up for the games and down for films. So I put on Cars on BluRay to hear some uncompressed audio and IT IS FREAKING AMAZING. At first listen, it just sounds louder. But as you keep listening it is painfully obvious that the definition of the sound is so damn good. I am hearing nuanses and background effects like I never have before. Voices are so natural sounding, it's like they are there. Now I am feeling like a real (novice) audiophile. I am DEFINITELY replacing all my speaker cables with high quality stuff. I do not want to lose ANY of this audio quality. It's really superb.

All in all, so far, this is a GREAT receiver. I am SO glad I opted for the 3808 not the 2808 for the OSD alone. It's really a pleasure.

More to follow.

Ask questions if you'd like!

Guess what...

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#52
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

The more good things are comments I hear about the Denon the more I want to own one!

Has anyone had any issues with the HDMI 1.3 switching on the Denon?

How good is the video switching?

And has anyone been able to check out the internal decoding of Dolby True HD or DTS-HD Master Audio with the Denon yet?

1080p High Definition SupporterLossless Audio Supporter Current Library: 221 DVD's / 70 HD-DVD's / 181 Blu-ray's (251 HD Titles)

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#53
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Moritz
The more good things are comments I hear about the Denon the more I want to own one!

Has anyone had any issues with the HDMI 1.3 switching on the Denon?

How good is the video switching?

And has anyone been able to check out the internal decoding of Dolby True HD or DTS-HD Master Audio with the Denon yet?

I only have one HDMI device going in so I can't comment of switching between HDMI devices, but going form my PS3, to my Xbox360, to my Wii is flawless. It does take a few seconds for the picture to arrive, but it's acceptable.

No internal decoding either. The PS3 can't send either format bitstream. It decodes Dolby True HD and sends it as Multi PCM. DTS HD is a no go.

QUESTION: How do I enable the Dynamic EQ? I really need that feature from what it sounds like. I do a lot of lower volume listening late at night.

Guess what...

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#54
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

I'm also still using an AVR-3802, but I'm thinking of upgrading sometime after Christmas. A couple questions:
1) The GUI I'm guessing can be seen through HDMI? Does the receiver show a volume bar on the TV? That's the one thing I really have never liked about my 3802; the absence of any kind of feedback on volume.

2) Can you rename outputs to anything, or is it just a drop down list of options?

3) Does the iPod interface show album art on the TV? Also I thought I read that this can interface with iTunes if it's on the same network...?

I'm finally about done with school and can start getting back into the HT hobby again.
Home Theater
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#55
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Kevin,

You are in luck!

Yes, through an HDMI connection a status bar appears on your
monitor every time you adjust the volume.

You can also readily rename the outputs. For instance, I changed
SAT/TV to Tivo. I also did it without using the
remote. I simply used the buttons on front of the receiver.

Finally, although I have not hooked my iPod up to the TV, I am
almost 100% certain that it does display iPod cover art. This is
something I remember seeing in the manual.

It looks like you have have no reason not to buy the 3808CI.
Ronald J Epstein
Home Theater Forum co-owner
Email me at: repstein@hometheaterforum.com 
To View My Massive DVD Collection Click Here
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#56
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronald Epstein
Kevin,


Finally, although I have not hooked my iPod up to the TV, I am
almost 100% certain that it does display iPod cover art. This is
something I remember seeing in the manual.

It is my understanding you need the Denon iPod dock to make this happen.

I did nothing...I did absolutely nothing and it was everything I thought it could be..
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#57
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronald Epstein
It looks like you have have no reason not to buy the 3808CI.
Thanks for the reply Ron, and for keeping this site going (not sure I've ever put that out there). At the moment, there's 1599 reasons for me not to get the 3808.

After Christmas I should be in a better position. It looks and sounds amazing, and I'm curious how it will make my Def Techs sound.
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#58
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Hey everyone was reading an article that referenced this place and decided to check it out .

As a new owner around 3 weeks of the Denon 3808 I thought I'd come into the receiver section and read up on what you guys think of the 3808. As all owners in this thread mentioned the 3808 is a fine receiver with the signature Denon build we have come to expect . I also saw someone asking about using the receiver to decode the new formats internally and I have some first hand experience I thought I could share.

First I am a dual format supporter with a slight preference for HD DVD although I try and not let that influence me a lot. Anyway as you all probably know with the most recent 2.7 update for the Toshiba XA-2 we can finally send the signal via bitstream format to the AVR and see those lossless format logos light up on the screen. My first impression was an obvious increase in volume on Dolby TrueHD tracks (from PCM) and a more pronounced sound in general. Bass is also deeper even though I had calibrated everything before hand. Now the real audio treat came in Rambo which in DTS MA sounded sensational, I heard a clear difference between it and the core 1.5mps I heard originally and even did a few back to back repeats to confirm. Overall prior to this update I much preferred the sound coming out of my PS3 in PCM but now the tables have turned and have further encouraged me to go out and buy the Samsung BDP 1400 so that I can also send in bitstream.

Anyway sorry for the rant but this AVR is one of the best value deals I have had in a long time especially when you consider how future proof it is.
If anyone has any questions shoot, I love talking about this receiver and would be glad to help out.
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#59
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
Originally Posted by sufs
Hey everyone was reading an article that referenced this place and decided to check it out .

As a new owner around 3 weeks of the Denon 3808 I thought I'd come into the receiver section and read up on what you guys think of the 3808. As all owners in this thread mentioned the 3808 is a fine receiver with the signature Denon build we have come to expect . I also saw someone asking about using the receiver to decode the new formats internally and I have some first hand experience I thought I could share.

First I am a dual format supporter with a slight preference for HD DVD although I try and not let that influence me a lot. Anyway as you all probably know with the most recent 2.7 update for the Toshiba XA-2 we can finally send the signal via bitstream format to the AVR and see those lossless format logos light up on the screen. My first impression was an obvious increase in volume on Dolby TrueHD tracks (from PCM) and a more pronounced sound in general. Bass is also deeper even though I had calibrated everything before hand. Now the real audio treat came in Rambo which in DTS MA sounded sensational, I heard a clear difference between it and the core 1.5mps I heard originally and even did a few back to back repeats to confirm. Overall prior to this update I much preferred the sound coming out of my PS3 in PCM but now the tables have turned and have further encouraged me to go out and buy the Samsung BDP 1400 so that I can also send in bitstream.

Anyway sorry for the rant but this AVR is one of the best value deals I have had in a long time especially when you consider how future proof it is.
If anyone has any questions shoot, I love talking about this receiver and would be glad to help out.

Just a thought:

How can lossless compression sound any different if it's decoded in the PS3 or by the Denon?

Example: The PS3 decodes Dolby True HD and sends it to my 3808 as LPCM vs. A standalone player sends the Dolby True HD encoded bitstream to my 3808 and it decodes it. Isn't it all just the same at the end of the day? Lossless is lossless, right? How is one better than the other? (I do understand that the PS3 does not do DTS-MA yet, so yeah that's an obvious disadvantage)

Guess what...

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#60
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

hmm

i still use a 3803, but would love to upgrade to this one.

i can get it for about 940 after employee discount
now, to come up with the 940.
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