Home Theater Forum - View Single Post - Denon 2805 vs Pioneer VSX-1014TX-K

Steve Schaffer · 02-04-2005, 09:34 PM

I've had quite a bit of experience with the 2805 and with a Pioneer VSX-45TX, a precursor to the 1014.

The 2805 has lotsa cool features, virtually the same as most $1.2k receivers, and they all work just fine.

Problem is that it sounds sorta thin compared to the Pioneer, as Frodo would say "like butter spread over too much bread." I think the 2805 is sorta like a 1.2k receiver feature set tacked onto a $299 receiver amp section. It gets a bit harsh sounding at high volumes whereas the Pioneer never sounded strained.

As a pre-pro with separate amplification I don't think the 2805 could be beat at anywhere near it's price, but if you don't want to go that route I'd go with the cheaper Pioneer. Give up a couple of features for a bit better basic performance.

Now, if you're looking at $899 receivers (B&M list for the 2805, you won't get it much cheaper and still have a warranty) you might consider a Harman Kardon AVR-635 from OneCall. Blows both the 1014 and 2805 away for under $900 shipped, has the best auto-setup/eq system on the market at this time, even eq's the sub which the 2805 and 1014 don't. It's 75wpc rating is very very conservative. In reality it plays louder and cleaner than the Denon or the Pioneer.

02-04-2005, 09:34 PM	#9 of 24
Steve Schaffer Member Join Date: Apr 1999 Local Time: 04:07 PM Local Date: 01-07-2009 Posts: 5,008	I've had quite a bit of experience with the 2805 and with a Pioneer VSX-45TX, a precursor to the 1014. The 2805 has lotsa cool features, virtually the same as most $1.2k receivers, and they all work just fine. Problem is that it sounds sorta thin compared to the Pioneer, as Frodo would say "like butter spread over too much bread." I think the 2805 is sorta like a 1.2k receiver feature set tacked onto a $299 receiver amp section. It gets a bit harsh sounding at high volumes whereas the Pioneer never sounded strained. As a pre-pro with separate amplification I don't think the 2805 could be beat at anywhere near it's price, but if you don't want to go that route I'd go with the cheaper Pioneer. Give up a couple of features for a bit better basic performance. Now, if you're looking at $899 receivers (B&M list for the 2805, you won't get it much cheaper and still have a warranty) you might consider a Harman Kardon AVR-635 from OneCall. Blows both the 1014 and 2805 away for under $900 shipped, has the best auto-setup/eq system on the market at this time, even eq's the sub which the 2805 and 1014 don't. It's 75wpc rating is very very conservative. In reality it plays louder and cleaner than the Denon or the Pioneer. Steve S. I prefer not to push the subwoofers until they\'re properly run in.