S&V tests the Denon 3805

Shane Martin · 06-12-2004, 07:32 PM

They loved the receiver for what its worth.

The receiver is rated at 120WPC x 7

Here are the test results:

1khz, 8 ohms

1 channel driven 151 W
2 channels driven 139 W
5 channels driven 107 W
7 channels driven 93 W

Distortion at 1 watt .0028%

They praised it for the low noice levels and only knocked it for the lack of bass management on the external multichannel input.

Stephen Hopkins · 06-12-2004, 08:07 PM

It would be alot more helpful to know a full range (20hz - 20khz) power rating. S&V usually tests full range, I wonder if there's a reason they didn't (requested by Denon). If it's already 27watts below its rated power at 1khz with all channels driven I wonder how far below it would be with all channels driven full range.

That said, I'm sure it's a great receiver, especially w/ video conversion and auto room-eq and speaker setup. The Kameleon style remote is pretty neat too, but I haven't done any critical listening.

Yogi · 06-12-2004, 09:19 PM

S&V, from what I remember, tests at 1KHz and usually the full bandwidth number is about 15-20% lower so the 3805 cannot be putting out more than 80W with all channels driven across the audible range. Also remember S&V reports the numbers at 1% THD which is beyond the clipping point so the useful linear power is below 80W with all channels driven.

Shiu · 06-12-2004, 11:36 PM

As far as I know, S&V typically tests the frequency response for full bandwidth but for power output they test at 1 kHz only.

Shiu · 06-13-2004, 12:13 AM

Deleted.

**HTF Ads**

Henry Carmona · 06-13-2004, 04:09 AM

Hmm,
I didnt think Denons were so over rated in power like that.

Jigesh Patel · 06-13-2004, 07:51 AM

Quote:

As far as I know, S&V typically tests the frequency response for full bandwidth but for power output they test at 1 kHz only.

I also have similar observation. The Home Theatre Magazine sometimes publishes power vs freq curves for amplifiers in their reviews.

Shane Martin · 06-13-2004, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Hmm,
I didnt think Denons were so over rated in power like that.

That's really not that bad compared to others in the same price range.

Shiu · 06-13-2004, 10:02 AM

Quote:

That's really not that bad compared to others in the same price range.

To me, this is better than I expected. This thing weighs 8 pounds less than my old Sony STR-DA4ES. Based on the test results posted by Shane, it is comparable to the HKAVR630 (7X75,or 2X90). I really don't care if Denon over rate their power output. As long as its value for the price is competitive, I base my decision on sound quality, features, and reliability. In this case, the AVR630(even at Future Shop price) is more expensive than the AVR3805 in Canada.

I bought the 3805 knowing full well I will get enough power for my 7.1 system, but I will not get 840W all channel driven. I was also relatively confident that I will get as much, or more 2 channel power (and may be slightly less 7 channel power) than those high reputable HK models within the same price range.

So far, my only disappointment with the 3805 is that its bass management does not seem to allow me to set XOs for each of the mains, center, surround speakers and the sub. Also, I could not get the on screen display to work even after following the instructions. Most likely it is something I did wrong or didn't do. Any help will be much appreciated. (Okay now, it was a bad cable)

Yogi · 06-13-2004, 10:42 AM

Quote:

That's really not that bad compared to others in the same price range.

I agree. Those are fairly decent measurements that would satisfy most of the moderately sized HTs with normal sensitivity (89db) speakers.