Which is better: Denon 3803 or 2805 AVR?

KenKusan · 07-21-2004, 01:23 AM

Hi,
I was wondering which is a better buy if both are about the same price( 10$ difference ).
What's the difference between the two anyways...

JackS · 07-21-2004, 03:48 AM

Ken - I don't know anything about either but I'm positive that the 3803 will be better than the 2805. As a machine, the higher models will always be better even though slightly outdated. Your "wants" might be different than mine. If the newer Denon has what you "want" than thats probably the Denon for you.

terence · 07-21-2004, 10:55 AM

One the main difference i would definatly go with the 3803 over the 2803 is the front panel A/V inputs. This is a must for me and the 3803 has component video upconversion that is a must have for me that is. I think your x-tra $10 will go a long way IMO.

ChadLB · 07-21-2004, 11:04 AM

Terance come on read the title(JK)
He is where I am sitting 3803 or 2805(which has the new features)

I just called ecost they have the 3803 in stock and the 2805 and 3805 are expected July 30th...

3805 can be had for $710 out the door....wow

terence · 07-21-2004, 11:10 AM

My bad, nice catch Chad!

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Mort Corey · 07-21-2004, 12:18 PM

Between the 2805 and 3803, I'd go with the former and sacrifice the slight edge in horsepower of the 3803. You'll have video conversion with either and (I think) an additional component input on the 2805. The 2805 also utilizes the new Denon sound stage setup function and come with the mic to accomplish it (unlike the 3805)..

Mort

Drew_W · 07-22-2004, 12:16 AM

Why not just step up to the refurb 3805? Great price...you'll probably be able to get the 3805+2900 for the same price as a 3805 new on its own from a local dealer.

What a deal if you're into Denon stuff.

KenKusan · 07-22-2004, 12:48 AM

I guess I'll go for the 3805 then.
Thanks for your friendly and helpful replies.

Stephen Hopkins · 07-22-2004, 09:20 PM

I would say go for the 3805 but maybe wait for the new Denon DVD players due out in august, especially if you have DVI or HDMI on your current TV. The 2910 is replacing the 2900 and 2200 at around $730 retail (less online or probably refurb pretty quickly knowing denon) and has DVI and HDMI w/ HDMI passing DVD-A as well as DD and DTS (next years receivers will probably begin supporting this one-cable digital video and audio solution). If you don't want to wait the 3805 + 2900 from ecost is still a steal. I do know they only have the 3805 in silver, what colors are the 2900 available in from them?

BrianK · 07-24-2004, 11:46 AM

I'm in the same situation. My 3300 just got fried, so I am trying to decide between the 2805 and 3803. I looked at their spec sheets online and it looks like these are the major differences:

110 wpc X 7 channels vs 100 wpc X 7 channels - not much difference on Klipsch speakers I think.

3803 has DDSC and 2805 doesn't - I don't really know what this is...can anyone explain?

3803 - Melody 100 SHARC processor. 2805 - Hammer Head SHARC - I think the 2805 has the edge here.

2805 has Dolby Pro Logic PLIIx

2805 has auto setup calibration.

2805 has more crossover points

2805 has 1 more (3 vs. 2) component video inputs.

Those were the major differences I saw. Unless the DDSC is a major advantage for the 3803, I think I am going to go with the 2805. I like the front panel inputs and the additional component video input.

Any thoughts?

Stephen Hopkins · 07-24-2004, 07:56 PM

The story w/ the 3803 vs. the 2805 in the power regime is more about actual power than rated power. The 2803 was rated at 90 wpc but delivered closer to 30wpc when actually tested. The 3803 while rated at only 10 wpc more delivered 79 wpc when tested (both units tested all 7 channels driven), so I would keep that in mind when comparing the two. The 2805 hasn't been tested for actual power by any mags yet but the 3805 tested about the same as the 3803.

Phil Volk · 07-28-2004, 11:56 AM

The 2910 is replacing the 2900 and 2200 at around $730 retail (less online or probably refurb pretty quickly knowing denon)
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Wow! truer words have never been posted!
In my book , opt for the auto room calibration, it will improve the sound immensley, whereas unless your room is very large or your speakers very demanding, you probably won't get aS MUCH OUT OF THE LITTLE EXTRA POWER.