[Nick.H]

Hi,

I have narrowed my HT upgrade to the following receivers. I currently have an HK AVR5550 (7x75watt) which I want to upgrade.

Both receivers would use the manufactures DVD players

Denon AVR-3806 using DVD-1920 DVD Player



Power Output; Watts Per Channel 120, features include HDMI switching, 7 channel amplifiers, HDCD decoding, built-in XM-

satellite radio capability, and multi-zone functionality.

$2499 AUD

Yamaha RX-V2600 using Yamaha DVD-S657B DVD Player



The RX-V2600B (130W x 7, 8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.04%THD) offers 2-in/1-out HDMI switching with up-conversion features,

providing the most advanced method of delivering high-quality video to a home theatre system. This allows you to enjoy DVD

and satellite TV with HD quality, and ensures that your receiver is future-proof – fully compatible with the latest display

devices. The RX-V2600B can also decode digital audio signals including DVD-Audio, CD, Dolby Digital and DTS.

The RX-V2600B can convert 480p signals to HD resolutions (720p, 1080i), and is the first and only receiver in its class to

offer the benefits of superior up-scaling technologies. It also includes HDTV (720p/1080i) compatibility via a component

video up conversion feature, which can upgrade composite and S-video signals to component video format for ease of

installation.

$1999 AUD

So which one would you go for? Im going to use this to power,

AARON Loudspeaker ATS5
AARON Loudspeaker ATS4
AARON Loudspeaker CC250 Centre
AARON Loudspeaker CC240 Rear Centre
AARON Loudspeaker SUB240

www.aaronhifi.com.au

Whats your thoughts?

[Scotty P]

I don't have any first hand experience with the Denon but have read the manual. I recently purchased the yamaha rxv 2500 and couldn't be happier. The Eq on the Denon with measurements from different positions in the room is nice in concept. I like the 7 band parametric eq the yamaha uses with the capability in these receivers to alter the parametric eqs, starting with where the auto EQ left off. Then, on top of that it has tone controls that have adjustable shelf points.

There is a drop off in additional features as you go down (or older) in the Denon line. Other than HDMI, I don't think there is much difference between the rxv2600 and the rxv2500 allowing you to save some money by not paying for the HDMI thing. I think you are better off running video straight to the TV instead of trying to switch or upconvert through a receiver. In addition to avoiding the compatibility problems of receivers and some cable/sat boxes and HDCP, you also give yourself the capability to adjust the video setting for each input on the TV. If everything is routed through the receiver you are stuck with the same settings for all sources.

If HDMI switching/conversion is important, the Denon 2807 is supposed to be an improvement over the 3806 for HDMI, not sure how they compare to the yamahas there. The 2807 does sacrifice some of the other features of the 3806 though. for features you can't beat the yamahas.

[Dick Knisely]

Personally, I'd pick the Denon but that's strictly because I've had such good experience with their AVR's. Got to say tho' that both look terrific by specs.

[Shane Harg]

I currently own the 2600 and I formerly owned the 3805. Both are great receivers. You really can't go wrong with either one, imho. It really comes down to what you need it to do, however.
It really doesn't help us for you to list the specs of each individual unit and then say, "okay, which one?" It would be better to say, "this is what I need it to do in my home," and list those things. Then, we can probably give you a better idea about which one of these receivers will do the best job for you.

"Help (us) help YOU!"

[mylan]

I just pulled the trigger and got the 3806 but then I read in Sound and Vision that between it, the 2600, and an Integra they liked the Yamaha due to its better remote and HDMI switching capabilities. They did like the 3806 but hated the remote and wished it had better HDMI switching. I hate it when I finally make a decision and then read something like this. I have not even taken the Denon out of the box so I still have an "out".

[Neil Joseph]

Interesting because I just picked up the Yamaha rx-v2600 only today mainly because of its upconverting and hdmi switching capabilities. I had the rx-v2300 prior to this.

[John Garcia]

Wasn't there a comparison of the 2600 to the 3806 in S&V Mag? The 2600 won, but I believe the comments were very good WRT the 3806. Based on the price difference, I'd probably opt for the 2600.

[arjun]

I would buy the Denon based on the sound alone and the lack of a gazillion confusing surround modes. I am more into straight stereo 2 channel music and an occasional flick or two so the Denon would be my choice. Of course one must choose based on features and ease of use also so YMMV.

[Dave Moritz]

I would buy the Denon hands down and this comes from a guy that currently owns a Yamaha reciever. Its not that Yamaha is not a good product because it is a good product. IMHO the Denon brings more to the table and offers more bang for the buck!

Denon AVR-2807 $1099
Power Output; Watts Per Channel 110 X 7
Wide Screen 7.1 Mode
Multi-Channel Stereo Mode5/6/7
Assignable Digital Inputs
True 24-bit/96-kHz Digital Input Capability
Video Conversion –Composite to S-Video to Component
Video Conversion – Analog to HDMI
1080p HDMI Switching
8-Ch. External Analog Input
+12v Trigger Output - Assignable2/25mA
Cinema EQ
RS-232 Port – Third Party Remote Controllers
Equal Power Amplifiers7 ch
Dolby Digital, dts and DSP Modes – Analog Devices, HammerHead SHARC
Auto/Manual Room Equalization
Icon-Based On-Screen Display
Assignable Component Video - 100 MHz

http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3038.asp#

[Guy Usher]

I just sold my Denon 3806. . .I replaced it with a new HK-635 from JR at a greatly reduced price and for once in my receiver life I am happy. . .

I have owned several HT receivers including;
1)- Pioneer Elite VSX45TX (loved it)
2)- Denon 2805 (hated it)
3)- Pioneer Elite VSX56TXi (loved it)
4)- Pioneer VSX1014 (for the money great)
5)- HK 240 (just a bit more power it would be a giant killer)
6)- Pioneer VSX814 (never again)
7)- Denon 3806 (same problems as the 2805)
8)- HK-635

What I did not like about the 3806 might seem petty until you own it and use it every day like I did.

What I did not like;
1)- Remote
2)- Display too small to read from where I sat
3)- Volume control either too fast or too slow
4)- Clinical sound

What I did like;
1)- Easy to setup (manually)
2)- Adequate power
3)- Easy operation

I would own another one but in my mind there are better choices for the money. I had an opertunity to get out of mine right and the 635 came along for 550.00 NIB so I jumped on it and have been very pleased.