Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview - Page 2

Dave Moritz · 11-04-2007, 01:09 AM

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.

RAF · 11-05-2007, 08:47 PM

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!

JoshuaL · 11-05-2007, 09:33 PM

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.

Ronald Epstein · 11-06-2007, 04:27 AM

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

JoshuaL · 11-06-2007, 08:13 AM

Done, didn't realize that was preferred.

Adam_R · 11-06-2007, 10:12 AM

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.

Ronald Epstein · 11-06-2007, 11:55 AM

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?

Adam_R · 11-06-2007, 12:33 PM

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