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Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview - Page 9

post #241 of 353
5/20/08 at 9:19am

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

When i put in a cd in my 2930{i use the Denon Link} on the 3808 a surround mode come on instead of stereo. I forget how to change that.
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post #242 of 353
5/21/08 at 1:47am
Thread Starter 

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

In regards to my Denon constantly switching video modes (going
blue screen for seconds at a time)....

I called Denon service here in NJ. They had a simple fix which
I thought was ingenious...

They simply had me go into manual settings -> resolution and
have me switch from AUTO to 1080P. Now the Denon stays in
1080p mode and no need for switching. So far it has not.
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post #243 of 353
5/21/08 at 7:04am

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Does anyone here have any idea what the wattage consumed rating is? The owners manual says power consumption is 7.2A. But I would like to know how many Watts it consumes.
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post #244 of 353
5/21/08 at 9:46am

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
The owners manual says power consumption is 7.2A. But I would like to know how many Watts it consumes.

Shouldn't this just be 7.2 x volts? Like this: 7.2 x 110 = 792 watts. Or is it 120 volts?
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post #245 of 353
5/21/08 at 10:25am

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Hell I got two responces like lightning.

I also emailed audioholics and was given the following information.

"If the backpanel says 7.2A as max that means the receiver will consume up to 865 watts under full load."
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post #246 of 353
5/21/08 at 5:55pm

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Keep in mind that is under full load. My daughter is watching a DVD right now (in surround at "regular" volume, and the replayTV, 32" LCD, DVD, and 3808 combined are drawing 3 AMPS combined.
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post #247 of 353
5/22/08 at 10:43am

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
Originally Posted by Adam Gregorich
Keep in mind that is under full load. My daughter is watching a DVD right now (in surround at "regular" volume, and the replayTV, 32" LCD, DVD, and 3808 combined are drawing 3 AMPS combined.
Yup--that's roughly the amount of power that I see drawn out of the various equipment connected to my Monster HTS 5100 PowerCenter (no I'm not that stupid to pay anywhere near retail price for it--I got it dirt cheap!); with my 50" plasma, 3808, HD DVR, and BD player connected to it and in use (the HD DVR less so--even in standby mode it is still drawing roughly 0.7A of current since the hard drive read/write heads don't always stay dormant while in standby), the Monster is reporting roughly 327 watts of consumption (give or take a few dozen watts, based on P=V*A).

Ron--if purchased from an authorized Denon retailer, the 3808 comes w/ a 2-year USA limited warranty:

Denon Limited Warranty PDF

FWIW--I purchased a Mack extended warranty on it to stretch it to 5 years (among other things, thus making it equivalent to the Sony warranty on their ES receivers), as I don't see myself upgrading to a better receiver until at least then.
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post #248 of 353
6/15/08 at 2:05pm

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Not sure if this belongs here, but you guys probably know...

I have been eyeing the 3808 as a pre-pro. Rack space is at a premium. How hot does the 3808 get if no speakers are connected?

Secondly, my TV is 1080i. I want to connect up the PS3 BD player to the 3808 via HDMI. Something in the 3808 manual suggests that if it sees HDMI video it won't put out "any" video on the component output, not even 1080i. True, or just my poor interpretation of the info?

And the nasty question: if you had to buy an AVR right now for a pre-pro in the same price range, would you still choose the 3808? Bear in mind I'm in Canada, and most desirable AVRs sell at full list price, which is typically higher here to start with (especially Denon). And if you want a warranty, you usually have to buy in Canada. Thanks.
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post #249 of 353
6/16/08 at 9:46am

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Craig,

My 3808 gets just warm only powering 2 surround back speakers. You can use the HDMI output for audio and the component out for video on the PS3, but you have to run both HDMI and component cables from the PS3. The 3808 will not down convert the video from HDMI to component.

I would buy the 3808 again. Very happy with it, but I can't say that I have tried any of the other comparable models.

Jeff
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post #250 of 353
6/16/08 at 1:09pm

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Thanks Jeff.

I am concerned with heat with no amps connected due to the very slight clearance I will have in the rack for this item, a stack of amps already. OTOH something less worthy could always go if absolutely necessary...

Ah, I was hoping the 3808 would allow the 1080i on HDMI to be output "equally" (no conversion in res. I mean) from the component outputs. Oh well, means the special PS3 comp cable will get used again, will probably feed it directly to display in that case, like now, was hoping it could be "neater".

Did you read that the price of this model is supposedly going UP in a couple weeks? It is a hot seller, around here too, they can't get 'em in fast enough... I will buy mine tonight.

Edit: Found the right manual section re video "conversion" , the answer is obvious now...
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post #251 of 353
6/18/08 at 3:46am

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Hi everyone. I've been lurking for a while, but decided to finally join since my 3803 is due to arrive in a few days. I have a couple of questions.

1) My current setup has my satellite receiver connected to my TV via HDMI for video (my current receiver does not have HDMI), and an optical audio connection to my receiver for audio. This allows me to play the TV audio throughout my house using my current receiver's "zone 2" outputs. I have a separate amp that feeds a number of speaker sets throughout my house, and outside on my deck. I know that I will not be able to play the TV audio in zone 2 if I connect the TV via HDMI to the 3808. Can I run an additional optical cable from my satellite receiver to the 3808, and use that to feed zone 2? I can always connect it the way I have it now, but I wanted to connect to the 3808 to see if there may be any video upscaling benefits.

2) I currently use my DVD player as a CD player and would like to connect this to the 3808 via HDMI. It is currently connected to my TV via HDMI with an optical audio cable connected to my receiver. I would like be able to send this audio to zone 2 as well. Will I need to run an additional audio cable (if possible) from the DVD player to the 3808 to feed zone 2?

Thanks!
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post #252 of 353
6/19/08 at 10:39pm

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Evenin Folks,

Just got a quick question for you all. Oh, and by the way, thanks for spending more of my money. Because of this thread, I now have a new 3808ci. Which sounds wonderful.

Anyways, what I need to know is this. I started the firmware update about 45 minutes ago and the front panel still says "Please Wait". The GUI is no longer being fed to the display and it's just sitting there. Is this normal? I thought I would see a continuous change in the display as different parts of the firmware was updated.

I don't want to get too nervous about it, but I hate when things freeze up. I hope I'm not getting too paranoid.

Thanks for your help,

Kraig
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post #253 of 353
6/23/08 at 6:19am

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

When is Denon likely to replace the 3808? Within the next six months? Twelve? What might they add or fix that would really help solve limitations of the 3808?
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post #254 of 353
6/24/08 at 1:35am

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
When is Denon likely to replace the 3808? Within the next six months? Twelve? What might they add or fix that would really help solve limitations of the 3808?

September 2009 at the earliest. They have already said that it won't be replaced this year. The only things I can think of them adding are video streaming, more HDMI inputs (currently 4) and Windows Media Center Extender functions.
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post #255 of 353
6/25/08 at 4:38am

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
Originally Posted by JWPH
When is Denon likely to replace the 3808? Within the next six months? Twelve? What might they add or fix that would really help solve limitations of the 3808?

What are the limitations of the AVR-3808, though?

Connectivity? - There's the AVR-4308 if you want better connectivity.

Functionality? See above.

It's extremely powerful, very flexible and pretty much compatible with every format.
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post #256 of 353
6/25/08 at 7:39pm

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Electronically the 3808 has few limitations as far as what can be expected in this price league. Like you say, you want more this and that you get the next model(s) up. Personally I would like the ability to do more with the USB drive access capability, but that's not happening even with the more expensive models it seems. Denon wants Control.

What I hate most about the 3808 is the physical aspects. To be fair it's all I hate, and I say hate rather than dislike because IMO it's just so bad: you can not use anything but the cheapest cables and ICs with the back panel. And I mean cheapest, even if zip cord is your speaker wire. Way too tightly spaced speaker terminals and RCA connectors. Even cheaper "quality" brands will cause you much pain...God forbid you have anything really good or expensive (I don't) with *terminations*. But then, this is a cheapish AVR, a decent deal for its features, and I suppose that's to be expected. Other than this, I commend Denon for their thoughtfulness in this model, plenty of little features I much appreciate that I didn't even know I was missing before...good job Denon!
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post #257 of 353
6/26/08 at 6:04am

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Hi CraigF,

I'm in the Toronto area as well and wondering where you got your Denon 3808CI? I know BayBloor has it but not sure where else. If you could let me know what kind of deal you got on it that would be great too – not sure if you're allowed on this forum so please PM me if need be. Also wondering when the price change is going into effect as that's certainly motivation to pick one up!

Great thread by the way everyone – sounds like Denon has a winner!

Thanks
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post #258 of 353
6/26/08 at 1:44pm

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Hi Blair, I got mine at Whitby Audio, I live in the eastern burbs. They sell at ~10% off list. This was the first/only place I asked at, I didn't even know the 3808 was possibly in short supply locally?? There are a huge number of Denon dealers within 50km of me, so presumably you too. I have heard that Trutone Electronics in Mississauga is generally good for prices etc. but I've never been there. Also Kennedy HiFi in Markham. If Whitby Audio didn't have the 3808 I would have then gone to Audio One in Concord...both these places have product lines I like and it's nice to look at other stuff too...

I was told the prices are going up July 1. I think the 3808 is only going up $100 in Canada though. The 3808 I got had the latest firmware.
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post #259 of 353
6/27/08 at 10:34am

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
Originally Posted by CraigF
Electronically the 3808 has few limitations as far as what can be expected in this price league. Like you say, you want more this and that you get the next model(s) up. Personally I would like the ability to do more with the USB drive access capability, but that's not happening even with the more expensive models it seems. Denon wants Control.

Yes, well, you have day to day experience of the AVR-3808 which is what I don't have (purely because my wallet won't permit it!).

Electronically it's very good indeed - in some regards even better than the AVR-4308. Denon wants Control, as you rightly point out - the differences between the receivers at the moment are less electrical than functional. How much more do you think the Wi-Fi and extra HDMI functionality of the AVR-4308 cost? It's certainly not $1000 as the high street price would have you believe. In lab tests the AVR-3808 measures better in some regards than the bigger brother.

Functionality and connectivity are a way for Denon - amongst others - to control their market and justify price barriers. The engineering alone certainly doesn't.
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post #260 of 353
6/27/08 at 1:00pm

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

^ Totally agree. But this is nothing new, and it's certainly not just Denon.

Sometimes models that are 1 or 2 marketing-models apart are virtually identical inside. You can just load different firmware into them, disable/enable this and that. In fact, I have seen identical amps in every way, from power supply to output transistors, yet one is rated (say) 20wpc higher across the 7 channel board. Could be they measured or specced it differently, but there is no electronic difference whatsoever. Marketing. You pay more to buy the higher number, which they give you with some other features they turned on or loaded.

I am not saying the 4308 is like this because I haven't checked. I do know that some people choose the 4308 strictly for its second HDMI output. That is a high premium compared to the price of a (possibly more useful) "splitter" or even an external switch plus one extra short HDMI cable. The 5308 is IMO a whole different level of build quality, worth it if you care about that (I do, but the price was too high for me).
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post #261 of 353
6/27/08 at 1:14pm

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

The AVR-5308 is a tour de force, it's very good in the labs and in person. The trouble is all integrateds live and die by the same sword - the domineering factor is not the features list but the fact that they are all integrateds and all have weak amplification relative to offboard units.

I have an AVR-5803 here which is easily bettered by a Rotel poweramp I picked up for $200. Manufacturers have to keep the product cycle ticking over somehow, so from a certain perspective it's never in their interest to build the last word in AV Receivers because then what do they then replace it with?

The way the AV market is progressing at the moment is placing a very heavy emphasis on what a processor is doing. Denon have released a Blu Ray Transport with nothing but a HDMI port, the PS3 can only be fully exploited via HDMI, displays are looking their best when fed an HDMI signal. In the 'old days' of AV you would have several machines doing the same thing - analogue stages in every device. This was expensive, as 'analogue engineering' itself is traditionally prohibitive to do well.

Now there is a more compelling argument for having a receiver that handles all the 'analogue' conversion components - and handles them well - with everything else operating strictly in the digital domain. This the latest breed of Denon kit is very good at - from the AVR-2808 right up to the AVR-5308. But they are all still integrateds, and all still abide the same set of rules that this implies
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post #262 of 353
6/27/08 at 1:48pm

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

^ I do not even use the 3808 amps so have no opinion of them. The availability of pre-pros that do what the 3808 does is very limited right now. I know about the Integra 9.8, but they have limited availability in Canada and if you want a warranty good here (seems to be a *really* good idea) you have to pay a high price.

Good amps and other strictly analog components can last for many years, absolutely no reason to change them every time stuff in the digital domain changes. I really prefer not having analog and digital stuff packed really tightly into a (hottish) box. Perhaps that's really old-fashioned, but it doesn't *seem* like a good idea.
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post #263 of 353
6/27/08 at 2:34pm

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Likewise. The Denon I am running at the moment runs extremely hot, even though it's not powering any speakers - the two fans (one front, one rear) kick in quite often.

You are largely correct about analogue components. Developments in computer sofware one could argue have allowed for design improvements in loudspeakers over recent years - especially for smaller sub/sat packages (i.e. Kef) which have been optimised with software. Amps however are a different kettle of fish and what was good 10 years ago is probably still good today.
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post #264 of 353
6/27/08 at 5:35pm

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
How much more do you think the Wi-Fi and extra HDMI functionality of the AVR-4308 cost? It's certainly not $1000 as the high street price would have you believe.

One of the biggest reasons for the price difference is the HD radio tuner. Some of the Denon reps I talked to said it added almost $300 to the cost of the unit. It was pretty expensive for them to include.
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post #265 of 353
6/27/08 at 5:56pm

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
Originally Posted by Adam Gregorich
One of the biggest reasons for the price difference is the HD radio tuner. Some of the Denon reps I talked to said it added almost $300 to the cost of the unit. It was pretty expensive for them to include.

HD Radio is something not in use in the UK (which is where I am situated). In fact, here the price discrepancy is even more pronounced - an AVR-4308 will set you back a full $2,000 more than an AVR-3808.
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post #266 of 353
6/27/08 at 6:20pm

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

I doubt we have it anywhere (regularly) in Canada yet either, we are generally HD-poor compared to the U.S. and some other places. Perhaps a new Canadian 4308 model would have the telegraph and smoke signal option, as well as a large tin horn in case somebody is shouting loudly...
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post #267 of 353
6/27/08 at 6:37pm

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

HD television broadcast is widely available in the UK - although you pay a very high premium for it (as much as $500 for the install and - if you want a decent selection of channels - another $100 a month in license fees).

A friend, who is of somewhat advancing years, was once introduced to my AV receiver, and made only one comment:

"Does it have a wireless?"
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post #268 of 353
6/27/08 at 7:08pm

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul Kemp
HD television broadcast is widely available in the UK - although you pay a very high premium for it (as much as $500 for the install and - if you want a decent selection of channels - another $100 a month in license fees).

A friend, who is of somewhat advancing years, was once introduced to my AV receiver, and made only one comment:

"Does it have a wireless?"


they are talking aout hd RADIO, is that what you meant.
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post #269 of 353
6/27/08 at 7:13pm

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Due to the proximity of the U.S. to most Canadians, and more specifically the accessibility of their satellites, we can get quite a lot of HD material from there. Just not legally, LOL, least according to Canadian law, even if you pay for it and pretend you live in the U.S.

The "HD Radio" problem here is that we adopted the same standard to be used in the UK and everywhere else in the world for it, but it is not the standard used in the U.S., thus it will be (is!) doomed to failure in Canada. Some people in some places closer to the U.S. (I'm about 40 miles I think) can get some HD radio stations. I am a big radio guy in general, and definitely would have paid more attention to the 4308 HD radio part if we had it. In fact, there is one station I like that is one of the only DAB stations left in Canada, that format bombed too.
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post #270 of 353
6/27/08 at 7:22pm

Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
Originally Posted by TonyD
they are talking aout hd RADIO, is that what you meant.

No, we don't get HD radio here unfortunately - I was merely trying to illustrate that if you want access to HD broadcasts of any kind here, you'd best get your cheque book out!
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