Crutchfield taking pre-orders on the Denon DVD-3800 DVD-Audio player.

Keith,

I've always wondered why people order from Crutchfield. Do they ever offer anything below MSRP? I must honestly say that I've never been inclined to order anything from Crutchfield as they always seem to be more expensive than everyone else online, including other AUTHORIZED dealers. We receive their catalogs where I work, and they have the highest prices I've ever seen! Also, I think I will be waiting for the Panny RP-82 in July, instead of picking up the Denon 1600. I know the Panny isn't yet available for direct comparison, but from reading the spec sheet, I don't see any real advantage the RP-56 based 1600 (which also has no coaxial option) will have over the Panny. In fact, the image on the Panny will probably be better, as it will have a newer progressive chip than the old RP-56 which should eliminate the flicker issue. The audio department will be the deal breaker, but it appears that the RP-82 will also have an audio only mode to eliminate video circuitry, and 192Khz DAC's. Honestly, even if the Denon turns out to be only slightly better, it is nearly TWICE the msrp of the the RP-82 (279.00). As far as bass management, I agree when you state that it happens to be pretty overblown in many of these threads. I only have a dozen or so DVD-A's in my collection, but more of them are now being mastered with a .1 LFE channel to help eliminate this problem. The 1600 is nice, but I really don't see it as being twice the price of the Panny (which the Denon is based on). This coming from a guy who swears by Denon (definitely their receivers).

Reg

 

That's fair Crawdaddy.

However, aren't there still other authorized dealers who also offer excellent service? Online, J&R comes immediately to mind, as I've had nothing but outstanding experiences with them. I have an audio specialist a few blocks from me who specializes in Pioneer Elite products (they are authorized), and I have been offered a few hundred bucks off on the 49tx. This is a dealer who I can walk into and will exchange the item for me if there are problems or if I decide to upgrade, etc; I agree with your statement, but imho, I still feel charging full msrp on a product is very non-competitive, especially when other authorized dealers offering comparable service are selling them for a little less. Just my insight.

Reg

 

Thanks Crawdaddy.

One thing that I do notice about Crutchfield, is that they are really up to speed on new items, and will usually have them for pre-order before hardly any other authorized dealers. I'm sure this is a boon for business as well...oh yes, and those nice catalogs you mentioned as well!

Reggie

 

Plus they offer a no hassle return policy and they even pay for return shipping. I dont mind spending $100-$200 more because they do such a great job and I have no worries if I do not like the merchandise.

Andy

 

They also have let me pay off something over 3 months w/o credit approval (3 charges on my credit card, no interest). I did this for a sony 5 disc DVD and str-v555es receiver. Defective exchange is also great with them. The 555 had problems. They shipped me a new one before I sent back the defective unit. The also have B-stock on items sometime and savings is pretty good. Sony DVD MSRP was like 800 and I got a returned one (perfect) for 700. I agree that the prices are higher but for these things I think it is worth it. Especially in my case, Tweeter is the only place that would carry the denons and they charge the same. So, w/o tax+delivery is less. AND crutchfield is running a no payments for 180days on $299 and up purchases! Tweeter only does 90 days on $299.
Hands down a better deal (can you tell I just ordered the DVD-1600? Yup. It'll be here on wed/thurs, if I am not too impressed, I can ship iut back w/in 30 days for, say, the 3800 that will be in by then...)
Marc

 

I just picked up 3 items off crutchfield:

Denon 1600 DVD

JVC 7800 VCR

Sony WEGA 24FV300

all delivered in literally 2 days - very pleased with them.

BTW, J&R has the Denon 3800 for $999 in case anyone is interested... I thouhgt about it, but I could not justify paying more than 500 on a dvd player...

 

Tony, did you see that in their store? It is not listed on their site (3800).

Marc

 

Marc,

I was at their store last sunday and had them look up the denon 3800. The store had 3 on order listed at 999. The computer also showed that they had 1 9000 on order as well. Neither were in the store however.

 

Has Denon completely fixed the chromed error on these models now? 2800mkII or the 3800.

 

On AVSForum, Denonjeff stated that the chroma bug was still present and that they will continue to work on it.

Marc

 

I also get the catalog,and along with their site is good place to get the "skinny" on those products they sell.

But that's where the good news ends for me!

The savings over them could be substantial,especially on flagship products.

 

According to Denon Jeff, Denon worked very hard with ESS to eliminate the Chroma Bug. But when all was said and done, it still remained but was greatly reduced.

I also wonder why they don't just tell ESS where to go and use the Matsushita decoder. But I fear it may be an issue of politics or possibly a contract they can't get out of.