Denon....1803 or 2802? (1 Viewer)

[Brian_Dunstan]

I have Klipsch RF3s, RC3, RS3s and KSW-12. I'm looking to upgrade my receiver and can't decide between the new Denon AVR-1803 and the "old" AVR-2802. From the specs, about the only difference I noticed is the wattage (80 per channel vs. 90 per channel respectively). Any tips would be appreciated.

 

[ChadLB]

I have not listened to the 1803 but word is the '02 models sound better than the 03 models.
So the 1802 sounds better than 1803...etc.
I listened to the 2802 and enjoyed it. Just wasn't what I was looking for.

 

[Yogi]

I have compared the 2802 with the 1803 and liked the sound of the 2802 better. Fuller, richer sound, plus with future upgradability of the 2802 (by adding ext amps) it is the clear winner of the two. Dont just look at the extra 10 watts.

Hope that helps.

 

[Justin H]

But...this is not to say that the 1803 is not a reputable piece. I have had mine for a few weeks and love it for music and HT. I can reach reference level with my speaker set up (JBL N38's, N-center, N26's, SA-WM40) with room to spare and the sound is crisp and clear all the way up. As most would, I suggest listening to them yourself as the differences in sound may not even be decipherable to your ears or it could be the deciding factor. I just felt the 1803 needed some support too...

 

[Philip_T]

Brian,

I too have the Klipsch Ref 3 series speakers and went with the 2802. I use an external amp so I needed the pre-outs. But the other factor that helped sway me is that the 2802 is built in Japan, and I think the 180X are built in Mylasia(sp), hence, I felt that the 2802 had better build quality. But that is just my opinion.

Phil