Denon 3801 vs. 2802 (1 Viewer)

[Sebastien David]

Hi,

I was wondering what you guys though about this: due to certain circumstances, I can choose between a 3801 or a 2802 for the same price. Which one would you choose?

Prologic II seems to be the only difference between the xx01 and xx02 series, unless I'm mistaken. It would be nice to have, but up to now I'm thinking the additional power reserves of the 3801 vs. the 2802 would be a wiser choice, especially since the 3801 still has DTS Neo 6.

This will be used with the very sensitive/efficient Reference 3 series from Klipsch.

Also, does anyone know what crossover frequency the 3801 uses when setting the speakers to small?

 

[NickSP]

I would go with the 3801 only because it has a better power supply and a better amp than the 2802. The sound in 2 channel stereo is more fuller than the 2802.
However, if DPL-II is going to be the deciding factor, then go with the 2802. I think DTS-Neo does a pretty good job too albeit not as good as DPL-II but like I said, if DPL-II is not important then the 3801 is a much better choice.

 

[Sebastien David]

thank you, just the kind of answer I was looking for.
anyone else?

 

[Luke_Khuc]

I have the Outlaw 950 and pretty much pay no attention to PLII. I'd rather play 2 channel sources in 5-chan stereo or 2-chan stereo mode. I agree with NickSP about the better amplification in the 3801.

 

[Sebastien David]

yee-haw!
keep it comin' boys!

 

[Ken Leggatt]

Seb,

I picked up the 3801 for 1200 CDN from A&B Sound. I had the same choice to make as you. Both receivers were right around the same price. I took the 3801 due to the higher power rating and the dacs are of higher quality. I couldn't be happier. If you are going to be running Klipsch speakers off of the receiver they will sound great together.

Ken

 

[EricHaas]

Got my 3801 for $475 US, a demo model. Nowhere else can you get a receiver with a 7 channel amp for that little doe. The cross-over is 80 hz fixed.

If they are the same price, go with the 3801. Be careful about heat issues though. The 3801 generates more than either the 2802 or its own predecessor, the 3802. You can fry eggs on it.

 

[Jed M]

I prefer NEO over DPL-II so I would go with the 3801 if DPL-II is in fact the only difference. I think DPL-II and NEO are both overrated but that's just my opinion.

 

[Miles_P]

I bought the 2802 and later exchanged it for a 3802. The 2802 sounded pretty good, but the 3802 seems to have more punch when it comes to action movies. I got my 3802 and a five year service warranty at Good Guys for for $760 as an open box.

 

[NickSP]

"The 3801 generates more than either the 2802 or its own predecessor, the 3802. You can fry eggs on it."
Really? Never had a heating problem with my 3801!