[mcguiremjj]

Setting up new HT. Budgeted about $800 for receiver.


Considering:

Denon AVR-3802

Yamaha RXV-2200


Any recommendations from the forum would be helpful.


Thanks,


Mike

 

[goodconsumer]

From my experience, I went to alot of audio stores and asked them for recommandations for a receiver (in the $1000 price range (retail)). Most of them came up with the Denon 3802. Then I went around asking more places what they would suggest instead of the 3802. Few could dealers gave an answer that they thought could really hold up to the Denon 3802.


Whatever you decided on, make sure that there are enough inputs/outputs for your needs (present and future).


Personally, I prefer the Denon over Yamaha.


Note, at this price range it's usually a pick between features and quality. (Pick any two of three: Price, Quality, and Features).

 

[the_nineball]

How about the Onkyo TXDS797? I'm also considering the Denon 3802.

The Denon has better price and quality I guess, but the Onkyo has more features...

 

[Mad Dog]

I wouldn't touch Onkyo with a 10 foot pole...I've read about QC issues with their receivers on Audioreview.com and here as well. Just my opinion. I would say Denon and also check out Pioneer Elite. Good luck.

 

[bubbawat]

If you are using fairly bright and efficient speakers, I think you are looking at the two right units. I came down to the same two as well.


My in home, very subjective, review is:


1. Simulated fields - Yamaha, hands down winner.


2. Music - very close (and very important to me) - Denon won in the end due to very complimentary 7 channel stereo (for some reason, while it should be the same if you think about it, the Denon multichannel stereo was very natural and effective while the Yammie seemed contrived - go figure).


3. Don't know what to call this, but the Denon seemed smoother in dynamic frequency changes - the Yammie seemed to 'bite' (how's that for pure technical talk) when there was a rapid change at the higher frequencies.


4. HT - couldn't find a significant difference.


5. Warranty - I believe this went to Yammie because of longer term.


6. Features/connections - Yammie was more flexible.


7. Future - Denon with 7.1 separate amplification.


8. Looks - both are pretty heavy and ugly.


9. Remote control - Yammie, I can't imagine a much poorer degign than Denon's.


Choice - Denon - reasons were music and 7.1. Further, some of the areas where the Yammie excelled were of limited value to me (simulated sound field s as an example). I probably would be talking about being pleased with Yamaha if I had bought it.

 

[farscape66]

I vote 3802 all the way, I love mine it has yet to dissapoint

 

[goodconsumer]

LOL... I was wondering when farscape66 would show up. You can always trust him to recommand the 3802.


mcguiremjj, you also might want to do a search on "Denon" or "Denon 3802" in this forum. I recall a dealer or former dealer that said in his experience on others that he knows, the Denon's have the highest return for repair rate or something like that. Don't recall the details, but thought I should point that out and let you way the importance. By far, in my observations, most people with (or even without) the Denon have a hard time finding something bad to say about it (the 3802 specificially).

 

[spacecowboy]

If you audition a Sony DA5ES, you'll forget about the other two.

 

[David_Larkins]

I can't comment on the Denon, as I have never owned one. But I do have to chime in to counter Mad Dog's anti-Onkyo post. I do own an Onkyo 676, and while it may not be their flagship, I have had zero problems with it. I believe that Onkyo's new lines as well have very beefy amplifier sections, and I think you could find a lot of people who like them. Count me as one. That takes nothing away from Denon however, who clearly make fantastic quality receivers... I'm just saying don't count out Onkyo - they make good stuff too.

 

[PaladinTim]

I have had a Denon 3801 for about a year and have been exceptionally happy with it. My only issues are the relatively low voltage preouts and the generous amounts of heat it produces. As long as it gets air space and you have an amp, for sub, that can work with only 1.2 volts it's really a great piece of hardware.

 

[Toe]

For pure sound quality go for the h/k 520. Very clean design. Awesome for 2 channel stereo because of the high current amps. If you would rather compromise slight sound quality (IMO) and need 7.1 then go for the Denon. If you are not to picky maybe you wont be able to tell the difference between the h/k and Denon and in this case you should go for the Denon.


I have heard both and I prefered the clean sound of the 520 and thought this was more important than 7.1 and dd-ex which are the only 2 advantages the Denon has. Both are good though and it just depends on what you do and dont want to compromise. Good Luck!

 

[Tweakophyte]

I recently bought a Sony DA5ES. I had been considering the Onkyo 797, but Sony had many features that were better. Both can be had for close to $800, shipped, at J&R and OADE.


Compared to the Denon 3802 and Onkyo 797, the DA5ES has more digital inputs (and a better mix), Video-out for Zone 2, a powered Zone 3, a parametric EQ, variable cross-overs for each speaker, and a 5 year warranty. I had a lot of fun tweaking mine. It sounds great, too.


Have fun shopping!

 

[longshanksdvd]

denon 3802 is a great buy....the onkyo 797 had been accused in professional reviews of not having enough power.

 

[Guyy]

A little off topic but.. I've been looking at the Denon 3802 and it seems to fit most of my needs. But I could spend a little more on a receiver and would to get a few more inputs longer life till obsolete, etc.. Problem is the next step up in the Denon line, the 4802, is twice as expensive as the 3802!


So what others brands out there make a receiver in the $1000-1400 retail price point that is superior to the 3802?

 

[goodconsumer]

Guyy,


I don't have a suggustion, but it might help if you told people what kinda of things you were looking for. Music vs HT, % usage of each, etc.

 

[Guyy]

Quote:

Originally posted by goodconsumer Guyy, I don't have a suggustion, but it might help if you told people what kinda of things you were looking for. Music vs HT, % usage of each, etc.

Ok, I'm looking at using it for about 90% HT, and lots of video and digital audio inputs are needed. I do not have a HDTV/STB today but I am planning on getting one this year. So it needs to have component ins and outs. If I remember right the 3802 has 2 in and 1 out so I would really like more.


What I will be running with it are: Twin Dtivos, CD player. DVD, Playstation2

audio inputs from my computer, camcorder and maybe a VCR. Plus anything new like a STB or a D-VCR.


Also I'm setup for DD5.1 right now, but would like to have the option of 7.1. And the speakers I'm running are PSB's with the 5T's upfront.

 

[toxic candy]

I've been in the same shoes,

Yams amplifiers are a little bit harsher that the denons.... but they are very good amps.

I ended up with a Denon, because of my speakers...

I got to try a Denon and a Yamaha on my setup, and the yamaha would give me a little too much of bright highs. Too too crystal.

The Denon was much softer and natural.


If you could get the two to work on your personnal setup, you could check what i'm talking about. Since the features of the two are quite the same, you should get the one that sounds best with your speakers.


(My front speakers are JMLabs Symbol II, and the Yam would almost give me a headache... but i would have been very nice on my surrounds which are Boston Acoustics CR2)


Pierre

 

[whell]

Don't spend your money on any receiver until you call some electronic repair shops in your area and see which brands/models of receivers they see regularly in for repair. This will tell you which products to avoid!


You can look at my info below and see what brand I chose after performing the exercise above. I also get excellent sound quality as a bonus!

 

[cornerstone21]

Mike,

Hi and good hunting. I had a hard time trying to decide on a receiver.I was looking at the Denon 3802,Yamaha 2200,Onkyo 797.I setteled on the Onkyo and am very happy with my choice so far.I also saved at least $100.00 on the Onkyo over it's compeditors.Good Luck Michael

 

[mobius]

My choices:

Nakamichi AV-10

A very solid piece. At one time, Nakamichi was well ahead of Denon in terms of prestige in the stereo world. If you don't need all the bells and whistles, and just need good sound, this is a good start.

Marantz SR-7200, SR-8200

Marantz is another good performer. Like the Nak's, you won't find the shrilly highs that some dislike from the Kenwoods, Pioneers, and Yamahas models in the Marantz line. I really like the options you have with the Marantz stuff. Even their SR-5200 has 5 pre-outs for external amplification if you so wish.

Sony ES

Although Sony equipment tends to a bit bright for my tastes, all in all they make good stuff.

Rotel

You may have to go used here, but Rotel has good sounding stuff for sure.

Denon

Denon would probably be my next choice behind the Nak or Marantz. I've always like Denon's sound.



Unless they've changed, I wouldn't consider the following in your price range:


Yamaha

Kenwood

Pioneer