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Denon 3801 +ext. amp - Suggestions?

324 Views 2 Replies 2 Participants Last post by Ix, Dec 12, 2000

Ix

Discussion Starter · Dec 12, 2000

Howdy,

In the next couple of days I will be upgrading from my current Sony 333ES to the next level. I will use it almost exclusively for home theater (I have a separate setup for music downstairs). The receiver I choose will drive a pair of Polk 1000i fronts, C400i Center, and fx/300 surrounds (I just like the way Polk's sound).

At the moment, I am torn between:

Denon 3801

Pioneer Elite 36tx

Denon 4800

The 3801 amplifies all 7 channels, the other two require an outboard amp for the rear EX. The 3801 also does DTS discreet where the other two are matrix'd. The Elite and the 4800 are THX certified.

Question 1: Should I care more about DTS discreet or THX? (I know the Denon 5800 does it all but it is way out of my price range, btw).

Question 2: I've heard various opinions on the 3801's power output. Would it make sense to get a decent 2 channel amp like the Adcom GFA-5400 (about $450, and good reviews) to drive the fronts and let the 3801 handle the rest? Or would it just be better to go with the 4800 and use the 2 channel to drive the rears? That would set me back another grand, so I'm wondering if the 3801 + outboard is the better idea.....

Any opinions welcome. I'd love to hear opinions on decent low cost two channel amps to compliment any of the above.

ix

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Ix (That would be the planet of technology in the book Dune for the geeks out there)

Former IP Engineer, all around citizen, and badger-hater. Since 1963.
www.tognet.com
a href= www.maximumgamer.com

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Deniz Mutlu

· #2 · Dec 12, 2000

IX, it appears that you are way stressed out on this decision. First of all, if the 3801 has inboard amps for all the 7 channels then.....you do have a great start and use those amps.

To worry about THX/DTS......don't worry about it. The Denon is more than capable to faithfully deliver the intended soundtrack. I use a Meridian 861 and never use the THX (enhancements?) except for logic material.

You may want to go with the 4800 or 5800 if it improves upon the D/A stage, and that you are a critical listener. That's for you to decide. You can however improve upon the sonics by adding a multichannel high-end external amplifier/s to the mix.

So your answer isn't as simple as you asked because you can go in many directions to achieve the sound that you want.

How much do you intend to spend to get the performance that you seek?

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Ix

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 12, 2000

Quote:

Originally posted by Deniz Mutlu:
IX, it appears that you are way stressed out on this decision. First of all, if the 3801 has inboard amps for all the 7 channels then.....you do have a great start and use those amps.

To worry about THX/DTS......don't worry about it. The Denon is more than capable to faithfully deliver the intended soundtrack. I use a Meridian 861 and never use the THX (enhancements?) except for logic material.

You may want to go with the 4800 or 5800 if it improves upon the D/A stage, and that you are a critical listener. That's for you to decide. You can however improve upon the sonics by adding a multichannel high-end external amplifier/s to the mix.

So your answer isn't as simple as you asked because you can go in many directions to achieve the sound that you want.

How much do you intend to spend to get the performance that you seek?

No stress man http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/smile.gif BTW, I used to live in good old Vienna VA until I moved to Denver 3 years back.

There does seem to be a LOT of controversy surrounding the 3801. Some people love it. Some people like it but are mad at Denon over power ratings. Some claim it doesn't have the "warm" sound other Denon models are known for. Me, I don't know anything.

I've listened to both with close speaker matches (800i's, basically 1000i's without the built in subs) and they both sound good, but that is at the dealers. I don't have an option to audition them at home (unless you count certain large chains 30 day return policies, but I'm not quite there yet).

To be honest, the only thing that is keeping me from going the Elite route + 2 channel amp (they make a nice one, the av-35, that drives the rears for $175) is the whole DTS discreet deal. Would it even matter I wonder?

Also, I do wonder about the component switching - Denon claims they are HDTV 1080i compatible. No word on the Elite....

ix

------------------

Ix (That would be the planet of technology in the book Dune for the geeks out there)

Former IP Engineer, all around citizen, and badger-hater. Since 1963.
www.tognet.com
a href= www.maximumgamer.com

[email protected]

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