Onkyo 805 vs Denon 3805/3808?

[Rio Rebel]

How would you say a Denon 3805 compares to an Onkyo 805 in terms of processing quality and power? They seem to be rated similarly in power (although that can very greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer).

I would love to have HDMI audio capability, but I don't want to step backwards in signal processing. Any thoughts on this comparison?

 

[Lemodular]

Denon's quality historically been much better than Onkyo's. I don't even think the 805 is in the same league as the 3805. Denons have great amplification and pair well with many speakers. What kind of speakers are you planning on pairing the receiver with?

 

[Rio Rebel]

paradigm monitors (v.4).

 

[Capt Caveman]

I have a Denon 3805 and like it a lot. I wish it had hdmi though.

 

[Nurn]

I have the Denon 3808. Compared to the 805, I highlight (in order of importance to me personally):

1. No audio lag
2, It runs cool
3. It can hook it up to your network (or even a USB storage device), and stream your music (mp3/wav/flac) and play internet radio.
4. You can update the firmware
5. Excellent GUI

Both units offer great sound. The Denon's video processing is not as "current" as Onkyo, but the difference is minor and if you just pass through the video signal and let your source or monitor handle it, it's not a biggie.

 

[Rio Rebel]

1. No audio lag

common problem? That would be a serious issue.

 

[Slick5150]

I have an 805 and have never experience any audio lag.

 

[iRONic]

Originally posted by: Rio Rebel

1. No audio lag

common problem? That would be a serious issue.

My 805's audio lag is minimal and dependant on the souce broadcast.

For instance, on CBS if I'm watching CSI:Miami, an HD/5.1 show. It will broadcast in DD then go to a commercial on All Channel Stereo. Coming out of that commercial there's a momentary lag as the DD switches on.

Nascar HD on Fox doesn't do that.

NESN HD broadcasts don't either.

 

[Nurn]

AVS Forum (including poll) on the 805 lag issue:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb...howresults&pollid=4956

 

[Rio Rebel]

thanks for the info. That would likely bother me, and the fact that I was looking at a refurb unit (only $569 at eCost) means I would probably be more likely to encounter it.

I'll keep looking.

 

[iRONic]

Originally posted by: Nurn
AVS Forum (including poll) on the 805 lag issue:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb...howresults&pollid=4956

That's a 'Lip Sync' issue poll.

I've never had that issue with my 805.

 

[EvilYoda]

Just curious...have you seen any Denon 3805's for sale recently, OP? I want to sell mine

 

[Reel]

I have an 805 and have experienced audio lag. There is a rumor of a new main firmware upgrade on its way out soon because they have let out some for the other similar models. I am eagerly anticipating it.

 

[CubanlB]

I love my 3805! Very well matched to my RTI8s. Anyway, the obvious downfall of the 3805 is no HDMI, but the money you would save (I'm assuming you'll be getting it second hand refurb'd, ect...) would be well spent going towards a higher quality bluray that will decode HD audio formats internally and pipe it out analog. This would obviously limit your future expandability but might be attractive depending on what you can get the 3805 for.

But, if I was making the purchase today I'd most likely go with the 3808. The 08 series denons have a pretty awesome feature set.

 

[Oyeve]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
I have a Denon 3805 and like it a lot. I wish it had hdmi though.

Same here. But the 3805 is just so freaking sweet. I love mine and screw HDMI.

 

[CubanlB]

Same here. But the 3805 is just so freaking sweet. I love mine and screw HDMI.

Agreed, and for what I paid for it I could NOT pass on it.