Pioneer VSX-D811S or Denon AVR-1803

777php

Diamond Member
Jul 17, 2001
3,498
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0
Below are the specs from their respective websites. I bought the Pioneer quite a few months ago but, currently there is a hot deal thread with the Denon available for $330, about $20 less than I paid for my Pioneer. I'm thinking about giving my Pioneer to my dad and picking up the Denon. They both seem similar in functionality and performance but. since I am no audiophile or HTPC guru yet, I would like a second or third opinion. Should I just keep mine or is the Denon that much better?


Denon AVR-1803

Dolby Digital including Surround Ex decoding
Dolby Pro Logic II decoding with Cinema and Music Modes
DTS ES Discrete 6.1
Matrix 6.1 decoding
DTS Neo:6 Cinema & Music Surround decoding
Analog Devices Melody 32-bit Fixed Point DSP processor
6 Channels equal power amplifier section
80 watts per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, <.08%THD)
110watts per channel (6 ohms, 1 kHz, <.7%THD)
Banana Plug Speaker Connections all channels
Subwoofer Pre-out, with Variable Cross-over points(80/100/120Hz)
24 bit, 96 kHz high resolution DACs on all eight channels
Real 24 bit, 96 kHz Digital Interface Receiver
2 sets component video inputs(27MHz), compatible with progressive DVD, DTV
5 sets composite and "S" video inputs
5.1 external wide bandwidth (100 kHz) input for future multi-channel formats (such as DVD-Audio)
5/6 Channel Stereo
Personal Memory Plus
4 assignable digital inputs (3 Optical, 1 Coaxial)
Optical digital output
Front Panel A/V Inputs, with S-Video and Optical Digital
9 analog inputs including built-in AM/FM tuner
Multi-Zone stereo pre-amp level audio outputs, with Discrete Power on/off, Source selection and Remote Volume Control
Assignable 6th Channel Amplifier, for Second Zone with Discrete Remote Volume Control
Remote I/O Ports
Glow-Key pre-programmed remote features codes from other manufacturers; Glow in the dark main function keys

Pioneer VSX-811S

Surround: 100 Watts x 6
Crystal Digital Signal Processing
DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 Decoding
DTS NEO 6: Music & Cinema Surround Decoding
Dolby Digital EX 6.1 Surround Decoding
Pro-Logic II Music & Movie Surround Decoding
96kHz/24-Bit Digital to Analog Conversion
5 Advanced Surround Modes
Expanded 6.1
6-Channel Stereo
Music
Movie
Virtual Surround Back
Midnight Mode
DVD-Audio Ready
7.1 Channel Inputs
Pre-Amp Output ALL Channels
5 Digital Inputs (3 optical/2 coaxial back, 1 optical front) / 1 Digital Out (optical)
Inputs - 4 Audio/4 Audio/Video
CD
AUX
CDR/TAPE/MD
TUNER
DVD/LD
TV/SAT
VCR/DVR
VIDEO (Front Panel)
Outputs - 1 Audio/1 Audio Video/1 Video
CDR/TAPE Audio Output
VCR/DVR Audio/Video Output
Monitor Video Output
Component Video Switching (2 Inputs/1 Output)
TV/SAT Input
DVD/LD Input
Monitor Output
S-Video (4 Inputs/2 Outputs)
DVD/LD Input
TV/SAT Input
VCR/DVR Input
Video (Front Panel) Input
VCR/DVR Output
Monitor Output
Independent A/B Speaker Switching
Heavy Duty Banana Speaker Binding Posts
Dual Surround Back Speaker Terminals for 7.1 Speaker Set-up
Front Panel Quick Set-Up w/ Jog Control
Auto Signal Select
30 Preset AM/FM Digital Tuner
AM/FM Station Name Input
Semi-Dot Matrix Display
Front Panel Door
Preprogrammed and Smart Remote
TV
VCR
DVD
Cable Box
Digital Satellite Tuner
Multi-CD Control
 

glen

Lifer
Apr 28, 2000
15,995
1
81
It is unlikely that anyone could hear a difference between them, so choose between them by looking at the features you want.
 

Garion

Platinum Member
Apr 23, 2001
2,329
6
81
The Pioneer is a pretty low-to-mid-end consumer receiver. Decent specs, but a lot of them are misleading. 100 watts/channel might be a max output, but it's definitely not very clean power, and most true audiophiles will tell that you a high-end receiver with a 50 -watt/channel rating will blow it away.

THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) is a good thing to look at - It's a measure of how accurate the sound reproduction is and how much distortion is induced by the receiver. Digging a bit on the Pioneer I found..

Maximum Power (1 kHz, 10 % THD, RMS, Per Channel)
Maximum Power Stereo (DIN): 2 x 100 W (8 Ohm, 1% THD)
Maximum Power Surround Front: 2 x 100 W/ch (8 Ohm, 1% THD)
Maximum Power Surround Centre: 100 W (8Ohm, 1% THD)
Maximum Power Rear (Surround): 2 x 100 W/ch (8 Ohm, 1% THD)
Maximum Power Surround Back: 100 W (8 Ohm, 1 % THD)

The Denon doesn't get into as much detail - just 80 watts x 6 into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.08% THD. Big difference.


If you have the speakers that can handle it, the Denon will provide a cleaner sound. If you have cheapies, you probably won't notice the difference too much.

If all else fails, head on down somewhere that has 'em both. Listen to them and see what you think. Pick them up - Heavier is better, just like furniture.

If you've got the cash to blow, you'll be happy with the Denon. Otherwise, the 811 is a decent receiver and will probably do you just fine, and you can probably spend the money more wisely on upgraded speakers or other components.

If you do end up with the Denon, be very careful where you buy it from. I've heard they are fussy about honoring warranties when you didn't get it from an authorized dealer (of which there are few).

I was in the same boat a few months back - I ended up doing a lot of research and ended up with a Yamaha 530 - I've been quite happy with it.

- G