AVR Video Processing: Denon 3808CI or PE SC-05 / VSX-94TXH [Archive] - Audio & Video Forums

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gcarroll
11-23-2008, 09:18 PM
In my search for AVR with network capability, power, good video processing, and 4 HDMI 1.3 inputs, I'm down to the Denon 3808CI vs the Pioneer Elite SC-05 or VSX-94TXH.

Can you experts please clarify the Pioneer Elites video processing capability? Both the SC-05 & 94THX are listed as having Faroudja DCDi up-res/scale capabilities even via HDMI source, but on the forums it appears that people are saying it doesn't? I just want whatever makes my terrible looking Barca games on Gol TV watchable (knowing I run from my HD-DVR to my receiver via HDMI cable) and my DVDs look best on my X360!! Would the PE's treat it any differently from the Denon?

However, for all of the Denon fanboy love, it appears the 3808CI gets an EPIC FAIL for video processing from Home Theater Mag (Google 'Putting the "V" in your AVR)

That raises the whole question on if holding out for the HQV Reon tech vs. the more standard Faroudja DCDi. The Onkyo has HQV and it performed much better than both the Denon & Yamaha. However, the Onkyo's are just too boxy and run too hot for me, which is just not an option when looking at a cool-running ICE amp. And the Yamaha 3900 is $500 more expensive than the comparable PE or Denon, so that's out.

The Denon's upgradeable firmware is nice, but seems a little over-rated.

And then I have to keep in mind all of the great audio features that made me pick a Denon or PE in the first place...its going to drive me crazy. Would love any opinions.
__________________

Samsung HL-S5687W 56-Inch 1080p DLP HDTV
Dynaudio Audience 40 fronts
PremierAcoustic PA-6S rears & center
Motorola HD-DVR
Sub (downstairs neighbor)
X360 Elite
PS3 Metal Gear LE

elapsed
11-23-2008, 09:44 PM
I would put Anchor Bay VRS and Silicon Optix HQV Realta as the best two video processors on the consumer market. Next, Silicon Optix HQV Reon, which is still a step up from Faroudja DCDi. All three models you are looking at have the same DCDi video processing on paper.

Many AVR's will not perform any video processing on digital signals, and this is very difficult to tell from the specs. I suspect that most receivers featuring DCDi do not support this capability.

If video processing is of among your highest considerations in purchasing an AVR, I'd would consider holding off for VRS or HQV, as you won't find an improvement on stations like Gol TV with any of these AVR's. Or alternatively consider purchasing an outboard video processor such as the new DVDO Edge which features VRS, and is an absolute steal in price compared to the venerable DVDO iScan VP50.

cheers,
elapsed

PS- Just food for thought, my Oppo 983 DVD Player features VRS video processing, and it is the only player *ever* to benchmark 100/100. Absolutely outstanding video processing, better than HQV Realta found in the reference Denon DVD-5910CI, which is 10x the price (albeit the audio quality is far superior on the Denon, as you would expect for the price)

RoadRunner6
11-23-2008, 10:23 PM
gcarroll, this is really a run around the end but give it some thought. I presume you mean that you don't like the looks of the Onkyo. So an idea is to buy it anyway and install a wisper fan behind it to keep it running cool and don't look directly at it, eventually you'll get used to the looks. Who thought Brooke Burke was good looking at first :D (OK, I thought you wouldn't go for that idea).

Alternative idea: Buy the Onkyo TX-SR876 receiver and use it as a pre/pro with its Reon chip. (you can hide it behind the sofa) Go with the Emotiva UPA-7 power amp with 125 watts per/7 ch or 140 watts per/5 ch. Total cost with no tax and free shipping = $1598.

Upgrade to the Emotiva XPA-5 power amp with 200 watts per/5 ch. You could use the 2 channels on the Onkyo if you have seven speakers. Total cost = $1699.

Another choice is to go with the Emotiva UPA-7 and the Emotiva new UMC-1 pre/pro (avaibable in December?). Total cost = $1298 (shipping on pre/pro only). With the XPA-5 and UMC-1 combo total = $1398. Emotiva products have a 5year warranty.

Just some food for thought.

http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR876&class=Receiver&p=i

http://secure.newegg.com/Shopping/ShoppingCart.aspx?Submit=view

http://www.emotiva.com/upa7.html

http://www.emotiva.com/xpa5.html

http://www.emotiva.com/news.html (scroll down page to UMC-1)

".....We also have an incredible, continuing policy that offers a 40% DISCOUNT on future generation processors to any original owners of Emotiva processor. This is not a one-time special, but a continuing part of the Emotiva business model....."

You can call Emotiva and talk direct to Big Dan, the man who designed these products.

RR6 :D

gcarroll
11-25-2008, 01:13 AM
Went to Magnolia for a listen tonight, and listened to the SC-05 vs. the 3808CI. Paired with Monitor speakers which were the closest fit, as they don't carry my Dynaudio shelf speakers.

While both were decent, the Denon appeared to be stronger for clarity and the Pioneer was a little bright and bassy both on 2-channel stereo and in 5.1 surround tests. I'm a bit disappointed as the Pioneer Elites are SOOO pretty, and worthy of my Death Star system. Denon needs to step up their human factors design. But with the 3808s upgradeable firmware, lower distortion, Audyssey balancing, smaller footprint, and video upscaling over HDMI, I guess the choice is clear.

I mentioned the PE 94TXH but the guys were clearly ICE fanboys and that the TXH couldn't stand-up to the new SC ICE amps, which made the Denon's performance that much more impressive. Just wish I felt better about it. Then again has anyone spending $1000k plus for any A/V equipment ever walked away without some buyer's remorse?:)

One final question, I have 4 ohm front speakers and while I know a separate AMP would be the audiophile way to go, can't swing it in this economy. Both receivers and brands seem to have the power & street cred to drive my speakers effectively, but wanted to make sure there was no advantage from either.

Let the price shopping begin.

RoadRunner6
11-26-2008, 09:56 PM
You're welcome.