Denon 3805, HK AVR 7300, or Yamaha RX-V2500 ??

[sacbratboy]

I'm considering these 3 receivers. I've read many reveiws and all have their +/-. In order to keep peace at home I've been forced to place all speakers (except Sub) in the ceiling. Therefore, I've recently purchased the B&W In-Ceiling Series for our new HT (3) CCM 817's , (2) CCM 80's, Def. Tech. Sub 100 (from prior system), and Panasonic 50PHD8UK. Ok, I'm intersted in the HK for the DCDi by Faroudja®, image processing which upconverts all inputs to high-resolution component video. I like the Yamaha for its ease of set-up and value. The Denon would be an up-grade from my current system, (AVR 1803/DVD 900) that will be placed in the Master Bedroom. So now you have the background what do you think??

[L.J.]

I'm considering these 3 receivers. I've read many reveiws and all have their +/-. In order to keep peace at home I've been forced to place all speakers (except Sub) in the ceiling. Therefore, I've recently purchased the B&W In-Ceiling Series for our new HT (3) CCM 817's , (2) CCM 80's, Def. Tech. Sub 100 (from prior system), and Panasonic 50PHD8UK. Ok, I'm intersted in the HK for the DCDi by Faroudja®, image processing which upconverts all inputs to high-resolution component video. I like the Yamaha for its ease of set-up and value. The Denon would be an up-grade from my current system, (AVR 1803/DVD 900) that will be placed in the Master Bedroom. So now you have the background what do you think??

Decisions, decisions. Take your time and give them all a try. You may also consider saving up a little more $$ and looking at some units that support HDMI. Or not.


Have fun shoppin

[sacbratboy]

HDMI is not an option at this time. The equipment is in a closet and I have component cables ran to the display area. Therefore, it would require cut, patch, and paint to run HDMI, maybe 3 to 5 years during a future remodel.

[L.J.]

HDMI is not an option at this time. The equipment is in a closet and I have component cables ran to the display area. Therefore, it would require cut, patch, and paint to run HDMI, maybe 3 to 5 years during a future remodel.

Here's a thread on another forum discussing the same question.

[sacbratboy]

Thanks for the tip on that thread! Anybody else out there with an opinon on these? I'm looking to purchase soon and could some help, thank you in advance.

[GMichael]

Thanks for the tip on that thread! Anybody else out there with an opinon on these? I'm looking to purchase soon and could some help, thank you in advance.

I listened to all three before I bought the Yamaha. All three sounded very similar. But my reasons for picking the Yammie may not be the same things you care about the most. All three are very good units. No matter which one you pick, it will make you very happy.
Look them over. The yammie has the most bells and whistles for HT. The HK may have a slightly better sound for 2 channel. The Denon is in the middle in my oppinion. Go out and listen to them. Bring a favorite CD & DVD or two. Check out the remotes to see which one you like.

And don't forget to enjoy yourself while you're at it. This is part of the fun.

An-tis-a-pa-a-tion.......

[sacbratboy]

Thanks for the recomendation on the Yamaha. What are your favorite features, and have you used the "Night Viewing Mode"? The problem I'm having is the only receiver I can demo at the local dealers is the Denon. That's why I'm hoping that some of you have had a chance to hear these units. If so, let me know what you think.

[L.J.]

Sacbratboy,

I'll repeat what GM said. They're all good units and you should have no complaints with any of em. It's gonna come down to personal preference. I would be more worried with things such as price, warranty, remote, # of zones, in/outs, conversion and switching, basically which one has everything you need and some flexibility, before worrying about which one sounds better. The best one is gonna be the one you pick for yourself. Hey, if the cheapest of the three fits all your needs than save yourself some money.

[rktect29]

Don't forget the Marantz SR7500 or if at all possible the SR8500. I looked around for 4 months and am very happy with my choice of the Marantz. I tried Denon, Yamaha, HK, Onkyo and even purchased an Integra 6.5 before settling on the Marantz. My reason - pure warm sounds and built very well. My dad has Marantz components from the early 1970's and they're still running strong. He has had a SR18 for about 5 years now and it is amazing. You can get the SR7500 for around $800 with a little bargaining and the Sr8500 for around $1100. Try accessories4less as they are authorized Marantz dealers.

Don't shorthand yourself narrowing in on 3 average competitors. Although HK sound decent, the build quality is average at best - Circuit City's finest. Widen your search and you'll see. I'd take the Integra over most of the others too. For me it came down to the Integra and the Marantz. Just my 2 cents, but if I HAD to choose between the 3 you have presented it would be the Denon hands down. The 3805 is one of the best selling HT Receivers of all time and there are very few complaints. I've owned a Yammie and it sucked. Also don't forget to give the boys at Outlaw a chance. I just sold my 1050 and it was an awesome piece of equipment (I needed 7 channels).

Good luck.