After taking the HK 635 for a test drive, I picked up a Denon 3805 off of eBay.

Before I go any further, I must say I really liked the HK. Sound was the richest/fullest sound I have heard. Latest decoding, plenty of power (way under rated when compared to other brands with 100-135 watts), easy set up, nice remote, and not too bad looking either. So why did I take it back?? CC wouldn't price match...$1099.00 their price...J & R Audio has it for $699 shipped. So I took it back knowing I have a source to pick up a brand new one at a terrific price. ONE thing I really wished the 635 had is another set of speaker outputs - either surround B or main B.

Now, concerning the 3805...bottom line is that I am disappointed. I read lots of reviews the posts that had high praise for this receiver. While their is a lot to like about it, I simply don't like the sound that I am getting - especially when compared to the HK. To me (emphasize the "me") the sound is, for a lack of better words, thin. Not only thin, but it didn't seem as powerful as the HK. I have tried a lot of different settings but nothing satisfies. Is this a normal sound for Denon receivers (ie: thin sounding, not full and rich)?? If not, someone please suggest what I might could adjust to get a fuller sound. I really thought this would be the receiver I ended up with but it looks like it will find its place back on eBay...

So, what about Yamaha and Marantz - do either one of them favor the HK sound vs the Denon sound? I wouldn't mind trying another receiver or two before buying the "keeper" but if the sound is as thin as the Denon, it would be a waste of time.

Comments wanted...

Thanks