Denon AVR-2805 vs. AVR-3805

[AZHT]

Both these receivers seem pretty nice. There is a $300 price difference. From what I read about them on Denon's website here are the main differences between the two. Do you guys think the 3805 is worth the extra $300? I don't know what the benefits of these features will do for my sound quality.

3805 gets over the 2805:
-HDCD decoding
-New DDSC-Digital
-120 watts per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, <.05%THD) vs. 100 watts per channel
-Burr-Brown PCM-1791 24 bit, 192 kHz high resolution DACs on all eight channels, in differential configuration • Real 24 bit, 192 kHz Digital Interface Receiver • 24 bit, 192 kHz A/D conversion (Burr-Brown PCM-1804) on all Stereo analog inputs (Not EXT. Inputs)
*(2805 is 96 kHz and NOT Burr-Brown)
-DENON Link 3rd (Super Audio CD & DVD-Audio) compatible digital input
-True 3 Source, 3 Zone functionality vs. 2 Zone on 2805

2805 has a benefit: the mic comes with it.

[nick4433]

Since you have already pointed out the differences I will not go into that. The DACs should not be a deal breaker but there are people here that will say they do hear a difference in sound but the DACs in the 2805 are sufficient. Then there are the digital links, HDCD decoding, etc. that the 3805 offers which you may or may not need at all.
The 2805 comes with the mic for room EQ but I have heard you do not get a mic with the 3805. IMHO, if you do not need the extra features the 3805 offers then the 2805 is the way to go.

[douglasbjordan]

IMHO, if you do not need the extra features the 3805 offers then the 2805 is the way to go.

I agree with Nick. I was just in the same boat as you a week or two ago and went with the 2805 because I figured I could live with only two zones (since I only use one zone anyway) and didn't need the extra amp wattage (my speakers are 100 w anyway). To my eyes, the only important difference between the two was the price, so that's what made the decision for me. :-)