Onkyo TX-SR905 or Denon AVR-3808CI

[The Guardian]

I'd vote for the Denon between those two, but definitely don't buy a receiver in that price range without listening to a Marantz SR-8002 first!

[Footloose301]

Originally Posted by The Guardian

I'd vote for the Denon between those two, but definitely don't buy a receiver in that price range without listening to a Marantz SR-8002 first!

Amen!

[red_5ive]

I agree on the Marantz SR8002. I've auditioned all the Denon and Onkyo models between the $1k - $2.5k range as well as the Marantz SR8002. The 8002 wins in 2ch music hands down for clarity and clean mids, with the Onkyo being 2nd IMO. I couldn't believe the soundstage on the Onkyo with 2ch music - I kept having to check if all my speakers were on (for the record, I've never liked Onkyo until their latest line). But, for that kind of money I'd also look into separates from online only companies like Emotiva - no middle man so it makes separates unbelievably affordable, and their gear really is audiophile quality in build and performance. They don't yet have an hdmi 1.3a processor, but it should be out soon and available by the time you're ready to purchase. But if you're absolutely set on an AVR definitely audition the 8002 which is priced the same as the TX-NR905. Anyway, just my 2 cents.

[fronn]

I don't want to be the poo-poo parade, but do you really need a receiver like either of those?

I'd say go for a cheaper one and upgrade your speakers over time. Honestly, at that price range (the NR905 is going to run nearly $1500), you may as well start looking at separates (like Emotiva)... and if you're doing that, you should probably have speakers of equal quality.

What speakers do you have? I'm not one to recommend spending money when there are other things to spend money on that'll be more noticeable (which is why I'm always poo-poo'ing in the speaker wire threads).

I realize nobody likes being told that they shouldn't buy that shiny toy they have been setting their sights on... but sometimes it's good.

Judging by the mention of "mom", I'm guessing you are still at home and have years of this hobby ahead of you -- no need to rush it.

[ozzman]

Personally i think there's nothing wrong with dropping some money on a receiver you want.

A receiver is the brain to all your speakers and everything else .If you ask me its an important decision (if you can afford it, and it does what you want)Go for it

I won't give you fatherly advise.I'll give you advise as someone that has been down the road of collecting equipment for years

Saving for something is better then just going out and buying something you won't be happy with down the line. Patience is one of the most important things when purchasing audio and video equipment if you ask me.

I say get it right the first time.Which is a hard thing these days .Ive nickled and dimed myself in the audio field for a long time.Getting something then down the road saying"Man.i should of got that " Get what you want ,just don't go hungry. lol


Thats just my 2 cents
.

[red_5ive]

Originally Posted by fronn

Honestly, at that price range (the NR905 is going to run nearly $1500), you may as well start looking at separates (like Emotiva)... and if you're doing that, you should probably have speakers of equal quality.

I agree, and I can personally vouch for Emotiva (check my sig). Nothing in the less than $3k price range that I've heard in my opinion can touch the performance to $ ratio, and there might even be some cash left for a decent set of speakers.

Originally Posted by ozzman

Personally i think there's nothing wrong with dropping some money on a receiver you want.

A receiver is the brain to all your speakers and everything else . If you ask me its an important decision (if you can afford it, and it does what you want)Go for it

I won't give you fatherly advise.I'll give you advise as someone that has been down the road of collecting equipment for years

Saving for something is better then just going out and buying something you won't be happy with down the line. Patience is one of the most important things when purchasing audio and video equipment if you ask me.

I say get it right the first time.Which is a hard thing these days. Ive nickled and dimed myself in the audio field for a long time.Getting something then down the road saying"Man.i should of got that " Get what you want ,just don't go hungry. lol


Thats just my 2 cents
.

All the more reason to look into separates IMO considering the price of the 905, which I'm not knocking because it is a great unit. There's just other options out there for the price, and I can't say enough of the price to performance ratio that Emotiva offers.

[ozzman]

No disrespect ,But he's asking about the Onkyo TX-SR905 or the Denon avr-3808ci and what we think is better or worst.

I don't think he wants to be talked out of the two recievers he's asking about and recommended a $500 reciever. Just because he's younger and we feel that the prices are to high for him.(He would of asked)

At the same token i do belive its are job as members to give him other options to look at, But just remember he's mentioned 2 great recievers.

If iam wrong then iam sorry,But it sounds like hes in the market for a high end reciever and there's nothing wrong with that.

But seriously if he's going to have a problem with his Mother then iam out of the picture.I have my own Mom to deal with and iam 39

[prerich]

Originally Posted by fronn

I don't want to be the poo-poo parade, but do you really need a receiver like either of those?

I'd say go for a cheaper one and upgrade your speakers over time. Honestly, at that price range (the NR905 is going to run nearly $1500), you may as well start looking at separates (like Emotiva)... and if you're doing that, you should probably have speakers of equal quality.

What speakers do you have? I'm not one to recommend spending money when there are other things to spend money on that'll be more noticeable (which is why I'm always poo-poo'ing in the speaker wire threads).

I realize nobody likes being told that they shouldn't buy that shiny toy they have been setting their sights on... but sometimes it's good.

Judging by the mention of "mom", I'm guessing you are still at home and have years of this hobby ahead of you -- no need to rush it.

Now that I think about it...you are speaking wisdom to this youngster ! Speakers can last you 20+ years (my fronts are 24 years old and still kickin') Receivers can last a long time also, but with the rate that technology changes - they can be made obsolete quickly - a well built speaker...no so easy to make obsolete! If the OP wishes to make an investement - I agree - go the speaker route, if he's just looking for instant gratification...well he can choose whatever route he wants to ! Good post.