Denon, Pioneer Elite, or Onkyo? - Blu-ray Forum

nhaase · 10-09-2007, 03:25 AM

I am getting set to upgrade my receiver to one which will give me uncompressed audio in all its offerings (Dolby TrueHD, DTSHD-MA, PCM), and I am currently looking at three models: The Denon AVR-2308CI, the Pioneer Elite VSX-91TXH, and the Onkyo SR-705.

I am seriously considering these three, and would like the input of members here, to get some views to help out. My budget is not a concern, but I do not want to shell out more for the Denon or Pioneer if they do not have advantages over the Onkyo which would justify the price difference. Any information on this is greatly appreciated.

A few last notes: I have read on Pioneer's website that the Elite only upscales to 480p. Will the Denon and Pioneer upscale 5.1 PCM to 7.1? Lastly, are there any known issues w/ these (I do realize that these are very new, so not too much is expected here).

Thank you all in advance.

WickyWoo · 10-09-2007, 03:37 AM

I'm partial to Pioneer, but that or the Denon should do well for you. Onkyo just has never been as good in my experience, mind you it's still good, just not AS.

quetzalcoatl · 10-09-2007, 04:47 AM

Think I went thrrough this earlier today and it was concluded the 2308 does not do MA. If that is the case you need to cross that one off the list. I like the pioneer but you are correct that the 91 only goes to 480p you need to get the 92 to get 1080p upconversion. For the price the Onkyo is hard to beat. I have just heard they run very hot so you need very good ventilation.
I know alot of people here have problems with AVS and the Blu VS HD junk over there but check out the amp section. You should find reviews of all of these there.
Good luck

Jim L · 10-09-2007, 10:51 AM

I'm researching this very thing too.

Right now, I'm wavering between the Pioneer Elite 92TXH and the Denon 3808ci.

In my reading from AVS (

I know, I know!) and other sites, owners have complained about excessive heat output from the Onkyos. In addition, there are lots of anecdotals stories of Onkyo's reliability not being good.

My personal experience with Pioneer Elite (CRT HDTV) and Denon (receiver and DVD player) are that they have both been absolutely flawless in reliability and tops in performance.

I'm going to read and compare in detail both owner's manuals this weekend.

MacDaddyOJack · 10-09-2007, 11:23 AM

I am an Onkyo fan myself and have had good experiences in the past. I will personally be getting the TX-SR805 in about a week. Check that out, you might get more than you bargained for!

nhaase · 10-09-2007, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quetzalcoatl

Think I went thrrough this earlier today and it was concluded the 2308 does not do MA. If that is the case you need to cross that one off the list.

I use the PS3 for BDs, and I have heard a rumor that before Christmas Sony will release an update for the PS3 that will decode MA. If that is the case, then the receiver doing it will not really matter, but that is a concern.

Ventilation is not a problem for me.

ryoohki · 10-09-2007, 03:36 PM

I have a 3808ci on Order... will have it soon..

gvortex7 · 10-09-2007, 04:24 PM

Don't even get me started with this subject.

All I have to say is, go with the Pioneer Elite.

bda4life · 10-09-2007, 04:38 PM

I am also one who is intrigued with upgrading my current receiver to one that can handle the uncompressed audio tracks. I have had a Denon in the past - very good. No experience with an Onkyo or Pioneer receiver. But what about the new Yamaha receivers? I think they have two models that can handle the uncompressed audio and perform video upscaling without being very expensive. I believe the model numbers are v1800 and v3800. If you google these models, you will find the link to Yamaha's website. I was impressed with the specifications.

I have had two Yamaha receivers in the past and I think they are both great models. Unfortunately as the technology improves, my receivers become very expensive paper weights. I think I currently have three in my garage boxed up with nothing to do. Poor receivers....

Bullseye · 10-09-2007, 04:42 PM

You should never rule out Yahama or Archam.

crunchywyte · 10-09-2007, 04:50 PM

my selection was between the Denon 3808CI, Pioneer Elite 92TXH and the Onkyo 705....very wide range in price, I did however fine the Pioneer Elite for 799.99,and the Denon for only for $1125

Jim L · 10-09-2007, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crunchywyte

my selection was between the Denon 3808CI, Pioneer Elite 92TXH and the Onkyo 705....very wide range in price, I did however fine the Pioneer Elite for 799.99,and the Denon for only for $1125

Which did you end up getting?

Also, if I may ask, how did you find those prices? I plan to pull the trigger in a couple of weeks or so.

crunchywyte · 10-09-2007, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim L

Which did you end up getting?

Also, if I may ask, how did you find those prices? I plan to pull the trigger in a couple of weeks or so.

From this website

http://cgi.videogon.com/cgi-bin/fs.p...1ch&1&ctg&st51

jman1076 · 10-09-2007, 08:31 PM

i picked up the 705 a few months ago, it was between that one and the Pioneer Elite....for the price the Onkyo rocks.

The Guardian · 10-09-2007, 11:01 PM

I think you need at least a 2808CI model on the Denon's to get DTS-MA...

jcs913 · 10-10-2007, 01:17 AM

I own the Elite 92, upgraded from last years 82, and I think Pioneer has some of the best audio processing around. I have had Elite's for about 5 years now, after owning Sony ES for about 10 years, and I will say that they have the best sound 'feel' for me. They produce a warm sound that always seems to be 'full' Never seems like it is trying hard to produce the sound. Denon makes a great receiver too. I am not a fan of Onkyo, due to reliability issues with friends in the past. The bottom line is that you better get into a listening room with each receiver (bring your own audio and DVD or BD discs with you) to feel each one out. If the place will not allow you to use your own media, then leave. If you are spending this kind of money, make sure you are satisfied before giving them your credit card. I know most stores have good return policies, but lugging that thing back and forth is a pain in the ass. Good Luck...

nhaase · 10-10-2007, 02:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcs913

...The bottom line is that you better get into a listening room with each receiver (bring your own audio and DVD or BD discs with you) to feel each one out. If the place will not allow you to use your own media, then leave. If you are spending this kind of money, make sure you are satisfied before giving them your credit card. I know most stores have good return policies, but lugging that thing back and forth is a pain in the ass. Good Luck...

I most assuredly will be doing this. I wanted to get some preliminary info, maybe find out something I do not know at the moment (ie. reliability), and hear from an owners.

On the note of bringing your own media, I was going to search through reviews of movies I have to see which ones people say use uncompressed the best, but suggestions on that are welcome here, as well.

Thanks again for all the input.

Switched2BD · 10-10-2007, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryoohki

I have a 3808ci on Order... will have it soon..

Great choice IMO, I have the 2807 right now but I will be upgrading to the 3808ci.

MaleManGuy · 10-18-2007, 04:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryoohki

I have a 3808ci on Order... will have it soon..

Well, WOW... this is a nice amp. USB connector for portable audio, nice configuration onscreen menus, cool EL remote, ethernet to play media from your connected pc, lots of power, heavy as 10 bricks and pretty too. Easy to set-up!! I was up and running with this amp as quickly as I could figure out the mess of cabling behind the TV. Easy to use, excellent audio quality. So far after 1 day, I am impressed... altho the old amp was a HK-147.
Jeff

MaleManGuy · 10-18-2007, 04:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crunchywyte

my selection was between the Denon 3808CI, Pioneer Elite 92TXH and the Onkyo 705....very wide range in price, I did however fine the Pioneer Elite for 799.99,and the Denon for only for $1125

I was checking those models out as well... the dumbest thing that pushed me towards Denon tho is the build quality... AND... the volume knobbie thingie isn't connected via rubber belt..lol.. i love the digital pot feeling rather than friction against a rubber band.... shallow huh..lol

10-09-2007, 03:25 AM	#1
nhaase Special Member Member since:Mar 2007 Trading Score:2	Denon, Pioneer Elite, or Onkyo? I am getting set to upgrade my receiver to one which will give me uncompressed audio in all its offerings (Dolby TrueHD, DTSHD-MA, PCM), and I am currently looking at three models: The Denon AVR-2308CI, the Pioneer Elite VSX-91TXH, and the Onkyo SR-705. I am seriously considering these three, and would like the input of members here, to get some views to help out. My budget is not a concern, but I do not want to shell out more for the Denon or Pioneer if they do not have advantages over the Onkyo which would justify the price difference. Any information on this is greatly appreciated. A few last notes: I have read on Pioneer's website that the Elite only upscales to 480p. Will the Denon and Pioneer upscale 5.1 PCM to 7.1? Lastly, are there any known issues w/ these (I do realize that these are very new, so not too much is expected here). Thank you all in advance.

10-09-2007, 10:51 AM	#4
Jim L Special Member Top contributor Member since:Apr 2006 Location:Myrtle Beach, SC Blu-ray reviews: 12 Trading Score:20	I'm researching this very thing too. Right now, I'm wavering between the Pioneer Elite 92TXH and the Denon 3808ci. In my reading from AVS ( I know, I know!) and other sites, owners have complained about excessive heat output from the Onkyos. In addition, there are lots of anecdotals stories of Onkyo's reliability not being good. My personal experience with Pioneer Elite (CRT HDTV) and Denon (receiver and DVD player) are that they have both been absolutely flawless in reliability and tops in performance. I'm going to read and compare in detail both owner's manuals this weekend. Last edited by Jim L; 10-10-2007 at 10:59 PM.

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10-09-2007, 03:37 AM	#2
WickyWoo Blu-ray Champion Member since:May 2007 Trading Score:2	I'm partial to Pioneer, but that or the Denon should do well for you. Onkyo just has never been as good in my experience, mind you it's still good, just not AS.

10-09-2007, 04:47 AM	#3
quetzalcoatl Special Member Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Grants Pass, OR	Think I went thrrough this earlier today and it was concluded the 2308 does not do MA. If that is the case you need to cross that one off the list. I like the pioneer but you are correct that the 91 only goes to 480p you need to get the 92 to get 1080p upconversion. For the price the Onkyo is hard to beat. I have just heard they run very hot so you need very good ventilation. I know alot of people here have problems with AVS and the Blu VS HD junk over there but check out the amp section. You should find reviews of all of these there. Good luck

10-09-2007, 11:23 AM	#5
MacDaddyOJack Blu-ray Guru Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Richmond, VA PSNetwork: MacDaddyOJack Trophy Level: 12(4%) Home Theater Gallery:12 Blu-ray collection:71 Blu-ray reviews:23 Trading Score:4	I am an Onkyo fan myself and have had good experiences in the past. I will personally be getting the TX-SR805 in about a week. Check that out, you might get more than you bargained for!

10-09-2007, 03:36 PM	#7
ryoohki Blu-ray Samurai Member since:May 2007 Home Theater Gallery:6 Blu-ray collection:6 Blu-ray reviews:8 Trading Score:5	I have a 3808ci on Order... will have it soon..

10-09-2007, 04:24 PM	#8
gvortex7 Blu-ray Champion Member since:Jan 2007 Location:Fort Lauderdale, FL Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:105	Don't even get me started with this subject. All I have to say is, go with the Pioneer Elite.

10-09-2007, 04:38 PM	#9
bda4life Active Member Member since:May 2007	I am also one who is intrigued with upgrading my current receiver to one that can handle the uncompressed audio tracks. I have had a Denon in the past - very good. No experience with an Onkyo or Pioneer receiver. But what about the new Yamaha receivers? I think they have two models that can handle the uncompressed audio and perform video upscaling without being very expensive. I believe the model numbers are v1800 and v3800. If you google these models, you will find the link to Yamaha's website. I was impressed with the specifications. I have had two Yamaha receivers in the past and I think they are both great models. Unfortunately as the technology improves, my receivers become very expensive paper weights. I think I currently have three in my garage boxed up with nothing to do. Poor receivers....

10-09-2007, 04:42 PM	#10
Bullseye Blu-ray Samurai Top contributor Member since:Sep 2006 Location:Ireland Home Theater Gallery:24 4K collection:70 Blu-ray collection:760 Blu-ray reviews: 44	You should never rule out Yahama or Archam.

10-09-2007, 04:50 PM	#11
crunchywyte Senior Member Member since:Apr 2007 Location:Jacksonville, FL Blu-ray collection:64 Blu-ray reviews:16	my selection was between the Denon 3808CI, Pioneer Elite 92TXH and the Onkyo 705....very wide range in price, I did however fine the Pioneer Elite for 799.99,and the Denon for only for $1125

10-09-2007, 08:31 PM	#14
jman1076 Member Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Irving, TX Blu-ray reviews:1	i picked up the 705 a few months ago, it was between that one and the Pioneer Elite....for the price the Onkyo rocks.

10-09-2007, 11:01 PM	#15
The Guardian Expert Member Member since:Aug 2007 Location:Kitchener, ON Blu-ray collection:9 Trading Score:1	I think you need at least a 2808CI model on the Denon's to get DTS-MA...

10-10-2007, 01:17 AM	#16
jcs913 Blu-ray Champion Member since:Apr 2007 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:576	I own the Elite 92, upgraded from last years 82, and I think Pioneer has some of the best audio processing around. I have had Elite's for about 5 years now, after owning Sony ES for about 10 years, and I will say that they have the best sound 'feel' for me. They produce a warm sound that always seems to be 'full' Never seems like it is trying hard to produce the sound. Denon makes a great receiver too. I am not a fan of Onkyo, due to reliability issues with friends in the past. The bottom line is that you better get into a listening room with each receiver (bring your own audio and DVD or BD discs with you) to feel each one out. If the place will not allow you to use your own media, then leave. If you are spending this kind of money, make sure you are satisfied before giving them your credit card. I know most stores have good return policies, but lugging that thing back and forth is a pain in the ass. Good Luck...

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