Onkyo 875 or Denon 3808?

[JaysDomain]

I am going to upgrade from my Onkyo 805, but which one...
Onkyo 875 or Denon 3808?


- does the 875 or 3808 also have the 4 second audio delay when you use HD DVR skip features?

- Does the 875 or 3808 also have audio lag/sync issues (happens on some DirecTV HD channels with my 805)?

- Does the 875 or 3808 upscale 480/720p/1080i from component (and HDMI) sources to 1080p HDMI?

- What is the 3808 lacking that the 875 has (besides THX certification), and vice versa?


The 875 looks better on paper and is cheaper, but I want reliability and thinking the Denon has less issues.

I was pretty happy with my 805 though the mute glitch keeps coming back (mute = full blast (+40dB)) and that page of the menu GUI freezes (only on screen though, and mute setting will not change no matter what, except reset which sucks and is only temporary); I also would like to get rid of the 4 second audio delay.

[ShawnE94SL]

I am going to upgrade from my Onkyo 805, but which one...
Onkyo 875 or Denon 3808?


- does the 875 or 3808 also have the 4 second audio delay when you use HD DVR skip features?
*Not sure about this one.

- Does the 875 or 3808 also have audio lag/sync issues (happens on some DirecTV HD channels with my 805)?
*I had an 805 with Lip Sync issues and could not fix the problem. I returned the unit for the 3808 and couldn't be happier. No lip sync issues on the 3808 at all.

- Does the 875 or 3808 upscale 480/720p/1080i from component (and HDMI) sources to 1080p HDMI?
*I believe they both upscale to 720p/1080i/1080p

- What is the 3808 lacking that the 875 has (besides THX certification), and vice versa?
*They are both great receivers. I'm not big on THX certification. I have had receivers in the past with THX and it's not that big of a deal (to me anyway). The Denon is more money, but overall I think it's a better receiver.

The GUI on the 3808 is worth it alone. Plus, it has an ethernet port as well for streaming and internet radio capabilities.


The 875 looks better on paper and is cheaper, but I want reliability and thinking the Denon has less issues.

I was pretty happy with my 805 though the mute glitch keeps coming back (mute = full blast (+40dB)) and that page of the menu GUI freezes (only on screen though, and mute setting will not change no matter what, except reset which sucks and is only temporary); I also would like to get rid of the 4 second audio delay.

[NutsAboutPS3]

Originally Posted by JaysDomain

I want reliability and thinking the Denon has less issues.

I haven't got my 3808 yet, but my current 3802 must be about 6 years old, and I've had absolutely zero problems with it in those 6 years. That was my reason for choosing the 3808 to replace it, I have a lot of confidence in Denon based on my experience of the 3802.

[ShawnE94SL]

I just read this on CNET:

Video scaling and conversion
The AVR-3808CI offers more video scaling and conversion options than we've seen on any other receiver we've tested. First off, the AVR-3808CI is the first receiver that we've tested that offers scaling on HDMI sources. While many receivers offer the ability to upconvert analog sources to their HDMI output, the AVR-3808CI can, for example, upscale the 480p HDMI output from a DVD player to 1080p resolution. While it's theoretically a nice feature (and for some reason seems to really excite some AV geeks), there isn't much of a practical purpose to it, especially considering its high-def performance (see performance section for more info). Owners of older, pre-HDMI Xbox 360 models should note an important limitation: 1080p component video signals cannot be upconverted over the HDMI output.

All of these scaling options are further enhanced by the ability to choose whether you want video conversion to occur on each individual input. Since the video upconversion is mostly solid on the AVR-3808CI (see performance for more details), you'd be pretty safe just leaving it on, but videophiles will appreciate the ability to get things exactly how they want them.


Here is the link to the full review:

http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers...-32553611.html

[Matt X]

I thought the 875 did scaling for most sources too? sound & vision mag (10/07) had good things to say about that. Plus on top of the auto room EQ (through the supplied mic), you apparently have 7-band EQ control for each channel - impressed me, at least. too bad it's way out of my price range.

[JaysDomain]

I have a launch xbox 360 (w/o HDMI) which right now gets downconverted to 720p with the onkyo 805; so what does the Denon 3808 do with the 1080p component signal, downconvert or just not pass it at all?

Since the 3808 has onscreen GUI overlay even on HDMI sources does that mean you also see a volume bar overlay?

[Rike255]

Both fantastic receivers, the 875 is the 805 with upgraded video components so if you're looking for 1080p upconversion then that's the one for you.
I'd lean to the 875 partially because of the cheaper price, THX Ultra certification, and because I own the 805 which has been absolutely amazing to me. No complaints whatsoever.

Whichever route you go I'm sure you'll be extremely happy.

[savage1984]

both great receivers. I own an onkyo and love it. But I think if I had a lot of money to blow on a receiver, I would go with the Denon. it really comes down to personal preference. CNET is pretty reputable source.

[all_blu_man]

Originally Posted by Matt X

I thought the 875 did scaling for most sources too? sound & vision mag (10/07) had good things to say about that. Plus on top of the auto room EQ (through the supplied mic), you apparently have 7-band EQ control for each channel - impressed me, at least. too bad it's way out of my price range.

I don't know any info on any Denon but the 875 has HQV upscaling. It does very nice job at upscaling to 1080p. Also the Audessy works very very very well. I did my theatre room with it and it sounds AWESOME in there. I would for sure recommend it.

[ryoohki]

If upscaling is a big deal to you, the 875 have HQV processing. If it's not then anyone is good imho. I got the 3808 because i don't have any dvd and really really don't care about any kind of upscaling (IMho, overrated..)

[Barnum]

The Denon is hands down the best receiver for the money. Granted there is a cost difference but well worth it. The transformer is huge allowing for tons of power when needed. Simply an awesome receiver.

[Rike255]

You could always get the 875, or if you don't care about upscaling as much, get the 805 and use the extra money you save to get some very nice speakers.

[red_5ive]

As much as I like the newest Onkyo line, and as solid as Denon always is, I think for the price of either the 875 or the 3808 I would consider separates, especially if you're concerned with overall sound quality and/or you listen to a lot of music. You could get into something from Emotiva who is due to release a new HDMI 1.3a processor next month, and use that with their LPA-1 7 Ch. amp. I would also consider the Marantz SR-7002 if you want to keep everything in one box. Only drawback is, the Marantz and separates focus more on sound quality so you won't get many video scaling options (mainly pass-through) like you would with receivers.

That said, it's a tough choice between the 3808 and the 875, but I think I'd pick the 875 mainly because I was very impressed with the 805 for the 2 months that I owned one. I believe the 875 does have the same 4 sec audio delay as the 805. The 875 will also upscale component to 1080p, which is selectable in the menu unlike the 805. The 3808 lacks the HQV Reon video processor that the 875 has, which is unheard of in a receiver that you can get for $1100. I did read about the 875 reliability issues early on, but I believe they've been resolved with units shipping today.

[dialog_gvf]

Originally Posted by red_5ive

The 3808 lacks the HQV Reon video processor that the 875 has, which is unheard of in a receiver that you can get for $1100. I did read about some of the reliability issues early on, but I believe they've been resolved with units shipping today.

The Reon is incredible. I have a 100 or so laserdiscs still, and it does amazing things with those. I never thought I would be eager to watch LD again.

Onkyo needs to improve the tweaking options on the Reon. It's global, not per input, and there is no OSD right now.

Gary

[MaleManGuy]

Originally Posted by savage1984

both great receivers. I own an onkyo and love it. But I think if I had a lot of money to blow on a receiver, I would go with the Denon. it really comes down to personal preference. CNET is pretty reputable source.

One touch the 3808 has... is the cool volume knobbie on the front... it doesn't feel like it's connected via a rubber band... it's a digital control... much slicker feel to the controls in my opinion. No THX... whatever, who cares. I have the ipod dock hooked to mine... it's cool for sure... and a heavy beast... very flexible and easy to use... running immediatey.

[BigRick]

I have the 3808 and i absolutely love it. My neighbors hate it though lol. The Denon might be pricey but worth every penny. From Onkyo or Denon. Go with Denon hands down.

[Disco_And]

I've been a Denon man for a while but as soon as the Onkyo 875 came out that was it for me I had to have it

It sound so much better than all my old Denon A/V amps and it makes everything 1080p TV, ps3 games, Blu-ray extras, DVDs not that I play these anymore and as for stereo music that too is better than all my old Denons too

[red_5ive]

Originally Posted by Disco_And

I've been a Denon man for a while but as soon as the Onkyo 875 came out that was it for me I had to have it

It sound so much better than all my old Denon A/V amps and it makes everything 1080p TV, ps3 games, Blu-ray extras, DVDs not that I play these anymore and as for stereo music that too is better than all my old Denons too

As awesome as the 805/875 are for HT, the 2ch audio performance was the biggest surprise for me. I never thought I'd use the word "imaging" convincingly for receivers at these price points.