AVR Video Processing: Denon 3808CI or PE SC-05 / VSX-94TXH

[gcarroll]

After a nauseating amount of online research of looking for the latest affordable network receivers will next-gen capabilities (4 1.3a HDMI inputs, video upres, iPod) and audiophile power & quality, I'm down to these two bad boys. I also looked at the Yamaha 3900 but its just too expensive relatively.

I'm leaning towards the Pioneer, as its got phenomenal reviews by its owners, and Denon has some setup complexity complaints on the boards. And to be honest, the Elite just looks more like the bad-ass monster I want in return for $1000+ powering my home theatre Death Star.

Both models are a little older (released early 2007) but the newer models of each don't seem to have any new killer apps (mostly better software, and cooler running amp), so I'll take the cheaper price.

Anyone have any final input before I make the final decision?

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by gcarroll

After a nauseating amount of online research of looking for the latest affordable network receivers will next-gen capabilities (4 1.3a HDMI inputs, video upres, iPod) and audiophile power & quality, I'm down to these two bad boys. I also looked at the Yamaha 3900 but its just too expensive relatively.

I'm leaning towards the Pioneer, as its got phenomenal reviews by its owners, and Denon has some setup complexity complaints on the boards. And to be honest, the Elite just looks more like the bad-ass monster I want in return for $1000+ powering my home theatre Death Star.

Both models are a little older (released early 2007) but the newer models of each don't seem to have any new killer apps (mostly better software, and cooler running amp), so I'll take the cheaper price.

Anyone have any final input before I make the final decision?

I'm sure you'll make the right choice for you. Denon and Pioneer are good brands and if the Pioneer appeals to you more, then go for it. However, I wouldn't be so easily dismissed by the "cooler running amp" comment you made. If, in fact, it can be substantiated by solid facts, I would choose the cooler running amp over price anyday.

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by gcarroll

the Elite just looks more like the bad-ass monster I want in return for $1000+ powering my home theatre Death Star.

yeah, I always look at my Elite 81 and say "dam that's a sexy b!tch"


and I agree with the Denon setup confusion...have you ever tried to read a Denon manual?? I think Albert Einstein wrote it.

[gcarroll]

I had assumed the cooler amp was just that...to keep the heat down and have the system be more efficient. The Onkyo's seem to be renowned for running hot, but I didn't get that impression about the Pioneer, and my unit has lots of space with open back.

Are there other perfromance improvements? In either case, I can't afford or fit the new series at 7.8". The Denon does have the advantange of a smaller fooprint at 6.7".

[Hammie]

have you had a chance to listen to them both side by side with speakers similar to what you own? This may be a more compelling reason to choose one over te other. Personally, I liked the way the Denon 3808 sounded. That is why I chose it. I was not concerned about ease of use because I figured I could play around with setting search online, etc. if I needed any help.

In the end, I am very happy with my decision and I felt the setup was very easy and painless.

[sokrman14]

I have the Denon, my dad has the Elite....I don't feel like typing all the stuff out right now, send me a PM if you want my opinion

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

I agree with the Denon setup confusion...have you ever tried to read a Denon manual?? I think Albert Einstein wrote it.

Unfortunately, good old Albert did not know much about HD Audio. He listened to his music on a phonograph made by Edison.

[gcarroll]

Any thoughts on the networking functionality? Not sure how likely I am to use it but I'm trying to future-proof as much as possible. I can broadcast directly to my X360 but with a fan louder than most cars, and a fear of wireless as a hi-fi format, it just me feel better knowing I can hardwire my huge music catalog to my receiver via Ethernet, and use Internet & HD Radio.

Most HD-DVRs now have an ethernet that theoretically could be used for that stuff, and sent to the receiver via HDMI but Time Warner has no plans to enable their ethernet ports anytime soon (I called to confirm).

[Hammie]

The 3808 has very basic music only streaming. If you want photos and videos, you need to go to the 4308.

I usually use my PS3 or D-link DSM320 to stream music. The Internet Radio on the 3808 is pretty cool. I have a few radio stations linked up from my home town. It's funny listening to them since in raltation to where I live now (Washinton DC metro area), its a very small town.

[Warjack Prime]

Have you read reviews from Home Theater Magazine?

http://www.hometheatermag.com/receivers/708denon3808/

I'm trying to find a review of the Pioneer...

[gcarroll]

Hmmm...definitely don't like the video upconversion popping issues in the review.

[Hammie]

Not sure where you saw the popping issue, but I have not had any issues with the upconversion with the 3808.

[Warjack Prime]

I can't find a review from Home Theater Mag for the Pioneer model you referenced but I did find one from Sound and Vision. You may have already read it. Personally I am partial to Home Theater Mag's quality of reviews.

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/rec...-receiver.html

[gcarroll]

Can you experts please clarify the Pioneer Elites video processing capability? Both the SC-05 & 94THX are listed as having Faroudja DCDi up-res/scale capabilities even via HDMI source, but on the forums it appears that people are saying it doesn't? I just want whatever makes my terrible looking Barca games on Gol TV watchable (knowing I run from my HD-DVR to my receiver via HDMI cable) and my DVDs look best on my X360!! Would the PE's treat it any differently from the Denon?

However, for all of the Denon fanboy love, it appears the 3808CI gets an EPIC FAIL for video processing from Home Theater Mag (Google 'Putting the "V" in your AVR)

That raises the whole question on if holding out for the HQV Reon tech vs. the more standard Faroudja DCDi. The Onkyo has HQV and it performed much better than both the Denon & Yamaha. However, the Onkyo's are just too boxy and run too hot for me, which is just not an option when looking at a cool-running ICE amp. And the Yamaha 3900 is $500 more expensive than the comparable PE or Denon, so that's out.

The Denon's upgradeable firmware is nice, but seems a little over-rated.

And then I have to keep in mind all of the great audio features that made me pick a Denon or PE in the first place...its going to drive me crazy. Would love any opinions.

[gcarroll]

In my search for AVR with network capability, power, good video processing, and 4 HDMI 1.3 inputs, I'm down to the Denon 3808CI vs the Pioneer Elite SC-05 or VSX-94TXH.

Can you experts please clarify the Pioneer Elites video processing capability? Both the SC-05 & 94THX are listed as having Faroudja DCDi up-res/scale capabilities even via HDMI source, but on the forums it appears that people are saying it doesn't? I just want whatever makes my terrible looking Barca games on Gol TV watchable (knowing I run from my HD-DVR to my receiver via HDMI cable) and my DVDs look best on my X360!! Would the PE's treat it any differently from the Denon?

However, for all of the Denon fanboy love, it appears the 3808CI gets an EPIC FAIL for video processing from Home Theater Mag (Google 'Putting the "V" in your AVR)

That raises the whole question on if holding out for the HQV Reon tech vs. the more standard Faroudja DCDi. The Onkyo has HQV and it performed much better than both the Denon & Yamaha. However, the Onkyo's are just too boxy and run too hot for me, which is just not an option when looking at a cool-running ICE amp. And the Yamaha 3900 is $500 more expensive than the comparable PE or Denon, so that's out.

The Denon's upgradeable firmware is nice, but seems a little over-rated.

And then I have to keep in mind all of the great audio features that made me pick a Denon or PE in the first place...its going to drive me crazy. Would love any opinions.

[crackinhedz]

please try to keep the same subject to one thread please.

[Blu-Meanie]

I was torn between those same two receivers and chose the Denon. I don't have any regrets either. Yes the manual for the Denon leaves a little to be desired, but the audio is worth it. After a while of using it you'll feel your way around and get to know and understand it a lot better. Both units are great pieces of electronics and you won't be disapointed with purchasing either one. Search for the best deal. I got lucky with my Denon. Just upgrading to one of these units will make you glad you did.

[blu-Is]

I have had the Elite 94 for 4 months now and am completely satisfied with it. I did the same as you-researched and fretted but over the 94 and the Yammy 3800. Pick the features you need the most and don't get too caught up with the "lab" tests of the experts-both the receivers you are down to are excellent units that should give you years of pleasure-just go with the one that grabs you the most.

[welwynnick]

All the new Pioneer ICEPower AVRs (SC-05, SC-07, SC-09TX), whether using DCDi or QDEO processing, can process analogue standard defintion video up to 1080p on HDMI, but they do not process any video in the HDMI inputs.

From all accounts though, the SC-05 does seem to sound better than any other AVR in its price range, and a few above it.

[drago3451]

I have the 3808CI and found it very easy to setup. The GUI is easy to understand and the Audessey auto setup mic is fantastic. I just updated my firmware over ethernet and it took 2.5 hours. I tried the internet radio this weekend and it was pretty cool listening to stuff from different countries.

I was told that Denon in general sounds better for movies but the Pioneer was better for music. If I had the choice again I would still go with the Denon.