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Denon AVR-3805 Receiver Review

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by Clint DeBoer — last modified June 08, 2004 20:00
Denon AVR-3805 Receiver Review

Denon AVR-3805

Summary

  • Product Name: AVR-3805
  • Manufacturer: Denon
  • Performance Rating: StarStarStarStarhalf-star
  • Value Rating: StarStarStarStarhalf-star
  • Review Date: June 08, 2004
  • MSRP: $1200
Specifications

Surround Formats: Dolby Digital Surround EX, Pro Logic IIx (Cinema, Music and Game Modes), dts ES Discrete 6.1 and Matrix 6.1, dts Neo:6, dts ES 96/24, HDCD

DSP: Analog Devices HammerHead SHARC 32 bit floating point DSP processor

Power Ratings
 120 watts per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, <.05%THD)
160 watts per channel (6 ohms, 1 kHz, <.7%THD)

Audio DACs: 16 Burr-Brown PCM-1791 24-bit/192 kHz on all eight channels, in differential configuration

Audio ADCs: 24-bit/192 kHz Burr-Brown PCM-1804 on all Stereo analog inputs (Not EXT. Inputs)

Crossover: 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 150, 200, 250Hz

Remote: EL backlighting pre-programmed/learning remote

Video Inputs: 3 (assignable) 100MHz Component Video, 7 sets composite and s-video inputs

Video Outputs: 100MHz Component video output, 3 composite and s-video outputs, Multi-Zone composite video output

Audio Inputs: 7.1 external wide bandwidth (100 kHz) multi-channel inputs, 5/7 Channel Stereo, DENON Link 3rd (SACD & DVD-Audio compatible), 7 assignable digital inputs (5 optical, 2 coaxial), 10 analog inputs

Audio Outputs: 2 optical digital outputs, 2 multi-zone stereo pre-amp level audio outputs, fixed or variable level

Additional Connections: RS-232C port for third party control Systems, remote I/O ports, 2 assignable +12V triggers, detachable power cord

Dimensions: 17.1" W   x 6.7" H x 16.4" D


Pros

  • DENON Link 3rd Edition
  • Component video up-conversion with OSD
  • Three (3) HDTV-compatible component video inputs
  • Can bi-amp front speakers for 240 wpc (5.1 only)
  • Bass output in 2-channel direct mode!
  • Lip Sync delay
  • Can monitor video other than audio source

Cons

  • Auto Setup doesn’t set crossover point
  • No IEEE 1394/Firewire interface
  • Aggressive Room EQ (boosts up to +9 dB)
  • No digital sources output to Zone 2/3

Introduction

The review of the Denon AVR-3805 has been a long time in coming, but we have assembled what we hope will be an informative document that does its best to take you through what it's like to own this 7.1 receiver. Our intent is to bring you the most detailed information possible and put forth both the positive and the negatives to present a well-rounded look at this next-generation home theater control center.
  1. AVR-3805 Features
  2. AVR-3803 vs. AVR-3805 Features and Listening Room
  3. AVR-3806 First Impressions
  4. Setting Up the AVR-3805 Receiver: Manual and Auto Setup
  5. AVR-3805 Automatic Parametric EQ Modes
  6. Parametric Room EQ Settings Evaluation
  7. Denon RC-969 Electroluminescent (EL) Universal Remote Control
  8. Music and Movie Theater Modes - DSP Simulation
  9. Suported Formats: HDCD, DTS 96/24, AL24+, Denon Link 3rd Edition
  10. Receiver Listening Tests: Two-Channel & Multi-Channel
  11. AVR-3805 Review Summary and Conclusions
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