Suported Formats: HDCD, DTS 96/24, AL24+, Denon Link 3rd Edition

HDCD is relatively new and is based upon using a CODEC (compression/decompression technology) that uses 20-bit high-resolution samples as opposed to standard 16-bit CDs. HDCD does this while remaining completely compatible with standard redbook CD players. It also helps that the more than 5,000 CD titles currently using HDCD are mastered with this extra resolution in mind - and greater time spent on the recording material almost always results in a better sounding disc, regardless of the technology utilized.

AL24 is a proprietary processing system whereby an optimized analogue waveform technology is utilized to read the 192 kHz sampling frequency of DVD-Audio discs. Denon claims that AL24 Processing Plus thoroughly suppresses quantization noise associated with D/A conversion of LPCM signals. This results in the reproduction of line level signals that have the best possible clarity for the format. Denon's AVR-3805 now supports AL24 Plus on all 7.1 channels.

Break out the champagne, Denon has enabled native DVD-Audio (MLP) and SACD (DSD) support with DENON Link 3rd Edition (included on the AVR-3805 and fully active). Once approval from SACD licensers is given for transmission from Denon Link 3rd-enabled DVD players, you will finally be able to connect ONE CABLE from the player (like the DVD-5900 or future players) to the AVR-3805 (or AVR-5803).

Note: DENON has already submitted 'DENON Link 3rd Edition' to Super Audio CD licensers and content holders for the purpose of obtaining approval for transmitting multi-channel digital signals of Super Audio CD, and this is currently in the approval process. The digital transmission of Super Audio CD to the AVR-3805 or AVR-5803A from players equipped with 'DENON Link 3rd Edition' will become possible upon completion of the aforementioned approval process and at the stage where formal approval has been obtained. DENON plans to make notification concerning details of the implementation period, method and price of updates to 'DENON Link 3rd Edition' for DVD players which have been sold, and are currently equipped with 'DENON Link 2nd Edition (SE)'.

D-Link worked flawlessly for me, allowing the AVR-3805 to handle all bass management and processing for DVD-Audio as well as DVD-Video discs. Getting the D-Link connection is as easy as enabling D-Link in the DVD player (in this case the DVD-5900), setting your Digital Audio Assignment for the DVD Player to DLINK in the AVR-3805 and connecting the D-Link cable (which should be included with Denon Universal players.) In the event that you have a Denon DVD Player equipped with DENON Link 2nd Edition, you can set the DVD input to switch to the external Multi-channel inputs whenever a D-LINK signal is not present, thus allowing your player to send SACD to the AVR-3805 through its multi-channel inputs (this function is enabled by default.

The Denon AVR-3805 not only performs well, but also has an exceptional build quality for its $1199 price tag. Based on the fuse rating of 7.1 amps, we can deduce that the power transformer is around 850VA (7.1A x 120V). Taking into account amplifier and power supply efficiency and processor overhead, true output power in 7-channels all-channels-driven would be about 850 x 0.7 舑 50 = 545 Watts / 7 = 77 watts per channel assuming the receiver doesn't have built-in current limiting. It features a very hefty equal power amplifier section, with discrete output devices on all seven channels. It has a large power transformer that takes up nearly 1/6 th of the interior of the receiver and is coupled with a rectifier diode and oversized block capacitor to stabilize the power at high output levels.

The heat sink for the amplification section runs the entire length of the unit and provides ample cooling for the AVR-3805, even during extended home theater use. I ran it through several movie nights and didn't find it to be excessively hot, even directly over the heat sink.

Also, don't miss our findings on bi-amping the AVR-3805 to deliver 240 Watts per channel to your main speakers.