What is up with Denon's model number system!!!!

AsSiMiLaTeD

I'm a bit irritated by their model number system, probably just becuase I don't understand it. Are the AVR 1804 and AVR 884 the same thing, and the 1603 & 683????

Does Denon have an 'entry' level line, like the Non-ES Sony and Non-Elite Pioneer?

Where do their higher end receivers start in the numbering scheme? I've got a friend looking, and would like to pass along this information to assist.

shack

It is actually quite simple - the 1804 and the 884 are EXACTLY the same unit...in every physical aspect.

Home |Specialty
Audio |Audio

3803 = 1083
2803 = 983
1804 = 884
1604 = 684

The XX0X (Home Audio) models are sold in Hi-Fi/AV specialty outlets (including national chains like Tweeter/ HiFi Buys) and the others (Specialty Audio) are sold in larger mass market retailers. Other than the model# the only difference is in the way they list the power specs. Even though they are again EXACTLY the same specs. For the Home Audio (3803) products they will list the wpc as 110 watts per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, <.05%THD) but for the Specialty Audio (1083) the list the wpc as 150 watts per channel (6 ohms, 1 kHz, <.7%THD). This supposedly gives Denon the ability to match the wpc of the competetors in the "mass market" arena since there is a perception that they are a little more generous in their power ratings.

If you want to check this out go to Denon's web site and view the Home Audio products and the Specialty Products pages and compare them.

shack

...And if you notice, they don't do this with the 48xx and 58xx series. This is because those units aren't marketed outside the dedicated AV stores.

danger boy

Originally posted by shack
It is actually quite simple - the 1804 and the 884 are EXACTLY the same unit...in every physical aspect.

Home |Specialty
Audio |Audio

3803 = 1083
2803 = 983
1804 = 884
1604 = 684

aren't these also the production year of the receiver?

example: 3802 being from 2002
3803 being from 2003

that's the case with some Marantz receivers.. SR5000 from 2000
SR7400 from 2004, etc.

but i don't know about the current line up of Denon receivers.

or maybe i just made this all up

AsSiMiLaTeD

So I'm looking at the 1804 and the 2803, and they look similar in terms of power, around 90 WPC...

I assume the 2803 is higher end becuase of it's price tag...Is the 1804 Denon's entry level stuff???

We see Pioneer Elite and regular Pioneer receivers with the same power ratings and similar features, every day, but we all know that the 'regular' Pioneer stuff isn't even in the same league in terms of sound and quality...same with the Sony stuff...

Is this a similar situation with the Denons...and if so, where do their 'better' receivers fall in the series???

Hope this makes sense...

shack

Originally posted by danger boy
aren't these also the production year of the receiver?

example: 3802 being from 2002
3803 being from 2003

or maybe i just made this all up

Then how would you explain the 3805

So I'm looking at the 1804 and the 2803, and they look similar in terms of power, around 90 WPC...

I assume the 2803 is higher end becuase of it's price tag...Is the 1804 Denon's entry level stuff???

We see Pioneer Elite and regular Pioneer receivers with the same power ratings and similar features, every day, but we all know that the 'regular' Pioneer stuff isn't even in the same league in terms of sound and quality...same with the Sony stuff...

Is this a similar situation with the Denons...and if so, where do their 'better' receivers fall in the series???
..

The lowest model AVR that Denon makes is the 1604 (curent model) and the high end is the 5803. They do not have a regular and "elite" line. Similar in build and quality from bottom to top. The lower the line the lower the power and FEATURES. You will probably get better components as you get to the top but there is not a "high end" 5803 and a "regular" 5803. Go to http://www.usa.denon.com and do a little research.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Originally posted by shack
The lowest model AVR that Denon makes is the 1604 (curent model) and the high end is the 5803. They do not have a regular and "elite" line. Similar in build and quality from bottom to top. The lower the line the lower the power and FEATURES. You will probably get better components as you get to the top but there is not a "high end" 5803 and a "regular" 5803. Go to http://www.usa.denon.com and do a little research.

Okay, that's what i was looking for. I've done research on the Denon site, but of course they're not going to tell you "Our 1804 has as much power as the 2802, but we made it with crappier parts and it's really just not as good build quality".

Same with Sony and Pioneer, they don't tell you that, but we all know it's true...so I was trying to get a 'feel' for the Denon stuff...

Thanks for your help...

amulford

They do the same as most other manufacturers in that they build products for specific target markets. The looks will be the same, the features very similar, but the prices different.

They can appeal to a broader consumer base in this manner, and use the revenue generated to stay competitive.

Denon actually does put out a nice product. It just depends on where your willing to go with it.

silverghost

"Okay, that's what i was looking for. I've done research on the Denon site, but of course they're not going to tell you "Our 1804 has as much power as the 2802, but we made it with crappier parts and it's really just not as good build quality."
*****************

Not that you wanted to know this, but Yamaha is actually pretty up-front about their RX-V (specialty retail) and HTR (mass merchant) lines:

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/customer/faqs/av_receivers/faq00.htm

My HTR 5650 is identical to the RX-V540, yet the RX-V usually goes for a slightly higher price. :rolleyes:

AsSiMiLaTeD

Originally posted by silverghost
"Okay, that's what i was looking for. I've done research on the Denon site, but of course they're not going to tell you "Our 1804 has as much power as the 2802, but we made it with crappier parts and it's really just not as good build quality."
*****************

Not that you wanted to know this, but Yamaha is actually pretty up-front about their RX-V (specialty retail) and HTR (mass merchant) lines:

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/customer/faqs/av_receivers/faq00.htm

My HTR 5650 is identical to the RX-V540, yet the RX-V usually goes for a slightly higher price. :rolleyes:

Well that's pretty cool that they talk about that...

silverghost

The link to Yamaha's discussion of the RX-V / HTR similarities has changed.

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/customer/FAQs/faq00.htm