denon 3805 or HK 7200

Ginkus Kahn

help me out...which is the preferred choice among you audio clones?

ch47d

I will warn you, I have a strong Denon bias.
The 3805 has an autosetup feature that adjusts speaker level and equalizer settings for each speaker. I don't believe the HK adjusts anything other than individual speaker level (altho the mic in the remote thing is really cool) I have not tried pricing the HK but going from MSRP it appears the 3805 is much cheaper. If you check out www.avsforum.com there is a huge thread entitled "psuedo 3805 thread" that will give you an idea of how many people have already bought one and what they think of it.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Of the two I like the HK better. To be honest, I've listened to lots of Denon stuff and the only one I really liked was the 3801, for whatever reason.

The HK is less expensive, you can snag ir for around $700 online if you look. Frys here in Dallas had them for $499 a while back... I think the Denon still runs around a grand and you have to buy the mic separately if I understand correctly.

Ultimately it's your choice to decide which sound you like better...

I know you've only mentioned those 2, but along those price lines I'd also check out the Yamaha RXV-2400 and maybe something by NAD...

Early B.

Go with HK. They're equally good for HT, but the HK definitely has a cleaner sound for music.

LuSh

$499 for the HK 7200? The MSRP is about $2k if I'm not mistaken. I'd only buy from an authorized dealer, HK's build quality has been a serious issue since they moved all production to China.

They are much more powerfull and will handle most loads.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Originally posted by LuSh
$499 for the HK 7200? The MSRP is about $2k if I'm not mistaken. I'd only buy from an authorized dealer, HK's build quality has been a serious issue since they moved all production to China.

They are much more powerfull and will handle most loads.

Yep $499...I missed the sale though, sort of...anyway you can find online new for around $750 or so...

I've heard about quality issues with the HK, but have never experienced any problems myself...

kingtut

I had the 7200 for about 3 wks.
Like: powerful & musical. Dislike: runs hot, and like many of the receivers, lose about 1 second of the music/sound during the layer changeover. I have the 525 now, same strong points & weaknesses.

ch47d

lose about 1 second of the music/sound during the layer changeover.

That sounds like a DVD player problem, not a reciever problem.

kingtut

It's the receiver, not the DVD player. I have two different brands DVD player, and they both are doing the same thing. Many members have reported on HT Forum and AVS Forum that receivers from Marantz, NAD, H/K, some of the Pioneer Elite, some B&K, some Rotels all have the one second delay during the changeover. It's not uncommon.

Early B.

My HK 525 does the same thing -- it takes a second or two to change over from say DD PLII to DTS or whatever. The Denons I've owned didn't do it. Since the receiver does this automatically, I haven't figured out a way to fix it. A minor annoyance.

hamzahsh

If you're not planning to buy an AMP and want better power supply then go for HK 7200. It uses Torroidal Transformer, like many High Current AMPs and high-end receiver uses. The power rating on HK 7200 is 7x100w all channels driven simultaneously at any given time which means capable of running difficult speaker loads as well, for e.g., running 4 ohm speakers. High current power also improves the sound quality as well at higher listening volume with less distortion. You'll also notice more bass and midrange performance out of your speakers. More clearer and detailed sound. Denon 3805 is more like 7x45w watts all channels driven. Now that doesn't mean Denon 3805 is weak. 3805 has better processing and more features than HK.

Now 3805 has DPLIIx. It has more quicker processing than HK 7200. HK are normally slower in processing.

If you're are planning to add an external AMP in future then go with Denon 3805. This way you'll get better processing and more power, same as what I did. If not then go with HK 7200. I personally don't like HK because of there poor reliability issues. I've read tons of complains and issues from HK owners. I'm not saying every single unit but normally more chances of getting lemon. If you do get one, get an extended warranty, just in case.

The bottom line is HK has power then Denon 3805 unless you go for Denon 4802 or 5803. Denon 3805 has more robust processing similar to other Japanese receivers like, Yamaha, Onkyo, Marantz and Pioneer Elite. HKs are slower in processing. If you to plan run your speakers at small setting and crossed them at 80hz and use SUB for bass then Denon 3805 is more than enough. If I were you, I would go with 3805 and later add a quality 2-ch or multi-channel AMP using pre-outs.

I personally own Yamaha RX-V1400 and use external AMPs for true power.
Nothing comes close to the power of separate AMPs.!

My 2 cents!