Help Denon or HK

Paul in Canada

I have been trying to decide on a receiver for months now and having a hard time to make up my mind. I hope that some of you more experienced people could help me out. 50/50 movie and music, I have a set of RTi8s, Paradigm center and surround. I would like to also have music on the patio. I don't need it to be super loud. I am looking at the Denon 2805 / 3805 or HK 335 /435. I of don't want to spend any more than I have to get something I will enjoy. But also do not what to regret not spending a little more. I almost settled for a Yamaha 650 but I think that I would have regretted that purchase. Thank you for any help you can offer.

cfrizz

Listen to both and then pick whichever one you like the most.

shiu

All of the models you listed will do well with the RTi8 but in Canada you have to pay almost double what people do in the U.S. for H.K. products. For that reason, I went with Denon, to get better value for the money.

Toxis

Denon will smoke it on music, movies will be pretty close. Go Denon and don't look back. MUCH more friendly to use.

aaharvel

h/k for me.

but like the denon user above- we're biased already.

i chose harmon kardon over denon because their wattage specs are rated more conservative- even though their both hi-current designs.

The denon has an all around neutral sound for music and movies- whereas the Harmon Kardon will have a warmer sound.

Me, I prefer the warmer sound to bright or neutral.

But Denon's a good brand too. they're my 3rd fav, right behind Marantz.

Good luck.

Willow

And why would you think the 650 would be a mistake ? it has pre-outs

Paul in Canada

I thank everyone for their input. I think the message that I am getting is that it is a matter of what sounds best to me. Sounds like I can't go wrong with either the HK335 or Denon 2805. Now I am even maybe reconsidering the Yam 650 which is only half the price of the other two. I hope to decide by the end of the week and I will let you know what I decided. Thanks again.

Willow

You can buy it and return it if it sounds like carp. The rule of thumb is buy the best you can afford and be sure it has pre-outs for future upgrade. It is about what your ears think. Some may say denon sounds like crap the same may say yammy is the best, yet again some one may say the oposite.

Toxis

I'd be the opposite. I wouldn't buy a Yamaha receiver at any cost, unless I could sell it. Seriously, I have heard the big dog Yammie and thought it was still very processed sounding with no life behind it. But that's me.

aaharvel

i agree with toxis 100%.

while yamaha, sony es, and onkyo can sound good with movies, again my musical tastes cater toward the warm/analog type sound, not the bright, dsp crazy sound- H/K and Marantz are my 2 favs as far as receivers go. And again, Denon sounds great for music as long as you pair it with warm sound speakers.

you could always try NAD receivers- i've never heard their sound but everyone i've talked to on here seems to like them alot.

hamzahsh

Yamaha, Denon, HK, NAD, Onkyo, Pioneer Elite, Marantz all make excellent receivers. The best thing is to find out how much you want to spend first and then the next step is to audition them. Also make sure the receiver has PRE OUTs at the back panel so you can add an amplifier later if you want more power and better sound.

OPTION# 1.
Go with the Yamaha RX-V650 because it has PRE OUTs and tons of features you'll ever need and save up for a good quality separate amp. This is one of the best options to start and build a rock solid home theater system and then advance to OPTION 3.

OPTION# 2.
If not then go with NAD or HK because they rate there power in continuous RMS not in peak watts like Yamaha, Denon and others (except there Flagship models)

OPTION# 3.
If money is not an issue then don't even bother about receivers and go for the separates in the first place and forget about the rest. If you want the best sound out of your wallet then this is your option.

Good luck!

Nelson57

Hey Paul,

What Paradigm speakers do you have as center and surrounds with the RTi8s, and how do they sound together?

I was debating between between the Monitor series and RTi series and went with Polk, but I am curious now how they might sound together.

bigsexy1

I'd rate HK a little better on music than Denon.

Also fully agree with Toxis and aahavel on Yamaha.

Paul in Canada

The surrounds are Atoms and the center is a CC-50. I have a Technics SA-AX 720 for a receiver that I purchased with the speakers about 6 years ago. The RTi8 speakers I just got last summer. Right now the Paradigms don't sound that great but I will let you know how they sound when I purchase a new receiver. The RTi8s sound much better than the old Realistic speakers I was using. I am also thinking about picking up a sub (Paradigm). Someday I will have a nice system.

Nelson57

Hey Paul

I hear you. I took me awhile to put my current system together, and I am content for awhile (I think!) Before I got the RTi based system I have now, I was looking at the Paradigm Monitor series. Thats why I was curious as to what Paradigms you had set up. Have fun and enjoy the process of putting together the system you desire.

Paul in Canada

I decided to go with the Denon 2805 and picked it up yesterday. I love it. Took me while awhile to get it hooked up last night and I still have a little tinkering to do but it sounds great. Thanks again for your comments.

aaharvel

Denon's a great brand. You'll be happy.

hamzahsh

Congrats! Paul you finally got the receiver and it does have preouts!

Excellent choice!;)

BTW, how much more you paid for your Denon 2805 than Yamaha RX-650.

In $CDN. please.:)

janmike

Welcome Paul in Canada. Congrats on the Denon. Where are you in NB. Moved to NT from NS last July. Did quite a bit of business travel around Moncton, Shediac, Fredericton & Miramashi areas.

bigsexy1

Congrats PiC. The 2805 is a great choice. Enjoy.

cfrizz

Enjoy Paul.