Denon 3805 vs. HK 630
MrNightly
Posts: 3,370
First off, I'm not an expert at reviewing, so if I use the wrong terminology, bare with my feeble attempts to say what I felt! I didn't test music, as I don't listen to much if any on the rig... solely HT so that's where I devoted my time.
The Defendant: Denon 3805
The Challenger: HK 630
Speakers: Polk RTi8's, CSi5 and RTi4's for speakers, with a SVS PB12-NSD/2 as the sub.
Source: Pioneer DV-578A Universal CDP
Cables: Monster
The 3805 was the first AVR I have ever purchased, and it is the staple of my HT. I had everything pressured to 80dB's with the analog SPL meter and the SVS running about +3 hot for HT usage.
First up, I popped in a THX demo from PolkThug and pushed the 3805 thru the motions. Very crisp sound, what I'm used to for the past 1.5 years. Detailed is a good word that comes to mind. I ran it at -10dB's for the entire demo, and it effortlessly completed the course.
Enters the challenger. I bought the 630 for a buddy of mine, and wanted to demo it before it left the house... I didn't honestly expect much, because I got it pretty darn cheap and didn't think it could hold a flame to the Denon. I have to say, what I heard just blew me away... it was a MUCH softer sound, very relaxed and laid back... but the Bass was top notch. It felt like a refined, elegant sound, but lacked the detail. I would say that the edges of the sound were rounded off, would be a good way to put it. After calibrating it to the same as the 3805 I rocked the house with the pod race from Episode 1.
Top notch sound... really it was. I didn't expect such quality from the 630. For the price I paid ($300) compared to the ($600) for the 3805, I was impressed.
My wife didn't like the sound as well on the HK and commented that it just lacked the "Brightness" that the Denon pushed out. I know the RTi speakers are already forward to some, but the HK just made them way too relaxed for me...
Both unit's ran rather warm, (I am seeking to add a Nice 5 channel amp down the road to take the stress of the HT AVR) even though the HK has superior ventilation on both the top and sides. I've included pictures of them side by side for the shoot out. The 630 is much sleeker, and I loved the blue LED behind the volume knob. Both are extremely easy to calibrate and set up properly.
The Challenger gave a noble fight, but in the end, the Denon regained his place on the rack... I was very impressed with the power of the HK. It pushed the speaker's with a whole lot less effort it seemed, and -10dB's was slightly louder than the same on the Denon.
The remote on the Denon is new age cool. Backlit and eats your batteries for lunch!!! Once you learn how to work it, you'll be golden. The HK remote was extremely easy to use, with solid buttons and very easy programming... I am going with the Denon just for wow factor though
Overall, it was a fun hour of shaking the house, and I am happy with the results.
Now I just need a good amp to push the speaker's to their potential!!!
The Defendant: Denon 3805
The Challenger: HK 630
Speakers: Polk RTi8's, CSi5 and RTi4's for speakers, with a SVS PB12-NSD/2 as the sub.
Source: Pioneer DV-578A Universal CDP
Cables: Monster
The 3805 was the first AVR I have ever purchased, and it is the staple of my HT. I had everything pressured to 80dB's with the analog SPL meter and the SVS running about +3 hot for HT usage.
First up, I popped in a THX demo from PolkThug and pushed the 3805 thru the motions. Very crisp sound, what I'm used to for the past 1.5 years. Detailed is a good word that comes to mind. I ran it at -10dB's for the entire demo, and it effortlessly completed the course.
Enters the challenger. I bought the 630 for a buddy of mine, and wanted to demo it before it left the house... I didn't honestly expect much, because I got it pretty darn cheap and didn't think it could hold a flame to the Denon. I have to say, what I heard just blew me away... it was a MUCH softer sound, very relaxed and laid back... but the Bass was top notch. It felt like a refined, elegant sound, but lacked the detail. I would say that the edges of the sound were rounded off, would be a good way to put it. After calibrating it to the same as the 3805 I rocked the house with the pod race from Episode 1.
Top notch sound... really it was. I didn't expect such quality from the 630. For the price I paid ($300) compared to the ($600) for the 3805, I was impressed.
My wife didn't like the sound as well on the HK and commented that it just lacked the "Brightness" that the Denon pushed out. I know the RTi speakers are already forward to some, but the HK just made them way too relaxed for me...
Both unit's ran rather warm, (I am seeking to add a Nice 5 channel amp down the road to take the stress of the HT AVR) even though the HK has superior ventilation on both the top and sides. I've included pictures of them side by side for the shoot out. The 630 is much sleeker, and I loved the blue LED behind the volume knob. Both are extremely easy to calibrate and set up properly.
The Challenger gave a noble fight, but in the end, the Denon regained his place on the rack... I was very impressed with the power of the HK. It pushed the speaker's with a whole lot less effort it seemed, and -10dB's was slightly louder than the same on the Denon.
The remote on the Denon is new age cool. Backlit and eats your batteries for lunch!!! Once you learn how to work it, you'll be golden. The HK remote was extremely easy to use, with solid buttons and very easy programming... I am going with the Denon just for wow factor though
Overall, it was a fun hour of shaking the house, and I am happy with the results.
Now I just need a good amp to push the speaker's to their potential!!!
Honoured to be, an original SOPA founding member
Stuff...
RTi12's - front
CSi5 - center
FXi3's - surrounds
RTi4's - surrounds
SVS PB12-NSD/2 - sub
Denon 3805
Rotel RB-985 5-Channel Amplifier
Stuff...
RTi12's - front
CSi5 - center
FXi3's - surrounds
RTi4's - surrounds
SVS PB12-NSD/2 - sub
Denon 3805
Rotel RB-985 5-Channel Amplifier
Post edited by MrNightly on
Comments
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HK630
Denon 3805 (Don't know why it looks scratched, it's as minty as when I got it
Must be the camera angle)
With remotes
The Winner
Honoured to be, an original SOPA founding member
Stuff...
RTi12's - front
CSi5 - center
FXi3's - surrounds
RTi4's - surrounds
SVS PB12-NSD/2 - sub
Denon 3805
Rotel RB-985 5-Channel Amplifier -
Nice write up my man but I have to ask...what do you listen to music on?
BTW-nice set-up you have there bro.
A seperate amp will make you forget about your wifes new hairdo.HT SYSTEM-
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's -
I have had a 3805 for a little over 2 years and it has been a great receiver. My remote took a dump about 6 months ago- one of the pages on it doesn't light up- the one where you pick your source. I bought a harmony 880 and have no problems now. This receiver does everything I ask of it and I can see it staying in my rack for the forseeable future. I still prefer the overall sound of my Yamaha DSP-A1 but for features and convenience it is the Denon all the way. I am using 3 Boston VR-M60's for the front and VR-MX's in the rear with a SVS 20-39 PC.
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I agree about getting a Harmony remote. I use one.engtaz
I love how music can brighten up a bad day. -
Nice write up my man but I have to ask...what do you listen to music on?
BTW-nice set-up you have there bro.
A separate amp will make you forget about your wifes new hairdo.
Eh, I'll pop in a CD or two on the main rig, but usually just a small boom box downstairs when I work out, and that's about it...
Ya, a nice amp will improve things 100% I'm sure!!!Honoured to be, an original SOPA founding member
Stuff...
RTi12's - front
CSi5 - center
FXi3's - surrounds
RTi4's - surrounds
SVS PB12-NSD/2 - sub
Denon 3805
Rotel RB-985 5-Channel Amplifier -
MrNightly...I was wondering about all that racket I was hearing in Shawnee. Now I know it was you. Where can one get a demo DVD for system set up and tweaking? I have a separate post asking about the HK 7000. I have never owned HK and don't get their product lines...between like 600 and then the 7000, 7200 and 7400. Is 600 range just older? I have been trying to see what my new separates do and have been using the scene in WOTW when the machines bust through the ground and also the scene in Aliens when there is the first battle with the aliens (though why they are the aliens I am not sure). Sorry to digress.
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No surprise for me here. Denon's home theater receivers are nearly unbeatable, once you get to the 380x series and above. So far, I've seen no reason to upgrade my 4802.For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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I've seen that 630 before...:D
I'm glad your having fun with it. The 630 was pretty nice with music. Not too fatiguing. The amp section in the 630 is top notch! It never seemed taxed and always had control over the woofers. I've never compared it with a denon receiver though. Nice review.2 Channel
Vandersteen 3a Sigs
Music Reference RM-200
Hovland HP-100
VPI Scout w/ Benz Ace
Rotel RCD-1072
Cardas Golden Reference Speaker Cables
Cardas Golden Reference Interconnects
Cardas Golden Power Cords
PS Audio UPC-200HB
Black Diamond Racing Isolation -
Nice write up Nightly!Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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Whats your address? Im going to send you a new movie to demo your HT rig from now on. No one should have to subject themselves to that crap more than once - and once is painful enough.
Nice review though.Do you hear that buzzing noise?
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Monster Jam wrote: »Whats your address? Im going to send you a new movie to demo your HT rig from now on. No one should have to subject themselves to that crap more than once - and once is painful enough.
Nice review though.
What crap? The pod race? I found it to be a great bass demo scene... of course, if you really want to send me a movie, I won't turn it down
Honoured to be, an original SOPA founding member
Stuff...
RTi12's - front
CSi5 - center
FXi3's - surrounds
RTi4's - surrounds
SVS PB12-NSD/2 - sub
Denon 3805
Rotel RB-985 5-Channel Amplifier -
Yeah, "crap" being tongue-in-cheek. I was SOOOOO disappointed in Episode I. It really is unwatchable.
I demo my HT to Gladiator DTS, Blade II DTS, or Black Hawk Down Superbit DTS.Do you hear that buzzing noise? -
FWIW, I now own 2 HK a 335 and a 340 ! They kick major butt. Not to mention that my rti8's and my csi3 are powered by monoblocks@200wpc.
I have to admit that rock music sounds like **** even with the HK and marantz monos. Very bright. We had it cranked 2 weekends ago to -15db. Speaks had no problem keeping up with the music but it was 10pm and I had to wear shades it was so bright. That is when my wife said we need new speakers for the living room in the new house. At that point I don't know what was brighter the music or my smile !:D
You won't regret the HK -
ROTFLMAO!!!!:D Just what a guy likes to hear huh?:DFWIW, I now own 2 HK a 335 and a 340 ! They kick major butt. Not to mention that my rti8's and my csi3 are powered by monoblocks@200wpc.
I have to admit that rock music sounds like **** even with the HK and marantz monos. Very bright. We had it cranked 2 weekends ago to -15db. Speaks had no problem keeping up with the music but it was 10pm and I had to wear shades it was so bright. That is when my wife said we need new speakers for the living room in the new house. At that point I don't know what was brighter the music or my smile !:D
You won't regret the HKMarantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2 -
I guess it's what you are used to. Different parts of the food chain, HK235 only driving the surrounds, vs Denon 2307CI. HT/digital is a wash, they sound different, the Denon might have a bit deeper soundstage, but its balanced and detailed. For music I only listen to MCH and 2 channel direct...it sounds much better on both units, but the soundstage, punch and detail of the HK is head and shoulders better than the Denon, which sounds flat, rolled off highs and the surrounds have disappeared. It's like someone put a blanket over the system. I've only had the unit a few days and I'll continue tweaking, but if my impression doesn't change, I won't keep the Denon. Even in Pure Direct, it's changed the output of of the Carver, not sure why? It's supposed to be a straight pass through...
Combo rig:
Onkyo NR1007 pre-pro, Carver TFM 45(fronts), Carver TFM 35 (surrounds)
SDA 1C, CS400i, SDA 2B
PB13Ultra RO
BW Silvers
Oppo BDP-83SE -
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rolling on the floor laughing my **** off, I believe.Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850 -
I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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Yep...the RTis can get a tad fatigueing when the guitars start to wail...nice wifeI have to admit that rock music sounds like **** even with the HK and marantz monos. Very bright. We had it cranked 2 weekends ago to -15db. Speaks had no problem keeping up with the music but it was 10pm and I had to wear shades it was so bright.
You won't regret the HK . Mine keeps asking me why we keep getting bigger instead of smaller like all her friends.
Combo rig:
Onkyo NR1007 pre-pro, Carver TFM 45(fronts), Carver TFM 35 (surrounds)
SDA 1C, CS400i, SDA 2B
PB13Ultra RO
BW Silvers
Oppo BDP-83SE -
Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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Ron Temple wrote: »Yep...the RTis can get a tad fatigueing when the guitars start to wail...nice wife . Mine keeps asking me why we keep getting bigger instead of smaller like all her friends.
She would prefer in wall but I think we might go lsi7 or 9s in the future. -
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I agree about getting a Harmony remote. I use one.
Anyone wants a 880 remote can just sit outside my window and catch mine when I throw the piece of crap out the **** window. I hate it, I hate the software, I hate the buttons and layout and I even hate the **** name harmony. Screw you Harmony! Thats right I said it, screw you.
MrNightly nice to read your write up. Sounds like you have upgrade on your mind. That is a tough urge to fight;)The Flea rig
Hitachi 50VG825 LCD
Rotel RSP 1066 (pre)-flea market
B&K St-202 (mains)-flea market
Carver M 200t (x2) (center and surrounds)-flea market
Blu-Ray..PS3 (dvd player)
Polk RTA-11t-flea market
LsiC, Fxi30's
Dual SVS PC-Utra's (1 port blocked) thanks MikeC78
Behringer Feedback Destroyer-flea market
AudioAlchemy DDE v1.0 DAC-flea market
Cambridge Audio Azur 640 CDP-flea market
Signal Cable and Kimber Kable -
You read threads good I almost forgot about that post LOLengtaz
I love how music can brighten up a bad day. -
Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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Anyone wants a 880 remote can just sit outside my window and catch mine when I throw the piece of crap out the **** window. I hate it, I hate the software, I hate the buttons and layout and I even hate the **** name harmony. Screw you Harmony! Thats right I said it, screw you.
MrNightly nice to read your write up. Sounds like you have upgrade on your mind. That is a tough urge to fight;)
Ya, Kevin, it really is. But I will resist for as long as I possibly can!
Probably end of this year, I'll get me a nice Amp to compliment the system... Until then, The Denon will do the job!
Cheers!Honoured to be, an original SOPA founding member
Stuff...
RTi12's - front
CSi5 - center
FXi3's - surrounds
RTi4's - surrounds
SVS PB12-NSD/2 - sub
Denon 3805
Rotel RB-985 5-Channel Amplifier
