Comparison: Denon 3803 versus H/K 247

dbaldus

*****Looking mainly for processing comparisons!*****

Here is a link to the Denon 3803's specs:
http://www.usa.denon.com/AVR3803_productsheet.pdf

Here is a link to the H/K 247's specs:
http://www.harmankardon.com/specifications.aspx?Region=USA&Country=US&Language=ENG&cat=REC&ser=&prod=AVR%20247&sType=

What does everyone think? Are these two receivers comparable, or am I comparing a high end Denon to an entry-level H/K? I've had a hard time finding any information on the 3803 which makes me pretty nervous, so if anyone has had any experience with it please chime in.

What would the major difference between the two receivers be? I'm not sure which would be the better receiver and I can get both for the same price. Because I can get either one for the same price, I'm mainly interested in how the processing would compare between the two for both 2ch music and HT? HDMI functionality is NOT a big deal for me, so don't worry about that. Any input would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

AndyGwis

You might get a little more power from the Denon, but not much, and I think you'd lose out on some functionality (HDMI, newer processing formats, etc.).

I think (despite the lower model number on HK and low HK prices) that it would ultimately be a fairly lateral move and not worth the trouble of switching and recalibrating.

But, I'm probably in the minority. If you like the functionality of the HK but want more power, find a good 2-3 channel used amp and try it out. That would be a marked upgrade, and unlike dumping your current receiver for a loss only to get another receiver that will just depreciate and may not sound better, used amps are about the safest investment in audio.

As always, B&K would be at the top of my list for a budget 2/3 channel amp. Some models go for $200-$300 used and are more than respectable.

dbaldus

AndyGwis wrote: »

You might get a little more power from the Denon, but not much, and I think you'd lose out on some functionality (HDMI, newer processing formats, etc.).

I think (despite the lower model number on HK and low HK prices) that it would ultimately be a fairly lateral move and not worth the trouble of switching and recalibrating.

But, I'm probably in the minority. If you like the functionality of the HK but want more power, find a good 2-3 channel used amp and try it out. That would be a marked upgrade, and unlike dumping your current receiver for a loss only to get another receiver that will just depreciate and may not sound better, used amps are about the safest investment in audio.

As always, B&K would be at the top of my list for a budget 2/3 channel amp. Some models go for $200-$300 used and are more than respectable.

Thanks for the advice. I'm now at the point where I can get either one of the receivers for the same price, so I'm wondering which will have better processing capabilities? As I mentioned, HDMI functionality is not important to me so I'm mainly just interested in sound quality. At this point, I'm not ready to drop the money on an external amp either...

Its interesting that you mentioned that the HK might have "newer processors in it" - do you think that those newer ones would be better than what was is in the 3803?

I hate to be fooled by the pricetag, but with the HK selling for ~$500 new and the Denon selling for ~$1000 new, it seems that Denon would have had more money to put towards better processors. Have I been fooled, or would you agree with that?

cfrizz

Archived link for the 3803.

http://www.usa.denon.com/ArchivedAVReceivers.asp?archivedModelSearch=true&clearCurrent=true&archivedCategory=AV&archivedModel=AVR-3803&imageField.x=15&imageField.y=11

WilliamM2

Are you buying these used? That Denon is a 2002 model. The newer formats he is referring to are Dolby True HD and DTS-MA. Neither model has them, and the Denon doesn't even have Dolby PLIIX or DTS Neo6, which have both been available for years. It's extremely outdated.

Maybe it would be better if you stated your budget, and someone could recommend a receiver.

cfrizz

Will, I believe you're mistaken about the Denon. I took this from Denon's archive page.

Yes it is outdated by todays standards. However, I didn't use half of the stuff with my even older Denon 3802.

"Dolby Digital Surround EX, Pro Logic II decoding with Cinema and Music Modes • DTS Extended Surround Discrete 6.1 decoding • DTS Extended Surround Matrix 6.1 decoding • DTS Neo:6 Cinema & Music Surround decoding • DTS ES 96/24 5.1 decoding for DVD Video • New DDSC-Digital featuring Analog Devices Melody 100 (HammerHead SHARC) 32 bit floating point DSP processor."

dbaldus

cfrizz wrote: »

Archived link for the 3803.

http://www.usa.denon.com/ArchivedAVReceivers.asp?archivedModelSearch=true&clearCurrent=true&archivedCategory=AV&archivedModel=AVR-3803&imageField.x=15&imageField.y=11

Thanks for the link, but I think you guys are misunderstanding my question here.

I'm not interested in a comparison of the different processing CAPABILITIES between the HK and the Denon, I'm interested in which will have BETTER processing. So, I'm not looking for a list that says "the HK will do this but the Denon will not" or something like that.

Let me know if this is a dumb question, but I'm assuming that not all processors are created equally. The reason I think this is because I have had my DVD players use their DACs instead of my receiver and it sounds a helluva lot better than if the receiver does the conversion because the processing in the DVD players are better.

What I'm wondering about is if one of the units will have a much better processor than the other - I just assumed that the Denon would because it is more expensive and seems to be a fairly high end Denon versus an entry level HK.

Sorry for the confusion... and I'd appreciate your thoughts on this now that I've clarified what my question actually is

ben62670

I had an HK247, and it was a great receiver. Very nice tone for audio. HK under rates their watts. 50 watts HK is like 100 most other receivers. HK has HDMI.
Happy hunting.
Ben

cheddar

dbaldus wrote: »

What I'm wondering about is if one of the units will have a much better processor than the other - I just assumed that the Denon would because it is more expensive and seems to be a fairly high end Denon versus an entry level HK.

I think that you will have to find an owner of both to get the answer to this question. Someone who's done a careful listening test with both units. However, it's probably unlikely that you will find someone who's 'upgraded' to the HK as there are better choices out there in the higher price ranges of the original 3803.

I know others believe the 3803 is outdated, but if you really don't want to take advantage of things like blu-ray, it's a fine performer for regular dvd home theater and does indeed have PLII and NEO6 as CFRIZZ pointed out (I have used them both on mine).

Do you already have the HK in your sig? If you do, you're going to either move it to new duty or sell it. Why not just get the denon at the low price you're talking about and do the comparison yourself. It's probably the only way you're going to know for sure if you like the Burr-Browns in the Denon.