Pulling the trigger on Denon 4802r or 47TX. Need HELP!!

[pcgorilla]

I have researched for hours, days, weeks. I have printed both manuals and studied them. I have listened to both and cannot decide before pulling the trigger.

My new home (being built) is almost ready. I have wired for 5.1 in the traditional format, which is front L,C,R. Rear L,R in the corners. I have also pre-wired (in wall) for 2 rear center and 2 side surrounds. I will start off with the 5.1 setup but want at some time in the furure to extend it to 7.1 and beyond, using all my speakers.

I have a few questions:

1. Looking at the Denon, I can hook up all 9 speakers. Looks like with the pioneer, I cannot.

2. Is the MCAAC useful? Or is it a gimmick.

I am interested primarily in hooking up all 9 speakers at some point, sound QUALITY and crispness. I know both have all the power I will need, I am just torn between the two. I will have Polk LSI speakers throughout and a new Mits Diamond 65" (2004 with DVI, due out next month). I want the best picture AND the best sound possible. I will do about 80% Movies and DTV.

Please help me decide between the two. I don't want to hear about HK, or get into a brand war. These are my two choices.

Also, the Poineer 47tx is a full 18 pounds heavier!! Why so much heavier?

Thanks much!!

[Dr. Spec]

Ask Mantis if the 4802R will drive the LSi series cleanly. While Denon says its AVRs will drive a 4 ohm load, his experience suggests otherwise, and it may run quite hot or even shut off.

Overall, the LSi is NOT a receiver-friendly speaker and really calls out for a beefy external high-current amp to make the best of it.

You cannot run all 9 speakers at the same time with the Denon. That option is for a second set of side surrounds for SACD and DVD-A, if you prefer, for example, monopoles for high res music and bipoles for HT. You can only select between the two.

Except for the THX certification (which has dubious value), the 4802R really offers little in the form of usable power or features over the 3803.

The Pioneer does not have the front end DSP and DACs quality of the Denons, but reportedly has the edge in the amp section and the ability to better handle a 4 ohm load.

The MCACC is not a gimmick and works well for people who do not own an SPL meter and who do not want to take the time to manually balance all the speakers and the sub.

If you are set on these two AVRs, fine. But I think you will find the consensus is to drive the LSi, you would be better served by a B&K AVR507.

Doc

[brettw22]

PC,

Agreed with Doc on the B&K stuff. I know you said you don't want to hear about other brands, but for the money that you'd be spending, you'd find that the B&K will absolutly SMASH both of these choices, and is right at about the same price point. The biggest benefit with the B&K line is that it's fully upgradeable, so you don't have to worry about upgrading yet again when they release new software, dacs, etc. etc.....

Since you're going to be running 4ohm speakers, the Pioneer would be the one that you want to get. The Denon would be fine if you were to be setting it up with 8ohm speaks. Mantis has indicated several times that the Denon has a really irritating soundstage with 4ohm speakers, but have no fear, he'll chime in here in a bit.

[pcgorilla]

thanks for the input!!

I'll keep researching.

[botany]

Did I see this question in another Forum?

Botany

[rwrvpem]

I have to agree with everyone else on this one. I have a '4802 (no R) and love it, but I drive RT2000i's with it. It has alot of power and great features, but I don't think I would try driving 4-ohm speakers with it. (Not what it is made for.) Denon only rates it down to 6 ohm.

You really need to look into B&K if you want a receiver or go seperates like Rotell or similar.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

Rick

[goingganzo]

if you want 7.1 this is my plan a adcom fga 7607 7 channel amp 125 per channel and a rotle 1066 pre. it has the dts es and the tt ex unlike the adcom


this you can all get for about 3k plus cabbles with you can get some good sigonal cabbles for about 250