Denon AVR-3805 vs B&K AVR202

[bweed]

Happy New Year to all!

I'm starting my first legit setup, so I'm on a budget.

I like that the Denon is a 7.1, but then again I'll be set with only a 2.1 for a while so it's not terribly important. I also like that it is somewhat newer. I also approve of the component video aspect to the Denon, however I suppose it's not really important since I could just run the video signals straight to the TV...

While I was in college my stepfather had a B&K ST1400 powering some DefTech BP-30s and then later Martin Logan Ascents and I really liked it, so I'm partial to B&K.

What are the thoughts on these two amps? I'm thinking about pairing them with LSi9 or LSi15 (I think the 9's would be fine in my small apartment) and a powered sub (brand yet to be determined, but I always did like my old Paradigm).

Thanks in advance for the comments / advice. If anyone has another comparable receiver to add to the mix, feel free, but I'm looking for around $400 used.

[mantis]

Not even in the same breath... B&K smokes Denon in amp section in every possible way.

The 3805 is a more modern preamp section but thats not enough for me to own it.
If Lsi is your game the Denon is not.

B&K Brother

[Kex]

... Thanks in advance for the comments / advice. If anyone has another comparable receiver to add to the mix, feel free, but I'm looking for around $400 used.
Well, if you are happy with component video (not HDMI), then there are some deals for refurbished NAD at Spearit Sound. The T744 is under $400 and the T754 is just barely under $500. They have huge dynamic sound IMO, and some nice features too (five different memorized audio settings for different listening situations accessible from the remote, good quality remote with learning and macro capability as well as backlit keys, dual sub outputs, ...). I would expect them to compare very favorably to the Denon (I have an AVR3200 myself), and hopefully match up to the B&K also, but I have no experience with those (Mantis might know if that might be true or not).

Welcome to Club Polk BTW!

http://www.nadelectronics.com/img/datasheets/NAD_T744.pdf
http://www.nadelectronics.com/img/datasheets/NAD_T754.pdf
http://www.spearitsound.com/nad/nadspec.htm

[bweed]

Thanks for the suggestion Kex.

I came across this combo for sale tonight - how would you rate it compared to these?
Rotel RC-960BX preamp
Rotel RB-980BX amp

I realize this is only a 2-channel, but that might be the way to go for now...

[cfrizz]

Rotel is a terrific brand and it's musicality is hard to beat. If you can get them, GO FOR IT!!!!

[Kex]

Thanks for the suggestion Kex.

I came across this combo for sale tonight - how would you rate it compared to these?
Rotel RC-960BX preamp
Rotel RB-980BX amp

I realize this is only a 2-channel, but that might be the way to go for now...
Rotel, NAD and B&K are all a step above the fray.

There's nothing wrong with a good two channel system BTW, there's even a whole section dedicated to it here, although many might suggest otherwise if movies are your main priority. If you do go two channel, several people have had excellent experiences with the harman/kardon 3490, which sells brand new for $300 on amazon.com. Harman/kardon would not usually be considered on the same level as the other three above (more similar to Denon) but some who are very familiar with high end audiophile gear have still given the 3490 excellent reviews. Some of the NAD two channel models can usually be found new for about $400 and would also be an excellent option just within your budget.

http://www.harmankardon.com/product_detail.aspx?cat=REC&sType=C&prod=HK+3490
http://www.spearitsound.com/nad/C720Bee.asp

[bweed]

Thanks for the feedback.
I've heard some older NADs and I wasn't quite in tune with their sound. That's why I was hoping others would agree with the B&K thought I had.

The B&K is now sitting on my desk, and I'm almost giddy to find a decent pair of speakers to put with it!

[Kex]

Thanks for the feedback.
I've heard some older NADs and I wasn't quite in tune with their sound. That's why I was hoping others would agree with the B&K thought I had.

The B&K is now sitting on my desk, and I'm almost giddy to find a decent pair of speakers to put with it!
I bet you can't wait, and I bet it looks pretty gorgeous too! I'd love to hear you honest opinion on how you find it, the good and the bad.

[bikezappa]

I found operating the B&K reciever very frustrating and very complex. The sound was nice however and the help from the B&K phone people was good.

Getting B&K power amps would be fine however.

Could be that it's me, but the only other reciever I hated even more was a sony which required me to read the manual to adjust the balance control.

I have no experience with Denon operation.

Good luck.

[bweed]

I absolutely will let you know what I end up with and how I like it.

I would like a pair of LSi9s to go with it, but I'm not sure about driving 4ohm speakers. I don't believe B&K made any statement about whether or not it was rated for 4ohm sets, although I have seen it done with this exact model.

Any thoughts?

[Kex]

I absolutely will let you know what I end up with and how I like it.

I would like a pair of LSi9s to go with it, but I'm not sure about driving 4ohm speakers. I don't believe B&K made any statement about whether or not it was rated for 4ohm sets, although I have seen it done with this exact model.

Any thoughts?
Nope, I didn't see any mention of that either, even if the amplifier section seems very capable IMO. You could just try and contact them and ask, but even if they say you can do it, you may be missing out in performance, just not risking any damage, perhaps.

The LSi9 are know to dip as low as 2 ohms! Even if it will drive them, it might not do a very good job. Perhaps the LSi7 would be a better choice, since they only dip to 6 ohms, apparently, according to a recent posting here from c/s discussing this subject. You might still want to stick with RTiA though, since the LSi series are known to not do very well if they are not correctly driven. Something to consider.

Just to confuse the issue, if you only intend to use two (or even three) speakers, then that would make the load easier, and the LSi7 might be a good choice after all ...

[bweed]

Well I went a different way entirely...
I came across a set of used Magnepans and picked those up. A bit impulsive but I love electrostats.

[mantis]

I absolutely will let you know what I end up with and how I like it.

I would like a pair of LSi9s to go with it, but I'm not sure about driving 4ohm speakers. I don't believe B&K made any statement about whether or not it was rated for 4ohm sets, although I have seen it done with this exact model.

Any thoughts?

B&K receivers will handle a 4 ohm load allday everyday.