Denon receiver choice... can I have some advice?

[Tsayid]

Hello everyone!

Currently my setup is RTi8 mains, CSi3 center, and RTi4 surrounds, all of which are running off of a Denon 1604 (70 watts output).

I really like the sound of my setup, but what I plan to move up to are Rti12's with a higher end Denon and then either biamping the 12's with a B&K 200 watt amp to the lows, and the Denon to the highs, or just running the 12's off the amp. Incidentally, I'll certainly be upgrading to the CSi5 center soon.

I had planned on getting the 3805 receiver by upgrading from Tweeter every four months until I hit that goal, but an opportunity has come up where I could get a 4802 for ~$1,000.

Is there anyone out there who has extensive knowledge of Denons and can give me information that isn't easily found by reading through the manuals and looking at stats. What I mean is that I can easily compare the statistics of the two, but does anyone have any experience with these receivers on the 12's that can tell me what they thought of them?

Thanks for your time!

[nebborjk]

There are several people on this forum with knowledge of Denon receivers; I however am not one of them. Have you tried the search feature yet? Denon receivers are frequently discussed here. Your answers could be closer than you think.

[Early B.]

If you like Denon, then hold out for the 3805. Make sure you demo it, though. The 3805 will sound different than your 1604, but you may or may not appreciate the difference. I owned an 1803 and demoed the 3803 in my home, but actually preferred the sound of the 1803. Go figure.

FWIW, just run the 12's off the amp only.

[Early B.]

Oh yeah, there's a great deal on a 3803 in the flea market. IMO, it's not worth the extra $400 cost differential between the 3805 and the 3803.

[Tsayid]

Early B.,

You don't think that the 4802, which is a "step up" from the 3805 would be a good purchase at less than the normal price of a 3805? Can you give me your thoughts on that?

[Early B.]

Probably wouldn't matter much, especially if you're powering the mains with an amp. The 3805, though, has up-to-date features that the 4802 just ain't got, such as auto calibration and PLIIx. However, if I had to choose, I'd save myself some money and get a used 3803.

[rskarvan]

Definitely go for the 4802 if you have the chance. It has a decent amp in it. The 38xx series is wimpy in the amp section -- those hundred ten watts just don't cut it (not enough dynamic head room). The 4802 is much, much better.