Denon 3800 vs. 2900

[kanicker]

Okay, heres the scoop.

1. Dropped by good guys at lunch today. Went to buy the ONE Denon 2900 they had in stock. They said they would price match the goodguys.com price. So, it would be $899. I'd have to pay tax, but I could get is right there, and take it back if I was displeased.

2. Took a gander at the floor model clearance table. LO AND BEHOLD there was a 3800 sitting therewith no remote for $499!!!

HMMMMMMMMMM. I always considered the 3800 too far out of my league. But I had to make a decision on the spot.

3. Got the 3800. I also got them to knock down the price $25, so I could rationalize the $99 ESP.

4. This unit is HEAVY, extremely well built. Its in excellent shape, not a flaw or a scratch. But like I said. No remote.

I'm going to demo and test out during the next two weeks. I'll be preparing a reivew to post here. But in the meantime... what do you all think, did I make the right choice... should I go back and get the 2900?

:)

[polkatese]

if you get a unit with no skipping and locking, then you are in for a treat. Check the manufacturing build date, anything after October 2002 tend to be less likely to have those problems. Also, if you run into those problems, you can send it back to Denon to have its laser pickup be replaced. These two machines supposed to be in different class. 2900 is a replacement for 2800 Mark II, and a replacement for 3800 will be introduced sometime in fall (don't hold your breath, though since I think it's going to be more like end of the year, based on Denon's track record) I own a 3800, picture and audio qualities are exemplary.

[brettw22]

Wasn't the 3800 a model that's had to be re-worked so many times that (for the 2900) they started from scratch. I know I saw this in another thread, but didn't the 3800 have issues with the Chroma Bug?

[dthomps]

Brett- Not sure about the 3800 but I think what you said also applied to the 2800. That might be which one you mean. I think the upper end Denon units (well, most of them actually) are great. Man I wish I had the cash for that 3800, a real steal if you ask me. Maybe you should hold onto it for a while, until the 2900's price drops, and then turn around and sell the 3800? I mean if you did that, you could probably get what you paid for it! Take it easy. Mike

[polkatese]

Brett,
3800 do not have chroma bug issue, but it has the skipping and locking issues, depending on the build date. 2900 use 3800 chassis, add SACD, take away HDCD and 24 bit ALC Processing (or something like that)...

[kanicker]

Chasis look similar from the front, but the top construction is clearly different (and the heft).

Is there a test DVD that might best illustrate the locking problems? I have'nt run into problems yet. I guess Ill realy have to put it through its paces to be sure...

So far looks like its a keeper, I'll be back with a mini review by the end of the weekend.

[kanicker]

I took the 3800 back. It needs to be serviced (sent back to Denon). I did get lockups during layer changes and the chroma bug was still present.

If anyone want to go through the hassle, its back at Good Guys in Sacramento for $499.

[Dr. Spec]

Polkatese nailed it.

You got an older 3800 that had none of the upgrades. The 3800 has been revised so many times it is practically a new design.

The 2900 is based on an entirely new chassis and laser pick-up. Denon gave the engineers a clean sheet on this unit.

I'll be picking up my 2900 this week - you just reminded me to call the dealer!

Doc