Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Technical Questions Denon DAC's - difference?

All,

I'm looking to upgrade my receiver in the very near future and have determined that I want to go with either the Denon 2805 or 3805. The receivers seem almost identical (aside from output 100w vs 120w) but one thing that I don't understand since I have been out of the HT game for awhile is the DAC specifications.

The 2805 has the following:
8 - 24bit / 96kHz DAC's (one per channel)

The 3805 has:
16 - 24bit/192khz DAC's (two per channel)

Can anyone explain to me what this means? I'm trying to determine if this makes any intelligible difference.

Also, FYI, I found the 3805 for $699 on www.pcmall.com where all the other retailers aren't below $850. Any chance this is a real deal or am I most likely looking at a refurb?

Thanks in advance,

-Sam

Unable to answer your question about the differences in DACs, but look forward to someone else answering it.

It's a refurb, although they use the term "Reconditioned by Denon." PCMall is an authorized refurb dealer for Denon. I think your chances of getting a refurb lemon, are about the same as, or perhaps even less than, getting a brand new lemon. But, that's just my opinion. The biggest disadvantage in going the refurb route is that you only get a 90 day warranty. If I were in the market for a new receiver, and I may be in the near future, I'd take the chance. But again, that's just my point of view. YMMV.

AFAIK, there is no format currently available that would use the 24/192khz DACs at that resolution. In essence, it's better for those who believe that the upsampling will make a difference and it's future proofing. That said, part of the reason I bought the 525 is that it has 7 channel 24/192 DACs. That was, of course, before I stumbled onto these boards and saw the light of logic.

DVD-A can use 24/192, no?

Um, dunno. Haven't a clue, really. It's certainly possible...

Oh, right, I think they can, but since there's no digital out from most DVD-As (excluding Denons?), it doesn't matter.

So what you're saying is that I really won't notice not having it and the only reason to really have it is if it becomes more widely used in the future. Makes sense to me. Now to finally just make the call...brand new 2805 or reconditioned 3805...I hate decisions.

Thanks for the help as usual,

Sam

3805. Why run the chance you may regret not getting it in the first place.

The only reason I wouldn't is b/c a new one is out of my price range (slightly) and I have hang-ups about reconditioned items. I will say that I'm leaning toward the 3805 though b/c it is supposedly reconditioned at the factory so I would assume they just put in factory parts for whatever didn't work and ship back out.

Just saw those 3805's on Ecost.com. I'd go that route if it were me. You should call them before placing your order though. They quite often post items on the site, before they actually receive them. There could be a wait list.

spiff is right about the DVD-As BTW. Also, ecost is generally a pretty good opportunity if you don't have qualms about refurb/b-stock (I don't) Bought a Denon DVM-4800 from them last year and I'm still tickled. As with any retailer/etailer, some folks have had bad experiences, but nothing that shows a trend.

Also, for $30, I bought a 2 year extended warranty from ecost, so that may solve another problem that Jack mentioned.

As always, there is no such thing as "too much" in this insane HT hobby. There is the ever present "what if" that gnaws at the very core of your manhood . Go for the 3805.