Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Difference between the Denon 3803 and the 1803

Could someone please explain the significant differences between the Denon 3803 and the 1803? The cost difference is considerable. I see that the 3803 is a 7.1; however, there must be more than that to justify such a cost difference.

I'm considering both, but don't want to spend the extra cash if no real discernable benefit is given.

I have had both and moved to the 3803 for no good reason other than a testosterone driven need to upgrade .

Without going into great technical detail and probably missing some of the finer points, here is what the 3803 offers in excess of the 1803:
-30 more watts per channel
-Uses the SHARC processor (more robust audio processing)
-7 Channel vs. 6 channel
-If you use the unit for video upconversion (I don't) the 3803 has 100 mhz and the 1803 has 35mhz. Generally, you want at leadt 60 mhz to avoid signal degradation. I never saw much of a difference.
-More robust remote w/learning capability (check this)
-Variable bass crossovers (1803 fixed at 80)
-A few more audio inputs.
-Can act as a pre/pro if you want to add separate amplifiers
-Better audio DACs

There are also a handful of smaller things that I don't understand.

Having said all of the above, if you aren't going to upconvert video, don't have a need for the more esoteric offerings and are just looking for a good value in a well-built, solid and dependable performer with a budget consideration thrown in and you just NEED something to run your setup - the 1803 is an excellent choice. If you just WANT something bigger to avoid that upgrade or "what if" itch later on, then go for the 3803. You won't make a mistake with either.

There is another piece I'll expose you to on this subject. If you haven't considered it, Denon also makes refurbished equipment available through ecost, an authorized Denon etailer. Quite a number of folks on the Forum have gone this route (including myself) and saved some serious cash and moved up a model or two.

Take a look at their website here . Just a quick look shows the 2803 at an excellent price. You get almost 3803 perfromance at about 70% of the 1803 price. The 1804 and 3803 (in silver) are also available.

Just to make things a little confusing, the 1083 (1 left in stock) and 983 are also listed. These are rebadged 3803 and 2803 models respectively. Denon does this for sale via boutique shops and professional installers. They are exactly the same as the 3803 and 2803.

Just a bit of advice - if you decide to go this route, be sure to call ecost to place your order and to assure they have stock to ship.

Ray3:

Thanks for the very informative reply. I sincerely apprecaite it.

TK, you are certainly welcome and I hope it does you some good. I am a real fan of Denon quality and reliability.

Do you also like their CD/DVD players? I now have to buy a reasonable player to match the 3805; however, I don't want to lose quality for price. I really don't know where to start with such players. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I'll make the leap here that a 3805 indicates you will be interested in units above entry level.

I have the 2900, which has been discontinued and can probably be found somewhere if you are diligent. Built like a tank, outstanding PQ Using the Silicon Image Chip), does SACD & DVD-A, excellent audio. If found, price will be $600-$700. Originally $1000.

The 2 new units (2910 @$600 and 3910 @ $1200) bracket the 2900. Use the Faroujda chip. Decent build quality.

In order of my preference = 2900, 3910 and 2910. 3910 and 2900 audio are comparable, 2910 not as good. My opinion is thatthe 2900 PQ is the best of the 3. Others feel differently.

This speccific topic has been covered here recently and this thread will be an excellent place for you to do some research. You best bet would be to do the research, then see if you can find a dealer that has some or all of them & take a look.

Thanks, Ray. I check out the link(s). On the players, have you considered any outside of Denon for quality? Also, what about simple CD playing of music? How does Denon do?

Don't forget, I'm all about paying what is necessary to ensure as best quality sound as possible--without paying for other crap that doesn't matter. I'm not too much into video, since I don't have my LCD I want yet.

Interesting enough, I know some vendors sell players for over 5K; I just don't get it.

If you take a look at the links that are suggested, one of them takes you to the "DVD Shootout". Here you'll fiind that Denon ranks pretty high. Once I figured that out, I narrowed my search to Denon. The Denon DVD players do very well playing CDs, including DVD-A and SACD.

Most any stand alone CD player will do the job for regular CDs. You use the receiver to drive the audio through it's processor and the CD player simply acts as the transport. If you want a separate CD player, I'd suggest you kill 2 birds with one stone (play AND store the CDs). I got a Sony CDP-CX355 for Christmas to solve both issues and I'm pleased with it. It's a relatively inexpensive solution, solves storage issues and you don't need to fool around with jewel cases.

Ray:

I've been considering such a player. How do you know what disk is in what order? Also, have you thought about the new mega storage units that have all your audio on spinning HDs? I'm hoping they come down in price soon and have larger capacity, since I'd insist on Lossless ripping only of my Cds

Well, the CDP-CX355 is a MegaChanger. I've put a simple Excel spreadsheet together to keep track of the discs. I got a special deal on the thing, so the price made a difference.