I am comparing a used Denon 3805 to a new Marantz 5600. Both will set me back about $550. They both sounded good to me, but I can't audition them with axiom speakers. Are they any owners of either of these that can share their experience and preferences?

Denon 3805 advantages: More features, mic setup, more inputs
Marantz 5600 advantages: new, 3 year warranty, SRS

Both have multi-room which I want/need. Both have lip-sync delay, which was a must as well. Both sounded good with B&W 601 S3 speakers, which is what I auditioned. I did notice a difference between them, however.

The Marantz seemed fuller, but the Denon seemed to capture more of the high frequencies. Was this just in my head? Does Marantz or Denon do additional audio processing?

Both sounded WAY better than the Pioneer VSX-108 that I have now!

I have been using Denon-3806 and it has been excellent, has 2 hdmi input and one output to monitor, I am very pleased with it, may want to look in to this model.

I have a Marantz SR5200 which is essentially the same receiver -- just three years older and minus a few of the features like the lip sync delay you mentioned. I have nothing but positive things to say about my Marantz, but you're right -- the feature sets on the Denon tend to be a bit more comprehensive.

Ask yourself how you'll be using the receiver and what features you'll truly need (or want). The differences between my receiver and those that are currently available (from any manufacturer) are small enough that I don't see upgrading any time in the next year or two. I think you'd be very pleased with either one. Personally, the warranty coverage would be enough to make me lean towards the Marantz, though.

Maybe its just because I have one, but have you considered A Harman Kardon?

Do you have Axioms? Where are you located? Anywhere near western KY?

No.. they are next on my purchase list.

I was very interested in the HK635, until I read about problems switching out of 7.1. Since there doesn't seem to be a FW fix on the way, I am hesitant to spend $700 on that receiver.

epchristi,

I just recently picked up the 435 from 6ave for $515! Can't beat it for the price. Only dif between the 635 is power, but I use seperates so that was a non issue for me.

As far as the 7.1 to 5.1 switching, yes it's extremely annoying! However there is a firmware upgrade that takes care of that (as well as other upgrades) that should be released any day now (they are testing the download from the site).


However, if I had it all to do again... I might get a Denon. I switched from a denon 5800 and the sound is a bit more laid back, a better match for these speakers IMO. I think the center channel is very bright, but I'm trying to figure out if I can improve it by placement, EQ settings..etc. But all things the same excpet the receiver, the Denon was better for these speakers.

At the end of the day... I'm still happy with my purchase of the HK, I just need to work a bit on room acoustics and speaker placement. Sound stage has been greatly improved as well as details, but I think that is attributed to the seperate amps (although it could be the HK as well).

Either way.. they are 2 great receivers.. you can't go wrong.