I've been out of college about a year and a half now, thought I'd splurge on something for myself since getting a nice job. I went with M60ti's, VP150, QS8's and EP350 to surround my Sony XBR960. I ordered them about two weeks ago and eagerly check my email everyday in hopes of an early notice of their shipment (FO'd the VP150...5week wait). I still have yet to choose a receiver. I have two in mind but there are little things that are holding me up.

Plan unless anyone can give me advice contrary (and I know there are multiple posts out there about receivers but none address this question), wait for the Denon AVR-2807. It has all of the connection capabilities that I want as I'm a bit of a video game junkie. Yet I have read that its processing power isn't supposed to be as good as that of the AVR-4306, which will have all the connections plus others that I might not need now.

My question to anyone who can help is: Do I need the higher Sampling rate on my DAC's (AVR-4306 24-bit/192kHz & AVR-2807 24-bit/96kHz) and all the other little Denon proprietary things that are on the 4306 and not the 2807, ie Dynamic Discrete Surround Circuit, if I'm going to be using this 80% games and HT, 20% music? If I'm understanding this right, I guess the main issue I have is will I hear the fidelity difference between the two?

AVR-4306
AVR-2807

Or should I take a different approach to my receiver altogether?

I have the 4306 and have only had it up and running a couple of days, I can tell you from what ive seen so far its a keeper. I dont know anything about the other Denon. I need to get my sub to get the full effect, it will be here Tuesday.

I don't think you can go wrong with either of your choices. I'm using the Denon 3805 and it has everything I need, me and the kids play xbox 360 with it and the sound is incredible.

For my $.02, I wouldn't worry about all of that "processing power." You have one HDMI and 2 component inputs for your tv. Let the tv do the video switching and upconverting. I don't think that you will be able to see any difference between HDMI and component, anyhow. As I recall, your tv is 1080I not 1080P.

In my setup, the tv does all the video switching between cable, satellite, dvd and vcr. It also does all the upconverting (exception: I do have the OPPO DVD set at 1080I). My receiver does all the audio switching and processing for surround. By the way, some of the boards have been reporting all sorts of problems with cable tv boxes and receiver HDMI.

I think that it is a mistake to expect your audio gear to do video functions. Just my opinion, however.

Ratpack has a point. Without the video processing a 3805 or 2805 would work fine.

John, welcome. If you like the features on the 2807, wait for it(a week or a month). You won't hear the fidelity difference between it and the 4306 because there's no good reason to expect that there'll be one. DACs should be a non-issue these days since the technology is mature and manufacturers get the chips in quantity for about $1 each. The C-Net 2807 link is wrong; the 2807(and even the least expensive Denons for that matter)have 24/192 DACs.

John,

The differences between the 280X, 380x and 430x really boil down to more power (280x has plenty), more features (are you going to need them?) and more zones.

From a value perspective, the 280x is probably the best choice. From a testosterone perspective, the 430x comes to the party. JohnK is right - sonically you won't tell much difference.

Any of the 3 would be an excellent choice for you.

Also, the video switching on all 3 is essentially the same (and the 280x is more than capable). I have a 3803 and 1905 and have tried them both; using the video switching and not using it (direct connection from the components to the TV). They both do well and there is no video signal loss I can discern. Generally, video switching works well if you don't want to fool with macros with your remote.