Which reciever Onkyo TX-SR875 or Denon 3808ci

[MatrixDweller]

I'm about to purchase a new receiver to go into my new dedicated HT. I'm debating whether to go with the Onkyo TX-SR875 or Denon 3808ci. They are pretty much the same price and right in my budget of $1200 and under. I'm primarily interested in sound quality for multichannel movies but CD audio, and occasionally radio is still important.

So far the pros and cons pitted against the other

Denon 3808 vs Onkyo 875
+ Nice GUI
+ Internet Radio
+ Network Streaming
+ Nicer styling on front panel
+ Firmware updates over network
+ USB support
- Not as dynamically powerful
- Lesser DAC (PCM1791a vs PCM1796)
- AL24+ only on FL/FR

Onkyo 875 vs Denon 3808
+ 140W all channels driven (fairly accurate according to Sound and Vision)
+ THX Ultra2 certified
+ Silicon Optix Reon-HQV upscaling
+ Nicer layout on back panel
+ Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry (I assume on all channels)
- No network support
- No USB
- Heat output

I think I'm leaning towards the Onkyo but am sure about quality issues. Onkyo was first to market with HDMI 1.3 last year, way ahead of Denon. I'm wondering if there was any "haste makes waste" going on at Onkyo and maybe Denon waited longer to test things more thoroughly. Or maybe Onkyo has done some smart engineering and project management to get things to market quicker.

I really like the fact that the Onkyo is THX Ultra2 certified. Typically I've only seen Ultra2 certification on super high end receivers. I almost thought Lucas's THX dropped in standards when I saw the initial price back in June.

I'd like to see what they have in store for this year. Maybe they will network enable the 875 line, make a better GUI, include a fan in their cases, or other improvements. I don't know what other new technology there is to support.

Other than the network and USB connectivity the Onkyo 875 seems more on par with the Denon 4308ci and beats that in a few places too. I know the 905 is what's usually compared with the 4308 but I think would be more like a 4808 if it existed.

So I guess I have a few questions I still have unanswered.

-Does anyone know if the quality of Dolby True HD or DTS Master HD differs from either receiver?

-Does anyone know if THX labs tests for quality overall (does THX Ultra2 mean this unit is top notch all around)? Or is it just audio and video tests they do?

-I can't A/B them so has anyone, and what did you think?

- Is Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry (VLSC) the same as or same quality as AL24+ processing?

-Do the Onkyo TX-SR805 have the same sound quality as the 3808?

Any other opinions welcome of course so long as their not biased. I am a Denon fan and think they have great receivers but Onkyo has some excellent choices this year.

[Sonnie]

I believe this will come down to features. I am doubting there will be any sound quality difference with these receivers, although that might depend on you speakers.

If I am not mistaken the Onkyo does have a better power supply, therefore the rated power may be more accurate, which may affect sound quality at higher volumes.

[MatrixDweller]

I did quite a bit of searching and found the VLSC is pretty much the same as AL24 processing. They both work on the digital PCM signal to make it a smoother analog signal when converted by the DAC. The TX-SR875 does this on all channels where as the 3808ci does it only on the FR/FL. I didn't like that on the 2808ci and found that it made the center channel seem bright.

Unless something else happens to change my mind I'm 99% in favor of the 875. I'll just have to come up with an aesthetically pleasing way to stick some fans on it.

[tonyvdb]

On the 805 I placed a 120mm clear fan on the back right corner as that seems to be the warm spot and it seems to do the trick without the noise as it has a three position speed sw on the cable and I leave it at medium.
The power supply is the big difference and adds almost 10lbs to the overall weight of it compared to the equivalent Denon. That alone is a big plus because ultimately the output level of the amp is limited to what the power supply can deliver.
Dont get me wrong The Denon is a nice receiver and you would not be unhappy with either units but the THX ultra is a big deal and you get lots of THX modes with that certification that are very useful.

[Sonnie]

I'm looking at the 805 and I am also a little concerned about heat since my cabinet only has a front opening. I suppose I could just lay a fan on top of it near the rear of the unit. As low as it will be in the cabinet, it will be hard to notice.

I wonder how exactly the VLSC is able to make a signal smoother. It sounds a little like hocus pocus. Are you familiar with how the technology works?

[tonyvdb]

Sonnie wrote:

I'm looking at the 805 and I am also a little concerned about heat since my cabinet only has a front opening. I suppose I could just lay a fan on top of it near the rear of the unit. As low as it will be in the cabinet, it will be hard to notice.

How much space would you have above it if you were to place it in the cabinet? could you cut a hole in the back to allow air movement?

I wonder how exactly the VLSC is able to make a signal smoother. It sounds a little like hocus pocus. Are you familiar with how the technology works?

The little I have read about it its My understanding is that it imitates the warm sound you get from a tube amp and that it doesn't color the sound. Go here for a little diagram
Pure mode for two channel listening is really nice.

[Sonnie]

I might could cut a hole in the side of the cabinet and vent it to one of the enclosed cabinets. I'm going to snap a pic of it and start a new thread in a bit.

That VLSC looks interesting, but I wonder about that kind of stuff... if it really works and is noticeable. I remember back in the day enthusiast use to make a big deal out of DAC. I remember those little boxes selling for thousands of dollars. I'll probably start a thread about that too and see what kind of scoop we can generate on it.

[tonyvdb]

Sonnie wrote:

I'll probably start a thread about that too and see what kind of scoop we can generate on it.

Good idea as I cant find much info on it when doing a search.

The Onkyo defiantly needs space to breath and a fan is a must if you have it in an enclosed location.

[MatrixDweller]

Well I’m still without a receiver. I’m going a bit crazy trying to decide which one. I had initially thought about getting the Onkyo SR875, but I think it might push me over budget. Unless I can convince the wife to take a mini vacation in the US for a weekend and pick one up (and avoid some of the duty and shipping) I’ll have to scrap that idea. The 3808 is the same.

I’ve been reading that HDMI 1.3 is not that important so long as the receiver will process LPCM over HDMI. All HD players have to decode the audio to mix in PIP and menu effects, etc so what will I really gain from having it re-encode it back to lossless rather than send it as PCM.

So I’ve considered either the Onkyo TX-SR805, the Denon 4306 or the Marantz SR8001. I can get the Denon (used) or the Marantz (refurbished) for a little over $900 shipped and the Onkyo for about $800. I can get a Warrantech warranty on the Marantz for piece of mind, but the other would not have a warranty or would be void outside of the USA.

The Marantz looks like it might be better in some aspects. It has HDMI 1.2 as opposed to 1.1. It also boasts gold connectors, THX Select, and a toroidal amp. The Onkyo is a current model and has THX Ultra2 and HDMI 1.3. The 4306 has network capabilities and USB support.

It's a very tough decision and there are so many choices I probably haven't even considered. My budget max is $1300 all said and done. Any recommendations would be welcomed.

[tonyvdb]

Seriously give the Onkyo 805 a good hard look. There is very little difference between it and the 875 and it still has all the options. For music the 805 is fantastic as it has the Pure direct mode and as you said has THX ultra certification and the bigest is HDMI 1.3 you need that no questions.
Take it from a owner who has one the 805 is the one to go with. Everyone that has come over to give it a listen is very impressed. The power supply in it is huge and because of this it has no trouble driving all channels at 130watts very few if any receivers in its price range can do that.
My only and I say only small complaint is when it switches between modes like DTS and DD for example during the previews there is a delay of about one second where there is no sound. This is a well documented issue and by no means is a problem. Just make sure that you have the room to give it breathing space as it does get warm (not hot like some say). Particularly if running 4 ohm speakers.

[Plasmaman]

I own an 805 and it is an amazing receiver. Just be aware that you may experience a lip sync issue where the sound lags behind the video by about 30ms. I don't notice it when watching DVD's or playing games but I do see it sometimes when watching Expressvu. It seems to be that a slight amount of lip sync lag on the network signals is exaggerated by the 805. BTW I used to live in London by White Oaks Mall.

[MatrixDweller]

I had ExpressVu for a couple years and experienced lip-sync issues even thought it was connected straight to my TV. Rogers doesn't seem to have that problem...so far.

I've pretty much decided on the Denon 4306. I found someone fairly local so I'll avoid the duty and shipping charges. I was happy with the 3805 and the 4306 is basically the same unit on steroids.

[Plasmaman]

MatrixDweller wrote:

I had ExpressVu for a couple years and experienced lip-sync issues even thought it was connected straight to my TV. Rogers doesn't seem to have that problem...so far.

I've pretty much decided on the Denon 4306. I found someone fairly local so I'll avoid the duty and shipping charges. I was happy with the 3805 and the 4306 is basically the same unit on steroids.

Let us know how the 4306 works out for you. The 4306 is HDMI 1.1 not 1.3 maybe that's not important to you.

[tonyvdb]

Plasmaman wrote:

Let us know how the 4306 works out for you. The 4306 is HDMI 1.1 not 1.3 maybe that's not important to you.

Not to mention no THX modes and lower quality BurrBrown DAC's
Are you sure you wont regret this move, down the road not being HDMI 1.3 compliant is also a big concern. I think Denon is a great company but comparing the Denon 4306 to the Onkyo is like comparing an apple to a water melon.

[jakewash]

The 4306 is updateable off the Denon website and I know of a number of people that have problems driving 4 ohm loads with Onkyo and I have never heard of an issue driving any load with a Denon.

So far as lower qualit DAC's, question is are the newer DACs causing the reported issues with the Onkyo which might be why Denon opted out? And is there an audible difference?

[tonyvdb]

jakewash wrote:

I know of a number of people that have problems driving 4 ohm loads with Onkyo

What receivers do they use. The 805, 875 and 905 are THX Ultra2 certified and must be able to drive 3.2ohms at full load. My main speakers are 4ohms and the my 805 has no issues.

As far as lower quality DAC's, question is are the newer DACs causing the reported issues with the Onkyo which might be why Denon opted out?

Nope, The Onlyo's have fully adjustable independent settings for lip sync on all inputs so its never been an issue for me.

[MatrixDweller]