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I purchased the very similar Denon AVR 2805 back when it was new for nearly $1000 from Crutchfield. I still have it and it is great honestly. It has survived some hard use with both zones playing at the same time (5.1 in the living room and stereo outside). I saw a great 3805 recently on Ebay and I could not pass up on a slight upgrade and now I have another AVR to use in my media room. The 3805 has superior DAC units and a few other options but very similar to the great 2805. I can tell of slightly better sound/build quality (the 3805 has a much larger power transformer) overall the 2006-8 models (in general) had/have HDMI issues, so unless you want to pony up and get a AVR a couple yrs old, I would go with one right before the HDMI craze started (2005 models and before).
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I am not one to update my equipment frequently and have been very pleased with the quality, features, and longevity of my Technics SA GX910 that I retired to the master bedroom. At the time, it was cutting edge with Dolby Surround Pro Logic and 4 channel surround. But, to get true 5.1 performance, it was time to upgrade to the Denon 3805. I had recently purchased a Denon 910 DVD player and was very impressed with its performance and cost using Faroudja DCDi technology. This receiver makes watching movies an enveloping experience that draws you in with its excellent sound that compliments the HD picture from the front projector without overpowering the viewing experience. I like that. I grew up listening to Altec Valencia speakers and appreciate speakers that are extremely efficient. I do not know how well this receiver would work with less efficient speakers but with the Klipsch system, there is more than enough power to make the entire home shake. For the price, the Denon has ample inputs for audio and video although I sure would have liked an additional HDMI input and output. Configuration and setup of the receiver for all the inputs and outputs was a snap with the OSD and the pure direct feature is great for two channel stereo and tv sound (it took me a while to get all the speakers). Needless to say, my wife and I do not go to the movies any more. Any why should we? Concession prices are skyrocketing, inconsiderate patrons, no pause or rewind, and the picture and sound quality is considerably better, especially in HD. I considered Rotel and others but Denon came through as the best value and fit for my family. Strengths: AV switching\up-down video conversion Excellent Price Great sound with plenty of power OSD setup Numerous inputs Weaknesses: The remote sucks, can't be read during daylight hours. No HDMI support. Speaker termination could have been more accomodating for large diameter speaker wire. No microphone for auto setup and EQ. Lack of hard buttons for common functions on receiver.Read full review
The 3805 has pretty much the same specs as the 3803 I also have, but adds the useful auto-setup feature via microphone. The only features I wish this unit had are 1) different subwoofer crossover points for each speaker, and 2) ability to repurpose rear channels to bi-amp the front main channels. Various newer units add these. I never use the video functions (go straight to TV) so I can't comment on the quality of it. The sound quality is decent, including a reasonable sound-stage for 2-channel, but of course not up to the standards of separate amp-preamp setups - but a very good compromise if you also want surround for home theater and can only have 1 setup. Importantly, also has 7.1 analog inputs for full hd-audio sound from bluray players that provide 7.1 analog since this can't handle HDMI (and hence audio over HDMI).Read full review
The receiver has great sound and it is easy to use. Although it's not HDMI, it is still very usable with coaxial and toslink digital audio. The DTS surround fills the room. I have an OPPO BDP103 hooked to the receiver via toslink and the HDMI to the LCD. Still great with analog sources also.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
It doesn't have the latest and greatest features (like HDMI inputs and Dolby TrueHD) but what it does have is excellent sound quality. This was a high level receiver when it was made. It does have plenty of digital hookups and outputs. And it has lots of features rarely seen anywhere. I have no problem with the lack of HDMI. I just use my TV for video selection and do the audio selecting with my receiver. It takes an extra push of a button to switch inputs. But the system sounds great overall. I love the fact that it has pre-level out connections for separate amps to run your speakers. I only use the Denon to power my surround speakers which it does very well. I have separate amps for both the front channels and the center channel. I do that because nothing made currently puts out the power of my vintage amps. Very few walls rattle like mine do as a result. This receiver was a great bargain for me. It replaced another Denon with similar features but less power. I need the extra power to the surround channels to keep up with the high power fronts and center channel. There are features on pretty much all Denon amps that prevent the "too much theater sound" effect where systems effectively reproduce the sound actually played in a theater. That's great if you have a theater. If you have your system in a man cave, like I do, you want a little more control. Keep in mind that true theater sound had speakers behind the screen and the sound is mastered to work with that setup. I have a different setup. I can use Cinema EQ to make the sound right instead of copying what was right for an actual theater. It's a great benefit. Denon makes quality stuff. That's the bottom line. And if you're willing to settle for older technology as far as hookups go and surround modes these older Denon receivers are a steal. You get great sound at a truly great price if you look around a little.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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