Need help from someone who knows Denons and Onkyo Receivers?

Question

I have a Denon AVR 3803 and I just inherited a Onkyo TX-DS696. I know the Denon has more power and is 7.1 instead of 5.1. I'm wondering which to use to as my main receiver for my plasma, dvd, and time warner cable box. My cable and plasma support HDTV. Which unit would be best for HDTV and for the best quality sound?

I only have 5 speakers currently so the 7.1 of the denon doesn't make too much difference.

Answer 1

You could by wire your front speakers with the Denon, it would help your stereo listening immensely.

Answer 2

The Dennon sounds like a newer receiver so it should have more connections and features.

"Better Sound" - is kind of a tricky topic with HT.

MUSIC sound is different from HOME THEATER sound. The nature of it, the way you experience it, are all different.

So a $500 AV Receiver will give you nearly the same sound / experience as a higher-end receiver for 5.1 sound.

But you might be able to tell a difference with Music. This is why other posters suggest using a CD and compare the 2 receivers with stereo music to decide which sounds better.

(Music will expose more issues with speakers and electronics than a DVD/HDTV soundtrack in 5.1.)

Answer 3

The additional power and greater component video bandwidth make the Denon the winner on paper but "best quality sound" depends on the ears doing the listening.
1 more thing, the Denon is dual zone so you could put the additional 2 channels to work in another room giving you access to all your sources in either place independantly.

Answer 4

I happen to have the same denon in our up stairs den and a similar onkyo in our down stairs den without question DENON

Answer 5

Hi. Well ,the only way to find out is to listen to both with a familiar record or CD of your choice and pick the one that sounds best to your ears.

EDIT.....Are you more of a movie watcher or a music listener ? Both Receivers should satisfy your movie needs, but when it comes to sound quality of music both should be auditioned to hear if one is better (in your opinion) than the other.

Actually, if you can sell them and buy a separate Pre-Amp/Processor and a separate 5,6,or 7 channel Power Amplifier,you will have the best of both worlds for video and audio!