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I'm currently using a Denon 3808ci that I saw at CEDIA 2007. I'm
also using it as a pre-amp only since my amps are fine. It replaced
my Denon 3806 and I'm extremely happy with the newer model. As you
said, it has everything I want and then some. The only reason that I
didn't opt for anything "higher" in the Denon line (specifically the
4308ci or the 5308ci or the new pre-pro) is that I don't require any
video processing because I own and use a DVDO VP-50 which is
excellent for the task. Anything above the 3808ci would mostly be
redundant purchasing (especially since I'm not even using the
amplification stages).
The 3808ci is a remarkable, full featured product as you probably
know. With a list price at under $1600 it can probably be had for
somewhere in the $1200-1300 range. Dealer cost is in the
neighborhood of $1100 or maybe a bit less.
Some of the "highlights" of the 3808ci (the "ci" stands for custom
installation as you probably know) are full HDMI 1.3a implementation
(four in, one out), full decoding of all current HD audio codecs (if
that's your choice), a new Graphical User Interface (GUI) which was
sorely needed and replaces the "Block White Letters with pointing
hand" menus on older Denons, Lexicons, Outlaws and many other
products, Ethernet connectivity (for Firmware updates and Internet
Radio among other items) and a real "sleeper" in my estimation -
Audyssey room equalization (now 8 points instead of 6 on the 3806)
with the capability of licensing full Audyssey Pro which includes the
"you must hear it to believe it" dynamic equalization parameter. I
recently purchased a license ($300) that activates the circuitry and
have equalized my room to a level that I would not have been able to
achieve in the past. I first found out about this with my 3806 last
year and the classes and demos by Audyssey made me a believer. Check
out audyssey.com to see what it's all about. In my estimation it's
not a gimmick but an ear-opener.
There are several other changes in the 3808ci when compared to the
3806 and in my estimation if you already have ample VP then the
3808ci is a steal at the price. If you also want some VP then you
might look at the 4308ci or the 5308ci at higher price points. The
5308ci, for example contains VP on a level competitive with the DVDO
and Lumagen VPs. I believe the 5308 has the Silicon Optix Realta
chip set, but you could check at the Denon website.
If you get a 3808ci and two HD players (an HD-DVD and a Blu-ray),
connect each with single HDMI cables you only need to add speakers
and a capable display to enjoy every HD audio codec that the industry
can throw at you - and then some! (No, I don't work for Denon! <g>)
Hope this helps.
At 03:32 PM 12/15/2007 -0500, you wrote:
>What receiver are you using Robert?
>
>I am thinking about this Denon for a preout application... seems to have
>everything. Anybody wish to comment?
-- RAF
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[email protected]
I'm currently using a Denon 3808ci that I saw at CEDIA 2007. I'm
also using it as a pre-amp only since my amps are fine. It replaced
my Denon 3806 and I'm extremely happy with the newer model. As you
said, it has everything I want and then some. The only reason that I
didn't opt for anything "higher" in the Denon line (specifically the
4308ci or the 5308ci or the new pre-pro) is that I don't require any
video processing because I own and use a DVDO VP-50 which is
excellent for the task. Anything above the 3808ci would mostly be
redundant purchasing (especially since I'm not even using the
amplification stages).
The 3808ci is a remarkable, full featured product as you probably
know. With a list price at under $1600 it can probably be had for
somewhere in the $1200-1300 range. Dealer cost is in the
neighborhood of $1100 or maybe a bit less.
Some of the "highlights" of the 3808ci (the "ci" stands for custom
installation as you probably know) are full HDMI 1.3a implementation
(four in, one out), full decoding of all current HD audio codecs (if
that's your choice), a new Graphical User Interface (GUI) which was
sorely needed and replaces the "Block White Letters with pointing
hand" menus on older Denons, Lexicons, Outlaws and many other
products, Ethernet connectivity (for Firmware updates and Internet
Radio among other items) and a real "sleeper" in my estimation -
Audyssey room equalization (now 8 points instead of 6 on the 3806)
with the capability of licensing full Audyssey Pro which includes the
"you must hear it to believe it" dynamic equalization parameter. I
recently purchased a license ($300) that activates the circuitry and
have equalized my room to a level that I would not have been able to
achieve in the past. I first found out about this with my 3806 last
year and the classes and demos by Audyssey made me a believer. Check
out audyssey.com to see what it's all about. In my estimation it's
not a gimmick but an ear-opener.
There are several other changes in the 3808ci when compared to the
3806 and in my estimation if you already have ample VP then the
3808ci is a steal at the price. If you also want some VP then you
might look at the 4308ci or the 5308ci at higher price points. The
5308ci, for example contains VP on a level competitive with the DVDO
and Lumagen VPs. I believe the 5308 has the Silicon Optix Realta
chip set, but you could check at the Denon website.
If you get a 3808ci and two HD players (an HD-DVD and a Blu-ray),
connect each with single HDMI cables you only need to add speakers
and a capable display to enjoy every HD audio codec that the industry
can throw at you - and then some! (No, I don't work for Denon! <g>)
Hope this helps.
At 03:32 PM 12/15/2007 -0500, you wrote:
>What receiver are you using Robert?
>
>I am thinking about this Denon for a preout application... seems to have
>everything. Anybody wish to comment?
-- RAF
To unsubscribe please click: [email protected]
To receive the digest mode (one email a day made from all posted that same day) send an email to:
[email protected]