I have purchased the Denon AVR-1800 and a Sony STR-DE835 receivers and need help deciding on which one to return. The Denon seems to be a richer sound, especially on the surround but the Sony fits better with my other components. The sound is slightly louder with the Sony and the surround looses a little effects. Any opinions to help are appreciated.

Keep the Denon! Sound is more important.
I have the Denon 1800, good remote with LCD to show source, Personal Memory Plus feature for storing different settings with the different input source.

Unless your are making reference quality video room, I would go with the sony....More Features.

Definitely keep the Denon...

The Denon is built far better, and will provide you with better sound and better reliability.

What you may believe as being slightly louder, may in fact just be the brighter sound produced by the Sony. The Denon should have a much warmer sound. Buy an SPL meter from Radio Shack (really cheap!!)and measure it. You may be surprised.

Derek

I'd keep the Denon, but I heard the new Sony STR-DB 830 & 930 are awesome. In otherwords, the features of the sony 835 with the build and sound quality of the Denon.

Ok, it seems that the few responses I have believe the Denon is better. I have had both receivers for a week and it may be just me but I cannot tell much sound difference in either. Let me ask this, is it wise to purchase a receiver based on the "features like DSP and Cinema sound" than buying one that is of quality build and doesn't have the "features" that will not get used? I think the Denon I will keep, but it is hard to let go of the user friendly Sony.

You are always better off buying a Quality piece over the piece with the largest quantity of features. Most features you will not use...

Derek

Are you sure? You don't want your friends to think their stereo is LOUDER!!!!! :-)

(inside joke)

OK OK the decision is made. All it took was the (inside joke) ;-).

Guys, how about giving some useful advice here. Like a comparison of the features between the two units. "Unless you're making a reference quality video room". A Denon AVR-1800 is an entry level receiver as is the Sony mentioned. Let's not confuse either of these with reference quality. These are good solid "starter" receivers. One is not "louder" than the other. The volume control knob is just calibrated differently. The Sony would have to have at least DOUBLE the amplifier power of the Denon to be noticeably louder. Calibrate the two using the Video Essentials DVD or the internal test tones in the receiver and you'll find that 75db from the Denon is the same level as 75db from the Sony. The bootom line is that you should purchase the one that has the feature set that you prefer and the sound that you desire. IMHO, you will get a higher quality peice of gear if you go with the Denon. Sony is not known (particularly at their lowest price points) as a high quality audio component manufacturer. Their DVD players, televisions and SOME of the ES line are of better quality. I'd also check out Yamaha and Marantz if I were you. I would not base my purchase decision on cheesy surround modes that are not accurate like the DSP modes. N-vision gave you sound advice. Some of the other responses, while well intentioned, are not based in fact, but conjecture.

Yes Bill I agree, Danog and I are personal friends so I can ASSURE YOU we KNOW we are entry level fellows. However I would like to point out out that based on the type (i.e. entry level) equipment post AND the EXACT question posted we were both pleased with MOST of the responces. Thanks for you help also.

I too agree Bill, but since this has come up at what level does mid to high end begin and end. Since some components can cost thousands and most people only have very low end components(ie no receiver at all) I would like to know.

Defining low-end, mid-line, and high-end is somewhat tricky - it depends on your frame of reference.

In the Systems I design & Install, low end would be a Onkyo TX-DS575. This is my entry level piece. As a custom installer, my customers usually spend a fair amount of money, and therefore this is low-end to me.

In the broader sense, I would consider this to be a lower mid-line peice.

In my eyes, Mid-line products would be the Onkyo TX-DS777 (and up), Denon AVR-3300 (and up) and some others in the same price bracket (but certainly not all!). Many expensive units can actually provide fairly mediocre results.

For me, high end doesn't begin until you are looking at separate Pre/processor and Amps. Using processors like the Proceed AVP, Lexicon DC-2, MC-1, Parasound AVC-2500, etc, and Amps from Proceed, Bryston, Parasound, etc.

Then you look at the truly esoteric, such as the Meridian System (HUGE $$$)

IMHO, low to mid-line encompasses all Receiver based systems. I have never seen a receiver that can truly provide a high end experience (Yes, I have heard the AVR-5700 - it is definately the ferrari of receivers, but it doesn't touch the Proceed or Meridian setup)

That's my take on the matter

Derek

In my eyes Yamaha is the best package around when considering sound quality and features. Its also the only affordable company that has useable DSP modes. I really enjoy them - especially their 7 channel surround. I know is proprietary but it sounds fantastic (especially with matched speakers). Anyways, for the price I recommend Yamaha, quality parts, excellent sound, USEABLE features, and affordable. I recently picked up the 2095 during a model change over sale and I can't complain about a thing - except that remote.

Hi Dave,

I have an old Yamaha Receiver RV902 which is Dolby Digital Ready. I would also like to buy a new model ( with built in DD/DTS decoders ). Can you tell me where did you go for model change over sale so that I can get rid of the old one ?