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Moving on to the Denon 3803's legs

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WilHenry

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In Reply to: Very short legs on Denon 2900 posted by williak on June 11, 2003 at 15:09:21:

Does it have the same problem- no 1384 iLink? One can always wait for the next-gen goodies but them one could neber upgrade either. I suppose if I am going to follow my incremental chosen path now may be the time to pass on the universal and the pre-pro and get the two-ch for my 4 ohm front L&R speakers. It will have legs. The only problem is that I will not be able to run the 2-ch power amp with the low-fi pre-pro I have now - it has no pre-outs. So I am in a bind. Suggestions? Thank You, Bill

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Re: Moving on to the Denon 3803's legs - williak 07:15:46 06/12/03 (2)
Bill,
The 3803 is a tremendous value. Its unique mix of features, sonics and power at a very competitive price make it a winner, IMO. It is, however, a CURRENT GENERATION receiver. It will support all HT modes via digital coax or optical as well as multichannel hirez via its ANALOG INs from a universal hirez player. It CANNOT optimize multichannel hirez but it will support an enjoyable listening environment all the same. You will have to rely on the player's bass managment/time alignment facilities or obtain a standalone bass manager like the Outlaw ICBM in order to optimize mch hirez. It will be two or three years before 1394 iLink makes its appearance in mass-market receivers like the 3803, IMO.
The 3803 should fit your requirements very nicely at a good price point. Furthermore, it should fetch decent resale dollars if you sell it just BEFORE the iLink-equipped mass-market receivers arrive.
My point about equipment "legs" is that ALL current player and processor gear is obviously transitional due to the lack of a digital interface for multichannel hirez. While you can certainly wait yourself to death, the hirez transition is clearly a major one and is occurring as we speak. Therefore, NOTHING you can buy today has "legs" to carry you through to optimum digital hirez.
One strategy to get through this period calls for purchasing "throwaway" componentry that will deliver reasonable performance until the nextgen gear is available. At that time, you pitch the throwaways (sell into used mass-market via eBay) and buy up into the digital hirez gear. This strategy minimizes cash outlay at the cost of marginally compromised sonics. An alternative strategy is to "ride the crest" by purchasing state of the art equipment at each major point in audio/video evolution. This stategy maximizes features and sonics at the cost of large cash outlays as expensive equipment obsolesces. Both strategies are valid and which is right for you is a call only you can make. Hope this helps.
Austin
- Thanks Austin! - WilHenry 08:48:27 06/12/03 (1)
  I currently have lo-fi source and processor. I have fairly good speakers in my NCM Rythms and Okaras. I have no SACD or DVD-A capability.
  So while I can of course buy SACD and DVD-a titles they will sit unlistened to for 2-3 yrs. I will not buy redbook CD's out of hand anymore.
  The other consideration is that it will be a while before I can step into HDTV in say a 50" plasma.
  So I am left in a quandry. Wait several years for everything or go ahead and buy throw away components? (Of course aren't they all throw-away or sell away in the long run? SACD and DVD-A are not the last word for audio either. Those formats divide the market-share keeping many people on the fence. If the format-war continues long enough a new tech will come along and sweep them both away.)
  I'm very tempted to buy the Denon 2900/Denon 3803 combo and sit tight for several years until the whole digital transition matures and prices fall into my bracket, which is exactly the 2900/3802 bracket.
  Any further thoughts would be welcome, Thanks Again and Blissful Listening!!!!!! Bill
  - Re: No Prob - Good Luck! - williak 11:02:26 06/12/03 (0)
    Bill,
    I have no problem at all with the 3803/2900 combination. You would be solidly mid-fi with the ability to play any audio or video disks you can think of in a two-box solution. Considering your budget, you'll be set for at least two to three years at well under $2k. Not bad.
    Austin

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