---Denon 3802 and 2802 vs Sony STR DA3ES and DA5ES--- Help me decide
 

I am considering all of these models.

Between the Denons, the 2802 has all the features I want, but appears to have a pretty poorly designed remote. Not sure how the two models would compare sound-wise.

Between the Sonys the DA3ES seems to have a great remote and all the features I want except Dolby Pro-Logic II (but I really do want this feature). The DA5ES has everything looks awesome, has great remote, but at 1200 retail, its tough too find it cheap.

I am looking to spend under 700, obviously the lower the better.

Anyone have any opinion on either of these, or know of a better choice in this price range with comparable features (nice well designed remote, DD-EX, DTS-ES, DPL, DPL II) ?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I have the 3801 the model before the 3802 and think it is great. More bang for the buck than Sony IMHO. :)

My 2 cents....I wouldn't let a remote dictate my purchase---there are a number of good, reasonably priced, universal remotes on the market. Browse thru www.remotecentral.com for some ideas.

IMO the Denon's are warmer and less fatiguing than the Sony's. If you have speakers that are hard to drive or that are balanced toward the bright end of the spectrum, I would definitely get the Denon over the Sony. Regardless of what you choose, I would suggest you listen at home w/ your equipment (or purchase w/ a liberal return policy) before you decide.

There other choices besides these two brands. If you don't have to have DPLII, the Outlaw is easy to recommend.

I picked up my DA5ES for 750.00 (I know somebody who works for Ultimate) and I really don't like it that much. It says 100 watts X 6 and it is really 53 watts X 6. Sony started using peak power now vs. RMS. I was thinking of taking my Sony back and getting the Yamaha RX-V1 Gold Edition for 1299.99. I would of purchased a Denon but it does not have enough Toshlinks. Sony has 5 and Denon 3. That was one of the biggest reasons I went w/ the DA5ES.

Now on the remote. It SUCKS!!!! I never use it. I programed it into my MX-500 and it sits in the desk. Don't get it for the remote because you will be sorry.

I really like my Denon 2802 and really do not have a problem with the remote at all. Of course my previous receiver was the Denon 3200 which had a very similar remote :)

I agree that unless the remote is so bad in your eyes get a new remote.

www.goodguys.com is an authorized Denon retailer and they have 10% off , free shipping and no sales tax right now.

good luck :)

Definitely go for the Denon. If you can swing it, go for the AVR-3802. The 3802 has a much better power supply and the 7 channel amp is sweet. Multi-Zone / multi-source capability is another cool feature.

As for the Sony receivers.... The ES models are slick - tons of bells and whistles but are definitely more complicated to use. All six of the people I know who have the STR-DE3ES find it tricky to use. The 5 year warranty on the ES line is awfully great, though.

I would definitely go with the Denon over the Sony and the 3802 over the 2802.

Mitch

I did not notice the comment about the remote when I first posted. I use a pronto so that takes care of the remote issue. The remote that comes with the 3801 is not bad just takes a little bit to get used to.

Check out this thread on another fourm.

http://www.hometheaterspot.com/htsth...b=5&o=&fpart=1

It talks about the Sony DA5ES

The 3802 is now selling for $699 at www.6ave.com (but to get the price with shipping included, call and ask for Chris).

I've been waiting patiently to buy a Denon 2802 while saving so that I can buy it at the same time as a set of Energy Take 5.2's with the 8in sub and cables.

The 2802 has it all and is so reasonably priced that I really can't justify buying something else. It can be had for like $400 or less shipped, which is SICK for all that it comes with. The remote gets a bad rep, but oh well, All I really use a remote for is to turn it on and for volume, as everything else is already programmed on my sony tv remote.

Where have you seen it for that price? I've been waiting for some bargain prices on this one.

$400 or less shipped!!!!???? -eek-

Please enlighten us as to where you found this price.
Best I have seen from any reputable site was around $600 shipped.

That price would make my decision alot easier.

The Denon 2802 really seems like the one to get at this point, Especially if I can get it for $400 shipped as mentioned above.

Is the 3802 worth the extra $180+ that it costs over the 2802?