Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Denon 1803 or 2802 ??

Sorry for the long post.
I have the opportunity to "upgrade" from a Pioneer Elite VSX-33 receiver to either a Denon 2802 or 1803. I need to choose from either of these two models or a Sony non ES model as I am receiving a "price" from a manager of a store for whom I did some work for. I will be paying approximately $600 Canadian for either of these models....which is about my budget limit right now. I'm looking for component switching, DPL2 and and "ES" capability. My speakers are Axiom m3ti, vp100 and 4 qs4's.
Any opinions regarding these models would be appreciated.
Thanks
Richard

Hi Richard,

Looking over the specs for the 2802& 1803, they are both very simlar units the main differences that I can see are the following.

The 2802 list “S” and composite video switching the 1803 does not

The 2802 has 3 optical inputs while the 1803 has 4

The 2802 has pre-outs for all channels which if important to you means you can hook up an external amp to handle any or all of the channels. The 1803 has only sub-woofer pre-out.

The 1803 has a 32 bit DSP vs. the 2802 24 bit DSP (will you notice any difference from this, not likely).

Looking at the Amplifier section the 2803 has slightly more power, this is not even significant enough for you too hear any difference. the only difference here is the 2802 has slightly better specs for SN ratio and THD (Total harmonic distortion).

From the specs I would say in my opinion that the 2802 would be a better choice given that you can get it for the same money. You get a little better specs, but the main differences would be that you get pre-outs for all channels, this gives you some flexibilty later if you want to add another amp to the system, and “S-Video” and composite video switching. The 2802 also gives you on-screen display for the setup functions where the 1803 does not. Small thing but it’s a big help when setting up the system.

I would not purchase the 2802 just because it is an older model with older chips in it. It is also far more expensive than the 1803.

if you plan on doing any major upgrades in the future the pre-outs on the 2802 can be a real life saver. if not go with the latest and greatest bells and whistles

Very close decision, Richard. It appears that the 1803 does in fact have full video switching, including S and component. Also note that the 1803 has DD Ex decoding, which the 2802 doesn't. As already mentioned, the 2802 has on-screen display and full pre-amp outputs, if these are important to you. Viewed just on amplifying ability, it should probably be called a tie since the differences are so minor. Decide which features you prefer, but you won't go wrong with either.

Hi John,

You are correct the 1803 and 2802 both have video switching. the difference is that the 2802 has the ability to have the "S" and Composite video inputs switched with the source selected, the 1803 has to be switched manually via the video selector switch. No big deal, and as you say they are very close and he really cannot go wrong with either.

Sorry i missed this, the 2802 does also do DD Ex decoding, you just have to read throught the specs (it just does not have the new DD Ex logo) it is listed on the first page under the second bullet of features.

I agree with John, for the same price I will go with 2802. Although it is an older model, its specs suggest that it is a better work horse than 1803.

I will also prefer Denon over non ES Sony. IMHO, Sony non-Es would not be comparable with 1803 or 2802

Hi,

I'd concur about non-ES Sony not being comparable to Denon. And although I wouldn't dream of getting an A/V receiver that lacked an on-screen display, it occurred to me that my first Pro-Logic unit many years ago didn't have one, but its front-panel display was large and easily readable across the room. So as long you can see and read the display from where you sit, you'll be okay.

Regards,

If you don't mind, who is carrying the 2802 for the same price as the 1803? I was going to get the 1803 because of the price but the 2802 seems to have more bang. PLease let me know.