Opinions needed! 3805 vs. Elite 53tx

[genojayhawk]

which is better? I am not contemplating one over another, i own a 3805 but am buying a 53tx for a friend and want to know how they compare because my friend likes my 3805 alot but I can pick up the 53tx for $250 and I bought my 3805 for $450. so just wanted to know what you all would do. basically, is the 53TX quality as good or better than the 3805?

thanks

[genojayhawk]

OK issue solved. I bought it. Problem solved. Tested it out last night. I think my neighbors hate me now.

Edit - Final Thoughts:

I have not had much time to play with either receiver, but I've read up on specs and test listened to both.
Both units are very similar. Large high quality 7.1 receivers. They both have good 'meaty' amps that can hang with whatever you throw at them.
The Denon 3805 was so popular in its day (like 2 years ago) It was hard to discuss HT withought mentioning it. Many people used it primarily for its preamp stage using external amps (which I think was one of the reasons Denon went with the new flagship $7000 preamp and $7000 poweramp (they look reallly reallly really cool in silver)). The Pioneer 53tx Elite is definately just as good of build quality if not better. The dials turn so smooth. Its got an optical input on the front! They definately did not hold back when they designed this unit. The remote is about the only thing I did not like.

If I was not an Audio Addict I would be upset that I paid almost twice the Pioneer for the Denon (silver). I could have over $200 in my pocket and I could be using an excellent receiver. But I am an addict and the silver faced stereo looks oh so good. Had I known about the Pioneer earlier, I would still have bought the Denon (guy from craigslist let me make payments over 4 months) I just would have tried to bring it down under $400.

And I do know both previous owners of the two units upgraded to a newer unit with the only real change being HDMI switching.
3805 -> 4808 53tx -> 92TXH (which is a HUGE selling point in my book)

Ill post my friend's reaction to the unit. Right now he is using (my) Yamaha DSP-a2070 to run a 2 channel setup. I wonder if we'll be able to tell a difference.

[gyusher]

I would compare the Denon to the VSX56TXi not the lower line 53. . . A better comparison to the 53 would be the 2805 or 6 can't remember the number right now or perhaps the model right below the 2806. As I remember the 52 is the entry level Elite that is more like the top consumer grade Pioneer. IIRC they had a 53/54/56 with the 54 and 56 being very close except for gold inputs on the 56. . .

I own the 56TXi now and I did own the Denon 3805 however the number I remember is the 3806. . . Actually the Denon beats the 56TXi except maybe for SQ in which it is hard to beat the Elite VSX56TXi for sound quality. . .

I hated the Denon's remote. I hated the Denon's volume control because either it would not go up fast enough or it would go too fast. Other than that the Denon rocks.

You are making me think too hard. . .

[genojayhawk]

thanks gyusher,

Definately agreed on the Denon remote. Pain in the arse.
Good to know how the 2 units actually compare. But that shouldnt take away from the build quality of the elite. Still a great unit.