I currently use a Denon 3805 for my setup. (I only have one setup so its for HT and music)

I have Altec 9844A Studio Monitors as my speakers.
I only use/prefer a 2.1 setup (so much simpler and the Altecs bounce sound around the room so much its like i got surround anyways).

I had a Yamaha DSP-a2070 before my denon and the amps were definately beefier than the denon, but I got rid of it because it did not have optical ins. now Ive got a chance to get the DSP-3090 which includes optical ins.

My whole point is: which would you go with?and why

Great, so I just found a B&K AVR 202 reciever for sale too..


i have problems

I've heard the Denon you own.I bought it used for my sister and brother in law and placed in my system to make sure it was functioning. It is no comparison to my EAD system, but it was good. I owned a Yamaha back in the late 80's -early 90's and finally got rid of it because it sounded to bright to me.Went through many processors over the next 12 years before settling with what I have now. I have also heard the B&K mentioned and my personal tastes lean towards the B&K above the other two manufactures you're comparing,but there may be other factors that are important to you that dictate otherwise. It would be nice to audition before making the decision, but you may not have that luxury. What's wrong with the Denon you already have?

Personally, as much as I like Yamaha, I think you're going to be hard-pressed to better the Denon which is already bought and paid for.

You mentioned beefy amps, so I assume that is one of the reasons for looking around. It is possible, and fairly common, to use external amps with HT receivers via their pre out jacks. The 3805 has pre outs for all channels.

So, if it is the amp section where you have the concern, I'd say your money might be better spent on adding an external amp to the Denon as opposed to replacing it completely. Heck, maybe you already have a good 2-ch amp laying around you could try it with.

thaks guys, just got a chance to get the 3090 for less than 2 bills so I thought I could get some $ back from my Denon. BUT I see your point. I did plan for external amps when I first got the Denon.

I guess I just really liked that Yamaha