My New Receiver

Looking for a new receiver? So was I until I finally purchased one last month. I’ve been saving for a long time so I can afford a mid-high level receiver. There are a large amount of features to look for in a receiver as they are an important piece of a home theater network. Here is list of the features that were important to me:

• 7.1 surround sound output with a minimum of 100W/channel. I’m going to have a 7.1 speaker setup so this is a must.
• Minimum of 3 HDMI inputs. One for a cable box, PS3, and a HTPC. I would like an extra one for my HD DVD player too but I could live without it.
• HDMI 1.3a capable so the receiver can accept 7.1 signals.
• Dolby TruHD and DTS HD MA decoding support. No point in having a 7.1 surround sound speaker system if I can’t decode a true 7.1 source.
• Network controllable. I need this so I can run my AutoHTN program.
• An independent second zone with audio and video output. This is so I can finish watching a DVD or a DVRed show in my bedroom or office.
• A third zone output used for my porch speakers.
• 1080p HDMI upconversion output so I only need a single HDMI input on my TV.
• Multi-channel pre-out used for an amplifier (one day).
• Dynamic volume control. I can’t stand how loud commercials get and this feature keeps everything at the same volume.
• A built-in Audyssey speaker calibration program.

The network controllable feature limited my choices to Denon. I asked around, but no other manufacturer had the options to send commands through a home network. I decided on the Denon 3808 and have been more than happy with it. The ’09 models were coming out so I was able to find the 3808 for a discounted price, and it was able to do everything I listed above.

I’ll post back with a detailed review of the 3808 soon. In the mean time, here are some pics of the all the cables going to the receiver.