Denon AVR-3808CI vs. Onkyo TX-SR875


by Erik Jul 31, 2007 fileunderFound in Onkyo TX-SR875


The Onkyo TX-SR875 (hit shelves late July 2007) is one of the most highly-anticipated a/v receivers in a long time. Denon has coincidentally come out with its lineup and the very similarly priced Denon AVR-3808CI (also available late July 2007). Both receivers include 4 HDMI 1.3a inputs supporting 1080p. I received an email asking me to compare the two. Here is my response:

Keep in mind that I haven't listened to or watched either receiver, but this comes from my research.

  TX-SR875 AVR-3808CI
MSRP $1599 $1599
Power 140 W 130 W
I/O 4 x HDMI 1.3a 4 x HDMI 1.3a
Video chip REON HQV Faroudja DCDi
Sound Quality X -
Video Quality X -
Ethernet, USB - X

To me the biggest difference is that the TX-SR875 includes the REON HQV chip and the AVR-3808CI includes the inferior Faroudja DCDi. This means that the TX-SR875 will actually upscale SD sources to 1080p whereas the Faroudja will switch without upscaling. Both receivers will upscale analog SD sources to 1080p. I don't know much about the AVR-3808's audio system but the TX-SR875 boasts high-quality components supporting bridged operation and bi-amplification.

The AVR-3808CI looks like it gets the edge with its new and improved GUI, 2 x USB 2.0 ports, and Ethernet support.

Personally, I would go for the TX-SR875 because it has better audio and video quality and I don't really have a need for USB/Ethernet streaming, since I use my softmodded Xbox for that.

If you want a value-priced system that features 2 x HDMI inputs and switching all analogs sources to HDMI out with the same Faroudja DCDi chip as the AVR-3808CI, then I would recommend the Onkyo TX-SR605 priced at $500.

1.  avatar Chonn said:

And besides the Onkyo is THX Ultra 2 certified... In my opinion the Onlyo is the better choice over the Denon if you're a videophile
Aug 15, 2007 3:24am
2.  avatar witchdog said:

Yes, but 4 HDMI inputs is better than only 2. In addition, gotta love the Denon's Ethernet capabilities... Able to steam music from the internet and a PC on the same LAN. I've owned both brands and I still love the Denons :)
Sep 16, 2007 1:32am
3.  avatar Erik said:

The TX-SR875 has 4 HDMI inputs. Thinking of the TX-SR605?
Sep 16, 2007 1:36pm
4.  avatar rturn2chuck said:

I have a Denon AVR 3808 UNIT IM LOOKING TO SELL IT
Oct 05, 2007 9:28pm
5.  avatar bjmoon01 said:

ethernet is quite useful. You can listen all Internet boradcasing music. It provoide huge channels and with nice sampling.
Nov 05, 2007 12:55am
6.  avatar Super Star said:

I HAVE ONKYO TX SR 876, AND I HAVE ALSO TX-SR 606, TX-SR 606 IS BETTER. BUT STILL IM LOOKING A QUIET PERFECT THATS WHY I LOOK FOR DENON AVR 3808, FINALLY I GOT EVERYTHING I WANT,,,,,,,
Apr 23, 2009 11:04am
Some HTML is allowed. Your comments remain editable after you post..