System Set-up: Audio
Including set-up of the Audyssey EQ, the process takes a good 20 minutes, if
all things go well. By that I mean, during the determination of the speaker
type and configuration, the auto set-up may display error messages which must
be corrected before measurements can be completed. In my case, it gave me a
phase error for my main front speakers, which it turns out, were not
correctly wired.
The manual does explain that in some speakers this error may occur even though
the speakers are properly connected. A “skip” feature allows you to continue;
however I wasn't happy until I found the problem. Needless to say, moving the
speakers away from the back wall, side wall, re-attaching the speaker wires,
replacing the speaker wires, all went to no avail, the error would not go away
and I was forced to succumb to the fact I needed to use the skip function.
Other errors can occur, including too much ambient noise, if it finds no speakers, or if
you forget to attach the microphone.
One hour later I began again.
Finally accepting defeat and knowing I wired my speakers out of phase, to my
shock, the error message disappeared.
Another setback occurs when you realize you need to skip down to number 7-1 on
the main System Set-up Menu, where you tell it what configuration you want in
the main and subsequent zones. Simply if you are running a 5.1, or 7.2, or
9.3, whatever your desire, you must make that decision before running the auto
set-up. Why? Because the auto set-up will look for speakers that aren't there
considering the 5805 is defaulted to a 9.1 system. Also decide whether you
have 1 to 3 subs in the main zone and how you want the LFE signals sent. You
must absolutely have pages 99 and 100 of the manual handy for this set-up. Page
99 displays the channel options and subwoofer output configurations, while page
100 gives you diagrams for using the pre-outs for multiple subwoofers. There is
no way you'd figure this out on your own, it's just not labeled so.
Another 30 minutes and I'm back to set-up 1-1.
Believe me, this wasn't too painful, especially when you realize what's going
on, and it then becomes productive.
Initially, I had a 5.1 setup in my room and the auto set-up began. After
attaching the microphone, the Audyssey set-up takes
over.
The Audyssey results are then shown in a series of screens.
Unfortunately, and this is a big one, if you don't like any single setting,
you cannot alter the Audyssey results. Your only recourse is to begin again,
but unless you alter your method for calibration, i.e., lowering room noise, or
changing the microphone position, your results will likely remain the
same. For me, it set my front speakers as Large, not Small. That's important
because Home THX recommends setting all speakers to Small, predominately for
crossover settings. If any speaker is set to Large, no crossover option is
allowed, but if set to Small, individual channel crossover setting is an option.
Once the speaker setup has been confirmed and you are happy with the
configuration, you may skip the next menus (manual settings) for speaker
selection, delay, and channel level.
Crossover Frequency is another matter and
quite involved. There are three modes for setting the crossover: Advanced
where all channels, front, center, surround and surround backs (if you have
them selected) are set individually from a low 40 Hz to a high 150 Hz; Variable
mode allows settings from 40 Hz to 250 Hz; and lastly, you can fix the crossover
and rely on the THX-recommended 80 Hz.
The THX Audio set-up includes a Boundary Gain Compensation. If you have a
subwoofer that will play down to 20 Hz, answering "Yes" allows you set
Gain. For example, if your subwoofer is placed close to a wall, set the
Boundary Gain to “On”. Answering "No" removes the option.
THX also requires proper set-up of the surround back speakers, especially
considering their requirements for Ultra2 Cinema, THX Music, or THX Game modes.
In fact, for these modes, it actually prefers placing those speakers behind you
as close as possible. Regardless, you set the distance between these speakers
accordingly.
The audio input set-up includes the digital-in assignment for all eleven inputs.
Naturally, there is an array of options from the multiple optical/coaxial to Denon Link and even HDMI.
There are two External-In setups available. The mode you choose, analog, or the DSP, again
allows additional options. Choosing Aanalog Only lets you set the
subwoofer level (for subwoofer boost if you prefer for SACD playback, for
example) up to an additional 15 dB. If you choose the DSP mode, in addition to
the subwoofer level adjustment, it also offers an Input Attenuation on or off.
The same is available for a second Ext. In.
Considering the variable volume levels from different sources, each input can
then be adjusted up or down, so you're not reaching for the main volume
constantly as you switch inputs. The Input Function Level can be adjusted from
a +12 to -12 dB for each of the 13 inputs. Likewise, each input function can
be renamed and will be displayed as such on the OSD. Nice feature if you have
more than one DVD player for example.
The AVR-5805 also features a configurable volume control during power up and
also limiting the maximum volume for all zones. Even the mute level for each
zone can be adjusted to reduce the sound levels to either: full, no sound, or
dropping it 20 or 40 dB from the current listening level.
When I attached an IEEE1394 cable (make sure that component is powered up when
you assign it) to a Denon DVD-3910 player, the 5805
recognized and displayed “DVD-3910” on the OSD. Cool!!
Lastly in this series of menus is the tuner presets. It will go through,
finding the stations available, and store them. If you are like me and you
don't listen to all the stations that the 5805 finds, you can then go through and
delete those
stations. You may also choose to rename them as you want. My favorite jazz
station is 88.3 out of Newark and I relabeled it from 88.3 to “Jazz 88” just
for the fun of it. As I mentioned, the OSD will also display RDS, additional
information becoming more popular with FM stations these days. Usually it's
the call letters of the station and the song/artist playing. Other times, it's
advertisement.
With the newer HD Radio format now taking on momentum, I hope Denon addresses
this with an upgrade.
System Set-up: Video
The Video set-up begins with component-in assignment, and has nine possible video
sources to program. If you're using the pass-through video processing, you can
set the video scaler aspect to Full or Normal. Setting to Full will
maintain the aspect ratio of the input video, say 16:9, while setting it to Normal
places a black band to the left and right for 4:3 video. Here is also where
you set the resolution of 1080i, 480p/576p, 480i/576i, and 720p, all based on
the native resolution of your display.
This is also the time to set your HDMI- or DVI-in assignment. For the 3910 I
had on hand, I used a DVI cable. When using an HDMI cable, be sure
to set the audio playback on “Amp” not “TV”, so it knows to use the 5805
speaker setup, not the monitors.
Set your audio delay (as a rule of thumb) to about 1ms for every foot between
you and the monitor or screen.
Advanced Playback
The 5805 allows you to modify the speaker settings when the surround mode is
set to 2-channel Direct or Stereo mode. Two settings, Basic and Custom allow
you to select the size of speakers and
whether you want a subwoofer to be in the system.
If you're not using the center channel, you can modify the Dolby Digital
down-mixing option to On or Off for dynamic range. Setting it to On
re-directs those sounds to the left and right speakers.
The other significant setting in the Advanced Playback menu is the Manual EQ
for all channels (except the sub) for music playback. From a low 63 Hz to a
high 16 kHz, you can adjust each band from -20 dB to +6
dB at 0.5 dB increments. If you hate what you hear, just restore with a
default option. As I mentioned earlier, the Audyssey base curve can be copied
and used for your own manual settings, and this is where it's done.
Now you go back and do most of what I've already described for Zone 2.
Extras
How often have you attached a set of speaker cables on the wrong posts,
frustrating you to pull the receiver out and make the corrections? Well, with this
many speaker binding posts, it can easily happen, and it did to me. With the 5805, there is no
need for the strenuous exercise, simply go into the speaker assignment menu
and switch it internally, saving your knuckles and back. This is basically
known on the 5805 as power amp assignment.
Bi-amping is easily done on the 5805. Simply select bi-amping under the power
amp assignment menu and use a second set of posts for the bi-amped speakers.
If you're like me, and you enjoy a different speaker configuration
for movie watching and multi-channel music, the 5805 allows
different selections for the surround speakers either direct or radiating
speakers (dipole or bipole). It also remembers each independent configuration.
Like many new surround receivers, the 5805 also features a number of DSP surround
modes, specifically ten. I'll list them, as you surely will find them self
explanatory: Wide Screen, Super Stadium, Rock Arena, Jazz Club, Classic
Concert, Mono Movie, Video Games, Matrix, Virtual (also for Zone 2), and 9CH
Stereo. Going further, the 5805 can also set surround parameter effect level
from low to high and also for the size of your room. Lastly, it does allow tone
control, bass and treble, for any DSP surround modes except for Direct or THX
modes. Remember, these settings can be stored in the macro function (User mode
function) as you so desire.
Controversy or Point-Counter-Point
So what's the point of a flagship receiver like this anyway? Opinions vary
even amongst some of the senior staff at Secrets. Surely $6,000 for a
receiver is pricey, nay expensive. Denon's people by the way do wince a bit
when you refer to this unit as a receiver, and I can see why. The laden
features are indisputable; there is simply no other product out there that
compares. None. Some features you can do without, others are state-of-the-art,
multi-EQ for one.
The 5805 fits the definition of a "Receiver" which just means the preamp,
processing, and power amplifiers are all in one chassis. However, the 5805 is
simply a high-end, high-performance receiver, like the new Lexicon RV-8, which
is even more costly than the Denon. It appears that the word "Receiver" no
longer implies something of modest quality and price. From now on, it
certainly can mean something very nice indeed.
No doubt most will argue separates give you superior performance, as well as better
and more powerful amplification. Receivers have always had more features
than the separate processor, but now, the quality and power are there too,
to wit, balanced 24/192 DACs and 170 watts x 10 channels, and Denon assures me this is with all channels driven.
And, yes this is a BIG heavy box, but heavy, where
amplifiers are concerned, is good. Once you
park it, however, you really don't want to move it. I'll give the “for
separates” argument that one. The main advantage of separates is to be able to
choose your power amplification and the ability to drive 2 ohm loads such
as electrostatic speakers. The disadvantage however in separates for the same
argument is the need for separates to have a good impedance match between
processor and amplifier. The additional component is another source for ground
loops that can produce hum. As to size, a separate processor and power
amplifier are, together, about the same size as the 5805. You just need to
put the 5805 on one shelf rather than splitting them onto two shelves.
I can't help but feel the 5805 has paved the way for the next generation of
receivers from Denon, including the highly anticipated AVR-4806 due out
shortly. Some of this fine technology is certain to filter down to other new
receivers.
Multi-zone has become the norm in high end receivers, and why not? Home owners
are integrating sound and video equipment and with the new music/video servers
making a splash, receivers responding to those demands will be more
commonplace. With the 5805 offering dual 5.1 or 7.1 surround possibilities,
imagine the receiver working along with a server where, from your master
bedroom, you can call up any movie and watch it. On the other hand, why not buy a modest receiver
and place it with an independent DVD player in your bedroom? Well I'd argue it
defeats the purpose of an integrated system. Granted, that's a lot of long
speaker wires from one location though.
Consider also a single High Definition distribution source, which the 5805 is, with HDMI/DVI and analog component
all coming from one central location. The high bandwidth
pass-through the Denon offers to multiple zones is impressive on its own.
Lastly, although I think there are many other issues we could pose,
upgradeability and remote service is paramount to the concept of the AVR-5805.
This receiver will grow with your needs and demands far into the future. The
$6,000 price tag buys you some peace of mind in terms of progressing
technologies. I
think that deserves merit.
My feelings are not why design such an animal, but why not? I'm never going to
buy a $60,000 pair of speakers, but I'm glad they're out there. Consider
the potential for the 5805, and you might come away from this review
accepting that there is no product out there quite like this, with no equal, there
is no point in comparison. The easiest statement I can make to you: to date
everything you could possibly imagine a receiver including, the AVR-5805
actually has.
Listening
WOW! Hardly scientific, my apologies, let me start properly.
I auditioned the AVR-5805 in 2-channel, 2.1 channel, 5.1 channel (in two
separate rooms), 5.2 channel, 7.1 channel, analog, using HDMI, DVI, IEEE 1394,
Denon link, coaxial, and Toslink optical cables.
As mentioned earlier, I used the Denon DVD-3910 for all video and audio
playback. For speakers, I predominately used the Canton Vento line (review
forthcoming). All cabling,
including interconnects, speaker wire, subwoofer cables, HDMI, and DVI were
from Ethereal. For a monitor, I used both my 38” widescreen HDTV RCA, and also
the Panasonic PT-AE500U projector on a 102” Da-Lite screen.
I absolutely loved being able to bi-amp, assign speakers' amplification, and rename inputs and radio stations. I loved the macro functions of the user
mode. It allowed me to switch DVD-Audio playback from analog to digital on
multiple DVD players.
Bi-amping the Canton front left and right speakers only, the 5805 dramatically altered
the soundstage of this setup. There was a sensation of the speakers covering more of
the frequency range from top to bottom, with greater detail. For example,
although mediocre, the movie Flight of the Phoenix does challenge
amplifiers during the main crash scene. The 5805 delivers so much thrust and
power, I could sense cleanly the crushing metal around me.
The auto surround mode picked up the DTS soundtrack in
Hero a film extremely
demanding on many levels. Voices, sword play, flying arrows, thunderous bass,
and delicate nuances (snapping wires in the Blue room scene) were easily
executed by the 5805. The Denon hardly strained.
The 5805's ability as a powerhouse comes through in the DVD Diana Krall, Live
in Paris in both Dolby and DTS. As many times as I've watched this
performance, never has it been presented with the dimension and stage presence
than I experienced with the Denon. This is one fine product.
Briefly I will say it took some time setting up two subs, from a room node
standpoint. The hook-up was easy. Once accomplished, the sensation was
jaw-dropping.
I particularly enjoyed watching in THX 5.1. With the Audyssey engaged, the
listening room was more seamless with the 5805 than I have ever heard before.
Placing two subs, one in each front corner in a 5.2 setup, I spent some time
with Star Wars – The Phantom Menace. Besides the pod race scene, the entire film was once
again presented with strength and energy. The 5805 hardly flinched.
With music,
2-channel audio in both Direct and Pure Direct modes yielded warmth and depth
I've become accustomed to with Denon receivers. For example, I listened to a 24 bit super analog CD
from JVC, Ruggiero Ricci with the London Symphony Orchestra, originally
recorded in 1959. Conducted by Pierino Gamba, Ricci's violin sounds clear and
warm. The backing orchestra was full and dimensional, while the dynamic range
was nicely realized by the 5805. Gone are the old days of mass market receiver
harshness. High performance is a term that now applies to this product
category.
I particularly like listening to
stereo CDs in 5-channel, or in this case 7-channel
surround mode. This is in no way an attempt to simulate surround sound, but
merely creating a playback that, especially with a number of people sitting in
a room, allows the music to be enjoyed non-directionally. Even modestly priced
receivers can accomplish this feat; the 5805 was that much more convincing.
The very elegant recording of yo yo Ma playing Vivaldi's Cello was warm and
inviting in this baroque recording.
The DTS surround Jashua Judges Ruth from Lyle Lovett is a standard for
vocals and backup harmonized singers. Rich, textural tones, combined with
sharp, deep edges make this playback exemplary and simply stunning.
For female vocals, I pulled out Rene Marie's Live at Jazz Standard, a CD very
much like the Diana Krall DVD. Marie's voice was soft at times, full and large
other times.
Via the remote control, you can easily scroll through the EQ options while you
are listening. Remember there are 4 settings besides Off, Front, Flat, Manual,
and Audyssey. I did find the Audyssey a bit bright, not to be confused
with highly detailed. This is probably just a tendency for the Audyssey
settings to boost the treble a little too much for my tastes. It did very well in distributing the sweet spot around
my listening room, clearly meeting its objective.
I also found the Audyssey
set-up frustrating, specifically in the speaker size and subsequent crossover
settings. But overall, once properly configured, the Audyssey multi EQ can
make a remarkable difference in your space. It simply must be experienced.
Conclusions
Configurability, configurability, configurability. I cannot overemphasize the
importance of this concept. I know when I switch back to my other receiver, I'll
sincerely miss the options afforded to me on the 5805. My only consolation is
knowing that the AVR-4806 is not far behind and I hope the lessons learned in
designing the 5805 will trickle down to the line of other Denon products.
The Denon AVR-5805 lacks nothing. In fact, any conceivable shortcomings can
easily be handled with future upgrades. Indisputably, the AVR-5805 is a
powerful first rate receiver/home theater center that is unique and
uncompromised. I wholeheartedly stand behind the 5805 for its innovation, its
flexibility, and most importantly for its stellar performance.
- Piero Gabucci -
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