b&k ref 30 to denon 3805 as preamp a downgrade?

[mcallister]

Would selling a B&K Ref 30 and buying a Denon 3805 to use only as a pre pro be a downgrade in sound quality?

Thanks,
Mike

[BobDole]

I haven't heard the 3805, but I would be shocked if it sounded anywhere near as good as the Ref 30. The Denon is a nice unit, but nowhere near the caliber of the Ref 30 (in my opinion) as a pre/pro. Why are you thinking about the change?

[mcallister]

Mainly because of decoding options. I'm also not completely happy with the B&K. I'd also like to have the auto setup of the 3805

[BobDole]

I've never been a fan of any of the fancy surround sound formats, just straight DD and DTS for me. But if that is something that interests you, the Denon might be a good match. For the price it will be hard to get those features and formats without going the receiver route. If you're not happy with the Ref 30, maybe give the Denon a try. The idea of trading separates for a receiver seems weird to me, but hey, I've been wrong (many) times before.

[ixion]

I own the Ref30 and i've been quite happy with it. Auto setup is not a feature that would make me want to swap it out. You can do this yourself with a Radio Shack SPL meter. HDMI switching and PLIIx processing on the other hand would be valid reason.

I did audition the Primare SP31.7 for a month in my home and WOW, did it ever blow away the Ref30 in sound quality. I was really sad when I had to return it (it was on loan from dealer while my Ref30 was being fixed). But, the Ref30 is a solid performer and I've been really happy with it. I'd be very surprised if the 3805 could beat it in sound quality.