Price Paid:  $459.00 from ecost

Summary:
I've had my receiver for three weeks now... For the price I don't think I could have done better. Setup was straight forward and the sound is unbelievable. This receiver is hooked up to an Orb Audio 5.1 setup. Compared to my previous pioneer, this receiver is in another class.

Strengths:
Looks and Sounds beautiful

Weaknesses:
Remote - Big, Ugly, and Complicated

Similar Products Used:
Pioneer VSX-608

Price Paid:  $799.00 from Sound Advice

Summary:
AVR-2805, Actually regarding the previous post, both the 985 and the 2805 are available in black or silver. This receiver is much more than I expected. I use it as a pre-pro to push a B&K, B&W front end. It is significantly better sounding than my Marantz SR-7200 was in that set-up. Features I needed were a powered zone two with a video feed. Needed the more expensive Yamaha 2400 to get that. Icing on the cake include the Auto setup system which is great and the pure direct mode which can be used with the sub. Very impressed, and was aprehensive until I've listened and realized the build quality and feel.

Strengths:
Build quality, Processing, Auto EQ and setup. Video switching with upconversion to component, flexibity for hookup and zone 2

Weaknesses:
Remote is decent. Can't comment on the amp in my set-up

Similar Products Used:
Marantz SR-7200

Price Paid:  $675.00 from Megatrade Enterprise

Summary:
I am not an audiophile, but my ears know what sounds good.

The only difference between the AVR-985 and the AVR-2805 is the color. The 985 is silver and the 2805 is black. Other than that, the receivers are identical.

I upgraded my dated Sony non-DTS receiver to this AVR-985. The Denon "feel" is there. You feel the clicks on the control knobs and the gun metal finish is sweet. The power is very clean. highs are clear and crisp and the lows are firm and clean.

The included microphone and auto-setup feature is invaluable for calibrating the receiver for the room.

Some will complain about the remote, but at least it isn't as wide as previous Denon remotes. The buttonless backlit remote that comes with the 3805 looks cooler, but I prefer the tactile feel of the buttons on the 985/2805 remote. The remote looks confusing, but that's what the manual is for- read it.

Strengths:
Power, sound clarity, Denon quality.

Weaknesses:
None for now.

Similar Products Used:
Yamaha A1000, SONY STR-DE825