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Denon 4806 v. B&K AVR-507

Has anyone had an opportunity to compare the Denon 4806 and the B&K AVR-507?

I have the B&K and have been generally happy with the sound and functionality. There service is usually great and they are very helpful.

B&K seems to be falling behind the technology curve in some areas, however, and not keeping up fast enough - up conversions, IEE 1394, ipods/mp3 connectivity, display of zone 2 operation (it gets left on a lot without an LED on the front panel), factory service needed to convert 7 channel to zone 2 amplifier. Most importantly, the 507 only allows analog inputs for zone 2.

Does the Denon allow digital inputs for zone 2?

Thanks.
tanzer2250
eldarado
381 posts
 
Not that the Denon is a bad unit but, you will be sacraficing sonics for technology if you go to the Denon. As far as your digital input question, sorry I do not know.
turk944
17 posts
 
I agree, I'm running a 507 S2 right now, and I could work around some lacking technology (i.e. HDMI) for the performance aspect. I know B&K does not churn out new versions of their products twice a year like some companies, but I'll take the stronger build quality over that. Plus its upgradable (whenever B&K gets around to offering upgrades :) ).

From what I've heard, there seems to be some developments in the works with B&K so if you could afford to hold out a little while, you may be pleasantly suprised.
aec01
1 posts
 
I spoke to B&K tech support about 2 weeks ago (I have a B&K AVR 507). They are working on a new product, presumably to replace the 507 and Reference 50. I could not pry any details, but I was inquiring about HDMI. I was told mid to late summer for a new product release (or announcement).
flrnlamb
508 posts
 
Denon 4806 (including MultEQ) + better dedicated amp (or multi-amp) + better than B&K, performance wise!
And, no, a receiver as a pre-pro isn't better in many aspects than a dedicated pre-pro. But the processing and EQ capability of the Denon makes it much much more effective option for overall room sonics than most anything else.
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