Denon vs HK with Ascends

[BGHD]

I've been using the HK DPR 1005 digi receiver with my Ascends (340 LCR, 170 SR/SL, 200 SBR/SBL, VTF2) for a while. Overall, pretty happy with it, but my curiosity in Denon, had me purchase the 985 (same as 2805) recently from Costco.com. I ran the autoEQ/setup on the 985 and my first impression was that the HK sounds noticeably better. Clearer dialogue in movies, smoother less fatiguing more effortless sound overall. The Denon had a little cleaner/tighter bass though.

Anyone else notice the same differences b/w the HK and Denon? Do I need to re-run the autosetup? It's only been a few days, so would break-in make a huge difference?

[curtis]

Have you tried the Denon without the EQ?

I have heard auto EQ twice...Pioneer's...and I didn't like what it did, but it could definitely be because I wasn't acustomed to it.

[BGHD]

Nope. Will give it a shot tonight though.