Denon AVR-4308CI 7.1-Channel/5.1- + 2-Channel/3.1- + 2- + 2-Channel Multisource/Multizone A/V Home Theater Receiver with Network Streaming and Wi-Fi (Black) | List Price: $2,699.00
Discount Price: $1,800.00
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Brand: Denon
Binding: Electronics
Features: - 140 watts x 7 into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.05% THD
- Dolby True HD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, Pro Logic IIx, and DTS Neo - 6 decoding. WI FI
- XM Satellite Radio Ready with decoding for XM's HD Surround channels (requires XM subscription and optional XM Mini-Tuner package)
- HDCD decoding
- iPod integration (requires optional Denon ASD-1R)
Best AVR for under $2000 [Posted on 2008-03-20]
I had it for 3 months. There are a lot of features to learn and take advantage of which make this AVR a great buy. As others have said, the rich features including WiFi, internet radio, playing USB media, take firmware update from internet, processing DSD signal from denon link and HDMI. I especially enjoy the ability to take a source audio and video signals from both analog (component video) and digital (HDMI) such that a PS3 can use the component video inputs and use HDMI audio input simulatenously.
As a pre-amp, it is very decent performance. Comparable to my previous Anthem AVM-30. The power section is quite good, comparable to a $1500 dedicated amp but not in the same class as Krell, Levinson, Classe, PassLab, etc.
I have two complaints:
1) The HDMI output is not compatible with sanyo PLV-Z4. HDMI Source signal (PS3 and Denon 3930Ci) will not pass thru.
2) Subwoofer output signal crossover slope is unknown (24dB/Oct, 6dB/Oct) and can not be selected.
Denon AVR-4308CI Next Generation A/V Multi-Source/Zone w/ Network Streaming Receiver [Posted on 2008-03-27]
The item is one of the best I've ever bought. The quality of the product is amazing. I already have an AVR 4306, but without a doubt the AVR 4308CI is better and worth the money.
Great but complex [Posted on 2008-05-19]
I have had the 4308ci for about a week. The picture quality and sound are outstanding, but as others have noted, this is a complex receiver with lots of options and a very poorly written manual. I have spent hours figuring things out by trial and error. Just one example: the receiver comes with two HDMI monitor outputs. Switching from one to the other should be easy, right? Well, it is, but it's taken me a week to figure out how to do it in the grahical user interface, since its buried a couple of levels down in a HDMI setting menu. Still haven't figured out how to do it on the remote. I actually thought the unit might be defective! So, this is a receiver for those who want great quality with lots of options and are willing to work to get it.
Excellent AV reciever with loads of features [Posted on 2008-07-04]
Denon 4308CI Receiver
Strengths: Great quality picture and sound, excellent build quality, nice display, GUI interface, easy to assign/rename imputs, HD radio, 4 HDMI, 140 Watt multizone output, good value for price point.
Weaknesses: Complicated user manual, Useless remote, Faroudja vs. Silicon Optix processor
Price paid: $1,780 (2/08)from a reputable retail store. (Please do not ask which one as I was given an insider price)
Summary: After considerable research I purchased the Denon 4308CI to upgrade a prexisting Sony STRDA555ES receiver. My main desire in upgrading was to obtain HDMI connection capability and take advantage updated sound processing and 1080P upscaling. I ruled out various other comparable recievers for a variety of reasons, including heat generation as my components are enclosed in a audio rack partially recessed into a closed media room.
As a longtime Sony fan and owner of three ES AV recievers, it came down to a choice between the STRDA 5300ES and the Denon 4308CI.
I opted for the Denon over the Sony for a few reasons. The display on the Denon is much larger. It might sound silly but I like to see the information displayed on the receiver from where I'm listing to music. The Sony display was rather small. I also liked the fact that the Denon has internet streaming capability and HD Radio reception. The Sony has more HDMI hookups and a longer warranty (5 years vs. 2 for the Denon) but the Denon has increased power handling and full 1080P upscaling. Pricewise the Denon was a few hundred dollars more then the Sony but I felt that it had a more "modern" feature set.
So far after 4 months of use I have been very pleased with the Denon. Sound is fantastic and the GUI was intuitive. I disagree with some of the other reviews that I have read regarding the ease of setup. It took a little longer then I anticipated to set up but as I previously noted the GUI was fairly intuitive. I really like the fact that you can rename the inputs so when you select them from the function selection dial it will display whatever name you decide on. I prefer optical connections so I had to reassign some of the optical connections. Rear connections seem pretty sturdy. The unit gets warm but not hot after a few hours of use. Still havent taken advantage of the 1080P upscaling as of yet. HD radio signal reception is pretty strong and so far no interference despite living in a New York City Apartment building.
Harmony 880 Universal Remote works better then supplied remotes.
Video processing is excellent. I have however occasionally noted video artifacts. This reciver uses a Faroudja DCDi FLI2310 processor which is simply not as highly regarded by professional reviewers as the Silicon Optix Realta HQV processor used by Denon's flagship 3800BDCI Blu-ray player or the Silicon Optix Reon chipset used by receivers such as the Onkyo TX-NR905 and Integra DTR 8.8. However, overall picture quality on standard 1080i and 720p cable source material is excellent.
3808CI vs.4308CI? The 4308CI appeared to have a slightly more "attractive" build quality and appearance. In comparing the two models side by side before purchasing, the 4308CI simply looked better. However, HD radio, increased power handling and WiFi capability were the primary reasons I opted to spend more to purchase the 4308CI.
4308CI and 3800BDCI blu-ray combo. Have had the 4308CI and the 3800BDCI paired for the last three weeks. The Blu-ray picture is simply amazing. Will never purchase another standard DVD again if available in Blu-ray format.
Conclusion: I've been very happy with the 4308CI. It offers great sound and picture features at an attractive price point. However,if you are interested in better video processing you may want to check out the Onkyo TX-NR905 and Integra DTR 8.8 as well.
Review system components: (used in review)
Panasonic TH-50PZ750U 1080P (limited Ed)
Artcoustic DF-65's
Artcoustic DF-Multi (center)
Denon 3800BDCI (DVD)(used three weeks)
Sony ES 5 Disc changer
Sony SACD player
Monster HPS7000 Signature Series
Monster AVS2000 Signature series
Polk XM Radio Tuner
Excellent Product [Posted on 2008-09-05]
The setup is :
Denon AVR 4308
Denon DVD 1940
Polk ATi 7 family of speakers with Polk CS 5 center speaker
Sanyo PLV Z 5 projector
As am based in Bangalore, India, I have constraints on access to the latest goodies, especially media, and at price that folks in US/UK enjoy!
It was almost on impulse that I bought the 4308 in Dec 2007, especialy with the Internet Radio feature. The amp + Dvd player combo is simply awesome. I have been having som issues with the Internet radio as the signal strength of the WiFi is not all that great. That apart, the sound and video quality are superb. Had to buy the Z5 projector, which offer 720p, sadly. However, the overall quality and experience is great. The SACD audio quality is OUT of this world!!
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