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Sunday, January 8, 2012

Denon AVR-4308CI Multizone Home Theater Receiver with Network Streaming and Wi-Fi

Denon AVR-4308CI Next Generation A/V Multi-Source/Zone with Network Streaming Receiver

Amazon Sales Rank: #50346 in Receiver or Amplifier Color: Black Brand: Denon Model: AVR-4308CI Dimensions: 45.28 pounds 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)

From the Manufacturer The Denon AVR-4308CI - Taking Surround Sound Receivers to the Next Level Denon has long been one of the elite names in home theater receivers, offering a combination of advanced technologies and user-friendly features that transform even the most mundane listening rooms into rich, powerful audio environments. Now Denon takes surround receivers to the next level with the AVR-4308CI. In addition to many of the standard features people have come to expect from Denon receivers, the company adds such forward-looking details as custom integration with home networks via Ethernet and Wi-Fi; refined Audyssey audio processing, which produces better sound and room balance even in difficult acoustical conditions; and HDMI v1.3a digital video inputs, which bring with them new surround formats for HD decoding. Under the Hood: Component Technology The AVR-4308CI offers a power output of 140 watts per channel, but adds a number of engineering advancements to get the most out of the technology. One of the most significant--7-Channel Equal With a power output of 140 watts per channel,the AVR-4308CI multizone 7.1 receiver can handle most audio applications(Click the image to view larger)

Most helpful customer reviews 31 of 31 people found the following review helpful. Excellent AV reciever with loads of features By NYCESQ 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

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