The Denon AVR-4308CI picks up where the AVR-4306CI left off, adding some incredible new features that will make the new "digital" age of audio and high-definition video even easier to use. The AVR-4308CI ramps up HDMI capabilities along with power, Zone 2/3 functionality, Internet streaming features and... wait for it... adds Wi-Fi capability! Now you don't have to run a cable to your receiver to enable streaming of Internet radio or music from a local PC provided you have wireless access in your room.
Denon's new line is pretty impressive. I just wonder how many people will be that interested with Onkyo's new line being as competitive and considerably less money. Only time will tell.
I saw an HD radio emblem on the front and rear panels. This is something I was waiting for HT receivers to start featuring. It is a wonderful technology that for what ever reason is not being adopted quickly. IMO there are many other inferior technologies being widely adopted. There I said it, my rant for the day!
I have really been looking forward to this system. I have been drooling over the preliminary specs since the last CES. Looks pretty similar to the 3808ci with only a few extras.
I currently own the Denon 3805, and it sounds pretty good with my HT setup. I'd really like the HDMI ports on the unit, however. I am using an external HDMI switcher and all audio runs via optical or coax right now. I wonder if buying this new unit is justified right now. It is one of the first versions with HDMI 1.3, so it might have some bugs. Heck, everything has bugs. I had to reboot my oven once (all electronic controls). No kidding!
Any opinions?
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Jim Robbins
jim -dot- robbins -at- gmail -dot- com
If I were you and you are happy with the 3805 I would look into upgrading speakers . If you really want a new receiver I would wait a bit and compare the 4308 and the Onkyo that will be coming out around the same time, I think the NR905. The Onkyo is a bit cheaper and might be the better machine in the end but no one will know until they are released and we get a wonderful review .
You can see a list of my gear on that page. Anyway, I am pretty happy with the Infinity Kappa speakers. I have another pair on a Rotel Receiver and CD player for my 2 channel setup, and it sounds better for music than this setup does. I know it's partly the hardware, but it might be the room config as well. Anyway... I probably need some room treatments before I step up to a receiver. But again, the Denon 4308ci is very tempting! So full of lots of cool new things. I am guessing the Audyssey MultiEQ is better than the single point system in my current Denon. I am also wondering if I'd be better off breaking into the separates world. *shrug Anyway, what do you think?
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Jim Robbins
jim -dot- robbins -at- gmail -dot- com
I think you have a really nice system. Since you are happy with your speakers I would say your next step should be acoustics along with acoustics I would suggest getting away from the Audyssey EQ I started out using mine and once I got my SPL from radioshack found out I could do a better job myself without much money or too much time invested. While you are doing all that and spending your money there you can see how these new lines of receivers stack up and if they are worth your money .
I would suggest getting away from the Audyssey EQ I started out using mine and once I got my SPL from radioshack found out I could do a better job myself without much money or too much time invested.
I don't understand; Audyssey and an SPL do different things, with only one thing in common--setting the volume levels for each channel. How can you do the same thing as the Audyssey (but better) with an SPL?
Audyssey eq sets the channel levels as well as setting up the eq. With a good SPL you can easily set all the channel levels after that using a calibration disc with test tones and an spl you can set the eq manually by playing the specific frequency and measuring how loud it is with the SPL then adjusting your eq settings appropriately.
Audyssey eq sets the channel levels as well as setting up the eq. With a good SPL you can easily set all the channel levels after that using a calibration disc with test tones and an spl you can set the eq manually by playing the specific frequency and measuring how loud it is with the SPL then adjusting your eq settings appropriately.
Denon AVR-4308CI First Look
. If you really want a new receiver I would wait a bit and compare the 4308 and the Onkyo that will be coming out around the same time, I think the NR905. The Onkyo is a bit cheaper and might be the better machine in the end but no one will know until they are released and we get a wonderful review 
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Linear Mode
