Denon AVR-33xx/43xx quality issues?

[usery]

Based on what look like well-informed posts in this forum from current AVR-33xx/43xx owners, I was close to pulling the trigger on a refurb or new unit. Until I found posts on Amazon and others about quality/reliability issues: HDMI, pre-outs, DOA units etc. Having to return a component like this for warranty service/replacement is suck, esp. through an online dealer. Hoping to avoid any of that.

I currently run an old entry-level AVR-1804 for HT. 9 years old, no problems ever with any of it: 6.1, pre-out, all good. A loudspeaker upgrade to separate audio system is driving me to set up computer-sourced audio, which in turn drives upgrade of my AVR (need ethernet, audio decoding and DAC at AVR to feed my 2-channel audio amp via RCA out). Bonus is I get modern AVR features for my HT to replace my current jinky setup (no HDMI in old AVR-1804 etc). Do I need everything that comes with AVR-33xx/43xx's? Probably not but like all cascading upgrades I like opportunity to step-up and have headroom for later.

Any current AVR-33xx/43xx owners mind commenting on your experiences with unit quality/reliability? Thanks in advance for reading thru all my blah-blah.

 

[Pyrrho]

I am not really your target audience, but Yamaha has an excellent reputation for reliability. That is one of the main reasons I have only gone with Yamaha on my past three surround receivers. It does not matter what features something has or whatever else about it if it does not work right. That said, if I were going to go with another brand, Marantz and Denon would be the ones I would look at, probably in that order. But I will stick with Yamaha unless they change their ways.

 

[templemaners]

Search my username for threads I've started. One of them is about my 4311 refurb that was pretty much broken out of the box. It has since been fixed, but still acts weird from time to time. I would buy another 4311, but not a refurb version.

 

[Ponzio]

I am not really your target audience, but Yamaha has an excellent reputation for reliability. That is one of the main reasons I have only gone with Yamaha on my past three surround receivers. It does not matter what features something has or whatever else about it if it does not work right. That said, if I were going to go with another brand, Marantz and Denon would be the ones I would look at, probably in that order. But I will stick with Yamaha unless they change their ways.

+1
I've owned 6 Yamaha Receivers since 1977 and not one has failed.

 

[PENG]

Owned 4 Denon so far, still have 3. The oldest are the 1705 and 3805 (still in use), latest one is 4308 and 1912, no issue so far. The 4311 is made in Japan. If you can get a new one in the box with full warranty you should be good to go.

 

[ichigo]

I've had 2 Denon 3312s that had HDMI ports go bad. I ended up going with Yamaha.

 

[Darkwing_duck]

Owned 4 Denon so far, still have 3. The oldest are the 1705 and 3805 (still in use), latest one is 4308 and 1912, no issue so far. The 4311 is made in Japan. If you can get a new one in the box with full warranty you should be good to go.

What benefit does a "Made in Japan" receiver have? Is it worth a substantial price increase?

 

[PENG]

What benefit does a "Made in Japan" receiver have? Is it worth a substantial price increase?

There is a remote chance that quality control and potentially reliability, is better. Even if not, and likely not, there is such a perception out there going by forum posts at least so resale could be a little easier. To me, that's about it. I think such concern, valid or not, will likely dissipate in the next 5 years or so. Same thing happened when they first made those things in Japan many years ago right?

 

[surveyor]

I have an AVR-3312ci and an AVR4520ci and I'm impressed. The AVR-4520ci rocks my boat to the gills. The AVR3312ci is awesome!

 

[M Code]

There is a remote chance that quality control and potentially reliability, is better. Even if not, and likely not, there is such a perception out there going by forum posts at least so resale could be a little easier. To me, that's about it. I think such concern, valid or not, will likely dissipate in the next 5 years or so. Same thing happened when they first made those things in Japan many years ago right?

More than a remote chance..
Denon products made in Japan are built @ their own factory..
Now the China assembled Denon branded products are outsourced through the Sherwood/Inkel factory...

Just my $0.05...

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would never buy a refurbished AVR or pre-pro.

 

[3db]

+1
I've owned 6 Yamaha Receivers since 1977 and not one has failed.

I only have the one (over 5 years old) so far but its been absolutely bullet proof in its reliability

 

[cpp]

I've owned Denons, still have 2 4311 AVR's no issues at all . But I would never by refurbished, it's like a used car, you get who knows what.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I've owned Denons, still have 2 4311 AVR's no issues at all . But I would never by refurbished, it's like a used car, you get who knows what.

I agree. Nobody sends an AVR to get refurbished just because it was a simple store return.

No. It got sent for refurbished because something was DEFECTIVE. And if something is defective, who knows what else is defective.

It is a very complex machine. I wouldn't take any chances.

But that's just you, me, and some other people. Other people still take chances.

 

[ReUpRo]

My Denon is a refurb . No issues, yet.

 

[GlocksRock]

I own a refurb Denon 1910 and my parents have a refurbished denon as well, and no issues. I also have a used denon 4311 that hasn't had any issues either. I wouldn't have a problem buying a refurbished unit, as long as the warranty was decent.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Next time you guys think about buying refurbished, send me a PM.

Why buy refurbished when you could buy brand new authorized for the same price as refurbished?

 

[ReUpRo]

NOW you tell me! Just kidding, I knew you have a dealer friend who gives you awesome deals, but, now I'll make sure I ping you for my ATI amp .

 

[RichB]

Some products that are sold as B-Stock may be new.
It is sometimes used to sell directly at lower price points.

A couple of amplifier companies come to mind

- Rich

 

[slipperybidness]

I agree. Nobody sends an AVR to get refurbished just because it was a simple store return.

No. It got sent for refurbished because something was DEFECTIVE. And if something is defective, who knows what else is defective.

It is a very complex machine. I wouldn't take any chances.

But that's just you, me, and some other people. Other people still take chances.

A LOT of gear (especially electronics) gets returned to the stores because the buyer doesn't understand how to work it correctly. Those types of returns will be sold as refurbs.

Also, the other side of the coin is that a refurb goes to the factory to get repaired, then gets a thorough QA/QC test. So, every refurb should get tested, while every new item does not.

Personally, I have not had any problems with any refurbs. There are some items that I wouldn't buy as a refurb though, so that probably helps my luck on this.

If you do go refurb, be sure the warranty has you covered!

But yeah, with the bad luck some of y'all have had, I don't blame you for your attitude on refurbs either.