Denon AVR-4311ci

[Alex2507]

I think he compared the 4000 with the 4311.

Yep, I read it that way too.

I still prefer the 4311 though, it even plays HDCD, not that it makes any difference other than bragging rights. And it was made in Japan, for those who think that is important, not me.

You might have missed M Code's post:

The last production runs were built in China...

Getting the failure rates from the Japanese and Chinese built units would answer the question of reliability but I'm pretty sure the the difference if anything would be a couple of percent.

Still, when I get to buying one of these from the local used market I will want a Japanese made unit. That actually seems preferable to buying a new Chinese made unit from the grey market with no warranty for more money. The idea is that you know the used one worked right and the recourse for DOA is having me back at your house until I get tired of giving your tied up in the basement @ss food and water.

 

[PENG]

I heard this argument when I was deciding between X4000 & 4311ci. Went with the X4000 for additional features over additional amps.

The X4000 seems like a great unit, but what are the additional features you referred to that the 4311 does not have? Just curious that's all, thanks.

 

[herbu]

The X4000 seems like a great unit, but what are the additional features you referred to that the 4311 does not have?

Peng, you pretty much listed them in the X4000 review thread... "The 4000 has newer features such as 4K and Instapreview but the 4311 has 11.2 processing, 7.1 analog in, 9 channel of amps vs 7 for the 4000, 4 ohm rated, and plays HDCD for people who owns them."

I don't use the 4K upscaling now, but I expect my next TV will be 4K, and I won't have to replace my AVR.
And honestly, Instapreview may be useful for some people... but I don't use it.
I use an XPA-5, the only channels powered by the AVR are the rear surrounds, so the extra 15W of the 4311 is not an issue for me.

So when I looked at the features of both, the one feature I saw that could, (at least in my mind), obsolete my AVR as soon as I bought a new TV, was the 4K-upscaling. I didn't anticipate using any of the several features available only on the 4311. So I went w/ the 4000.

BTW, thanks for all your comments and advice. You are one of the people here who I do "listen to".

 

[M Code]

I think he compared the 4000 with the 4311. I still prefer the 4311 though, it even plays HDCD, not that it makes any difference other than bragging rights. And it was made in Japan, for those who think that is important, not me.

HDCD was pretty good technology in its day...
Many CDs were encoded yet no mention on the CD itself. It was developed by Pacific Microsonics later bought by Microsoft, I still have several HDCD CDs and their demo CD which had some great tracks..

Just my $0.05...

 

[PENG]

HDCD was pretty good technology in its day...
Many CDs were encoded yet no mention on the CD itself. It was developed by Pacific Microsonics later bought by Microsoft, I still have several HDCD CDs and their demo CD which had some great tracks..

Just my $0.05...

I have quite a few discs too but got lazy now so I just ripped them into 24 bit using dbpoweramp. Can't say I can tell the difference but I paid for them so may as well preserve them. Felt good though seeing the HDCD lights turned on whether it is in the AVR (like my ex-Denon AVRs) or the media players.

 

[copmagnet82]

Nope leftover inventory...
As you may be aware the last 3 years has been a major financial setback for Denon... Besides loosing major market share, they lost big $ putting their parent company D&M Holdings in dire straits..
In their quest for market share, they opened up many, many internet sellers causing their AVRs prices to crash as the AV specialist dropped their support due to little profit margins. Additionally they experienced some significant quality issues when they closed their Japanese factory outsourcing their products to the Sherwood factory.. In their latest X000 AVRs they have tried to regain some market position but to date their efforts have not suceeded..

Just my $0.05...

It's pretty sad how Denon is sort of losing it exclusivity by going mainstream and putting quantity over quality. It seems like everything built now days is being built with the idea of being disposable, and it's not just Denon, but also other manufacturers. The older units were oozing quality and I'm glad I got my receivers when I did, because I don't think Denon has the same feel to their units as 10, 5 or even 3 years ago.

 

[M Code]

It's pretty sad how Denon is sort of losing it exclusivity by going mainstream and putting quantity over quality. It seems like everything built now days is being built with the idea of being disposable, and it's not just Denon, but also other manufacturers. The older units were oozing quality and I'm glad I got my receivers when I did, because I don't think Denon has the same feel to their units as 10, 5 or even 3 years ago.

Correcto...
It is a sign of the times..
The majority of the primary AVR brands including Yamaha, Denon, Marantz and Onkyo assembled their higher end AVRs and other audio components in Japan, however the rapid appreciation of the Japanese yen to US$ forced them to either outsource and/or move mass production to China. Also, D&M Holdings the parent company of Denon went the buyout route by Bain Capital (Mitt Romney) they bought controlling interest, shredded the organzation and sold off certain assets..

Just my $0.05....