Denon AVR-2308CI A/V Receiver Review

[admin]

Denon once again proved they know how to build a better receiver by staying true to their roots and delivering more than advertised power and performance, unparalleled bass management flexibility and an overall solid, time tested platform. The AVR-2308CI is certainly one of the most versatile receivers I have tested at this price range carrying over many of the great features (independent channel trims per mode, independent crossover settings per speaker group, Audyssey MultEQ, HDMI upconversion with OSD support, etc) which until only recently, were found only on their flagship products. I walked away from this review amazed by the fidelity improvement of my parents system for every seat in their theater room thanks to the Audyssey room correction and solid amplification section bestowed upon the Denon AVR-2308CI.

Discuss "Denon AVR-2308CI A/V Receiver Review" here. Read the article.

 

[Seth=L]

One thing that has me confused in the picture of the inside of the receiver is that I only see 4 output transistors attached to the heatsink. It looks like the put the remaining transistors under the stereo circuit board. Now I have to ask, does this offer some performance advantage for 2 channel listening? I can't imagine that heat will be an issue for those surround and center transistors hiding underneath that board.

 

[gene]

One thing that has me confused in the picture of the inside of the receiver is that I only see 4 output transistors attached to the heatsink. It looks like the put the remaining transistors under the stereo circuit board. Now I have to ask, does this offer some performance advantage for 2 channel listening? I can't imagine that heat will be an issue for those surround and center transistors hiding underneath that board.

Those are not output devices for the power amp. They are likely used for power regulation somewhere in the receiver. All of the amplifier output devices are on the bottom of the heatsink. I checked it several times and noted different part #s for those 4 devices at the top of the heatsink as at first I thought Denon was double stacking output devices for the two front channels for greater current capability.

 

[westcott]

It looks like you were very careful not to divulge what receiver your parents had that you replaced but I am dying to know.

Will you spill the beans?

 

[Seth=L]

Those are not output devices for the power amp. They are likely used for power regulation somewhere in the receiver. All of the amplifier output devices are on the bottom of the heatsink. I checked it several times and noted different part #s for those 4 devices at the top of the heatsink as at first I thought Denon was double stacking output devices for the two front channels for greater current capability.

You didn't by any chance count the transistors on the under side did you?

Usually the small transistors, like the one I can see centered on the top visible transistors, are regulatory.

 

[Davemcc]

Excellent review gene, as usual.

I wish they would build one of these without the amp section as a pre/pro and sell it for $6-700.

edit - It does look like a significant improvement over my 2307ci for the same price.

 

[davidtwotrees]

Excellent review gene, as usual.

I wish they would build one of these without the amp section as a pre/pro and sell it for $6-700.

Ditto on the review kudos.......understandable and readable.

Ditto on the prepro wishes.....mine was $800 some time ago and I just haven't seen anything in that range that interests me......and I DO NOT WANT TO USE A RECEIVER AS A PREPRO.

 

[gene]

It looks like you were very careful not to divulge what receiver your parents had that you replaced but I am dying to know.

Will you spill the beans?

Yes it was a Yamaha RV-1105 one of the first DD/DTS receivers which still performs quite admirably but is only 5 channel and has no room correction or even component video switching. That receiver has since then been handed down to one of my brothers where he is finally enjoying the wonders of 5.1 in his own home for the first time

You didn't by any chance count the transistors on the under side did you?

Yep there were a total of 14 (2 per channel in push pull configuration where one was PNP and the other was NPN). This is very standard amp topology found on most receivers today.

 

[mike c]

too bad the CI models have pre-outs starting at 2808.

over here, our non CI models have pre-outs start at 1908.

 

[Bluesmoke]

too bad the CI models have pre-outs starting at 2808.

over here, our non CI models have pre-outs start at 1908.

Huh? Are you talking about the AVR line? The Denon 788 is the 1908. And it has no preouts. Denon really dropped the ball here. The 788 or 1908 have amazing preamp sections, but you can't add an amp to it.

 

[mike c]

Huh? Are you talking about the AVR line? The Denon 788 is the 1908. And it has no preouts. Denon really dropped the ball here. The 788 or 1908 have amazing preamp sections, but you can't add an amp to it.

no, our asian 1908, 2308 models are not CI ... thus we have pre-outs.

 

[PENG]

no, our asian 1908, 2308 models are not CI ... thus we have pre-outs.

Does anyone know why?

 

[Seth=L]

Does anyone know why?

Because they are the Japanese models?

 

[gus6464]

Huh? Are you talking about the AVR line? The Denon 788 is the 1908. And it has no preouts. Denon really dropped the ball here. The 788 or 1908 have amazing preamp sections, but you can't add an amp to it.

The US 1508, 1708, and 1908 all have preouts. The 2308CI is really the only one that doesn't.

 

[PENG]

The US 1508, 1708, and 1908 all have preouts. The 2308CI is really the only one that doesn't.

I checked their website, none of those models has preouts but the ones before the 1908, 2308CI (example:1907, 2307CI) have preouts.

 

[HiDefGuru]

I love denon...

Thats it. I just love denon. lol

 

[2string]

Could someone tell me how it sounds or are all AVR's about the same but with different connection options? Most topics are about what they have for connections for TV or DVD players,etc.I was just wondering how the sound quality is for dialog and music? I'm sure speakers have something to do with it but the receiver plays a big part to.

 

[westcott]

Could someone tell me how it sounds or are all AVR's about the same but with different connection options? Most topics are about what they have for connections for TV or DVD players,etc.I was just wondering how the sound quality is for dialog and music? I'm sure speakers have something to do with it but the receiver plays a big part to.

I will go out on a limb and say that comparably priced AV receivers sound comparable. What I have noticed is a decline in build quality from many of the mfgs I once respected. I had a HK for many years (25+) before it died. But, if you asked me to buy one of their lower to midrange systems today, I would have to pass. I have also been disappointed with Onkyo and their lower to midrange products. Not because they are not feature rich or lacking any technical edge, but because of heat and other reliability issues.

I think the competition has forced many mfgs to cut corners and it is beginning to show.

Does Denon sound better than the others. Probably not distinguishable by anyone but the most trained listener with reference quality speakers but I have been very happy with its performance over the last few years, build quality, and its reliablility.

I am also impressed with their attention to video and audio performance. They consistently outperform other mfgs if you combine these two prerequisites. I doubt few would argue that they are the leaders in video performance on a consistent basis.

Time will tell if Denon can maintain its position and still compete in todays cut throat market. I would hate to see their quality suffer in order to stay in business. Price before quality seems to be a theme that has taken over our country and it is a sad thing to watch. I hope it is not a trend that continues because America will (is paying) pay for our short sightedness.

 

[FSUguy]

So I'm looking at getting this Denon AVR-2308Cl, but I wanted to run a few questions by you guys. First, is there anyway to Network this receiver? I read something on Denon's website about doing it with one of their ipod docks, but I basically want to stream audio and video to my receiver, any suggestions. Also, I was planning to go with the the Yamaha v661 for my system, but I am having second thoughts because of its lack of the ability to support the new Dolby and DTS formats used in Blu-Ray and HD DVD, which I am planning to purchase at a later date. I guess you could say I am trying to plan ahead. The system I'm putting together includes: Klipsch reference series center, ref 82's (most likely), ref sub 10, and just a pair of S-1's for my backs until I move into a new place with a bigger room. What do you guys think about the system. Sorry about all the questions, but I'm new to this myself.

Thanks!!