So I am comparing 4311ci to Marantz SR7005. To my disappointment... the Marantz sounds quite a bit better. Hard to describe, but seems overall cleaner and more detailed, especially noticeable with vocals. Mostly comparing using Audyssey with DynEq enabled. Needless to say I calibrated both in exactly the same conditions, using the same locations for measurements.
Also 4311ci seems to be subdued in bass area. Interestingly 4311ci adjusted the subwoofer to -7 db, while SR7005 to -1 db. The bass is missing in the front speakers nevertheless as well. Seems like the Audyssey takes away the bass, since going to direct mode makes the difference (compared to the Marantz) bass-wise very small (if at all). DynEq brings some of it back but not quite.
Bit bummer, because 4311ci is clearly a winner in features department, for me mostly due to the nine amps - I installed fronts heights and like them and I'd rather use them together with the rears. This is rather unexpected since SR7005 is ostensibly based on 3311ci, which is a lesser grade Denon (also SR7005 is much lighter than 4311ci ). Marantz claims better components (HDAM) and current feedback amplifier, something that is not mentioned in the literature of either of the Denons, but who knows how much of this is marketing spin.
The difference in audio quality is not huge (except the bass where it's very noticeable) but is there (for me). Of course take this for what it is - my opinion in my listening environment and equipment (btw I am using Polk RTI A5 speakers as fronts). I am not an audiophile, I am coming from a 10 years old Onkyo stereo shelf system. And I don't believe one bit in audiophile grade speakers cables or interconnects
Ok, so I redid the calibration on both receivers. Back to back, same spots (roughly, I did not mark them). Results (distance, correction):
Marantz:
FL: 3.27 m, -2.5 dB
C: 3.06 m, -1.5 dB
FR: 3.30 m, -3.5 dB
SL: 1.86 m, -1.5 dB
SR: 2.01 m, -1.5 dB
SBL: 2.31 m, -3 dB
SBR: 2.40 m, -2.5 dB
FHL: 3.60 m, +1 dB
FHR: 3.66 m, -0.5 dB
SW: 2.22 m, +1 dB
Crossovers (F/C/S/Back/Height): 40/80/60/40/40 Hz
Denon:
FL: 3.30 m, -3.5 dB
C: 3.06 m, -2 dB
FR: 3.33 m, -3.5 dB
SL: 1.89 m, -2 dB
SR: 2.01 m, -2 dB
SBL: 2.31 m, -4 dB
SBR: 2.40 m, -3.5 dB
FHL: 3.63 m, 0 dB
FHR: 3.66 m, -1 dB
SW: 2.25 m, -5 dB
Crossovers (F/C/S/Back/Height): Full/60/60/40/40 Hz
Note, amazingly close distance measurements.
So... the difference in the subwoofer level is there. I dialed back the sub a tiny bit to bring it closer to the 75 dB XT32 calls for during calibration, hence got -5 dB now vs -7 dB before, still 6 dB difference vs. Marantz.
Anyway.... after more listening involving more kinds of music I am starting to... prefer the Denon! I also got my wife involved and she had clear preference for the Denon's sound, particularly for classical and vocal pieces - practically right off the bat (and she could not care less, nor knew which one I set up).
Marantz appears more dynamic but now I think it is somewhat misleading. It has more edge, and gives impression of more detailed sounds, but perhaps in reality it's just harsher - brighter? Also the bass is indeed more pronounced, even with Audyssey disabled (very small difference but we both agreed it was there). With Audyssey + DynEq it actually puts out too much bass. I liked it for some rock/pop pieces, but after listening to some classic, jazz I think it just way exaggerates it. For example after listening to a piece with some string bass Marantz was clearly overdoing the bass, and the string bass instrument did not sound like one, it was just one deep boomy mess, while it sounded just right with Denon.
I also per the Audyssey guy's suggestion (from the official Audyssey thread) set front speakers to small, despite them being detected as large. This is indeed better choice, the bass sounds cleaner.
So here it is. I totally like results, since having the fronts on all the time without having to choose between them and backs is great. Ratatouille's opening sequence with rain is flat out awesome.
