Denon AVR-A100 comp/cont Denon AVR-4311ci from AVS
[Yes, I'm bringing up the DAC issue again, but I come in peace with no intention of starting a battle. Instead, I wanted to share an e-mail I received from Denon Technical Support regarding the 4311/A-100 DACs and the differences between the two receivers. For your viewing pleasure:
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"The DAC used in the A-100 is the AK4358VQ. The DAC used in the 4311 is the AK4358B. It's most likely the same DAC with a few minor variances. AKM should be able to tell you the differences if there are any at all.
We use an 8 channel DAC because the true formats only call for 8 channels of discrete information. (FL, FR, C, SR, SL, SBR, SBL, SW) The Front Height / Width channels are simulated using Dolby PLIIz or
Audyssey DSX and not encoded in the true format of the source.
The only differences between the 4311 and A-100 that I can see are reflected in the warranty, the MSRP, and in the cosmetics. The A-100 has a 5 year manufacturers warranty and the casing is a brushed black gloss metal. The 4311 has a 3 year warranty and the injected plastic casing. The other benefit of the A-100 is that it's a limited edition model and will only be manufactured for a brief period of time."
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For the record I want to compliment Denon and the TSR on what is a thoughtful and detailed response. Unlike some of my inquiries to other companies in the past, it was clear the TSR actually read my e-mail. This goes a long way with a potential customer. My other experience with Denon was with my DVD-2910 which needed repair a while back. That experience was also smooth, and though it did take a while, the player has been working better-than-ever ever since.
Also, my personal goal with the DAC issue was to better understand what was actually inside these units in order to make an informed decision. I considered both the arguments for and against being concerned about the DAC choice and found both sides had good points. For me, it was about education, and this e-mail, like many of the posts here, have helped me tremendously. As you may gather from my signature, I look at myself as an apprentice audiophile and wanted to make the proper decision to maximize SQ at this price point. I too agree that a good DAC with top-of-the-line calibration vs. a great DAC with poorer implementation/not-as-good calibration errs on the side of the good DAC. However, I also agree that it's important to ask if the parts inside the unit are maintaining a high level of quality. But, don't get me wrong, I am in no way implying that the AKM DAC is in any way inferior to another brand or another chip. I do not have the background or the test results to make such a conclusion. I can only assume that it is just as capable, if not more so!
It seems to me the 4311 strikes a great balance and I am still confident that at this price point especially it has the potential to be a fantastic AVR that will function very well as a pre/pro in my new system. Looking forward to the ride!
Sorry, I didn't ask about the Japan/China issue...
Hope this helps!
Josh
ADDITION: The TSR confirms that the differences between the 4311/A100 are generally external. Now, you could say that he wasn't completely sure based on the context (i.e., "The only differences between the 4311 and A-100
that I can see..."). I did get a kick out of the fact that he listed the MSRP as a difference.
