Denon 3300 vs. 3400 vs. 4300

[Msujohn]

I'm looking to buy a receiver that can be capable of powering Martin Logan Motion 40's, Motion 30 center, and a pair of martin Logan surrounds. Here are my questions?

- Will all 3 be capable of powering these speakers?

- 3300 ($599), 3400 ($699), or 4300 ($799). Is it worth spending the extra $100 on the 3400 over the 3300? Should I just go with the 4300? I don't plan to ever use 9 channel. I only plan to use 5 in my living room and 2 on my patio (7 channel total). I do plan to use wifi and/or blue tooth to stream music to the receiver but I believe they all are capable. I also believe that the older models will come with dolby vision update.

 

[lovinthehd]

Pick the avr by the features/price combo you want, the power differences among these are minimal, although the 4300 has a slight advantage (probably same amp section in 3300/3400 at a guess). Of course they can power your speakers, as to what levels...you'd need to provide more info. Might try an spl calculator to get a better idea.

You can also go to the Denon page and use their comparison tool to see the specific differences....

 

[Msujohn]

Pick the avr by the features/price combo you want, the power differences among these are minimal, although the 4300 has a slight advantage (probably same amp section in 3300/3400 at a guess). Of course they can power your speakers, as to what levels...you'd need to provide more info. Might try an spl calculator to get a better idea.

You can also go to the Denon page and use their comparison tool to see the specific differences....

What other info do you need from me to help? I will be sitting about 12 feet away from the front speakers. The 3300/3400 is a 105 watt AVR and 4300 is a 125 watt speaker. I don't typically listen above normal levels. If I do crank it up it is very seldom.

 

[lovinthehd]

What does normal level translate to in terms of spl at your listening position, expressed in dB? Normal means different things to different people, just as cranked up does....did you try the spl calculator? Have you researched the impedance load those speakers represent? High levels of playback with an avr and low impedance speakers at long distances could be a potential issue....but at least all three avrs offer pre-outs for some amplification options...

 

[Msujohn]

When I plug in the data, (not sure I did it correct) it says 107 at listening position.

Speaker Sensitivity: 92
Amps: 105
Distance: 12
# speakers: 2
Near a wall

The Martin Logan's are 4 ohm speakers.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

All of these Denon can handle 4 ohms. A few Watts won't make a big difference.

The 3300 has preamp outputs so you could add an external amp anytime you want.

If you have a subwoofer, I would set all speakers to SMALL and XO to 80-100Hz and let the subs handle all the bass, which is where most of the power requirement comes from.

If you need to save some money, the Denon 3300 will do just fine. I would add a couple of 120mm USB fans on top of the AVR to pull the heat off the Denon because it will get VERY HOT after a few hours. With the fans on top pulling heat up, the AVR will operate much cooler.

 

[lovinthehd]

When I plug in the data, (not sure I did it correct) it says 107 at listening position.

Speaker Sensitivity: 92
Amps: 105
Distance: 12
# speakers: 2
Near a wall

The Martin Logan's are 4 ohm speakers.

Okay, to put that in perspective a bit, a movie played at reference volume ("0" on the relative volume scale) would be an average volume of 85dB with peaks of 105dB which is quite loud....

 

[speakerman39]

This might help the OP as well:


https://www.crutchfield.com/Product/CompareTo.aspx?g=10420&compareItems=01|033AVX3300&compareItems=01|033AVX4300&compareItems=01|033AVX3400



Cheers,

Phil

 

[Msujohn]

All of these Denon can handle 4 ohms. A few Watts won't make a big difference.

The 3300 has preamp outputs so you could add an external amp anytime you want.

If you have a subwoofer, I would set all speakers to SMALL and XO to 80-100Hz and let the subs handle all the bass, which is where most of the power requirement comes from.

If you need to save some money, the Denon 3300 will do just fine. I would add a couple of 120mm USB fans on top of the AVR to pull the heat off the Denon because it will get VERY HOT after a few hours. With the fans on top pulling heat up, the AVR will operate much cooler.

Does the 4300 have built in fans?

 

[PENG]

Does the 4300 have built in fans?

It most likely has a fan. I recommend the 4300 because that $799 is simply irresistible.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Does the 4300 have built in fans?

I don't think any of the Denon have built-in fans.

I would get 2 of these 120mm fans and put atop any AVR you buy:

https://www.amazon.com/AC-Infinity-MULTIFAN-Receiver-Playstation/dp/B00G05A2MU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1504834060&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=120mm+usb+fan&psc=1

 

[Msujohn]

I don't think any of the Denon have built-in fans.

I would get 2 of these 120mm fans and put atop any AVR you buy:

https://www.amazon.com/AC-Infinity-MULTIFAN-Receiver-Playstation/dp/B00G05A2MU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1504834060&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=120mm+usb+fan&psc=1

I don't see a USB port on the back of the 4300 to plug the fan into?

 

[M Code]

Before plugging in those USB fans...
U better check How much current capability is available in the AVR's USB jack? Some of those fans can draw up to 1/2 amp..

Just my $0.02...

 

[lovinthehd]

I don't see a USB port on the back of the 4300 to plug the fan into?

While my Denon has both front and back usb ports, only one can be used at a time fwiw....but I only see front usb ports on these models. Can use a usb wall wart for a fan easily enough....

 

[Foxrox]

4300 @ $799 was a no brainer for me. More inputs, more outputs, more power, more features. 3300 does not have HEOS if that matters. The others both do. You never know when you might get the urge to add two more channels for 7.1 or Atmos or another zone. If the budget is tight, I'm sure the 3300 is a great AVR, but I know I'll never regret that extra $200.

 

[roadwarrior]

I don't think any of the Denon have built-in fans.

Single fan on the bottom of the enclosure on the X4300H and dual fans on the X6300H but they only would engage at 158°'s so there's that.

I would get 2 of these 120mm fans and put atop any AVR you buy:

https://www.amazon.com/AC-Infinity-MULTIFAN-Receiver-Playstation/dp/B00G05A2MU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1504834060&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=120mm+usb+fan&psc=1

Good idea. Mine doesn't get hot but it's in an open rack with good airflow.

 

[Foxrox]

I also agree these things need active cooling, not just the passive heat sinks they come with. Movies probably won't hurt it, but if you ever listen to sustained loud music, like having a party, the prolonged high temp will shorten the life of electronic components. I went with this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01LVUWOBX/ref=mp_s_a_1_1

Maybe it's overkill but I'm a bit of a nut about cooling electronics.

 

[roadwarrior]

I also agree these things need active cooling, not just the passive heat sinks they come with. Movies probably won't hurt it, but if you ever listen to sustained loud music, like having a party, the prolonged high temp will shorten the life of electronic components. I went with this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01LVUWOBX/ref=mp_s_a_1_1

Maybe it's overkill but I'm a bit of a nut about cooling electronics.

There's a single fan on the X4300H not just passive cooling but I agree with the external fans if needed.

 

[Foxrox]

Thanks! That is good to know! The first time I hooked to up and played music for a while, I felt it got way too hot to the touch on top, but at least it has some built in protection.

 

[roadwarrior]

While my Denon has both front and back usb ports, only one can be used at a time fwiw....but I only see front usb ports on these models. Can use a usb wall wart for a fan easily enough....

I would think so. Some even connect theirs directly to their TV's USB input but not everyone always turns their TV on with the receiver every time.