Denon 3808 vs 4308: what use is WiFi?

[MBlue72]

Hello:

I am a first time poster. I am just beginning to assemble a home theater set up. I have done a fair amount of research and have narrowed my choice for an AV Receiver to either a Denon 3808 or 4308.

My wireless network has the router in my upstairs office. I will use the AV receiver in our living room (one floor down) for the TV, DVD, etc. I also have a Squeezebox from Slim Server which I now use in my office but plan on connecting to the receiver in the living room and, through it, drive the speakers there. I have tested the Squeezebox in the living room and it seems to pick up the wireless signal well. Thus the Squeezebox will give the receiver access to our music files (on a Dell desktop computer in my office) and to internet radio.

Of the four step-up features offered by the 4308 (vs. the 3808) only the WiFi/ethernet connectivity may be of interest to me. But given the scenario outlined above, what real advantage (if any) will the extra $$$ for the 4308 offer?

I am a total newcomer to home theater and might be missing something obvious. I just don't know how WiFi or ethernet connectivity might be useful "in the real world."

Thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide,

Dave

 

[avaserfi]

In reality with the situation you have I don't think having WiFi will be a huge plus considering you already have a system to stream media in place.

One thing I would like to point out is before picking your receiver you should focus on speakers as they contribute far more to sound quality than a receiver will. So if you have picked them out already, thats great, if not you might want to shift your focus and prepair to spend 40-60% of your budget on speakers and the rest on everything else.

Good luck with everything. If you have more questions feel free to ask there are tons of great people here and a lot of useful information/articles on the homepage here.

 

[fmw]

Assuming the model with WiFi does what your Squeezebox does, it would allow you to keep the Squeezbox where it is or not buy another one. Since the Squeezebox is about $300 it is easy enough to see if the upgrade makes financial sense to you.

 

[MBlue72]

avaserfi and fmw:

Thank you for your replies.

I am planning on upgrading our current setup to a quasi home theater over the next few years. I do understand (and fully agree with) the notion of putting a large portion of the budget into the speakers. My background includes accumulating classic audio gear including McIntosh separates, Nakamichi CR-7A tape deck, Klipschorn speakers, etc. In fact, I listen to this system almost daily. This system is in my library/office, where it will stay.

For my project of bulding a home theater in the living room, I chose to start with the receiver with two immediate goals in mind. First, to move the squeezbox downstairs where my wife can access it. Second, to improve the poor sound of our existing TV (a 34" traditional TV (Sony)). I have a pair of "left over" Pioneer speakers that I can use once I get a receiver. Thus, I can accomplish both these objectives with this first investment. My next step will be to purchase a widescreen plasma (Panasonic 50"?) in November or December. I am thinking of getting serious about a good speaker system about a year from now (budget $5K?). I guess I am a bit "off topic" but this gives a little more background.

My intent in my original post is to try to ensure I don't make a mistake I later regret by not getting WiFi connectivity.

Thanks again for your feedback,

Dave

 

[fmw]

My second speaker system ever was a Kipschorn. That was in the pre stereo days. When I converted to stereo I couldn't afford a second one so I sold what I had and bought a pair of Altec VOT. After half a century, the Klipschorn is still a state of the art reproducer. Just goes to show you how little progress has been made in the world of loudspeakers.

I operate a 4 node network here. I have a WiFi router that I use only for my Squeezebox. I would find it useful also if I wanted to have a computer in the home theater room (I don't) because it would allow me to access the internet through the network and use the HDTV as a computer monitor. I can't think of any other reason to have a WiFi connection beyond internet and audio or video streaming.

 

[MBlue72]

fmw:

Thanks again for your input.

Yes, the K-horns are among my most prized possesions. I had lusted for them since my college days (many years ago!) and finally took the plunge in the late 80's while we lived in Buffalo, NY. Our home then did not have a large room with the square corners the K-horns need. I didn't care -- I got them anyway. Ten years later, when we moved back to our home state of Michigan, we decided to build a new home. One of the driving forces to the decision to build was to have a large room with square corners to allow the K-horns to really sing. I never regretted it.

BTW, we really enjoy the Squeezebox. Hope you do too.

 

[fmw]

The Sqeezebox is fabulous. Very nice product. I asked for a second one for Christmas to connect to my 2 channel system upstairs. What a hassle to reach over, take a CD and then have to put it into a player!

 

[masbirdies]

I bought a 3808 and...

Hooked a Linksys Wireless Gaming Adapter to the ethernet port and that communicates with my Wireless network. Works like a charm. I get internet radio, play mp3 (and such) files from my Desktop PC, control my AVR from my Desktop or Laptop (was freaking my kids out when I kept turning down their movie from the bedroom), etc....

Denon really improved their GUI and PC interface. The gaming adapter was around 75.00. That still leaves quite a bit of coin in the pocket for other wants and desires.

 

[audioholic69]

setting up wifi for 3808?

Hooked a Linksys Wireless Gaming Adapter to the ethernet port and that communicates with my Wireless network. Works like a charm. I get internet radio, play mp3 (and such) files from my Desktop PC, control my AVR from my Desktop or Laptop (was freaking my kids out when I kept turning down their movie from the bedroom), etc....

Denon really improved their GUI and PC interface. The gaming adapter was around 75.00. That still leaves quite a bit of coin in the pocket for other wants and desires.

Thanks for sharing this. May I request you to post some details, how you accomplished setting up the gaming adapter? I am sure it will be very beneficial to many folks looking to add wifi to 3808.
Thanks in advance.

 

[cchriskaufman]

Settings for Denon 3808 Wifi

Have you had a reply regarding the connection of the Linksys Wireless Gaming Adapter to your Denon? That would be wonderful information since I'm trying to do the same thing...
Thanks

 

[quarlo]

Have you had a reply regarding the connection of the Linksys Wireless Gaming Adapter to your Denon? That would be wonderful information since I'm trying to do the same thing...
Thanks

Here's another vote for that detailed info. Assuming we're talking about the WGA54G, the product gets extremely mixed reviews from users. Not much middle ground - seems it's either loved or despised. Thanks!