Denon 4306 - Missing ILink and USB

[cleblanc]

I just saw that Crutchfield has posted the Denon 4306 on their website.
They show a picture of the back of the receiver. Based on their description and the picture, the 4306 does not have ILink. According to their website, it does not have USB either. They don't show a picture with the front panel open, but I am hoping it may be in there with the IPod connection.
ILink and USB was one of the reasons I wanted a 4306 over the 3806 model. Does anyone think the $700 price difference is worth it without these features? What will I the ethernet port be able to be used for? Will this port require an optional upgrade for digital streaming like it will on the 4806 and 5805.

 

[knownalien]

I just saw that Crutchfield has posted the Denon 4306 on their website.
They show a picture of the back of the receiver. Based on their description and the picture, the 4306 does not have ILink. According to their website, it does not have USB either. They don't show a picture with the front panel open, but I am hoping it may be in there with the IPod connection.
ILink and USB was one of the reasons I wanted a 4306 over the 3806 model. Does anyone think the $700 price difference is worth it without these features? What will I the ethernet port be able to be used for? Will this port require an optional upgrade for digital streaming like it will on the 4806 and 5805.

it is possible that the rear picture may not be right. Go to Denon's site to check for sure.

The 4306 also has more assignable amps for bi-amping than the 3806. The 4306 should have firewire too.
The ethernet is used for 3rd party applications but I believe it can be used to upgrade the firmware too. I am not sure on that one. In any event, it is nice to have it. The denon link should have the needed firmware already installed to work with SACD. I think I got it all.

 

[cleblanc]

Is it possible they got rid of the ILink to make room for the extra HDMI port since the original specs were released? I would believe the picture on Crutchfields website is correct since it clearly shows 3 HDMI ports and that it is a 4306.

 

[knownalien]

Is it possible they got rid of the ILink to make room for the extra HDMI port since the original specs were released? I would believe the picture on Crutchfields website is correct since it clearly shows 3 HDMI ports and that it is a 4306.

according to this, it is supposed to have IEEE1394. I see the XM radio lead, but not a firewire one.

 

[cleblanc]

Yes I know. I had seen that. Since the 4306 is not on Denon's website yet, I am thinking they changed the specs at the last minute. I wish someone could verify what those changes are and what the REAL differences are now between the 3806 and 4306. An extra HDMI port is really nice but not if they took away other stuff. Is the 4306 still worth $700 over the 3806?

 

[knownalien]

Yes I know. I had seen that. Since the 4306 is not on Denon's website yet, I am thinking they changed the specs at the last minute. I wish someone could verify what those changes are and what the REAL differences are now between the 3806 and 4306. An extra HDMI port is really nice but not if they took away other stuff. Is the 4306 still worth $700 over the 3806?

i'd rather have the ieee and one less hdmi personally.

 

[tungstenmw]

When I looked on Crutchfield they had a picture with the front panel open.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-obEwPoH05QC/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=10420&id=morephotos&pi=8&i=033AV4306B&display=XL#Tab

There is a USB connection and also an iPod connection. It says the receiver is expected in stock on 10/06/05, but when I called Denon directly they said it will be out sometime in November. We'll have to wait and see.

I'm definitely getting this receiver with or without the iLink. From the pictures

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-obEwPoH05QC/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=10420&id=morephotos&pi=2&i=033AV4306B&display=XL#Tab

it looks like they added an extra HDMI input and threw out the the iLink. I plan on getting a DENON DVD player so I'll just use the DENON link to listen to high resolution audio through a digital connection. I'd rather have the extra HDMI. What are the benefits of having iLink anyway?

 

[cleblanc]

Crutchfield added a couple more pictures this morning. So it definitely has the USB port. I also called Denon myself and the guy I spoke to was not sure what the latest specs were or how Crutchfield got their information. He said he'd call me back but I haven't heard anything yet. I am skeptical though why Crutchfield is still expecting the receiver on the 6th when I'm hearing it will be at least a few more weeks everywhere else.

 

[knownalien]

When I looked on Crutchfield they had a picture with the front panel open.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-obEwPoH05QC/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=10420&id=morephotos&pi=8&i=033AV4306B&display=XL#Tab

There is a USB connection and also an iPod connection. It says the receiver is expected in stock on 10/06/05, but when I called Denon directly they said it will be out sometime in November. We'll have to wait and see.

I'm definitely getting this receiver with or without the iLink. From the pictures

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-obEwPoH05QC/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=10420&id=morephotos&pi=2&i=033AV4306B&display=XL#Tab

it looks like they added an extra HDMI input and threw out the the iLink. I plan on getting a DENON DVD player so I'll just use the DENON link to listen to high resolution audio through a digital connection. I'd rather have the extra HDMI. What are the benefits of having iLink anyway?

the iLink is for 3rd party applications. I wouldn't bother with it. what will sell me on this amp is whether or not it maintains THD .05 at 6 ohms like the 4806 does. If I can manage with the 4306 instead of the 4806 then I can upgrade from the Denon DVD-3910 to the 5910. The 5910 has pretty much gotten solid reviews left and right.

 

[knownalien]

Crutchfield added a couple more pictures this morning. So it definitely has the USB port. I also called Denon myself and the guy I spoke to was not sure what the latest specs were or how Crutchfield got their information. He said he'd call me back but I haven't heard anything yet. I am skeptical though why Crutchfield is still expecting the receiver on the 6th when I'm hearing it will be at least a few more weeks everywhere else.

I am sure that lots of vendors got pre-production specs and pictures and even samples. Even the thread that mentioned the 4306 for the first time had all of the specs listed for the coming models.

 

[tungstenmw]

the iLink is for 3rd party applications. I wouldn't bother with it. what will sell me on this amp is whether or not it maintains THD .05 at 6 ohms like the 4806 does. If I can manage with the 4306 instead of the 4806 then I can upgrade from the Denon DVD-3910 to the 5910. The 5910 has pretty much gotten solid reviews left and right.

That's true. If the 4306 can't maintain a THD .05 at 6 ohms I might be looking at the 4806 also. I just don't know if it's gonna be worth $1500 more. I hope there's more information on this soon. I just bought new speakers and I want to get a new receiver.

 

[MPK]

Amazing, the European version of the 4306 has a Faroudja scaler built in. Makes you wonder why anyone would buy the 4806. Also, the web control, music streamer, internet radio function is built in while 4806 and 5805 owners need to buy it for $250 . Weird product differentiation by Denon...

 

[sks939]

Denon 4306 now available Nov 11 2005

According to the Crutchfield site the 4306 should be available on Nov 11, 2005. I will be moving into my new house in early November and I am debating cancelling my 3806 order and getting on the 4306 waiting list. I like the ethernet port for managing the receiver from a PC, since mine will be located in an A/V closet.