I have spent the last week reading through the myriad of pages in Denon 4311 threads along with Onkyo 3008/5008s on various fourms (here, AVS etc.) thread trying to make a decision. I have done quite a few Google searches on things like 4311 vs. 5007/5008 etc. Here is my situation:
I am investigating selling my Onkyo 5007 and have been looking at the 4311. The main reasons for the switch are not only wanting to stay current on tech, but primarily HDMI 1.4 and Audessey XT32. I have a difficult room and right now a various mix of speakers which just complicates things.
Previously I had a full room of Emotiva speakers all running at 4 ohms where the 5007 seemed necessary and kept up just fine. I am switching to Aperion and currently just have the VGC and am backorderd on the VGTs. Running some ancient Wharfedale Diamonds in the rear. The room is 20x25 with cathedral cielings and a couple of large openings to other rooms.
My reasons to consider the 4311 over say a Onkyo 5008:
- It appears the Denon GUI/OSD is quite a bit more refined then Onkyos.
- The ability to shut off amps for favor of pre-amp uses.
- External Amp Triggers not stuck to Zone2/3.
- Less or non-existent heat issues as compared with the Onkyos. (I run dual fans on mine now).
- No DSP mode switch clicking... as we have been plagued with in the Onkyos.
My Concens/Questions:
- How does the 4311 amp section compare to the 5007. I will be driving less difficult speakers... but want to make sure I am not stepping to far backwards.
- Lack of THX? Will I miss it? I use the THX modes now on my 5007 but I could not really tell you if I notice them being any better to my movie watching experience compared to PLIIx modes or Neo etc.
- Onkyo has a PLIIx TV Logic Mode that I kind of like for normal SAT TV watching. Does Denon have a similar mode?
- I see lots of comments of weight difference in between the two. Is it just aluminum chassis components vs. plastic on the Denon or do the Onkyos truly sport some better guts?
Lastly are there any folks that have had a 3007/3008, 5007/5008 that made the switch to a 4311 and if so, care to share you impressions. Anything you miss about the Onkyo that you don't have with the Denon. Any major additions with the Denon you did not have with the Onkyo?
I have seen a number of screen shots of the Denon and an Audessey screen showing a frequency graph. Where is this coming from? My Onkyo doesn't have anything like that???
Any opinions, advice, impressions would be greatly appreciated.
Rayo
