Denon AVR-X4400W vs AVR-X4500

[NorCalRP]

Is the only difference the IMAX enhancement? Could the 4400 get that functionality via a firmware update?

The 6500 can be had right now for $1400, but I wonder if it might be better to get a 4400 and grab a Crown for the fronts.

Thoughts?

 

[lovinthehd]

I think they would have announced it if they were going to offer such firmware updates. I'd hoped they'd offer the Audyssey app to older avrs but they didn't. Have no idea if it simply isn't possible or they just wouldn't do it. Your plan sounds good to me if the 4400 otherwise fits your needs vs the 4500/6500 offers.

 

[NorCalRP]

I think they would have announced it if they were going to offer such firmware updates. I'd hoped they'd offer the Audyssey app to older avrs but they didn't. Have no idea if it simply isn't possible or they just wouldn't do it. Your plan sounds good to me if the 4400 otherwise fits your needs vs the 4500/6500 offers.

I read just a bit ago that they're treating it like the Audyssey/older AVR issue. I was looking at spending $1300 to $1500 on a new front soundstage. I got it taken care of for $800, so I think I may have found the cash to jump to the $4500

 

[lovinthehd]

I read just a bit ago that they're treating it like the Audyssey/older AVR issue. I was looking at spending $1300 to $1500 on a new front soundstage. I got it taken care of for $800, so I think I may have found the cash to jump to the $4500

Are you going to take advantage of the Heos thing?

 

[NorCalRP]

Are you going to take advantage of the Heos thing?

Not sure. Heard anything about the fidelity of heos products?

 

[NorCalRP]

A4L has a refurbished 4500 for $1200 with 3 year warranty. Seems like a decent option

 

[lovinthehd]

A4L has a refurbished 4500 for $1200 with 3 year warranty. Seems like a decent option

That's as good as the original warranty in length that I got with my 4520....but it may have different terms if it is A4L supplied. Fidelity of Heos from what I've seen is fine, but I haven't looked into it at all as not needing it.

 

[PENG]

Is the only difference the IMAX enhancement? Could the 4400 get that functionality via a firmware update?

The 6500 can be had right now for $1400, but I wonder if it might be better to get a 4400 and grab a Crown for the fronts.

Thoughts?

If you can get the 6500 for $1400, I would go for it. It is better built, made in Japan, and have a better amp section, that won't matter at all though if you are going to use external amps.

 

[NorCalRP]

If you can get the 6500 for $1400, I would go for it. It is better built, made in Japan, and have a better amp section, that won't matter at all though if you are going to use external amps.

The listing just doesn't look quite right. You can get the 6500's all over the place, but this one says a 1 to 2 month wait. It's almost as if they're waiting for a refurbished unit.

 

[PENG]

The listing just doesn't look quite right. You can get the 6500's all over the place, but this one says a 1 to 2 month wait. It's almost as if they're waiting for a refurbished unit.

Yeah, I thought it was too good to be true, but then not long ago the half a notch lower rank SR7012 could be had for $999 brand new, Amazon price.

 

[NorCalRP]

Yeah, I thought it was too good to be true, but then not long ago the half a notch lower rank SR7012 could be had for $999 brand new, Amazon price.

Yeah, $999 is amazing. Was just kind of wondering how important the IMAX enhancement is. I imagine their content will be limited compared to the other formats. I've been really impressed with DTS:X. I can imagine Atmos is pretty neat. How much more do you need.

I remember your thread about setting up your 4400. How are you liking it? Do you find the power to be sufficient? I can't remember if you mentioned what your fronts are. I just ordered the Emotiva T1. $500/pr and $320 for the C2 was too enticing to pass up(was willing to spend up to $1500 for the LCR), and I've really liked the treble from the AMT's I've heard. I'm wondering though if I should get a separate amp right away- if I remember correctly the resistance averages about 5 ohms.

 

[PENG]

Yeah, $999 is amazing. Was just kind of wondering how important the IMAX enhancement is. I imagine their content will be limited compared to the other formats. I've been really impressed with DTS:X. I can imagine Atmos is pretty neat. How much more do you need.

I remember your thread about setting up your 4400. How are you liking it? Do you find the power to be sufficient? I can't remember if you mentioned what your fronts are. I just ordered the Emotiva T1. $500/pr and $320 for the C2 was too enticing to pass up(was willing to spend up to $1500 for the LCR), and I've really liked the treble from the AMT's I've heard. I'm wondering though if I should get a separate amp right away- if I remember correctly the resistance averages about 5 ohms.

I do like the 4400, you may recall it replaced the ex Marantz flag ship AV8801. No sound quality degradation noticed at all. I used it in my two channel system driving my KEF LS50 and R900 for a few days before moving it to the HT room so I know it will be equally good for series music listening and I felt no lack of power. In the HT setup I use it as a prepro only as that's what it replaced.

The Emotiva T1 are rated 4 ohms, 88 dB/2.83V/1m, so depending on how far you sit and how loud you need, you may or may not need a separate power amp. You can use the calculator linked below to figure out your need.

https://myhometheater.homestead.com/splcalculator.html

 

[NorCalRP]

Cool link, thanks!