Distortion in center channel using Denon x3700h.

[TheTallOne89]

Hi all. I have been having a problem with my Denon x3700h and I have searched around a bit but not found anything that would address the problem (or at least not that I recognized as such). There might be no fixing it, but I figured I would run it by the far-more-knowledgeable people here.

Essentially, the center channel distorts (you hear a very low volume buzz) when certain people speak at a certain frequency. I found this mostly on youtube videos, so at first I though it was just a content thing. But every once in a while it crops up in other media as well. Then I thought it was a speaker issue, because when I switch to stereo (i.e., not using the center) it goes away. But then I changed the front left speaker to center just to check, and the little buzzing was back (also used different wires, so unless two wire sets are creating identical issues, it isn't the wiring).

It is not overwhelming, and it only seems to affect a very specific frequency range, but it is definitely there. Any chance there is a fix for this sort of thing, or I am pretty much stuck with it unless I buy a new AVR?

 

[lovinthehd]

Is it still under warranty? Doubt there's anything you can do except perform either a soft reset (I'd try that first, just unplug avr from power for a bit), and a microprocessor/factory reset (per your manual) if that didn't resolve it.

 

[TheTallOne89]

Alas, it is not. (About six months past.) And yeah I doubted there was much to be done, just thought I'd ask!

 

[isolar8001]

denon x3700h center speaker distortion - Google Search

https://www.reddit.com/r/hometheater/comments/vqwnyd

 

[TheTallOne89]

denon x3700h center speaker distortion - Google Search

https://www.reddit.com/r/hometheater/comments/vqwnyd

Thanks, I hadn't come across that.

 

[isolar8001]

Thanks, I hadn't come across that.

Like lovinthehd stated, any time you have an AVR issue...do a full reset. The processors in AVR's can be finicky.

Also, as hinted at in the Reddit post... if you are using ARC/EARC do a full CEC reset. Unplug everything from each other and power for a bit, then hook back up.

 

[TLS Guy]

Thanks, I hadn't come across that.

Thanks, I hadn't come across that.

I would try at least 3 hard resets before giving up. Your problem does sound identical to the one in Isolar's post. I don't see why the center power amp should be more prone than the others for this problem. That leads me to suspect that this could well be a microprocessor or software issue.
If you can't solve it, I would get hold of Denon and see what they know about this. Let them know that you are not the only one with this problem.

Producing too many models with complex technology leads to this. Really a receiver manufacturer should only produce three models and better just two. A low, mid and high priced model. Just a low and high might be even better. Too many models is a huge quality problem, and leads to these sort of issues far too often.

 

[Laika2]

On the factory reset, back up to USB first. I have had slight issues with a function not working or losing a channel on my 6700 and 8015. Whatever fails, my guess is the memory just gets screwed up sometimes like the computer it is. The backup seems to not copy the memory directly, just hours of settings. A factory reset and USB restore has worked EVER TIME. Back in business in 10 minutes. One Time I had to factory reset twice and to get the backup to take. I would test it before putting the backup on just to make sure the problem is gone.

 

[diwit]

Hi all. I have been having a problem with my Denon x3700h and I have searched around a bit but not found anything that would address the problem (or at least not that I recognized as such). There might be no fixing it, but I figured I would run it by the far-more-knowledgeable people here.

Essentially, the center channel distorts (you hear a very low volume buzz) when certain people speak at a certain frequency. I found this mostly on youtube videos, so at first I though it was just a content thing. But every once in a while it crops up in other media as well. Then I thought it was a speaker issue, because when I switch to stereo (i.e., not using the center) it goes away. But then I changed the front left speaker to center just to check, and the little buzzing was back (also used different wires, so unless two wire sets are creating identical issues, it isn't the wiring).

It is not overwhelming, and it only seems to affect a very specific frequency range, but it is definitely there. Any chance there is a fix for this sort of thing commercial cleaning services 30a, or I am pretty much stuck with it unless I buy a new AVR?

I am weary about buying used AV amps due to head build up/reliability/complexity so new or ex-demo with warranty are the options. Ultimately I don’t want to spend circa £1k and still have the same problem - this would cause discord within the household.

I have a Teac AG-H550 Reference Series 5.1 receiver (about 18 years old!) Celestion AVF302 fronts (the glass ones), Piega S4c centre, Piega T-60 micros rears (yes the best speakers are the rear ones!) and BK Gemini II subwoofer. The TV is a Loewe Art 40 full HD And audio is fed via digital coax from TV to amp. Streaming by Amazon 4K fire stick directly connected to the TV.

After watching a film etc. for an hour or so the sound of the centre channel can sometimes distort and go quiet. It does not always happen but it is annoying when it does. Is this usually the sign of something giving up in the receiver? It has never gone into protect mode and does not appear to distort in the other channels. All the Piega speakers are 4ohms and I have selected the 4 ohm switch on the back.

I know receivers have come on along way technology wise in the last 18 years. What’s the opinion on buying a new one (if i can get one at the moment), taking advantage of the latest tech/room EQ/connectivity in the hope that this solves the distortion problem?

My short list is:
Marantz SR5015 or 6015 if its worth the extra £300 over the 5015? Silver/gold would be preferable.
Denon AVC-3700 (the £1,000 one)
Arcam AVR390 that Peter Tyson are doing on run out.
All of the above must be happy supporting a full suite of 4 ohm speakers as I will probably replace the Celestions with another pair of Piegas at some point. Adding a second BK sub and front heights would be long term goals too.
The receiver also needs to have a full set of preouts in case I add power amps in the future, so the Denon 2700 is no good I’m afraid.

Of course Hyperfi offer the previous generation Marantz/Denon models at a significant saving as B-stock - is this a good idea or not?
I don’t use this system for music or gaming - just 100% film/TV series use for a few hours a week if were lucky.