Emotiva with Denon 2312 vs Denon avr 4308ci?

[audiohobby]

I'm looking at to amp options. It would be the Emotiva xpa 3 paired with a denon 2312 vs a single Denon avr 4308ci? Which of these would be the best option. This would be running aperion verus forte speakers plus an aperion center speaker in the future. Any good recommendation would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Steve81]

Unfortunately I don't believe the 2312 has pre-amp outputs to connect the XPA-3.

However, after casual perusal of the Verus Forte speakers, they look to be of relatively low sensitivity; for example the center is rated at 85dB, which is a tad below average. IOW, they'll need more power to get to a given SPL than a more sensitive speaker. Something like the XPA-3 or 5 could have value, depending on how loud you want to listen, how far you sit from your speakers, etc. This SPL calculator will give you a rough guide as to how much power you might want:

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

Also, instead of the 4308, I'd be looking at the 4311, for which some pretty good deals can be found at the moment. In addition to reasonably good amplification for a receiver, it also offers Audyssey XT32 with SubEQ, which could be useful depending on your room and your setup plans.

 

[jcl]

I'm looking at to amp options. It would be the Emotiva xpa 3 paired with a denon 2312 vs a single Denon avr 4308ci? Which of these would be the best option. This would be running aperion verus forte speakers plus an aperion center speaker in the future. Any good recommendation would be greatly appreciated.

I don't think the 2312 has full preouts, just zone 2 and sub. Not sure if that changes your equation.

Doh, Steve81 beat me to the punch...

The 2312 is rated at 105 w/channel, the 4311 140 w/ch. That's not a huge difference. The 3313 is 125 w/ch. If you're unsure you can go with the 3313 and see how it works. If it's not enough add the external amp.

As Steve has said, there are other reasons for picking a higher level avr besides more power. TBH for the money you might be better off going with the 4311 and adding an inexpensive crown amp for the mains later.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Since the 4308 is discontinued, I'm going to assume the OP can get it for an extremely low price used?

The 4311 is like $1225 shipped by Electronics Expo brand new (phone deal).

The 4310/4311 can output over 250wpc into 4 ohms @ 1% THD x 2 ch driven.

So I think he will be fine with just the 4308. He could always add a $350 300wpc XLS1500 Crown amp later, but I don't think he will need to, depending on how loud he listens and how big his room is.

 

[audiohobby]

Thanks alot for the input. Wow I didn't know the denon 4310/4311 could do 250x2. How many watts will the 4308 drive x2? I seems like the easiest option for me would be to run the 4310/11 to the front left and right and then get the separate amp for the center later. One other thing to mention is that I am also looking at the PSB Image t6s. I haven't bought anything yet. So I'll be looking for the best speakers $1200 and under also. Any suggestions?

 

[PENG]

The 2312 models in some countries may/likely have 7.1 preouts but definitely not those in NA.

 

[PENG]

DENON UK | AVR-2311

Even the UK 2312 does not have preouts, looks like they took them out after the 2311. Not sure about the Asian models but it is a moot point if you are in North America, you would have to go with 33XX and up to get 7.1/7.2 preouts.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Thanks alot for the input. Wow I didn't know the denon 4310/4311 could do 250x2. How many watts will the 4308 drive x2? I seems like the easiest option for me would be to run the 4310/11 to the front left and right and then get the separate amp for the center later.

I think all the 43xx models are the same.

The Center channel gets mainly dialogue, so you won't need an external amp. Same with the surrounds.

I think if you set your XO to 80Hz, Small speakers all around, let your subs do all the bass, then you won't have to worry too much about power.

If you run your mains full range, then you may need external amps. The midrange and tweeters don't usually require that much power. It is the woofers/ bass that require the majority of the power.