Quick question about Denon 3311CI multizone

[GoTigers]

Happy New Year everyone.

I have been looking at upgrading my 11 yr old Denon AVR 3300 to the new 3311CI, and have a question about multizone capabilities of the 3311CI.

Currently on my 3300, Zone 1 is living room 5.1, and Zone 2 is externally amp'd to run a pair of speakers on my patio and a pair in the kitchen.

On the new 3311 CI, will I be able to get rid of my external amp and run these 3 zones: Zone 1 is living room 5.1 as before, Zone 2 for patio and kitchen as before, and add a Zone 3 for a pair of speakers in the formal dining room (not yet installed).

Can the 3311CI do this?

I don't really want to step up to the 4311CI just for more amps and channels.

Thanks to anyone with working knowledge of this AVR who can provide input.....

 

[AVRat]

I don't know for sure. Does/will each set of speakers have an IM/VC connected? I'm running 3 sets on 1 zone off my 4810. It would make more sense to me if the Kitchen/DR were on the same zone as those probably wouldn't be turned up too loud overloading the amps. I can run at -30dB volume in my 13 x 15 x 8 BR which is a healthy volume level without issue.

 

[GoTigers]

I don't know for sure. Does/will each set of speakers have an IM/VC connected? I'm running 3 sets on 1 zone off my 4810. It would make more sense to me if the Kitchen/DR were on the same zone as those probably wouldn't be turned up too loud overloading the amps. I can run at -30dB volume in my 13 x 15 x 8 BR which is a healthy volume level without issue.

That's a good suggestion........to put kitchen speakers and dining room speakers in the same zone. Thanks for that.http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif And these can all operate through one volume control, as they will likely all operate at the same low volume.

Speaking of volume control on the 3311CI, I assume that we have the ability to dial-in different volume levels in each of the zones. Correct?

I am impressed with the feature set of the 3311CI, but my primary concern now is making sure it is flexible enough and powerful enough to distribute to the 3 zones, as I am looking to simplify my set-up by getting rid of the external amp I currently use to power my zone 2.

The new 3311CI can do this? And without being strained? We entertain alot, so volume levels are fairly low so as to not overpower conversation (that is until my sisters-in-law come over ).

Thanks again.

 

[AVRat]

Now that I’ve thought about your situation a little more, I’d be inclined to run Zone 3 (Kitchen/DR) using the separate amp and Zone 2 (Patio) off the internal rear amps. I don’t know how robust the amps are in the 3311. You could try all 3 sets to the one zone, like I do, and the worst that should happen is it trips the protection circuitry.

Yes, you can control the volume of each zone independently. You can also set a volume limit, although the lowest is only -20dB for Zone 2/3.

 

[AVRat]

You didn't mention the features of the 3311 that you like, but the 4310s are pretty close to the 3311's price.

$950 - http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR4310CI-7-1-Channel-Multi-Zone-Connectivity/dp/B002AKKFQC
$948 - http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-3311CI-Channel-Network-Receiver/dp/B003LVZYNI/ref=dp_cp_ob_e_title_3

 

[GoTigers]

You didn't mention the features of the 3311 that you like, but the 4310s are pretty close to the 3311's price.

$950 - http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR4310CI-7-1-Channel-Multi-Zone-Connectivity/dp/B002AKKFQC
$948 - http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-3311CI-Channel-Network-Receiver/dp/B003LVZYNI/ref=dp_cp_ob_e_title_3

Thanks AVRat.

I wonder if I could do 1 channel to power the 1 pair of speakers on the patio, and 1 channel to power the 2 pairs (kitchen and dining room) with the 3311CI.

Thanks for posting the amazon links for the 4310 vs 3311. I didn't realize the prices were so close.

I'm not really looking for more power (watts per channel), and am happy with 125-ish vs 140.

I just wonder if a 7.1 AVR can do what I want.

Now I'm considering the 4311CI, since it's a 9.2, but really don't want to part with that much cash. But.......it does have all the latest and greatest stuff.

Since you asked about features, I just want to future-proof. I want HDMI 1.4, networking, nicer upscaling. That's all. I'm no tweaker or hacker. I just want my new gear to work well and for a long time.

My current system is: Speakercraft in-ceiling speakers (AIM-8) front R and L and rear R and L. Center channel is NHT something-or-other with 2 speakers in an enclosure, can't recall the model. Sub is NHT SW12. Patio speakers are Klipsch outdoor series. Kitchen speakers are generic. As I said before, formal dining room speakers have not been bought yet, but the wife wants to expand the music system to the dining room.

Thanks again for your responses. Just wondering if the 3311 as a 7.2 system can handle my zones. If anything else comes to mind, I'll listen.

 

[Nestor]

Happy New Year everyone.

I have been looking at upgrading my 11 yr old Denon AVR 3300 to the new 3311CI, and have a question about multizone capabilities of the 3311CI.

Currently on my 3300, Zone 1 is living room 5.1, and Zone 2 is externally amp'd to run a pair of speakers on my patio and a pair in the kitchen.

On the new 3311 CI, will I be able to get rid of my external amp and run these 3 zones: Zone 1 is living room 5.1 as before, Zone 2 for patio and kitchen as before, and add a Zone 3 for a pair of speakers in the formal dining room (not yet installed).

Can the 3311CI do this?

I don't really want to step up to the 4311CI just for more amps and channels.

Thanks to anyone with working knowledge of this AVR who can provide input.....

Looking at the manual, I'd say no, if you want individual control of zones 2 and three. The manual indicates zone 2, or zone 3. It also has a zone2/3 connection in mono, with only one speaker in each zone.

Since you have the extra amp, I'd say use it.

 

[AVRat]

Here’s my $0.05 (adjusted for inflation).

1 amp = 1 channel --> 1 speaker
HDMI 1.4 is really only necessary if you’ll get into 3-D.
These 7-channel receivers + your separate amp (which model BTW) will do what you want.
If you truly want to rid yourself of the separate amp and want 3-independent zone capability, you’ll need a 9-channel receiver.
If the 4311 is too costly, you could switch to a different brand like the Onkyo 1008. $900

 

[GoTigers]

Nestor and AVRat, thanks for your responses. Based on what you guys have told me, I have erroneously been seeing a 7.2 channel AVR as my upgrade solution and really should be looking at 9.2 AVRs.

Just trying to avoid "buyer's remorse".

To answer your questions about my external amp: it's actually a Kenwood KA-995 receiver that I bought for $100 on the clearance shelf at the local mom-and-pop audio-video store where I bought all my gear 11 yrs ago. We just use it as an amp for our current zone 2, not as a receiver.

I am just ready to decrease the number of components in my system, and have been looking for the right AVR to do it all.

AV, that Onkyo 1008 you linked is very attractively priced ($900) compared to the new Denon 4311CI, which can be had for a little less than $1,600 on Amazon.

So what, in your opinion(s), would be the difference (trade-offs) between these 2 units?

Thanks.

 

[AVRat]

Let me first state that I am not totally well versed on either unit, especially the 1008. Nor do I dig into the makeup of components like some people do. I also don’t use an Ipod or get into the network usability features so I don’t go into those details

Overall, I would say that the trade-offs are marginal for the cost difference to a budget conscious, average Joe/enthusiast consumer.

Onkyo 1008 – Denon 4311

Audyssey: MultiEq – MultiEqXT32/Sub Eq
Video Processing: Faroudja DCDI – ABT
Channel Capability: 9 – 11 (2-ch amp req.)
THX Cert.: Select2 Plus – None
The Denon probably offers better DACs and processing, but not so much better that it’s of much concern

Denon Includes:

Web GUI
Pre-Amp Mode which totally disconnects from the Amp section
Digital 2-channel to zones 2/3 via coax/optical input, NOT HDMI
Second Remote

 

[GoTigers]

I don't know why, but I can't help but drink the Denon kool-aide, and will probably pony up for the 4311CI in the coming month or so.

Also, waiting to see how their universal player pans out. The DBP 2011 UDCI has apparently been pushed back for a later release, but I'm eager to see how well it performs, and hopefully with faster load times than prior models. May go with the new Oppo, though.

Either way, a universal player will allow me to get rid of ANOTHER component, which is the Denon 5 CD carousel player, and give me Blu Ray which I currently don't have.

Just looking for the right upgrades and also to simplify and declutter this system.

Thanks for your help!

 

[AVRat]

Yes, the Denon kool-aid is some good tasting stuff and hard to break away from once you've tasted it! If I had known about the 4311 and its capabilities last summer, I would probably have waited and purchased it instead of the 4810.

I also took a leap of faith with the Oppo 83, due to all the great reviews, and I'm not sorry I did.