Should I replace my Denon 5308 with a Denon AVP-A1HDCI

[Adam Kelly]

I am considering the purchase of a used (but in very good condition) Denon AVP-A1HDCI processor. I currently have a Denon 5308 (the receiver version of this processor) and an Emotiva XPA 7.

I know both units are relatively "older" but I'm fine without the newest audio codecs and I don't need to do video switching through my Receiver / Processor. AND both of these units were/are high quality productions!

I can pick up the AVP for close to what I expect I could get for my 5308 - maybe a couple hundred dollars difference. Although, I would have to go through the hassle of posting the Denon 5308 on eBay or Craigslist, packing it up, and shipping it...

Neither unit has the 3D or xt32 upgrade but I'm not a fan of Audyssey anyway - typically go Pure Direct and for 3D I just send my Oppo to my TV and Receiver - so I'm not gaining anything in regards to that...

While both are very similar, there are some potential gains elsewhere however - including the fully balanced input to output design of the AVP processor, higher end audio drivers, etc...) I mean for goodness sakes - the AVP weighs about the same as the 5308 and the 5308 has 7 amps inside... There's got to be differences...

Question is...are these differences audible and would they be worth the $200 - $300 + the hassle of selling my Denon 5308? Or, should I just stick with my Denon 5308 along with the Emotiva XPA 7?

 

[fmw]

I am considering the purchase of a used (but in very good condition) Denon AVP-A1HDCI processor. I currently have a Denon 5308 (the receiver version of this processor) and an Emotiva XPA 7.

I know both units are relatively "older" but I'm fine without the newest audio codecs and I don't need to do video switching through my Receiver / Processor. AND both of these units were/are high quality productions!

I can pick up the AVP for close to what I expect I could get for my 5308 - maybe a couple hundred dollars difference. Although, I would have to go through the hassle of posting the Denon 5308 on eBay or Craigslist, packing it up, and shipping it...

Neither unit has the 3D or xt32 upgrade but I'm not a fan of Audyssey anyway - typically go Pure Direct and for 3D I just send my Oppo to my TV and Receiver - so I'm not gaining anything in regards to that...

While both are very similar, there are some potential gains elsewhere however - including the fully balanced input to output design of the AVP processor, higher end audio drivers, etc...) I mean for goodness sakes - the AVP weighs about the same as the 5308 and the 5308 has 7 amps inside... There's got to be differences...

Question is...are these differences audible and would they be worth the $200 - $300 + the hassle of selling my Denon 5308? Or, should I just stick with my Denon 5308 along with the Emotiva XPA 7?

If both units use the same processor then there is no logical reason think the sound quality would be any different between the two. Weight is not a reliable indicator of performance. I think it is an emotional decision and I can't help you with that.

I will throw in a quick story you might appreciate. My audio store owner friend invited me back to the service room one day where he had two sony CD players on the bench. One was an affordable unit and the other was an upscale ES unit. The mechanisms and circuit boards were the same except all the connectivity options weren't implemented in the lower end model. The EX model had a 10 lb. steel plate installed under circuit board for added weight. While that weight appealed to customers it had nothing at all to do with unit's performance. I'm not suggesting the two Denon units use that trick. I'm just underlining the fact that weight is not a reliable indicator of audio performance.

 

[PENG]

Wow, lucky you, the owner of a Denon flag ship AVR that is upgradable to XT32 though you are not interested in that. Regardless, the AVP is undoubtedly a top notch preamp with slightly outdated processing capability, but I will bet 10:1 even in a single blind test, if properly conducted, very few human beings can tell the difference between the two. You will have a much better chance, though still very low probability, to make audible gain by replacing the power amp.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I have both 5308 & AVP-A1.

Neither one has XT32, but all I care about is Dynamic EQ anyway. I use Audyssey Bypass L/R + DEQ.

Love them both. I use the AVP-A1 + ATI amps (also fully balanced) and just keep the 5308 in closet just for backup.

I don't think there is an audible sound difference, but the AVP-A1 seems a lot cooler.

I don't know about going to the hassle of selling the 5308. I guess that's why I still keep my 5308 in the closet.