The AVR deal that seems hard to resist

[PENG]

I just noticed BB Canada now has the x4300h for 1,200. I recommended this mid range avr more than once to people who only needed a stereo receiver or integrated amp, may be it is time I grab one myself.

The website says only 12 left, let's see how long it takes to get sold out.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

XE says, that 1200 Bear dollars worth about 937 real ones, but then amazon US sells 4300 for $799 w/free ship.

 

[PENG]

XE says, that 1200 Bear dollars worth about 937 real ones, but then amazon US sells 4300 for $799 w/free ship.

But there will be import duty, shipping cost etc., and Amazon.com does not ship to Canada. Amazon.ca does, same price as BB Canada, but out of stock already.

PS - I am trying hard to fight it off.

 

[agarwalro]

US BB will do price match to Amazon if the page says, "Shipped and sold by Amazon". Not sure if BB Canada does the same.

 

[PENG]

US BB will do price match to Amazon if the page says, "Shipped and sold by Amazon". Not sure if BB Canada does the same.

They probably would match Amazon.ca but definitely not Amazon.com because they know one has to pay import duty/taxes and distant shipping in most cases. The dollar exchange is also a factor so they do have some good excuses.

 

[PENG]

There are no bench test data for the $800 X4300H but one can reference the two reviews linked below, one for the X4200W and the other for the X3300W, and can reasonably expect equal or better results from the X4300H.

http://www.audioholics.com/av-receiver-reviews/denon-avr-x3300w-1
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/denon-avr-x4200w-av-receiver-review-test-bench

Like the AVR-X4200W, it also has the same DAC (the best one used by D&M in recent years) as the one in the more expensive Marantz SR701X series. It is not as good as the one in the AVR-X7200WA and AV8802A but better than (specs) the TI/BB chips used in the other Marantz SR7000 series and Denon AVR-4000 series.

http://www.akm.com/akm/en/product/datasheet1/?partno=AK4458VN

For those who cares, it can play DSD up to 5.6 MHz (2 channel or 5.1 2.8 MHz) and has a phono input. It is comparable to the much more expensive Marantz SR7011, except it does not have the 7.1 analog inputs.

Even for those who are considering a 100 to 120 W integrated amp or stereo receiver, this AVR really could still be an excellent alternative at it's current price point. For my LS50 based two channel system, I am not going to pursue this AVR anymore because for even less money I could opt for the Dirac Live and likely get better results. I already have a minidsp, as well as the necessary amps that are collecting dust at the moment.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I just noticed BB Canada now has the x4300h for 1,200.

Life is just not fair, is it?

 

[Verdinut]

There are no bench test data for the $800 X4300H but one can reference the two reviews linked below, one for the X4200W and the other for the X3300W, and can reasonably expect equal or better results from the X4300H.

http://www.audioholics.com/av-receiver-reviews/denon-avr-x3300w-1
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/denon-avr-x4200w-av-receiver-review-test-bench

Like the AVR-X4200W, it also has the same DAC (the best one used by D&M in recent years) as the one in the more expensive Marantz SR701X series. It is not as good as the one in the AVR-X7200WA and AV8802A but better than (specs) the TI/BB chips used in the other Marantz SR7000 series and Denon AVR-4000 series.

http://www.akm.com/akm/en/product/datasheet1/?partno=AK4458VN

For those who cares, it can play DSD up to 5.6 MHz (2 channel or 5.1 2.8 MHz) and has a phono input. It is comparable to the much more expensive Marantz SR7011, except it does not have the 7.1 analog inputs.

Even for those who are considering a 100 to 120 W integrated amp or stereo receiver, this AVR really could still be an excellent alternative at it's current price point. For my LS50 based two channel system, I am not going to pursue this AVR anymore because for even less money I could opt for the Dirac Live and likely get better results. I already have a minidsp, as well as the necessary amps that are collecting dust at the moment.

The MiniDSP NanoAVR-DL seems to be an affordable eight channel processor with the Dirac Live EQ module. It only sells for $549 USD which, I think, could very well complement the Audyssey XT integrated in my Marantz SR5010. Since it's contained in a small chassis, it would fit under one of my EV7100 surround amps. I am really interested in that product and might consider getting it next year.

Should I anticipate a noticeable improvement in the overall performance with that additional toy, since the SR5010 doesn't feature the Audyssey XT/32 circuit? Would you have an opinion on this?

Hopefully, we should at some point query as to when MiniDSP will replace the HDMI inputs and output for HDMI 2 operation.

 

[PENG]

The MiniDSP NanoAVR-DL seems to be an affordable eight channel processor with the Dirac Live EQ module. It only sells for $549 USD which, I think, could very well complement the Audyssey XT integrated in my Marantz SR5010. Since it's contained in a small chassis, it would fit under one of my EV7100 surround amps. I am really interested in that product and might consider getting it next year.

Should I anticipate a noticeable improvement in the overall performance with that additional toy, since the SR5010 doesn't feature the Audyssey XT/32 circuit? Would you have an opinion on this?

Hopefully, we should at some point query as to when MiniDSP will replace the HDMI inputs and output for HDMI 2 operation.

I am sure if you get it with Dirac Live you will hear a difference. Whether you will like that difference or not depends on your subjective preference. For me, I always aim for accuracy/neutrality. If you are getting good result with XT right now, then XT32 with Sub EQHT will get you there and would then be a cleaner/simpler solution. If not, then Dirac Live with the minDSP is the better solution because from all that I could read on the internet, most users who claimed to have experience with both, found Dirac Live more effective than Audyssey. That solution is also portable, though not as convenient.

 

[PENG]

Don't forget you need a Umik-1 mic, that's another USD75, so total will be over CAD1,000 with tax, shipping, import duties. If you sell your SR5010, grab a AVR-X4300H and save a few hundred dollars. I think you should invest USD75, plot a few graphs to see what you are getting first, post them here for us to see, and go from there.

 

[Bucknekked]

There are no bench test data for the $800 X4300H but one can reference the two reviews linked below, one for the X4200W and the other for the X3300W,
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/denon-avr-x4200w-av-receiver-review-test-bench

Peng
I bought a x4200w after we had an exchange of ideas earlier this year to replace an older Denon receiver.
The x4200w is the best sounding and most feature rich avr I have ever owned. I can recommend it without reservation. I went through accessories4less when they had the box for roughly 50% off list and Amazon was still north of $1200. I love mine and your advice was very helpful in the selection.

 

[equate]

What do you guys think of the Outlaw RR2160 receiver?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

What do you guys think of the Outlaw RR2160 receiver?

Less power and no Audyssey XT32 Dynamic EQ for the same $800 price as the Denon X4300?

No thanks.

I would also rather have the Denon X3300 for $600, which also has Audyssey XT32 Dynamic EQ.

 

[lovinthehd]

What do you guys think of the Outlaw RR2160 receiver?

I don't think of it at all, can't imagine what I'd use it for. Not great value unless you just want less for more $.

 

[Bucknekked]

What do you guys think of the Outlaw RR2160 receiver?

I don't think much of the Outlaw because as other posters have noted, its more for less.

I am interested in your Avatar however. Its a brand logo for a line of products at Wal-mart.
I thought maybe it was the petro chemical company, but no, they use all caps in their logo.

 

[PENG]

Peng
I bought a x4200w after we had an exchange of ideas earlier this year to replace an older Denon receiver.
The x4200w is the best sounding and most feature rich avr I have ever owned. I can recommend it without reservation. I went through accessories4less when they had the box for roughly 50% off list and Amazon was still north of $1200. I love mine and your advice was very helpful in the selection.

Good to know you are happy with the X4200W. I wasn't the only one recommending that unit at the time, it was a case of good team work.

 

[PENG]

I don't think much of the Outlaw because as other posters have noted, its more for less.

I am interested in your Avatar however. Its a brand logo for a line of products at Wal-mart.
I thought maybe it was the petro chemical company, but no, they use all caps in their logo.

I agree, but to be fair, it would have been a reasonable alternative to the X3300W or X4300H at full price at launch, for someone who only needed a two channel unit and didn't want to be bothered with REQ for whatever reasons.

 

[Auditor55]

Peng
I bought a x4200w after we had an exchange of ideas earlier this year to replace an older Denon receiver.
The x4200w is the best sounding and most feature rich avr I have ever owned. I can recommend it without reservation. I went through accessories4less when they had the box for roughly 50% off list and Amazon was still north of $1200. I love mine and your advice was very helpful in the selection.

Are the Accessories4less refurbished units with no return policy?

 

[Bucknekked]

Are the Accessories4less refurbished units with no return policy?

not at all. They have a great return policy. You simply print a RMER label and carry it to FEDEX and the old one goes back. As soon as acccesories4less determines that FEDEX received your return, they ship you the replacement box. They also give you at least a 1 year warranty. Some boxes more. I had to use the process and it was very quick and painless.

In the end it comes down to your tolerance for risk. If you have a low tolerance, then by all means buy it at Amazon or a factory website. If you can tolerate a little risk, A4L is a great way to save money and get the same AVR for less. In my case, 50% less on an expensive model.

Don't let me talk you in to it, or let someone else talk you out of it. Decide it for yourself based on how much risk you are comfortable with.

 

[lovinthehd]

Are the Accessories4less refurbished units with no return policy?

30 day window for return, but be sure to read the conditions. https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/cms/returns/returns/1.html