For me, if I had the option between a 5Ch CX-A5100 vs a 32Ch CX-5100 for the SAME price, I would get the 5Ch!
I agree with you in principle, but since I have been using 7 channels for a long time I don't mind two more channels just in case I want to try Atmos for fun. The 4400, unfortunately has 11 channels (as prepro). Hopefully that extra two channel won't compromise reliability much. The 4 extra preamp channels don't really add complexity, but along with the 2 additional power amp modules, it does add some heat. I think it has at least 3 fans to take care of any potential heat related issues. It is the features that I don't use, such as Apple Air 2, AM/FM tuners, online streaming software, Denon Link, HEOs etc., that I wish are optional, but that's just wishful thinking.For me, if I had the option between a 5Ch CX-A5100 vs a 32Ch CX-5100 for the SAME price, I would get the 5Ch!
That's why I actually prefer the X3400's 7.1Ch over the X4400's 9.2Ch.
More Channels and more parts just means more chances of something screwing up, you know - entropy and all.
I have the AVR-X4400H and there have been no issues with the extra channels or heat. There are (2) fans on the bottom of the unit that push air upward over the heat sinks. In terms of features and sound it has been the best receiver I have ever purchased in my life (so far).
I didn't mean it had heat issue. I meant if one only uses 7 channels, then the extra preamp/amp modules would just be sitting there producing extra heat, that's all. I looked at the pictures and thought there were 3 fans but now I can see that the 3rd one on the right is just a reflection or something, there is simply no room there for a 3rd fan anyway.
Yeah, I think many of us abhor many of these features. I hate all the DSP modes on the Yamaha; they have about 100 DSP modes, it's ridiculous. Oh, the things we have to endure.
Freakin first world problemsI hate all the DSP modes on the Yamaha; they have about 100 DSP modes, it's ridiculous. Oh, the things we have to endure.
Well, if someone offered me either one for free, I would take the X4400. Everyone would.
If I understand Ypao Volume and DEQ, they are designed to compensate for how our hearing changes as the SPL decreases.
What he (and I for that matter) want out of DEQ is the ability for bass to still exist at all volume levels. When I first had to turn down a movie (my mom can be irritating in that regard) I was astonished at how good the bass still was thanks to DEQ. Normally with my other AVRs that lack such a feature the bass would all but disappear. Not totally, but the impact with DEQ while being at a "low" volume was quite nice.
The first part is generally true but not the second part. Power amp modules in an AVR typically shouldn't and aren't that complicated. It adds a little heat but not a whole lot for most people, and it you give it additional cooling, it may even outlast a more complicated separate prepro and power amp that tend to have more complicated circuitry and components, in order to squeeze out the better specs that may not be audible to people without golden ears.But just in my theory, components with more internal parts might not last as long as components with fewer parts.
I think that is the argument among the separates camp - AVRs have a lot more internal parts than pre-pros. Thus, pre-pros last longer.
I guess my AVP-A1HDCI didn't get the memo.
The fact that my Denon AVP-A1HD pre-pro has already failed adds to your point.
And my AV8801 is 7 lbs heavier than the X3400H.
Heat, voltage spikes, and dirt are the top killers of the electronic components. If you can keep them reasonably cool and clean, and turn them off during storms, that thing should definitely last beyond 10 years after the warranty period.The fact that my Denon AVP-A1HD pre-pro has already failed adds to your point.
The AVP-A1HD is a "separates" pre-pro with Class-A analog preamp section. Fully balanced from input to output and all that jazz. It has 2 giant transformers and a million other things. It weighs like a tank and is built like a tank until it breaks. It's so complex that Denon techs cannot fix. What good is that?
Yeah, bitter taste in my mouth.
So I bet the Denon X3400, X4400, and X6400 AVRs have a lot less internal parts than the AVP-A1HD.
Truth be told, one of the reasons I wanted to "experiment" with the Yamaha CX-A5100 was because I thought it might be more reliable than the Marantz AV8802 and AV8805 beyond 10 years. Only time will tell.
As you know, not only spikes but wide voltage variations can also damage sensitive IC components and a surge protector won't protect against such situations. In some areas, voltage can vary as much as 15% and maybe more, who knows? Once, I witnessed a voltage reading of 138 volts at one of my friend's. We are convinced that those variations had damaged one of his AVRs and fried one plasma TV. To avoid further problems, he bought an APC H15 Power Conditioner that controls and limits voltage variations, trims and boosts voltage if required. He hasn't had any more such damaged equipment since.
With the latest AVRs and pre-pros I doubt aging affects the sound much. Most of the circuits in the line stages are ASICs, and ASICs don't age like some discrete components. Capacitors in the signal path do age, and they could affect SQ in unpredictable ways, but most of the caps I've seen in the processor stages are power supply caps, and when they go the problems are overt.
Every 15YR?
I'd be upset. I was pretty pissed off when my Levinson No39 blew its digital board after ten years or so. Ten years is too short a lifespan, IMO.Every 15YR?
Okay, tell me something. Should I be upset at all if my Pre-pro breaks in 10YR?
Or is 10YR "fair" enough?
