Denon AVR-4311CI with Audyssey MultEQ XT32.

[audionut]

Oct 11, 2010 20:55:34 GMT -5 NorthStar said:

Oct 11, 2010 20:49:08 GMT -5 bob (aka *bleep*) said:

Bob,
My audyssey comment was not directed at you in general, but it seems a lot more folks on this board do not care for audyssey or any room correction for that matter. Just my observation, I could be misreading.
Also, can you pm me the place that has the avr-a100 for $1875? That is a good price and the best I have been able to find has been $2K.
Appreciate you answering audionut for me.
Thanks!

Bob, lol, first you quoted audionut!
Second, I know exactly what you meant; I just wanna make sure that we're on the same team, as well several more people.

* Now for that price on the AVR-A100, just go to the last page from the Official Thread of the AVR-4311CI at AVS Forum.
[Tge WWStereo, with 25% off coupon ($1,875); post #1836]

lol, i have been known to make people nuts.

Thanks LOTR-EE.
I have some homework in front of me. ;D

[bob (aka *bleep*)]

Been playing with this thing over the long weekend. Audyssey xt32 with dual sub eq is the kitties titties! Currently only running 7.2 but going to get some height speakers up this coming weekend.
Been running off the stock amps and it seems plenty clear AND then some. I am afraid my Emo amps may need to find a new home, although I do plan on hooking them up and trying it with them in the chain..
Top Five things I love about the 4311
5. 7 HDMI inputs
4. Denon Link 4
3. 9 channels of amplification and "pre-amp only" mode disables the amps! cool
2. All setting saved individually PER INPUT.
1. Audyssey XT32 with dual sub EQ!!

[edoggrc51]

3 things Bob,

1. Keep me posted on how the AVR does with & without Emo amps.
2. What Emo amps ya got?
3. If ya do sell the Emo amps I want first dibs! ;D

[NorthStar]

Oct 11, 2010 21:42:00 GMT -5 djoel said:

I got mine ( well pre order) for 1500 from an authorized deal..And I can't wait to have it in hand, this is the closest you'll get a preamp ( signing off the amp section feature) from Denon sub 2K.....I'm psyched.


DJoel

Hey DJoel, may I ask you who's that good looking guy and gal in your AVS avatar?

[NorthStar]

Just a simple observation: The AVR-4310CI (predecessor) was rated to a low of 6 Ohms.
Now the new AVR-4311CI is rated down to 4 Ohms!

* Denon has been rating their A/V Receivers down to 6 Ohms for many many years now.
This is a totally new departure on that newer speaker's impedance rating from this receiver.

[matt9669]

I'll be getting in my 4311CI today, can't wait!

If were using UPA-series amps I might be inclined to sell them - but I think you could still get substantial benefit from XPA-series amps. Many have suggested an XPA-3 for the front soundstage, which would free up power for the surrounds and give you a lot more power overall. I might have to pick one up myself ;D

And FWIW I did get mine from authorized dealer World Wide Stereo @ $1500.

[NorthStar]

^ That's great!

Keep us posted, we all wanna know about it!

[matt9669]

^ Sorry for the lack of updates then!! Always sucks when you get in new goodies and don't have time to play with them ... ;D

There's been some debate on AVSForum on the merits/demerits of the 4311 vs. the A100, I posted this as to my "build quality" impressions: www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=19337616#post19337616

As for the sound? In a word - awesome. For now I have it on a table hooked to two NHT Classic Three's. Even without performing Audyssey and playing back MP3's from my computer via the network function (this worked with absolutely no setup by the way) it sounds great. For a unit this nice I suppose something higher quality than MP3 is in order ... now where's the dang portable CD player ...

Some have had concerns over the amp section, I didn't notice any major deficiencies here. Bass dynamics were much better than I expected, especially for a built-in amp, and the sound at -10dB is very open and natural, no signs of fatigue at all. (Can't play it any higher than that just yet, unfortunately.) Once I get this thing installed into the home theater and running 7 speakers I may revise that, but for now I think the internal amp will suffice.

I have had one problem with the iPod Direct Connection feature (very nice by the way, no dock required) using my iPhone 3GS, looks like the fault lies with Apple though. I can give more detail for those concerned but it's not a big deal to me, an iPod classic worked just fine, as did a thumbdrive.

[NorthStar]

Thanks Matt.

* I also keep a close eye on it from AVS.

And regarding the A100, I don't really care, as it is a commercial stunt for Denon's 100th Anniversary.
But Denon is for sure pushing the envelope with that 4311/A100 receivers.
They want back in into the game! And big time this time (they're after their older successes like the 3805, 3803 for example).

[matt9669]

Oct 15, 2010 20:16:45 GMT -5 NorthStar said:

And regarding the A100, I don't really care, as it is a commercial stunt for Denon's 100th Anniversary.

I think that's true as well, but there are those REALLY concerned that the 4311 just won't sound as good ... because it doesn't look as nice ...

Oct 15, 2010 20:16:45 GMT -5 NorthStar said:

But Denon is for sure pushing the envelope with that 4311/A100 receivers.
They want back in into the game! And big time this time (they're after their older successes like the 3805, 3803 for example).

No question! I think they pulled out all the stops with this unit, with Pre/Pro Mode, XT32, dual sub EQ ... why I went for the 4311 over the 3311. IMO it's the best home theater receiver out at the moment, unless you're willing to cough up another $500 - $1000 and really NEED the additional 1dB or so you'd get from the Onkyo 5008 Additional amps will just make this thing sing sweeter

[ny1pr2009]

I have never owned a receiver or separates with any Audyssey room correction because my receivers of choice have always being Pioneer's Elite. As many of you know Pioneer uses their own room correction known as MCACC, which I think its pretty good but I dont think its as good as the Audyssey room correction calibration.
I used to owned a Parasound Halo C2 and C1 processors of course with no Audyssey room correction and I think at the time they were the best separates I have ever owned.

Right now I am waiting for my dealer to receive the new Onkyo PR-SC5508 Preamp Processor with the Audyssey XT32 to pair it with the new Onkyo PA-MC5500 9 Channel Class A/B Amplifier which the dealer is getting them for me at a very special price of less than $2500 for both pieces and once I have them connect it here at home I will try for the first time the Audyssey room correction calibration and I will let you guys know my experience with it.

[NorthStar]

^ We sure count on you ny1pr2009 to have your in depth impressions on those high end Onkyo components.
...The full Shangri-La.

[matt9669]

^ And I was just about to post how much I was enjoying the 4311! *sigh* As much as Onkyo would NOT be my first choice, separates for under $2500? Please tell me that's under $2500 for each unit, not the pair ... otherwise strong feelings of jealously, regret, and inadequacy may result. (Of course, that probably means you've spent far more with your dealer already, so I may have no cause for complaint.)

I'm really rather new to the high(er) end audio world, so forgive any hyperbole, but this little setup of NHT Classic Threes and an Ultra 12 (had to add it too, of course) is dazzling me right now. I still haven't bothered to get any CDs out as the MP3s streaming off my computer are sounding fantastic.

I consider Coldplay's first album Parachutes to be part of my reference material (to the extent that I actually HAVE "reference material", sheesh) - there's tons of sustained low/mid bass which really highlights acoustic problems in that range. I'd sampled a wide variety of tracks for hours without performing the Audyssey setup, and had been enjoying it immensely - hadn't heard any real flaws up to that point. A few seconds into the first track I'm going, there's that nasty, boomy bass again that I hadn't been hearing. Time to break out the calibration mic.

SW level was only a bit high at 78dB, go ears! Tweaked it down just a notch, then ran the measurements. I only used three positions - it's me sitting at a table seeing what it sounds like, not worth doing more - calculated, saved, only took a few minutes. That nice, reassuring Audyssey MultEQ XT light shows up and I started up Parachutes again - amazing what a difference it makes!

The highs were previously a bit forward and it successfully tamed them, and I'm not sure it didn't improve midrange definition just a bit, but the lows were vastly improved. The bass line was able to travel up and down smoothly with no boomy peaks, tighter and with more clarity. SW was placed at random, without any testing, and the room has no treatment whatsoever, so I'm betting it could be improved further, but I was finally able to listen to difficult bass tracks without a visceral "ugh" response. Dynamic EQ is fantastic as well, I settled on an offset of 10db and found I was able to listen very happily at lower volume levels.

After listening to more material I did feel like bass dynamics were somewhat less punchy, so I decided to have a look at what crossover frequency Audyssey picked. 40Hz?!? Holy extension Batman!! My guess was 60, and I wouldn't have been surprised at 80 ... I can't fault NHT for quoting "almost 40Hz in-room" as Audyssey said "yeah, that's about right". (Loving these speakers by the way. If you're looking for full range sound in a bookshelf, I can't recommend these highly enough.) I turned that up to 60 and low and behold, things got punchier. Plus, the Ultra 12 is quoted at 22Hz (and my limited testing says that's rather generous) - it'd be ridiculous for it to cover less than an octave. I suppose that means additional amps would be on the menu for those who expect a good low end thump and run their fronts full range, but if that's the case you probably have the amps already.

To sum, I'm in mid-fi heaven at the moment. Last night I had a new video game all set to play (Dead Rising 2, good times) - and spent the entire evening listening instead. The 4311 is really intended for a home theater that's nowhere close to ready, and I hadn't seen myself doing a lot of music listening with it ... but that's already changed! ;D

[NorthStar]

^ No no, he's got that deal for both the pre/pro and the multichannel amp.
It's a personal deal between him and his dealer.

* Denon still has some fierce competition; ain't no time to discard Onkyo yet.

EDIT: I just read your post carefully Matt, and here are some of my suggestions.

REEDIT: I just noticed that you already reply to my post before I edited it. ...I'll join you right there down below then.

[matt9669]

^ I'm just not a fan of Onkyo AVRs, but I bet those separates are quite nice indeed. Denon's high-end pre/pro is definitely behind the times by comparison.

I'll whine and moan for a bit - then remember that no Onkyo supports the full 11 channels (DSX heights and wides) ;D Not that I wouldn't trade for those separates ...

EDIT THE 3RD - Well be quick about it then, geez ...

[NorthStar]

Oct 16, 2010 1:09:57 GMT -5 matt9669 said:

^ I'm just not a fan of Onkyo AVRs, but I bet those separates are quite nice indeed. Denon's high-end pre/pro is definitely behind the times by comparison.

I'll whine and moan for a bit - then remember that no Onkyo supports the full 11 channels (DSX heights and wides) ;D Not that I wouldn't trade for those separates ...

Forget it Matt; Onkyo, Denon, Rotel, NAD, Parasound, Marantz, Classe, etc., etc., etc., it don't really matter too much anymore...

The thing here is all about Audyssey MultEQ XT32 and Sub EQ HT.
That is one of the main and major focus.

I know that the 4311 is still very new to you, but here few pointers for your best sound experience and aural benefit:

- Grab a piece of paper, and draw your room and speaker's positioning plus all your furniture, windows, doors, and the full shawbang.

- Now, pay particular attention at your couch or seats.

- Draw your best guess (from reading the Audyssey Setup Guide), at your 8 mic positions.
* Just in case, here's that Guide:
@ www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=14456895&postcount=5701

- When you're ready, do it.

- After you finished taken all 8 mic position measurements and that Audyssey has completed all the crunching numbers into the DSP chip memory, go to the "Speaker Setup" and set all your speaker's x-overs at 80 Hz (no matter what your Denon receiver set them at).
{Because I already know your speakers and all that Jazzzzz anyway.}

- Leave your speaker's channel levels and distances alone, including the subwoofer channel.

* Do you have one or more subs? (Seems like only one to me). Good to go then, all done!
-> And don't rush me, I'm a very slow typer and I'm French too (Canadian).

[ny1pr2009]

Hi Matt. Bob is right, my dealer is getting me a personal special deal for "both pieces" for less than $2500. It is in consideration for the fact that I have been a regular customer and I have also recommend a few friends of mine that have made "big" recent purchases with them.

Please don't feel bad because my receiver of choice was going to be the Denon 4311ci. I was very close to buy it until my dealer mentioned to me that Onkyo was introducing a new line of Preamp and amp fully balanced that had everything from A to Z in it. He offered me such a great price that after looking at the specs on both units I could not refuse such a great deal.

I am mostly going to use the Onkyo set up for my home theater only since I have a separate high end two channel audio system. I will be using the Audyssey room calibration for the first time and i think the results will be outstanding.

Will keep you all posted of the results with the Audyssey as well as the sound/perfomance of the Onkyo Pre/Pro and amplifier. I will be running the Preamp Processor to the Amplifier fully balanced in a 7.1 surround sound system.

Right now my system sounds very good with the Pioneer Elite SC07 receiver but I know the Onkyo Processor together with the 9 channel Preamp and the Audyssey MultEQ XT32 and Sub EQ HT will take it to a much higher level of performance.

The first Blue Ray movie that I will be testing the system with will be one of my favorites,
The Lord Of the Rings, "The Return of The King" and with that Definitive Reference Series Subwoofer with the 14" long throw woofer and two 14" passive radiators not just my apt. but the whole building will be shaking.

Can't wait to get those Onkyo Pieces and set up my system. I hope to have it set up by the time the World Series start so I can watch my NY Yankees in 7.1 surround sound.

GO YANKEES!!!!!!!!!

[matt9669]

Oct 16, 2010 7:28:10 GMT -5 ny1pr2009 said:

Hi Matt. Bob is right, my dealer is getting me a personal special deal for "both pieces" for less than $2500. It is in consideration for the fact that I have been a regular customer and I have also recommend a few friends of mine that have made "big" recent purchases with them.

Please don't feel bad because my receiver of choice was going to be the Denon 4311ci. I was very close to buy it until my dealer mentioned to me that Onkyo was introducing a new line of Preamp and amp fully balanced that had everything from A to Z in it. He offered me such a great price that after looking at the specs on both units I could not refuse such a great deal.

I figured as much, sounds like you've essentially paid more than $2500 already. No real sour grapes, very cool that you're getting such a deal ... we'll be very interested to hear how it sounds. Meanwhile I'll be operating the full 11.2 channels

As for the room setup, thanks for the tips LOTR-EE - this was just a quick test and setup so I could listen to the system while the home theater is in progress. (By in progress, looks like the roof/ceiling will be completely new ... at least a month until I'll actually be in there.) I'll have to keep this thread handy for when the time comes. I'm just glad Audyssey is flexible enough to improve my temporary listening experience.

[matt9669]

Oct 16, 2010 1:30:16 GMT -5 NorthStar said:

* Do you have one or more subs? (Seems like only one to me). Good to go then, all done!

For now it'll just be the Ultra 12. It's supposed to be for 2.1 listening but for now the listening room and the home theater will be the same ... some compromises have to be made. (It'll be the best room acoustically in the house anyway, so no big loss.) I've been considering putting in an order with Epik ... duals would be mighty nice for movies. Until people jump out of their seats I won't be satisfied! ;D

Oct 16, 2010 1:30:16 GMT -5 NorthStar said:

-> And don't rush me, I'm a very slow typer and I'm French too (Canadian).

You Canadians - now you think you can make excuses for your typing speed ... www.imdb.com/title/tt0109370/

[thomasd92]

The advantage the Denon 4311 has over the Onkyo 5508 is that the Denon can do 11.2 and the Onkyo can only do 9.2.