Denon AVR-4308CI Vs Onkyo TX-NR905 Thread

sammywhammy007 · 10-29-07, 06:43 AM

OK, I would like objective opinions on helping me pick one of these. Here is some background. I am looking to upgrade from my Denon AVR-5800 to a new receiver that supports HDMI and the whole 9 yards. Still love my 5800 but I think its time for an upgrade after 6 years with the 5800.
My Ideal choice would be 5308CI, but considering I just blew 5K on a new Plasma TV and BD Player, I have a 2k-ish budget left. I was leaning towards the 4308CI till I saw the specs on Onkyo NR905. HQV Reon, Toroidal transformer and possibly a better price than 4308CI. Never owned a Onkyo before and I am a bit pro-Denon at this point, but I am trying to look and compare these two objectively and see if I wanna get the Onkyo.
Your objective opinions on helping me decide on one or the other is GREATLY APPRECIATED. Thanks

1up5dn · 10-29-07, 07:06 AM

Well, I am by no means an expert on here, but I can add my personal experience. I upgraded to a 4308 about six weeks ago and so far, I am nothing but impressed. I had a Yamaha RX-V2700 before that and an Onkyo before that. Each upgrade was worthwhile and a very noticeable improvement in sound quality.

There are a few on here who have had issues with their 4308's connecting to internet radio and to their home networks, but I didn't have any problems with either. I tuned to HD-radio with no problems either.

The biggest surprise to me was my improvement in my HD picture quality! I can't explain why, but running my HD sources through this receiver via HDMI vs. my Yamaha resulted in a much improved picture. Since I am using a Toshiba XA2 transmitting a 1080p picture, the receiver is just passing the signal without any upconversion, so the result was a real surprise.

I use my receiver mostly for movie watching and the clarity and sound depth is much improved over anything I have owned before. I guess my only "gripe" is that the bass seemed rather low, but I just had to turn up my subs a little to compensate. People are reporting that the latest firmware update addresses the bass level, so I may need to look into downloading it.

If you have any other specific questions, let me know and I will try and answer them.

Chris....

sammywhammy007 · 10-29-07, 07:32 AM

Chris, thanks for your input. Yeah, I like Denons and never had a Onkyo before.
You said you liked the HD picture quality on the 4308. 4308CI uses Faroudja DCDi for upscaling whereas the Onkyo NR905 uses a HQV Reon from Silicon Optix which is allegedly a much better video processing choice than Faroudja DCDi. Also the part I like in the Onkyo is it uses a toroidal transformer(which prolly adds 15 lbs to the 905 Vs 4308ci).
I still am leaning towards the 4308ci but I am keeping my options open for the Onkyo too. FRankly, I like what I see in the Onkyo and it comes at a better price than 4308CI. Also Onkyo is THX Ultra2 certified whereas the up and coming 5308CI is the only Denon which is THX Ultra2 certified.
I have a Denon AVR-5800 which was their flagship recv'r 5 yrs ago. I would like to get another Denon if the price and features justify it.
I'd stay away from the new Yamahas esp with their unproven ABT video upscaling solution.

1up5dn · 10-29-07, 11:12 AM

Like I said, the video upconversion wasn't even a consideration for me, due to already having REON upconversion from the XA2. However, I did see a nice improvement in picture quality. If you are looking to have your receiver do video upconversion, then the Onkyo may take the honors there.

I was also looking at the Onkyo but I had never owned a Denon, so I kind of wanted to give them a try and after referring to some audio "experts" that I know, they highly recommended the Denon. So, I gave it a shot and like I said, I am very happy and hope I made the right choice.

Good luck with your decision, hopefully you get some more feedback.

Chris....

sammywhammy007 · 10-29-07, 02:52 PM

Thanks again Chris. Yeah I bought a Samsung BD Player so upconversion per se is not a problem. I personally like Denons more than any other receivers. I just wanted to give Onkyo an earnest shot. I love my current 5800 but it has gotten a little old for the HD era. Ideally I would want the 5308CI but I don't want to drop 5K on a receiver at this point. 4308 will do the job for me atleast for the next coupla years.
You mind telling me where you bought your 4308ci and how much you paid for it? You can PM me with the details and it would be greatly appreciated.

1up5dn · 10-30-07, 03:56 AM

I sent you a pm.

I was also considering the new Yamaha RX-Z11, but I came to my senses and knew I wouldn't be able to live with myself for spending that much on a receiver.

Good luck.

Chris....

cseward · 10-30-07, 09:31 AM

sammywhammy007,
I am try to decide on which model of Onkyo receiver to get, sr805 vs sr875. As you probaly know one the the techincal differences is faroudja vs the reon-HQV. I have the samsung bd1400 and an samsung DLP. All the conversions on this equipment uses the farougja. My question is - does it really make a diffrence if I use the 875 vs the 805 since the conversions are already in faroudja, or will the 875 reon-HQV over ride the faroudja?

JosephD05 · 10-30-07, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cseward

sammywhammy007,
I am try to decide on which model of Onkyo receiver to get, sr805 vs sr875. As you probaly know one the the techincal differences is faroudja vs the reon-HQV. I have the samsung bd1400 and an samsung DLP. All the conversions on this equipment uses the farougja. My question is - does it really make a diffrence if I use the 875 vs the 805 since the conversions are already in faroudja, or will the 875 reon-HQV over ride the faroudja?

The biggest difference is what whatever component source you feed the 805, it will convert to 720p before it outputs via HDMI. If you feed the 805 1080p source, it will output the same. Basically the HDMI video portion is simply acting as a repeater and will not do any video processing on it, which is a good thing. If you have analog or component sources and want it to output in 1080p, you have to go with the 875 or simply output it directly to the tv via another input. That's what I do for my Xbox.

vipersutdio · 11-22-07, 03:21 AM

So Sammy what receiver did you decide on, I have the same problem still trying to decide on which receiver to buy.

Acro98158 · 11-22-07, 03:56 AM

I had Onkyo 875 but returned after a little over 2 weeks of experience.
My major disappointment was HEAT!?
After so many hours, the back of right side getting too HOT. I could not understand why Onkyo does not clear this problem.
Another headache was, it's cannot accept FW update with Ethernet.
You have to sign a paper before you get CD from Onkyo.

It is very ashamed because this one's PQ and AQ (Include THX Ultra 2) are very outstanding.
Plus, the street price this one is about a half of Denon AVR4308.
But I was afraid that this heat problem may accelerate to break down in short period.

My new Denon AVR4308CI very cool compare to Onkyo 875.
I am very happy about this receiver. This one will be replace with Denon AVR5308CI.

vipersutdio · 11-22-07, 05:36 AM

yes i read the 905 tread and most of the owner of 905 complained about the heat also. but i really like the video processor and teh thx certification of 905

mskreis · 11-22-07, 11:14 AM

I also went with the 4308 after many long hours of debate. I finally opted for the 4308 based on several issues involving the 905. First, I watch a fair amount of TV and I channel surf - the thought of having to wait 3-4 seconds to get audio after each change was not acceptable. I've also heard this occurs when fast forwarding on movies. Second, the 905 had Reon issues but I believe those are now resolved via a firmware update. Finally, I realized that I don't need the Reon video processor. My inputs are HD Tivo, HD DVD, Blu Ray and xbox 360. None of these sources really require any additonal processing.

I've had my 4308 for a week and am very pleased.

Johnsteph10 · 11-22-07, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acro98158

I had Onkyo 875 but returned after a little over 2 weeks of experience.
My major disappointment was HEAT!?
After so many hours, the back of right side getting too HOT. I could not understand why Onkyo does not clear this problem.
Another headache was, it's cannot accept FW update with Ethernet.
You have to sign a paper before you get CD from Onkyo.

It is very ashamed because this one's PQ and AQ (Include THX Ultra 2) are very outstanding.
Plus, the street price this one is about a half of Denon AVR4308.
But I was afraid that this heat problem may accelerate to break down in short period.

My new Denon AVR4308CI very cool compare to Onkyo 875.
I am very happy about this receiver. This one will be replace with Denon AVR5308CI.

Again, the Onkyo is DESIGNED to run HOT. If it wasn't designed to run hot, and it did, that would be a problem. It has massive heatsinks and fans for that very purpose.

Considering the price to option/performance ratio, the Onkyos beat the Denons hands down, especially the 905 which can be had for much cheaper than the 4308.

The big advantages:
1. Reon
2. THX Select Ultra 2
3. Massive toroidal transformer

Those 3 things are huge.

rudolpht · 11-22-07, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vipersutdio

So Sammy what receiver did you decide on, I have the same problem still trying to decide on which receiver to buy.

Sammy mentioned he bought the 4308CI in a different thread.

swifty7 · 05-01-09, 05:04 AM

get a Marantz instead!!!!!

10-29-07, 06:43 AM	#1 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a4ac4393' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:30&n=a4ac4393' border='0' alt=''></a>
sammywhammy007 Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 144	Denon AVR-4308CI Vs Onkyo TX-NR905 Thread OK, I would like objective opinions on helping me pick one of these. Here is some background. I am looking to upgrade from my Denon AVR-5800 to a new receiver that supports HDMI and the whole 9 yards. Still love my 5800 but I think its time for an upgrade after 6 years with the 5800. My Ideal choice would be 5308CI, but considering I just blew 5K on a new Plasma TV and BD Player, I have a 2k-ish budget left. I was leaning towards the 4308CI till I saw the specs on Onkyo NR905. HQV Reon, Toroidal transformer and possibly a better price than 4308CI. Never owned a Onkyo before and I am a bit pro-Denon at this point, but I am trying to look and compare these two objectively and see if I wanna get the Onkyo. Your objective opinions on helping me decide on one or the other is GREATLY APPRECIATED. Thanks

10-29-07, 02:52 PM	#5 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
sammywhammy007 Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 144	Thanks again Chris. Yeah I bought a Samsung BD Player so upconversion per se is not a problem. I personally like Denons more than any other receivers. I just wanted to give Onkyo an earnest shot. I love my current 5800 but it has gotten a little old for the HD era. Ideally I would want the 5308CI but I don't want to drop 5K on a receiver at this point. 4308 will do the job for me atleast for the next coupla years. You mind telling me where you bought your 4308ci and how much you paid for it? You can PM me with the details and it would be greatly appreciated.

11-22-07, 03:56 AM	#10 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
Acro98158 Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 55	I had Onkyo 875 but returned after a little over 2 weeks of experience. My major disappointment was HEAT!? After so many hours, the back of right side getting too HOT. I could not understand why Onkyo does not clear this problem. Another headache was, it's cannot accept FW update with Ethernet. You have to sign a paper before you get CD from Onkyo. It is very ashamed because this one's PQ and AQ (Include THX Ultra 2) are very outstanding. Plus, the street price this one is about a half of Denon AVR4308. But I was afraid that this heat problem may accelerate to break down in short period. My new Denon AVR4308CI very cool compare to Onkyo 875. I am very happy about this receiver. This one will be replace with Denon AVR5308CI.

05-01-09, 05:04 AM	#15 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
swifty7 AVS Special Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 1,518	get a Marantz instead!!!!!

10-29-07, 07:06 AM	#2 \| Link
1up5dn Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 79	Well, I am by no means an expert on here, but I can add my personal experience. I upgraded to a 4308 about six weeks ago and so far, I am nothing but impressed. I had a Yamaha RX-V2700 before that and an Onkyo before that. Each upgrade was worthwhile and a very noticeable improvement in sound quality. There are a few on here who have had issues with their 4308's connecting to internet radio and to their home networks, but I didn't have any problems with either. I tuned to HD-radio with no problems either. The biggest surprise to me was my improvement in my HD picture quality! I can't explain why, but running my HD sources through this receiver via HDMI vs. my Yamaha resulted in a much improved picture. Since I am using a Toshiba XA2 transmitting a 1080p picture, the receiver is just passing the signal without any upconversion, so the result was a real surprise. I use my receiver mostly for movie watching and the clarity and sound depth is much improved over anything I have owned before. I guess my only "gripe" is that the bass seemed rather low, but I just had to turn up my subs a little to compensate. People are reporting that the latest firmware update addresses the bass level, so I may need to look into downloading it. If you have any other specific questions, let me know and I will try and answer them. Chris....

10-29-07, 07:32 AM	#3 \| Link
sammywhammy007 Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 144	Chris, thanks for your input. Yeah, I like Denons and never had a Onkyo before. You said you liked the HD picture quality on the 4308. 4308CI uses Faroudja DCDi for upscaling whereas the Onkyo NR905 uses a HQV Reon from Silicon Optix which is allegedly a much better video processing choice than Faroudja DCDi. Also the part I like in the Onkyo is it uses a toroidal transformer(which prolly adds 15 lbs to the 905 Vs 4308ci). I still am leaning towards the 4308ci but I am keeping my options open for the Onkyo too. FRankly, I like what I see in the Onkyo and it comes at a better price than 4308CI. Also Onkyo is THX Ultra2 certified whereas the up and coming 5308CI is the only Denon which is THX Ultra2 certified. I have a Denon AVR-5800 which was their flagship recv'r 5 yrs ago. I would like to get another Denon if the price and features justify it. I'd stay away from the new Yamahas esp with their unproven ABT video upscaling solution.

10-29-07, 11:12 AM	#4 \| Link
1up5dn Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 79	Like I said, the video upconversion wasn't even a consideration for me, due to already having REON upconversion from the XA2. However, I did see a nice improvement in picture quality. If you are looking to have your receiver do video upconversion, then the Onkyo may take the honors there. I was also looking at the Onkyo but I had never owned a Denon, so I kind of wanted to give them a try and after referring to some audio "experts" that I know, they highly recommended the Denon. So, I gave it a shot and like I said, I am very happy and hope I made the right choice. Good luck with your decision, hopefully you get some more feedback. Chris....

10-30-07, 03:56 AM	#6 \| Link
1up5dn Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 79	I sent you a pm. I was also considering the new Yamaha RX-Z11, but I came to my senses and knew I wouldn't be able to live with myself for spending that much on a receiver. Good luck. Chris....

10-30-07, 09:31 AM	#7 \| Link
cseward New Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1	sammywhammy007, I am try to decide on which model of Onkyo receiver to get, sr805 vs sr875. As you probaly know one the the techincal differences is faroudja vs the reon-HQV. I have the samsung bd1400 and an samsung DLP. All the conversions on this equipment uses the farougja. My question is - does it really make a diffrence if I use the 875 vs the 805 since the conversions are already in faroudja, or will the 875 reon-HQV over ride the faroudja?

11-22-07, 03:21 AM	#9 \| Link
vipersutdio New Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 7	So Sammy what receiver did you decide on, I have the same problem still trying to decide on which receiver to buy.

11-22-07, 05:36 AM	#11 \| Link
vipersutdio New Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 7	yes i read the 905 tread and most of the owner of 905 complained about the heat also. but i really like the video processor and teh thx certification of 905

11-22-07, 11:14 AM	#12 \| Link
mskreis Advanced Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Clancy, MT, USA Posts: 588	I also went with the 4308 after many long hours of debate. I finally opted for the 4308 based on several issues involving the 905. First, I watch a fair amount of TV and I channel surf - the thought of having to wait 3-4 seconds to get audio after each change was not acceptable. I've also heard this occurs when fast forwarding on movies. Second, the 905 had Reon issues but I believe those are now resolved via a firmware update. Finally, I realized that I don't need the Reon video processor. My inputs are HD Tivo, HD DVD, Blu Ray and xbox 360. None of these sources really require any additonal processing. I've had my 4308 for a week and am very pleased.