Quote:
Originally Posted by
RSNAKE 
Denon 2310ci vs. ?? and why I just ordered the 2310
I have been researching receivers for a short while and I thought it might help someone else who is doing the same to know why I chose the 2310. First some background:
This receiver will be used in our living room. I do not have a high end set up. It only consists of: 46 Samsung DLP, PS3, Verizon FIOS Motorola HD DVR, Panasonic combo VCR / DVD player, Paradigm Monitor 3 speakers for Front Left and Right, CC-350 Center, and PS-1000 sub, generic Sony bookshelf speakers for Rear Left and Right surrounds, all of these speakers are 8 Ohm.
I also have a family room that will be converted to a higher end home theater at some point down the road.
I hope this helps someone out. When the 2310 arrives, I will post again to say if I am satisfied with my choice or not.
I have had the 2310 for about two months now. I am happy with my choice. My primary use is for watching movies and TV and secondarily for PS3 games and music. The 2310 works well and is easy to use. The biggest compliment to the system, that I can think of, is that my wife actually says it is easier to use our setup now than it was with no receiver and the sound coming through the TV speakers! The GUI has a lot to do with that. It took some time setting the system up - settings, input labels, etc. I now have the same FIOS remote that we were using before the 2310 install being used 90% of the time and it is seamless. The only time that we have to use the Denon remote is just to switch inputs and that part is extremely easy due to the GUI.
While I am admittedly not an audiophile, I am fairly critical on quality picture and sound. Both are good. The video is handled well and when playing DVD's, it looks better letting the 2310 do the upconversion entirely than when running the DVD player in progressive scan mode. All video is being switched through the 2310 and the only cable going to the TV is a single DVI. The sound is also very good. I have done some careful listening using a variety of music types and discs and it all sounds very good. I am guessing that my speakers are the limiting factor on sound quality much more so than the 2310.
I was concerned that 2310 may not be powerful enough and thought that I may regret not having the pre-outs to attach to an external amp. While pre-outs would have been nice, realistically I think I am better off as is. The system has plenty of power for my use. I have only turned it to max volume twice, just to see how it sounds at that level. It sounds fine, and is far too loud to use at that level in our home more than on extremely rare occasions.
The dynamic volume control works very well. It really takes the loud and soft extremes out of the media. It makes for a lot nicer experience not having to constantly play with the volume control while watching a movie.
The unit runs very cool. I can put my hand on it at any time and it is barely more than warm to the touch.
All in all, for the money, I think that I found the best receiver for my wants.