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The "Official" Denon AVR-4311CI/AVR-A100 thread [NO PRICE TALK] - Page 514

post #15391 of 21916
^^^

see my follow up post...
post #15392 of 21916
Quote:
Originally Posted by DonH50 View Post

Mental note: Don't read whilst drinking the morning juice... Not sure what was funnier, Chris' understated tolerance comment, or the requirements for save/load...

Shoot, I gotta' quit reading this thread; just finished the last of my room treatments, upstairs bedroom AVR died, now perhaps all my Pio needs is a small bass-EQ add-on like a 4311..

heh... gotcha...

careful... you hang out in these here parts too long, and we will suck you in...
post #15393 of 21916
Yes, the "Save"/"Load" features are poorly implemented and don't work for me.

There's also the issue of the AVR "falling back" to an old configuration after a power outage.
post #15394 of 21916
Quote:
Originally Posted by ccotenj View Post

^^^

yup... mine is (hopefully) staying a good long time too...

and if it DID have issues, i would no longer have it... my tolerance for quirks/issues is rather low...

the one complaint i (and most) have is the save/load procedure, which seems to require offering up a virgin to the deity of your choice to get to work consistently right... and it's a rather minor complaint, since i don't really use it... i know others do...

This feature didn't always work right on the 4310 either--mine has been able save but not to consistently reload the saved config.dat file.
post #15395 of 21916
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hostility View Post

I figured the denon was solid, a thing I've been finding out about the anthem is people have to re run arc so many times to get it right and a bunch of tweaking which is fine but I can't do to much moving around in my situation right now. So I'm kind of wondering if xt32 woul be better for me rather then arc

well... there's no guarantee that you won't have to run audyssey several times and move a few things around to get "ideal results"...

as i noted in another thread yesterday... modern dsp (specifically room correction) is a boon to users, but it is not a panacea... the process still requires user intervention...
post #15396 of 21916
Quote:
Originally Posted by ccotenj View Post

^^^

yup... mine is (hopefully) staying a good long time too...

and if it DID have issues, i would no longer have it... my tolerance for quirks/issues is rather low...

the one complaint i (and most) have is the save/load procedure, which seems to require offering up a virgin to the deity of your choice to get to work consistently right... and it's a rather minor complaint, since i don't really use it... i know others do...

Ive had much more consistent save results when network control is turned off. Haven't done enough saves to say this has resolved the problem, but couldn't get a good save with network control set to on. At some point, I'll break out Wireshark to see what's happening on the network and attempt a real diagnosis.

Anyone else having success with net control off, or did I just offer up a treat to the correct deities a few time in a row :-)
post #15397 of 21916
Quote:
Originally Posted by wilbur_the_goose View Post

Yes, the "Save"/"Load" features are poorly implemented and don't work for me.

There's also the issue of the AVR "falling back" to an old configuration after a power outage.

darnit, forgot about that one... wonder if austinjerry ever got some love from denon on that?

Quote:
Originally Posted by pbarach View Post

This feature didn't always work right on the 4310 either--mine has been able save but not to consistently reload the saved config.dat file.

yea, i fiddled with it a bit, but kinda like browninggold, i just do setup again if necessary... heck, even when the save/load DOES work, it takes longer to do it than just re-running audyssey and making whatever changes i need... as we had discussed awhile ago in this thread, i don't quite understand why this is such a problem/long process, it's not like writing/reading a data file is cutting edge technology...
post #15398 of 21916
Quote:
Originally Posted by bfreedma View Post

Ive had much more consistent save results when network control is turned off. Haven't done enough saves to say this has resolved the problem, but couldn't get a good save with network control set to on. At some point, I'll break out Wireshark to see what's happening on the network and attempt a real diagnosis.

Anyone else having success with net control off, or did I just offer up a treat to the correct deities a few time in a row :-)

maybe a single malt scotch sacrifice works better than a virgin sacrifice...

that's an interesting data point... now i'm curious and will try it out...
post #15399 of 21916
Quote:
Originally Posted by ccotenj View Post


heh... gotcha...

careful... you hang out in these here parts too long, and we will suck you in...

You get DonH50 and me (and I'm well on the road), plus a few holdouts, and the SC-57 thread will be newbies and Purdyd:-).

You know, this whole 4311 thing is taking on dimensions of religious conversion on AVS. Or an over-caffeinated adapter curve....think how Netscape got erased from the map by IE, or Blackberrys going from 'must have' to a kind of niche product vs. smartphones and iPhones..

Note to self: over education -- and having Agora on DVD because I lust after Rachel Weisz - is a bad thing......
post #15400 of 21916
Quote:
Originally Posted by pbarach View Post

This feature didn't always work right on the 4310 either--mine has been able save but not to consistently reload the saved config.dat file.

Quote:
Originally Posted by bfreedma View Post

Ive had much more consistent save results when network control is turned off. Haven't done enough saves to say this has resolved the problem, but couldn't get a good save with network control set to on. At some point, I'll break out Wireshark to see what's happening on the network and attempt a real diagnosis.

Anyone else having success with net control off, or did I just offer up a treat to the correct deities a few time in a row :-)

I have also been able to save consistently, but never had success re-loading. My network control is on all the time, so that does not affect the "save" feature in my network.

Mark
post #15401 of 21916
Quote:
Originally Posted by giomania View Post


I have also been able to save consistently, but never had success re-loading. My network control is on all the time, so that does not affect the "save" feature in my network.

Mark

Thanks for the feedback. We have a nice sized user base, so perhaps with enough data points, a root cause identification can be made.

Does anyone have access to the 4311/a100 schematics, or know if there is a serial interface between the Ethernet NIC and the persistent memory where the settings are stored?
post #15402 of 21916
Quote:
Originally Posted by ccotenj View Post


darnit, forgot about that one... wonder if austinjerry ever got some love from denon on that?

Hey, Chris, I'm still here, lurking in the background...

As for the issue with the loss of configuration data when the power is lost, I still have an open case with Denon. I have called several times, and the most recent response I received was that the case was with Engineering, but had not been prioritized yet. JD also followed up with Denon, I believe, but so far no love.

As for the configuration load/save, I use this feature quite often, and with 100% success (following the guideline to turn off Network Standby). So I am wondering, could this be simply an issue of how the Denon interacts with some networks? When I see an issue that affects some 4311 users, and not others, I am inclined to look at factors external to the AVR. I could be wrong, of course.
post #15403 of 21916
Quote:
Originally Posted by sdrucker View Post

You get DonH50 and me (and I'm well on the road), plus a few holdouts, and the SC-57 thread will be newbies and Purdyd:-).

You know, this whole 4311 thing is taking on dimensions of religious conversion. Or an over-caffeinated adapter curve....think how Netscape got erased from the map by IE, or Blackberrys going from 'must have' to a kind of niche product vs. smartphones and iPhones..

Note to self: over education -- and having Agora on DVD because I lust after Rachel Weisz - is a bad thing......

yup, the pied piper has gotten almost all of them now... although i feel bad for the newbies, so even though purdyd requested it be an "owner's only" thread, i still answer the occasional question...

lol... yea, i suppose you have a bit of a point there... although i hope we don't reach the point of burning heretics at the stake...

and what's so bad about lusting after rachel?
post #15404 of 21916
Quote:
Originally Posted by pbarach View Post

This feature didn't always work right on the 4310 either--mine has been able save but not to consistently reload the saved config.dat file.

Quote:
Originally Posted by giomania View Post

I have also been able to save consistently, but never had success re-loading. My network control is on all the time, so that does not affect the "save" feature in my network.

Mark


A couple additional tips would be to try using a different browser (eg. Firefox) as well as resetting the microprocessor.
post #15405 of 21916
Quote:
Originally Posted by AustinJerry View Post

Hey, Chris, I'm still here, lurking in the background...

As for the issue with the loss of configuration data when the power is lost, I still have an open case with Denon. I have called several times, and the most recent response I received was that the case was with Engineering, but had not been prioritized yet. JD also followed up with Denon, I believe, but so far no love.

As for the configuration load/save, I use this feature quite often, and with 100% success (following the guideline to turn off Network Standby). So I am wondering, could this be simply an issue of how the Denon interacts with some networks? When I see an issue that affects some 4311 users, and not others, I am inclined to look at factors external to the AVR. I could be wrong, of course.

thanks jerry... i figured you were still nagging them...

hmmm... since we now have a second data point, there may be something to that theory (network interaction)... i'm gonna break out my lappy later on and try it...
post #15406 of 21916
Quote:
Originally Posted by AustinJerry View Post


Hey, Chris, I'm still here, lurking in the background...

As for the issue with the loss of configuration data when the power is lost, I still have an open case with Denon. I have called several times, and the most recent response I received was that the case was with Engineering, but had not been prioritized yet. JD also followed up with Denon, I believe, but so far no love.

As for the configuration load/save, I use this feature quite often, and with 100% success (following the guideline to turn off Network Standby). So I am wondering, could this be simply an issue of how the Denon interacts with some networks? When I see an issue that affects some 4311 users, and not others, I am inclined to look at factors external to the AVR. I could be wrong, of course.

Pure speculation on my part, but I think the issue may be related to network devices and services attempting to establish communications with the AVR during the save, "interrupting" the upload process. At the risk of backing into the solution without real proof, this would explain both variability on different networks and the improvement in success rate when turning network control off. Also the reason I'm looking to understand the interface between the nic and AVR memory.
post #15407 of 21916
Quote:
Originally Posted by jdsmoothie View Post


A couple additional tips would be to try using a different browser (eg. Firefox) as well as resetting the microprocessor.


Thanks jd

I've tried a pretty wide selection of browsers without changing the success rate. Has anyone seen the browser change work? If so, please post.
post #15408 of 21916
Quote:
Originally Posted by ccotenj View Post


yup, the pied piper has gotten almost all of them now... although i feel bad for the newbies, so even though purdyd requested it be an "owner's only" thread, i still answer the occasional question...

lol... yea, i suppose you have a bit of a point there... although i hope we don't reach the point of burning heretics at the stake...

and what's so bad about lusting after rachel?

Well, she didn't get a happy ending in that movie...getting strangled to be spared getting stoned to death, as the last philosopher in an age of religious frenzy (and right after she discovered the Earth revolved around the Sun 1100 years ahead of the Renaissance). But she was hot in her smart girl sort of way. Not quite like In The Shape of Things or The Mummy, but she looked good in a toga....
post #15409 of 21916
^As I recall she looked good out of the toga.
post #15410 of 21916
Quote:
Originally Posted by SoundofMind View Post

Hi Bryan. My guess is that it won't be that big a SQ improvement to add a 4311 without getting better speakers. Your question implies either/or. If your budget is under $2K, don't spend $1.5K on a 4311. Get better speakers and maybe upgrade from your current MultEQ to MultEQXT, which is available for under $600 in the AVR 2112 or for more in the 3311/12. I'd ask batpig or jd in the xx12 thread for recommendations on an AVR and post in the speaker threads as well. A 4311 would be a good choice only if your overall budget this year is over $3K, which will allow spending over $1.5K on better speakers sometime later in the coming year.

I agree with those who recommend that one should try to "match" each component in your system irt SQ. A weak link in the chain will limit overall SQ. Of course some pieces are just better SQ/$ and are thus more value laden pieces, but we often use MSRP as a rough guide. Often spending a ratio of 1.5 or more on the speakers than on the AVR is recommended.

In your case, you are currently pretty well-matched irt AVR/speakers so you have done well. You have not spent much and are likely enjoying good SQ. You did not mention your sub(s). A good sub, well-placed and EQ'd can make a surprising difference in overall SQ. I generally recommend having an upgrade plan based on your budget, replacing the weakest link in the chain in turn, as that usually yields best bang for the buck. I chose my next step based on what bargain is available now, with an eye to stepwise future upgrades. Though in my case, I'm done shopping for awhile.

Here's some background info on my experience with Polk and Denon. I had Polk RT800i towers ($1100 MSRP /pr 12 yrs ago, $900 "street" at Best Buy) and with those speakers I could easily hear a SQ improvement from MultEQ (AVR789/1909, MSRP about $800?) and 1 step up to MultEQXT (AVR988/2808 and 2809, MSRP $1.2K). However when I got a AVR4310 (also XT but MSRP $2K), I didn't hear much difference with the Polks. When I replaced the Polks with the lovely and talented Dali Helicon 400 speakers ($4K/pr MSRP, $2K used), and this will shock noone here, that made a huge SQ difference! When I then got XT32 in the A100, it was another nice SQ jump up with the Dalis, from exc to superb.

hi,

thank you so much for explaining this to me, my sub is svs pb12nsd, tax money is going to be spent on speakers
post #15411 of 21916
I,ve had my 4311 for 8 months now, but recently when I turn on my system by universal remote it does not get the signal from the pace cable box. I have to turn the cable box off and then back on and then I get the picture and sound. Also it shows the signal coming in might be in 5.1 but as soon as I change channels everything shows it only comes in as stereo on all channels. So everything is only coming in as stereo except for the first time it does recognize the cable box. If I turn on my ps3 and change sources and then go back to tv/cbl it does not get the signal from the cable box again even though the cable box was on all the time. This has be going on for 2 weeks now. not sure what to think. Stumped for now. Any help or advice would be much appreciated. 2 different problems and no answers.

Thanks
post #15412 of 21916
^Many folks avoid these HDMI handshake issues (both problems fit that pattern) by not running HDMI from cable box to AVR. There are several alternative connection configurations. I run component video (3 RCA 75 Ohm ICs) and SPDIF optical (coax RCA is fine too) audio from cable box to AVR.
addendum: FW update to cablebox has been known to work too.
post #15413 of 21916
Quote:
Originally Posted by jdsmoothie View Post

+1

Buying a 4311CI with your current speaker setup is like someone who wants to go "green" buying a $100K Tesla Roadster (electric ... 0-60mph in 3.7 secs) when the majority of their driving is to go a few miles down the road to pick up groceries and go to church once a week.

Funny, I just came back from a week stay in Newport Beach, CA. I kept driving by the new Tesla dealership and they never even had one, evidently all sold out in So Cal? However, there was a dealership with consigned sports cars next door. I counted a good 20 fairly new to very new Porsche 911's. Must be rough times for some folk in Newport Beach. That's right 8 of the 10 biggest sub prime lenders were within 20 miles of the consignment auto outlet. I wish I could have found a B&W consignment shop with 50 pair of the new B&W Diamonds at 20% the price of new. I guess we Audio/Videophiles either budget better than the average 911 leaser (doubt they bought them). I can't find that much good used equipment. Oh well.

Back to business. Lately the thread has gone almost too lovefesty for me. Lest someone think there might be a few things not angelic about the 4311'. I actually know of a few things that could be better.

1). The Web based interface can be very slow to switch pages. It can really, really creep. In addition, although the interface is functional and you can do everything you need to do to tweak; let's be honest..... It is not very purty!
2). I too don't care for the difficulties associated with the Save feature. I don't use it much as most everything is dialed in now. On occasion, I have had to re-EQ because of changes I have made to my system but it's no big deal to just redo all my settings.
3). The 4311, to me anyway, has decent sounding and solid Amps but I prefer external power. I would pay more for a more robust amp section and a true 11 channels of power.
4). The XT32 sets sub levels somewhat lower than I am used to. Note, I did not say incorrectly lower but lower than my liking. I correct for this by going into the speaker levels and slightly up ticking the sub level at the individual speaker setting.
5). I still get a little scared of firmware updates. It works fine but the Denon "blackbox" never tell you what they are doing mentality bothers me. I would like better communication. If they tweak XT32 or do something, it just would be nice to know.
6). They do not have an I-Pad app.. This could really make a difference as opposed to the Web GUi.
7). My 4810, worked so badly I gave up on it but it would be nice to have fancier speaker posts (oh wait they did this on the A100). OK, give me the A100 for the 4311 price.
8). As I have mentioned numerous times, network providers and services are kind of clunky and far, far behind the little network box solutions that exist today. I would simply just ignore most of this stuff unless, of course, you just want one AVR to muddle through some streaming providers and are not looking for a fancier more integrated solution. Heck, my New Oppo BDP-93 has a far better and quite simple streaming provider GUI. So, I know it can be done.

I am not really going to mention possible future features as who knows when a replacement is coming but rather just stuck to things. Tat I quibble about now and things like an I-Pad app they could develop today.
post #15414 of 21916
For those having the problem saving and reloading the config, do you have any Apple products installed? Anything like iTunes, or any apps for your iPhone/iPod? I'm curious if it's due to the Bonjour service that gets installed. That service is known to cause network related issues in my work environment. Just a thought. If you are having problems, you may want to try to stop the service and see if that resolves the issue.
post #15415 of 21916
^^^
I do have iTunes ( and Bonjour) installed. I will try to stop those processes in my windows PC next time I want to save or load a config file.
post #15416 of 21916
Quote:
Originally Posted by duc135 View Post

For those having the problem saving and reloading the config, do you have any Apple products installed? Anything like iTunes, or any apps for your iPhone/iPod? I'm curious if it's due to the Bonjour service that gets installed. That service is known to cause network related issues in my work environment. Just a thought. If you are having problems, you may want to try to stop the service and see if that resolves the issue.

FWIW, I conduct saves/uploads from a laptop which has no Apple software running. It's actually a bare-bones laptop that I use only to run Audyssey Pro calibrations and REW measurements. Perhaps your theory that some other software could be interfering with the saves might have merit.
post #15417 of 21916
Agree. Just wish Denon could figure our what is killing the saves.
post #15418 of 21916
I do not have ITunes or Bonjour installed and the 1 time I tried to reload settings it did not work
post #15419 of 21916
Quote:
Originally Posted by SeattleHTGuy View Post

Funny, I just came back from a week stay in Newport Beach, CA. I kept driving by the new Tesla dealership and they never even had one, evidently all sold out in So Cal?

5). I still get a little scared of firmware updates. It works fine but the Denon "blackbox" never tell you what they are doing mentality bothers me. I would like better communication. If they tweak XT32 or do something, it just would be nice to know.

I actually did get to test drive one here in Orlando back a few months ago. Sweet! And as fasssssssst as advertised. Gotta love back road test driving.

5. I have updated the bottom of post #1 with the changelog for the current 4311CI/A100 firmware updates. Unfortunately however, my main Denon source who was providing me with the information is yet another one who has apparently been let go as part of Denon's cleaning house.
post #15420 of 21916
Quote:
Originally Posted by bfreedma View Post

Ive had much more consistent save results when network control is turned off.

What's network control?
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