The "Official" Denon AVR-4311CI/AVR-A100 thread [NO PRICE TALK] - Page 690

Originally Posted by anonymouse99 

My 4311ci just downloaded new firmware .... Anyone know what this update fixes? Thanks!

Originally Posted by irisservice 

need some advise on setting for my 4311..i just got my Panasonic 65vt50 and have it hooked up to the 4311 via hdmi..fios cable looks awesome but when i try to use my htpc the screen is scaled. resolution is correct, but display type shows up as generic display with denon listed..thoughts..dont want to change much on tv side as it will affect fios..

Originally Posted by ben_r_ 

My 4311 has been stuck in update hell. I let it go all night last night and nothing despite power cycles, MP resets and unplugging. Gave it a static IP address this morning and will let it go till I get home. Its brand new just out of the box. And what was funny is I had just done the 3312 update moments before I tried this one. 3312 had a static IP already, so Im hoping that will fix the issue for the 4311. We'll see...

Originally Posted by culliganman 

Have you tried a network reset? same as microprocessor except use the arrow up and arrow down on the front panel.
It got my brand new 4311 out of "update hell", might be worth a try

Originally Posted by toneil44 

I've had the 4311 for some time and am now just looking at Audyssey Dynamic Volume vs Dolby Volume. No good answer to this issue in Search. I'm hoping for guidance here in this forum.

Which one of these technologies, if any, will attenuate unwantedly loud commercials or other undesired loud sounds w/o losing any or at least no significant loss in dynamic range?

With Blu-ray (movies), I want full dynamic range. Does this mean Dolby Volume OFF and Audyssey MultiEQ XT 32 set to Audyssey, Dynamic EQ: ON, Reference Level Offset: 0db, Dynamic Volume: OFF, or some other arrangement? For TV viewing, other than watching movies, I can presumably tolerate some loss in dynamic range in order to soften the loud commercials. Which is recommended, Dynamic Volume or Dolby Volume and which specific settings for the recommended technology? Watching movies on TV, do I use the Blu-ray setting? Since there is a dedicated Dynamic EQ/VOL button on the remote and not for Dolby Volume, would it make sense to choose Dynamic Volume when making changes while watcing TV?

Originally Posted by coolplazma 

The Audyssey setup docs have a section covering dynamic range and volume, see:
http://www.avsforum.com/t/795421/official-audyssey-thread-faq-in-post-1/5700#post_14456895

My general rule-of-thumb preferences:

1. Always leave Dynamic EQ = ON

2. As you approach reference volume levels the need for any Dynamic Volume decreases. It also depends on the dialog clarity both from the source material and your components. Usually I use more Dynamic Volume adjustment as my playback volume decreases.

For example,
Playing BD at higher volumes (ie, an absolute level above 60 of 100) I use Dynamic Volume = OFF, otherwise the mid/vocals are abnoxiously loud.
All other occasions/sources, for "loud" (level of 50-60) listening I set Dynamic Volume = DAY. Usually at levels lower than 50, set Dynamic Volume = EVENING

3. Broadcast content range is difficult to predict or set/forget, and so you'll need to adjust depending on how it sounds to you. Note, some cable/sat boxes have a audio leveling feature of their own, so this can help a lot from that source.

4. Other than a "skip" button on DVRs, the all-time ultimate solution for commercials has always been MUTE.

Originally Posted by batpig 

@ toneil44:

Two key things to understand:

- First, be aware that Dolby Volume has features that encompass BOTH of Dynamic EQ (loudness compensation) and Dynamic Volume (dynamic range compensation). There are two separate settings for Dolby Volume -- the "Volume Modeler" aspect is the equivalent of Dynamic EQ, and the "Volume Leveler" aspect is the equivalent of Dynamic Volume.

- Second, the implementation of Dolby Volume is somewhat hamstrung in that it CANNOT be combined with the XT32 room correction filters! That means you can't "layer" the Dolby Volume technology on top of your EQ filters as a substitute for Dynamic EQ/Vol. Turning on Dolby Volume turns OFF the Audyssey MultEQ filters. So in that sense, assuming you actually like the room correction, it's at a huge disadvantage.

I think that Dolby Volume was included to enhance the feature spec list for a "flagship" type product, but in a wink-wink-nudge-nudge sort of way it wasn't really intended to be used. Denon is pretty committed to the Audyssey package of technologies. Even the fact (which you point out) that MultEQ and Dynamic EQ/Vol have dedicated buttons on the remote whereas Dolby Volume doesn't lends credence to this idea.

So Dolby Volume does the same thing as Dynamic EQ/Volume, but the sacrifice of the MultEQ room correction and the convenience of having dedicated buttons on the remote means that, for practical purposes, you should use the Audyssey versions.

As to your other questions....

For movie viewing with "full bore no dynamic range restriction" viewing you are correct, the settings should be as you described: Audyssey MultiEQ XT 32 set to Audyssey, Dynamic EQ: ON, Reference Level Offset: 0db, Dynamic Volume: OFF

That is the "reference" setting for high quality film source viewing. If you find that a particular action movie is too intense with the volume spikes (e.g. you end up riding the volume a bit to hear dialogue but then turn it down during the action scenes) you can engaged Dynamic Volume as needed.

For TV it's personal preference, but a good starting point would be: Dynamic EQ: ON; Ref Level Offset = 10dB, Dynamic Volume = EVENING

The Dynamic EQ/Vol button on the remote will cycle between the five Dyn EQ/Vol states: both OFF, Dyn EQ: ON with Dyn Vol: OFF, and then the three Dyn Vol levels (Day > Evening > Midnight). So it's pretty easy to test for yourself and see what works for you.

For TV movie viewing, I honestly wouldn't bother digging into the menus to change the Ref Level Offset, there's no guarantee that the broadcast hasn't messed with the audio levels and it's unlikely that you will get "reference" sound like off a DVD or Blu-ray. So you can turn Dyn Vol off if you want, since that's easy, but otherwise I would leave it as is.

Originally Posted by culliganman 

The microprocessor reset is same thing but press the std and dsp simulation buttons at the same time.
It could be I have my terms mixed up though.
Are you saying it is stuck in the update process?
Mine took 1 and 1/2 hours to complete.

Originally Posted by toneil44 



Thanks coolplazma and batpig for not only answering my questions but giving me the logic behind it.

Your helpful advice brings up another question: What's your recommendation for Audyssey settings for pop music w/ Multi Channel Stereo set as Surround Mode whether input source is Media Server, Net/USB, Internet Radio, Blu-ray, etc.? No concerns here w/ loud commercials or for that matter large dynamic range.

Thanks again.

Originally Posted by Redbeemer 

I'm not Batpig, but many of us on the forum, including me, use Dolby PL IIx for all our stereo sources. It works great in my opinion if you want to use all of your speakers/channels with stereo sources.
Good luck!

Originally Posted by toneil44 

... What's your recommendation for Audyssey settings for pop music w/ Multi Channel Stereo set as Surround Mode whether input source is Media Server, Net/USB, Internet Radio, Blu-ray, etc.? No concerns here w/ loud commercials or for that matter large dynamic range.
Thanks again.

Originally Posted by ben_r_ 

Im having this same issue here: LINK

Even let it go all night last night and nothing. Hopefully the static IP I set this morning will fix the issue as it tries all day today.

Originally Posted by Bigotis 

Picked up my 4311 at Best Buy last night, this is probably my 12th or 13th avr and this one is by far the heaviest. Looking forward to setting it up over the next 2 days. 2 features I'm most excited about is 11.2 and the ability to balance out my 2 subs in a difficult room. I'm really pleased to have access to such a knowledgable and helpful forum.

Originally Posted by culliganman 

Yea, that is what mine was doing and network reset got it out of the loop. Mine is set to use dhcp, so no static IP.
I did go directly with ethernet cable. Also I have heard to set network standby to on, but mine was not.
I would try multiple resets.
Hang in there, I thought mine would never update, but see my avatar!

Originally Posted by dahester 

I'm a bit late to the party, but managed to find a Denon 4311ci demo piece for 799. at BB Magnolia. No other units available in Texas inventory now though, so it's getting near the end. It was a close call between this and the Yamaha RX-A3010. I have say, this heavy receiver packs a punch. I also noticed this model is still MADE IN JAPAN. Niiice. It was missing the Audyssey mic but I have a similar mic from an older 4308ci that should suffice. Worst case scenario, I'll do it right and get the Audyssey Pro kit. I do plan to adorn it with full 11.2 channel regalia.

Originally Posted by dahester 

I'm a bit late to the party, but managed to find a Denon 4311ci demo piece for 799. at BB Magnolia. No other units available in Texas inventory now though, so it's getting near the end. It was a close call between this and the Yamaha RX-A3010. I have say, this heavy receiver packs a punch. I also noticed this model is still MADE IN JAPAN. Niiice. It was missing the Audyssey mic but I have a similar mic from an older 4308ci that should suffice. Worst case scenario, I'll do it right and get the Audyssey Pro kit. I do plan to adorn it with full 11.2 channel regalia.

Originally Posted by ben_r_ 

Oh, I will try the Network Standby to On if it hasnt completed today when I get home, thanks! Is it off by default? I literally just pulled the thing out of the box and started the update, no other setting even looked at! I will also try multiple resets as well if it hasnt succeeded when I get home. I can rule out the network and cabling and such as its a direct replacement from my 3312 which worked fine and even updated successfully only moments before I started the 4311's update process.

And youre killin me with that avatar!!! LOL

Originally Posted by culliganman 


Nice buy! If you are late to the party so am I.
I agree, the 4308CI mic should be the same, mine says DM-A409 on it, but there are others.

Originally Posted by batpig 

Actually, unfortunately, in this case it is NOT true that the mic is the same. The xx08 models used the DM-A405 mic, whereas the xx09 models switched to the DM-A409, and that mic was used going forward (and is identical with the ACM-1H used on Onkyos, Marantz, and the newer Denon xx13 models). Obviously the older mic will "work" in the sense that it should calibrate distances/levels properly and create EQ filters, but the calibration profile for that mic isn't exactly the same.

I'd swing by Best Buy and ask them to dig through their drawers and see if they can turn up one of those "eiffel tower" style mic models; any of DM-A409, ACM-1H, or ACM-1HB models will be correct.

Originally Posted by toneil44 

Thanks coolplazma and batpig for not only answering my questions but giving me the logic behind it.

Your helpful advice brings up another question: What's your recommendation for Audyssey settings for pop music w/ Multi Channel Stereo set as Surround Mode whether input source is Media Server, Net/USB, Internet Radio, Blu-ray, etc.? No concerns here w/ loud commercials or for that matter large dynamic range.

Thanks again.

Originally Posted by DreamCatcher 

Not sure if this issue has been brought up or not,
but couldn't find it in my brief search of this huge thread.
My 4311's IP address keeps wandering around,
it went from 83 to 86 back to 83 to 103 and so on...
has anybody else come across this?

Originally Posted by culliganman 

I want to post my EQ graphs. Can anyone tell me what resolution to upload them at?
I can resize them to about anything.
Thanks.

Originally Posted by dahester 

I'm a bit late to the party, but managed to find a Denon 4311ci demo piece for 799. at BB Magnolia. No other units available in Texas inventory now though, so it's getting near the end. It was a close call between this and the Yamaha RX-A3010. I have say, this heavy receiver packs a punch. I also noticed this model is still MADE IN JAPAN. Niiice. It was missing the Audyssey mic but I have a similar mic from an older 4308ci that should suffice. Worst case scenario, I'll do it right and get the Audyssey Pro kit. I do plan to adorn it with full 11.2 channel regalia.

Originally Posted by batpig 

Actually, unfortunately, in this case it is NOT true that the mic is the same. The xx08 models used the DM-A405 mic, whereas the xx09 models switched to the DM-A409, and that mic was used going forward (and is identical with the ACM-1H used on Onkyos, Marantz, and the newer Denon xx13 models). Obviously the older mic will "work" in the sense that it should calibrate distances/levels properly and create EQ filters, but the calibration profile for that mic isn't exactly the same.

I'd swing by Best Buy and ask them to dig through their drawers and see if they can turn up one of those "eiffel tower" style mic models; any of DM-A409, ACM-1H, or ACM-1HB models will be correct.