Onkyo NR709 or Denon 3312CI?

Pass on the 609 as it only has 2EQ (ie no sub EQ) while the 709 and 3312 both have MultEQ XT.

jd's right on the money. The MultEQ XT is superior.

Also, the 609 doesn't have pre-amp outs for all channels, just the sub. That feature doesn't start until the 709 and higher.

Pretty sure he "oopsied" and typed 609 in the body...

Anyway. The 709 is a worthy receiver. I'm not a fan of "auto-correction", no matter what name is on it.

I haven't read the manual for the 3312(last I looked at Denon's site it wasn't up yet)...but at first glance...

The 709 has all the important stuff. The only thing I would have suggested is the Integra DHC 40.2 with a 5 channel amp from Audiogon/Ebay.

^^
The 3312CI manual has been available on Denon's website since mid April.

Yeah been about 3 weeks since I last looked...

My "short list" to replace an Integra DTR 8.8

Go separates...
Integra DTC 80.1/2 (wife doesn't want to spend "that much", although she wants the 3D projector, go figure)

receivers...
Integra DTR 80.1/2...upcoming 3
DTR 70.1/2/...upcoming 3

Denon 4311/12(if it keeps everything I need)
Denon 4810(maybe there will be a 4812???) I would try this just to see if the 3D works.

Onkyo TX NR 3008/9
Onkyo TX NR 5008/9

Must haves...

6/8 channel analog input
Phono
6/8 output
2 HDMI(both work at the same time) Right now I have the 2 HDMI split between the living room and kitchen(32" is in there so people can still see the game/movie when they get up for a snack). It isn't a necessity to have both HDMI on at the same time with a projector, I could, in turn, get a receiver that has 2nd zone video.

Everything else I need is pretty standard by then(2nd zone pre/12v/macro remote/DSX/IIz), The DSX/IIz is the main desire to sell the DTR 8.8.

The 4312(if that is the number) looks promising. It would be my first brand new receiver in 7 years. The wife wants a new 3D(yawn...) projector. Although I probably should check to see if the 3312 will have live twin HDMI. IF I remember correctly, I never read the manual cause it lacks 6/8 channel input, which I'm hoping the 4312 keeps.

There will neither be a 4312 nor a 4812. The 3312CI is the highest level model Denon is releasing this year.


The 4810 offers both DSX and IIz.


The 3312, 4311, and 4810 all offer dual HDMI monitor out jacks.

I edited the post. Last I looked at the 4810 I didn't want "that much" receiver in the bedroom. Then I found the deal on the NR1007 at $400.

$2500(the price I could have gotten the 4810 for) vs $400...with 95% of things "being equal", the $400 wins every time. At the time, the thought was to replace an aging component receiver with the 8.8, then move the 4810 to where the 8.8 was. But that would have meant the 8.8 "extras" would no longer be used(macro remote/twin HDMI)

But now that the wife wants a JVC D-ILA 3D projector...

I have a really good receiver budget.

Denon has a much "cleaner" sound than Onkyo.

It is up to your ears.

It is like this...

Onkyo sounds like a smoky jazz number with a rasp...
Denon sounds like Sarah Brightman on a clear day...

Easiest thing to do...whatever speakers you are choosing, take a pair of them home with both receivers, use them both (for the 14 days)...return the one you like least. Cause you are going to like both.

I have 3 5.1 set-ups...

Integra paired with DCM
Onkyo paired with Infinity Crescendo
Denon paired with OHM Walsh

All three sound fantastic. All three have a completely different vibe.

No, the feature is ready and good to go as is.

It sounds like your Onkyo is clipping. Can pick the vide out without seeing which receiver is playing?

I have to basically agree with the above statement re Onkyo vs Denon. Before upgrading my Denon 2805 to a 3808, I breifly tried an Onkyo, I believe the 705 or 805, giving in to the features/price ratio. But, I was very disappointed with the audio quality after coming from the Denon. Plus, the Onkyo, as it has now for a few years, had that fugly front panel. I really couldn't get used to looking at that monstrocity in my cabinet.

OTOH, I find that my current 3311 doesn't sound as good as my 3808. So, it's possible that if I compare a new Onkyo to a new Denon in the same price range, they may sound the same, or similar enough. I am considering doing this for my next AVR purchase this year. I am going to give the 709 a shot, along with the 3312, now that Onkyo has gotten rid of the hideous curved front panel.

The high-end Denon amps, the ones in models 4311 and above, which in previous years corresponded to 38xx and above, seem to sound better. Coincidentally, they are also the models that are made in Japan.

BTW, for the most part, Integra is identical to Onkyo, model to model, until you get to the extreme high-end stuff. For instance, compare the Integra 40.3 to the Onkyo 709, or 50.3 to the 809. The only difference apart from brand and facia, is price and exclusivity of dealers. There is no reason to pay more for an Integra AVR at that level. (Or, any Integra component vs its direct Onkyo counterpart.)

I agree...Onkyo over the comparable Integra...with the savings purchase the optional 5 yr ext'd warranty ! We r both a dealer and servicenter !
thx

I'm between the NR709 w/ amp in future, 3312CI, or NR809.

I have the HTD Level 3 Towers - I've been running them off a Denon 791 which I took back since I heard the new line was coming out - I was happy with the sound but to me ( not an expert ) they seemed underpowered ( general TV was at -20 to -10 db) or a placebo effect since I know they are power hungry (senstivity 89db)

I know my room needs serious correction - wood floor living room 17X20 view area. I sit 14 feet from TV w/ the couch up agianst the back wall. There's glass sliding doors to one side and on the other it's open to dining and kitchen ( townhouse ).

Do I go with the most power and best correction I can afford approx 125WPC + AuddessyXT or something with PreOuts and get an 2 channel amp asap?

Short-term budgets is pushing it at 1,000. 6m - 1yr another 200+ for amp if needed.



Use:
33/33/33 TV/Bluray Movies/Music:which is 95% compressed from ipod/airplay/appletv)

Thoughts?

I've been looking at both of these receivers myself and I can't see how the 3312 is worth 11% more than the 709 (comparing MSRP's).

Also, the Onkyo's tend to come down in price a little faster - you can find the 709 for about $770 online, so if the 3312 stays at its MSRP for a little while, that's nearly a 30% premium for the Denon.

I have an Onkyo and love it, and I want to try a Denon - but I can't justify the price/features difference.

Much cheaper at newegg on saturdays (don't know why). I read this somewhere that they have good sales on receivers on saturdays, I checked the past two saturdays and it was indeed cheaper.

So just curious, which one of the three do you prefer? Best sounding ?

What about NR709 vs 3311CI? Which one would you all choose?
Here in Singapore, we can get both for about the same price now.

I don't own either, but am looking at both too. I can't see that either of the Denon's has 7.1 input, which is a deal breaker for me.
Also a really minor point is I really like how Onkyo lays out all the speaker connections flat across the bottom. Much easier to examine and hook up vs the standard plus on top of minus configuration.
The other consideration on sound quality is how much is pre-amp vs amplifier. If you are planning on a seperate amp that will change the sound signature too.