Denon 4311ci VS. Onkyo 5009

Considering how poor Onkyo's quality control has been the last couple years, the Denon is a better option. This is just my opinion though.

Got 5 Onkyo's never one problem yet.

You are indeed one of the lucky one's. I believe that the older models from Onkyo were some of the best made, that would be their pre HDMI models. Too many problems, reliability issues, heat, and the most pathetic customer service I've ever used. I realized that every CE makes a bad product line every once in a while. But I don't recall anyone making one as bad as the Onkyo's models from the X05 series to the X08/X008's. I'll withhold judgement on the X09's till they are in use for while. Hopefully these will be the turnaround for Onkyo. JMHO.

Differences between AVRs in terms of sound quality are subjective. You won't hear much if any differences.

Buy the Denon if you like reliability - Onkyo is having some problems in that regard.

I have to agree with the Onkyo quality control function. I am 62 years old, long time audio nut, have owned many many processors, receivers etc.. Never had a factory problem until I purchased the Onkyo 5008. After doing the firmware update etc. after purchase I got the scrolling audio format/front panel button problem. Had it repaired then analog outputs died! Back to repair facility where it now resides. Very frustrating. Had a Denon 4806 that worked flawlessly for 4-5 years. I really like the Onkyo sound as a processor through Krell 250a/3 but I can't go on with one more problem. Then I call Onkyo and want an upgrade to 5009 or refund!! Good luck on that right?

The 5009 has a better amp section which is very important if you are not using separates. I have an 809 with no problems.

The difference in power between the 4311 and 5009 would not be enough to be considered important. If the 4311 doesn't have enough power for you, changes are the 5009 wont either. An extra 20 watts per channel does not mean much in terms of real world usage. Features and reliability should be the deciding factor.

I have the 805 and it's been flawless and love the sound, I do use an external amp. I want to upgrade and the 3009 seemed to have all that I wanted but with all the complaints on recent Onkyo's compared to other brands, I'm very hesitant.

I'm considering the Integra version of this since it seems fewer failures reported, but this could only be because these are only B&M available and fewer in the market place , with a bit of price premium over the Onkyo's, but if the customer service and warranty is better it may well be worth it. Anyone have any opinion on this?

I've been lucky with Onkyo as well. I have had three the 805, 885 and the 886 without a single issue. Although I was moving a few things around in my rack today and thought there was a electrical burning smell in the area of my 886. I though oh no its my time now but it wasn't anything I could find. But I wouldn't blame anyone from staying away from Onkyo AVR/prepros after reading about a number of recent failures.

Bill

I always like to wait till a receiver has been out for 6 months to a year. It gives them time to work out the bugs and come out with firmware updates. Also the receiver is usually cheaper by that time. I also like to keep up with the owners thread to see what types of problems people are having. The 09 series Onkyos don't get as hot as previous models so they could be going in right direction. I would still probably wait a while before getting one but that's just me.

I am in the same predicament denon is cheaper and has a hd receiver
the video processor in denon is the same as in oppo 95
so what is the verdict cheaper denon is better ?
Please reply
thank you
Reddy

^^
If video upscaling quality is important to you .. note that although the Oppo 95 may have the same video processor as the 4311CI, in the Oppo it is fully functional, whereas the chip in the Denon AVRs is restricted to only basic functionality (ie. no detail settings). The 5009 with it's dual video chips is likely to perform better than the restricted ABT chip in the 4311CI.

I know, it's an old thread, but I hit it and I had to say... I have Onkyo 885, 273, and 5508, and no problems with anything, ever -- that is why the 885 is being boxed up and the 5009 is in the mail! I trust Onkyo to fix any problems IF I ever have any. If they don't, I'll do it myself and reconsider Onkyo. Until then, I'm a happy customer. Not to mention, there is no beating Audyssey XT32 - ever - because no improvements for music or HT needed.

OPPO BDP-95 has Marvell Qdeo KG2 video processor.
AVR-4311CI has Anchor Bay's ABT2015 video processor.

I have had the same models...excluding the 273...and add the 807,875 and 905 receivers to my ownership mix as well

Excluding the 885 preamp...they have all had issues
Two of them were completely replaced by Onkyo with a newer model...the most recent being them replacing a 905 with a 5009 receiver ...it is still in my garage in the original box

They make some incredible products at some great price points

Reliability and customer service are still their Achilles heels


Warren

You have been faithful to Onkyo - you sure have owned a lot! - but is sounds like you have not been happy. Based on my experience, my statement stands - and in some ways, you're experience gives mine more clout ("two of them were completely replaced by Onkyo with a newer model" = "I trust Onkyo to fix any problems"). Of course, if I was new to Onkyo, I'd have to weigh various experiences (which is why it's good we both offer ours). I'd be tempted to make you an offer on that 5009 in your garage, but I'm not needing more than the faithful 270, 5508, and 5009 we're using regularly.

Just curious, why is the 5009 just sitting in the gargae?

How can you say customer service is Onkyo's Achilles heel when they replaced your 905 with a 5009? I'd be smiling from ear to ear if Onkyo replaced my 886 with a 5509 or even the 5508 . Why did Onkyo replace your 905 which is a 4-5 year old AVR with the 5009? I've never heard of a company such as Onkyo, Denon, Pioneer or Yamaha replacing a 4-5 year old AVR with a brand new current model.

Bill

Though I have an Onkyo 3008 running with no problems so far, most posts above show that the Onkyo is prone to problems with reliability. I always keep my receiver around 60 or 62 level, usually for two hours. I don't force it up. Since I live in Brazil, importing an expensive device such as the 5010 (my set up is 11.1), could be vey problematic, in case of issues. I will wait and read the reports about the 5010 and 4520 to make my choice.

I know this is an old thread...but I saw myself quoted

The 905 I bought was a dealer dealer demo and had the 2 year factory warranty when I bought it

By the time the 905 was in the shop for the 3rd time for warranty work the 5009 had come out...so they replaced it with that

I agree..on the surface it looks like I received a good deal

However...what price do you put on reconnecting and shipping a 65lb that was in a tight space...3 times?

I am sure all of them would do the same thing...I got a buy back on an Denon 4308 that was 3 years old...though it was still under warranty


Warren

Yes, many complain about sending in a unit 3 times. That's hard to judge good or bad because many customers would try to take advantage if they had a one strike and it's out policy. Yes, three seems a little extreme but in your case it did pay off rather nicely.

You could have gotten an older Refurbed 905 instead.

Onkyo's reputation is certainly poorer quality in recent years. I'm guessing a bit, but expect both would have similar(and quite good) sound quality, but based on QC quality reputation (be it real or not) would not get an Onkyo.

if and when the Onkyo products work they are incredible.....an older refurbed 905 would have been fine with me. I had already bought a Yamaha A3000 anyway while going through the whole process of the Onkyo replacement

The amp sections in the circa 2007-2009 Onkyo units were incredible....NOTHING out there at the same price point( or 20-30% higher) even came close

However a few issues

1. Not the most musical pieces...if you like to listen to channel discrete music...a Yamaha or Denon product would shame it....however its amp section would shame those brands
2. Heat and reliability were not strong points
3. Customer service is poor is you need service

in this regard and market thinking the units are unreliable..the resale on these units is terrible. I know many bought refurbed units for cheap ..as did I

I was trolling Ebay about 6 months ago and saw an 875 receiver for $40.00...the ad said the video was not working...I assumed its was the famous HDMI board failure that is hundreds of dollars to fix

I thought I would buy it and just use it for an extra 2 channel receiver..it didnt come with a remote or audessey mic

Long story short..I bought the unit and its works fine... video and HDMI included

Another forum poster suggested that something may have been loose and its shipment to me "knocked" it back in place

Ok..??....well its worked fine and granted it may go anytime ...but for $40.....plus I paid shipping and bought the accessories for it

I think I am $110 all in

not a bad deal....


Warren
Edited by turnne1 - 10/2/12 at 7:37pm