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The Official: Denon 3808ci & 4308ci HDMI 1.3 thread. - Page 69

post #2041 of 2596
7/28/07 at 5:18pm
Not yet....only for the 4308CI on the Denon site.
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post #2042 of 2596
7/29/07 at 2:35pm
Do we have a DEFINITIVE list of differences in the 4308ci and the 3808ci yet? The stuff that is at Audioholics is a little different than the list of stuff that was leaked a few weeks ago which seems to be a little different than the 4308ci manual.

I'm still trying to decide between the two and want to have a pretty solid list to determine if it is worth the extra grand to me. Things like streaming still seem to be unknown (at least to me) for the 3808.
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post #2043 of 2596
7/29/07 at 2:46pm
Does 2808 has 3 HDMIs , vs 2 in 2308 and 4 in 3808?
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post #2044 of 2596
7/29/07 at 11:11pm
what?
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post #2045 of 2596
7/30/07 at 4:33am
Not sure if everyone knows or not but these are shown on the Crutchfield Site showing an availability date of August 10, here the link.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Kdbx5ZB...FBrand%7CDenon
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post #2046 of 2596
7/30/07 at 7:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by StressPuppy View Post

Do we have a DEFINITIVE list of differences in the 4308ci and the 3808ci yet?

CNET Editors Take:
http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers...-32553611.html

Denon AVR-3808CI ($1,600, Late July)

The AVR-3808CI marks another big step up in the Denon receiver product line because it's the least expensive receiver to feature Denon's new graphical user interface (GUI). We had some sneak peaks at the interface earlier, and from the limited demonstrations we've seen, the GUI looks pretty slick. We'll wait until we do a hands-on review to compare it to the Sony STR-DA5300ES's GUI, but we were impressed at Denon's ability to integrate digital media playback into the GUI, including showing album art and track info on the screen. To facilitate digital media playback, the AVR-3808CI is equipped with an Ethernet port, as well as a USB port, which Denon claims will work with USB mass storage devices like a USB 2.0 hard drive. The AVR-3808CI can also tap into your iTunes library (but no DRM iTunes files), but that requires the use of TwonkyMedia, which will cost $40 to download--which is a little frustrating when you spend this much on a receiver. The Ethernet port will also allow certified Denon customer installers to log into a receiver and make adjustments from off-site. The AVR-3808CI also steps up the HDMI connectivity, offering 4 HDMI inputs. The AVR-3808CI will be available by the end of the month for a suggested retail price of $1,600. The AVR-3808CI is certainly packed with features, but we also expect it to face heavy competition from Sony's STR-DA5300ES, which offers 6 HDMI inputs and an excellent GUI for $1,700.

Step-up features

Ethernet connection
Digital music playback, including MP3, AAC, WMA lossless, and FLAC
Graphical user interface
USB port that supports USB hard drives


Denon AVR-4308CI ($2,500, Available now)

The AVR-4308CI includes all of the features the AVR-3808CI but adds some significant improvements. For network connectivity, the AVR-4308CI adds 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi connectivity in addition to the Ethernet port. The AVR-4308CI also adds a second zone component video output, which should mean that you'll be able to enjoy analog high-def sources in a second zone. Like the AVR-3808CI, there are four HDMI inputs, but the AVR-4308CI adds two HDMI outputs, which could be useful if, for example, you had a flat-panel display and a projector in the same room. Rounding out the extra features is support for HD radio. The AVR-4308CI has a suggested retail price of $2,500 and is currently available.

Step-up features

Second zone via component, with OSD
Ethernet and WiFi connectivity
Two HDMI outputs
HD radio
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post #2047 of 2596
7/30/07 at 8:29am
So I ordered the 4308 from J&R because of the nice pre-order deal they offered, and as I checking my order status online today I see this under the status column...

Backordered; on order from manufacturer

Anyone else experiencing this with their orders... I am going to follow-up with them on the phone to see exactly what it means, but in the meantime, just curious what the rest of you who ordered from J&R have seen/heard.

So far though... it's not looking good.
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post #2048 of 2596
7/30/07 at 8:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bwclark View Post

CNET Editors Take:
http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers...-32553611.html

Denon AVR-3808CI ($1,600, Late July)

The AVR-3808CI marks another big step up in the Denon receiver product line because it's the least expensive receiver to feature Denon's new graphical user interface (GUI). We had some sneak peaks at the interface earlier, and from the limited demonstrations we've seen, the GUI looks pretty slick. We'll wait until we do a hands-on review to compare it to the Sony STR-DA5300ES's GUI, but we were impressed at Denon's ability to integrate digital media playback into the GUI, including showing album art and track info on the screen. To facilitate digital media playback, the AVR-3808CI is equipped with an Ethernet port, as well as a USB port, which Denon claims will work with USB mass storage devices like a USB 2.0 hard drive. The AVR-3808CI can also tap into your iTunes library (but no DRM iTunes files), but that requires the use of TwonkyMedia, which will cost $40 to download--which is a little frustrating when you spend this much on a receiver. The Ethernet port will also allow certified Denon customer installers to log into a receiver and make adjustments from off-site. The AVR-3808CI also steps up the HDMI connectivity, offering 4 HDMI inputs. The AVR-3808CI will be available by the end of the month for a suggested retail price of $1,600. The AVR-3808CI is certainly packed with features, but we also expect it to face heavy competition from Sony's STR-DA5300ES, which offers 6 HDMI inputs and an excellent GUI for $1,700.

Step-up features

Ethernet connection
Digital music playback, including MP3, AAC, WMA lossless, and FLAC
Graphical user interface
USB port that supports USB hard drives


Denon AVR-4308CI ($2,500, Available now)

The AVR-4308CI includes all of the features the AVR-3808CI but adds some significant improvements. For network connectivity, the AVR-4308CI adds 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi connectivity in addition to the Ethernet port. The AVR-4308CI also adds a second zone component video output, which should mean that you'll be able to enjoy analog high-def sources in a second zone. Like the AVR-3808CI, there are four HDMI inputs, but the AVR-4308CI adds two HDMI outputs, which could be useful if, for example, you had a flat-panel display and a projector in the same room. Rounding out the extra features is support for HD radio. The AVR-4308CI has a suggested retail price of $2,500 and is currently available.

Step-up features

Second zone via component, with OSD
Ethernet and WiFi connectivity
Two HDMI outputs
HD radio

The 4308CI also has AL24+ on all channels, as opposed to just 2 on the 3808CI, and a slightly better build. However as I don't need a second HDMI out and Wi-Fi, I can't justify spending almost $1000.00 more for the 4308CI. The 3808CI will serve my needs just fine.
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post #2049 of 2596
7/30/07 at 8:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SirJohnFalstaff View Post

The 4308CI also has AL24+ on all channels, as opposed to just 2 on the 3808CI

I hope I don't sound like an ignoramus, but what does this mean? What does AL24+ do, and what would it give me that Advanced AL24 or whatever is on the 3808 wouldn't?
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post #2050 of 2596
7/30/07 at 8:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by brinkleton View Post

So I ordered the 4308 from J&R because of the nice pre-order deal they offered, and as I checking my order status online today I see this under the status column...

Backordered; on order from manufacturer

Anyone else experiencing this with their orders... I am going to follow-up with them on the phone to see exactly what it means, but in the meantime, just curious what the rest of you who ordered from J&R have seen/heard.

So far though... it's not looking good.

I ordered through them as well (3808ci) and I actually see "Processing" in my status column. However, when I called them to see if there was an estimated time of shipping, they said that they do not have them and do not have a date that they should arrive from Denon as of yet.
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post #2051 of 2596
7/30/07 at 8:54am
Yeah, I had processing in my status column until 11am today...

Maybe I should look for a price match elsewhere just in case my status change is as ominous as it appears
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post #2052 of 2596
7/30/07 at 9:06am
Quote:
Originally Posted by rmiller View Post

I hope I don't sound like an ignoramus, but what does this mean? What does AL24+ do, and what would it give me that Advanced AL24 or whatever is on the 3808 wouldn't?

This is all I've found on AL24+...

"Denon's AL24+ processing reproduces low-level signals with optimum clarity to bring out all the delicate nuances of your music."

I've also found that it's said to convert all sources to 24 bits if they're not already at that resolution.

The 3808Ci has it only only the 2 mains, but to me that doesn't sound all that bad for general movie watching. If you listen to a lot of music AND this AL24+ processing makes a big improvement, then you may want to think about the 4308CI. But since I can't seem to find much info on this processing, I highly doubt it's all that important or groundbreaking.

This question has been asked many times, and I for one have been waiting for a full explanation of AL24+ myself.
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post #2053 of 2596
7/30/07 at 9:16am
Can anyone tell me how DirecTV's XM radio stations sound on the Denon (old or new models)? I'm curious about the quality of these stations when using a HT setup (via HDMI if that makes a difference). I wonder how this compares to a standalone XM mini receiver hooked up to the Denon receiver. Thanks.

Also, can this be output into the other zones (mostly as background music)?
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post #2054 of 2596
7/30/07 at 9:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by gte747e View Post

Can anyone tell me how DirecTV's XM radio stations sound on the Denon (old or new models)? I'm curious about the quality of these stations when using a HT setup (via HDMI if that makes a difference). I wonder how this compares to a standalone XM mini receiver hooked up to the Denon receiver. Thanks.

I'll be honest with you I've had both hooked up to my Denon 3805 and I just don't care for satelite radio. It sounds very compressed to me, you really have to crank it up to feel the music.
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post #2055 of 2596
7/30/07 at 9:22am
I got a shipping update from my Denon rep this morning. 4308s shipping this week, though a few got shipped last week (the 26th). 3808s next week.

Denon can ship either from the west coast or New Jersey, depending on stock availability. I was told the 3808s may be shipping from New Jersey. I believe the 4308s are coming from the west coast.
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post #2056 of 2596
7/30/07 at 11:24am
I know that most of you are Denon fans, but do ya'll think that the 3808 would sound significantly different from my Panasonic XR55 ? (I have an Orb 7.1 speaker system except for the RBH center channel if that makes any difference to your answer) Thanks for any experienced recommendations.
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post #2057 of 2596
7/30/07 at 11:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SirJohnFalstaff View Post

This question has been asked many times, and I for one have been waiting for a full explanation of AL24+ myself.

I can tell you what I've noticed with AL24+. AL24+ seems to significantly reduce hiss noise related to the DAC process when you crank up the volume. AL24+, at least on the 4306, only applies to PCM signals.

During a silent passage and when your volume is turned up to normal home theater volume, put your ear near a speaker when the receiver is accepting a DD or DTS bitstream. You will hear a good amount of hiss noise as usual. Now, do the same thing when the receiver is receiving a PCM signal. The hiss noise will be significantly reduced as a result of AL24+.

Therefore, AL24+ up-sampling and processing should allow for more detail to come to your ears, as some of the detail isn't obscured by noise.
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post #2058 of 2596
7/30/07 at 12:50pm
Thank you for the info. Although I've noticed the hiss from my Axioms to be almost unnoticeable compared to my old Energy speakers that I just replaced, I can see where this sort of processing would be beneficial. Sounds like it would have been better to have it on the rear channels instead of the mains, though.
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post #2059 of 2596
7/30/07 at 1:58pm
Something tells me I'm not going to be happy.

What it appears I really want is the 4308 with the Reon video processing from the Onkyo's and the 6 HDMI inputs from the Sony, without spending $5000.

Is this so much to ask?
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post #2060 of 2596
7/30/07 at 2:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay_Davis View Post

Something tells me I'm not going to be happy.

What it appears I really want is the 4308 with the Reon video processing from the Onkyo's and the 6 HDMI inputs from the Sony, without spending $5000.

Is this so much to ask?

LOL, maybe next year
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post #2061 of 2596
7/30/07 at 2:36pm
Ofcourse then you would want 8 HDMI inputs and the REALTA processor instead.

It never ends.
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post #2062 of 2596
7/30/07 at 2:42pm
don't forget the toroidial transformer
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post #2063 of 2596
7/30/07 at 3:44pm
I've got an upgrade question and would appreciate your opinion. I'm currently using a 6.1 speaker system with a Denon 3805, and a PS3 as my Blu-Ray player connected via optical digital. Since the 3805 doesn't have HDMI inputs and the PS3 doesn't have multi-channel analog outputs, I've been stuck listening to old fashioned DD/DTS. I've read so much about uncompressed PCM that I wanted to see what the fuss was about, so I picked up a Panasonic DMP-BD10A at Best Buy for $528 (after a 12% discount), so I could hook up it's 7.1 analog outputs to my 3805. After some pretty extensive speaker calibration in the Pany, I watched my first Blu-Ray with uncompressed PCM last night (Hellboy) and was blown away - I now understand what reviewers mean by "wall of sound", and I had no idea what my subs were capable of!

So here's my question. I've been thinking about upgrading to the 3808 since it was announced, primarily for better audio (I don't really need HDMI switching or upconversion yet, but it would be nice). Is it worth $1600 to upgrade receivers, or should I just stick with the 3805 and Pany BD10A? Are the audio improvements I would get with the 3808 worth almost $1100 more? I assume that since the 3808 could receive multi-channel PCM and decode the latest 7.1 hi-res audio formats, that it would be able to apply much better sound processing, base management, etc., compared to the Pany and external inputs on my 3805 - but would that matter?

Any advise would be appreciated - I've got about a month before I need to make a decision to stick with what I have or return the Pany BD10A and get the Denon 3808. I should mention that with the exception of the audio on the Pany, I like the PS3 better as a Blu-Ray player. Thanks for your help!
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post #2064 of 2596
7/30/07 at 4:29pm
keep your stuff and continue to enjoy it
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post #2065 of 2596
7/30/07 at 4:31pm
I don't know about the sound being worth $1100 more, but I guarantee you'll want that HDMI switching in the near future. That, plus video processing, plus the sound improvements are worth it.
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post #2066 of 2596
7/30/07 at 5:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert George View Post

I got a shipping update from my Denon rep this morning. 4308s shipping this week, though a few got shipped last week (the 26th). 3808s next week.

Denon can ship either from the west coast or New Jersey, depending on stock availability. I was told the 3808s may be shipping from New Jersey. I believe the 4308s are coming from the west coast.


They would ship from California... The Corporate Office in NJ does not house A-Stock.
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post #2067 of 2596
7/30/07 at 6:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aballistar View Post

I don't know about the sound being worth $1100 more, but I guarantee you'll want that HDMI switching in the near future. That, plus video processing, plus the sound improvements are worth it.

Thanks for the opinions... I've got three HDMI inputs on my TV now, and they're all full, so you're right - I'll probably wish for switching capability soon.

I'd love some idea, though, of just how big of an improvement I could expect, sonically, by running the HD audio signal through a next gen receiver (like the Denon 3808), vs. using external audio inputs and letting the Pany decode? I know I'm not getting my middle back surround speaker on 5.1 uncompressed PCM tracks, but I don't really miss it (all my surrounds are fairly close together anyway). The rest will probably depend on my room acoustics, etc., but that's the thing I'm really trying to understand...
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post #2068 of 2596
7/31/07 at 3:41am
I see that internet radio is a feature of the 4308 but do not see it listed to the 3808. Presumably it would be available as the 3808 has ethernet but would like to confirm it. Can anyone help on this question?
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post #2069 of 2596
7/31/07 at 6:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jkim90 View Post

I see that internet radio is a feature of the 4308 but do not see it listed to the 3808. Presumably it would be available as the 3808 has ethernet but would like to confirm it. Can anyone help on this question?


"RJ-45 Ethernet port (MAC/PC streaming, Internet radio, web browser, enhanced for WMA lossless and AAC)"

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/r...8ci-first-look
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post #2070 of 2596
7/31/07 at 10:38am
Has anybody who preordered from J&R had their order ship? Looks like ListenUp begins shipping next couple of days (Aug 1 or Aug 2)
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AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Receivers, Amps, and Processors › The Official: Denon 3808ci & 4308ci HDMI 1.3 thread.