*Official* Denon 5308 Thread - Page 160

Hi I have 2008 5308ci with the $1100 upgrade. This is what i need help with? what is the diffident of the 5308ci and the 5308A. Can i call mine and (A).

Yes. The $1100 3D/XT32 upgrade includes the (A) changes as well (Dyn Volume, Denon Link 4th, Sirius radio ready).

Thank you so much:)

Probably too late for this topic, but for anyone reading this in the future, here's how to judge the HDMI inputs / outputs on the 5308A (with 3D passthru upgrade). While the official HDMI version remains version 1.3c, the unit can passthru 3D on all HDMI inputs / outputs. HDMI version 1.4a (and 1.4) really consists of a bunch of optional features.

For instance, a TV without 3D can still have a version 1.4a chipset. Just because 3D is in the spec doesn't mean that every 1.4 device will include it. Same with 4K.

So, asking if the device has a 1.4a spec is meaningless (since 1.4 is a bunch of options). Asking if specific capabilities are included in the HDMI chipset has meaning. Also remember that for many specs (such as 3D), the AVR's job is to simply decode the audio and passthru the video.

For the upgraded 5308A (assuming you can still find one), the answers would be 3D - yes; 4K - no; audio return channel - no.

Hi all how do you get the digital optical to send out from the mail zone.

Connect either an optical or digital coax source.

After much research, I've decided to purchase the upgrade kit for my AVR-5308CI, rather than purchasing AVR-4520 or the new Maranatz pre/pro. Can those AVS members who have upgraded their 5308CIs, provide comments regarding SQ with XT32, tips, pros and cons? I have read through the thread since the upgrade was available and wanted to solicit other AVSers experience.

Happy New Year!

Dave

xt32 is great, I notice a large difference over XT. no tips really.

Here's my tip: Upgrade to XT32 while you still can! Certainly we're on a limited timeframe for this hardware...and XT32 is pretty incredible.

+1

Upgrade kits were expected to run out early 2013, and once gone no additional will be mfr'd.

I was anxious as well, whether or not to upgrade. However the more I thought about it I realized that I probably would not purchase another high end receiver like the 5308CI in the near future. It is not like $5000 was just sitting around with nothing claiming it. Now that I have had the upgrade for many months I thank myself for doing it. The improvement was significant. I would expect if you have more than one sub then you will also be pleased. The 5308CI is such a great platform. What else can we improve in the unit? While it does not tune into Pandora directly, I am better off using my computer to tune in (higher bit rate signal) and then stream it to the 5308CI. It is Wi-Fi already so that is great, though for practical purposes I now have everything on Ethernet cable. While it does not have the ability to deal with 4k video. That is not a big deal as there is no software available now. And the hardware is still being developed. By the time we start seeing 4k video I think we will be 3 more years out. Heck we are still having to watch some shows in standard def., let alone high def. So what more would you have? I am retired or semi retired depending on what is happening at any given moment. I turn on Zenradiofm from France and zone out. The bass from all my 12 inch woofers leaves me vibrating the entire afternoon. I mean the sound is just killer since I upgraded. So dude do it, do it now, or you will be really sorry.
Manny

Thanks for your replies. I ordered my 5308ci upgrade kit today and expecting the install to take place early next week.

Dave

I can't speak for others, however when I setup the newly upgraded Denon I performed the sub balance and then placed the microphone in the center of our sofa. We sit on either side of the center cushion. I ran it once and then closed it out. The sound was great. Perhaps because we sit in an ideal space, the need to move the microphone around did not seem that important. After all, it is only the two of us. I am sure others have a more comlex system. We sit only 7 feet away from the 65 inch screen and are pretty much dead center to the speakers. The rears are really almost equal distance from our backs as well. The only technology I see making this unit obsolete is an entirely new system that handles speakers in a totally different way.

Regardless of how many seats are used, all 8 mic positions are recommended to provide more data to the Audyssey filters ... the 2nd - 8th positions being within a 2'-3' radius of that #1 mic position.

OK, next time I reboot the system I will try 8 positions.
Manny

A Quick Update: I didn't get my 5308CI back yesterday. On Tuesday I got a call from the Denon repair shop that during their final testing of the upgrade, the HDMI board failed (no video nor GUI). Denon is going to pick up the cost, but they are having trouble finding the part. The repair shop did a full diagnostics before installing the upgrade, and everything worked -- so that was very positive. I am having a dinner party on Saturday night, and it doesn't look like I'll get the unit back in time. I am a little disappointed, and have to wait.

Thanks to all who has responded to my original post.

Dave

Nothing worst then unfulfilled anticipation. But the good news is that they will take care of it. A couple of people have reported that upon getting their sets home problems devloped. So you are luck in that respect. Now you have a story to tell your guests.
Manny

How true! The other good news is the authorized Denon Repair Shop did thorough diagnostics before and after the install. Right now the Repair shop is having a hard time getting Denon NJ to respond to issue.

This is a good teacher of patience.

Dave

Sorry to hear about your issue with the failed HDMI board, certainly hope NJ will be able to provide a replacement part for your local authorized repair shop. Perhaps JD can shed some light on parts availability for the 5308 currently.

A quick update: Denon NJ replied to my local authorized Denon repair center earlier today. The bad news is the both the video and network boards need to be replaced and the parts are not available. Denon NJ requested the repair shop to send the defective boards and Denon NJ would rebuild them. It might be a two week turnaround before I receive my upgraded 5308CI. BTW, I purchased the AVR in May 2008.

Dave

Kind of scary that there are few replacement parts for our babys. I use mine every single day. So without it I would be in a real funk.
Manny

The reason why both the 5308CI and the AVR are now discontinued is due to the shortage of repair parts. As noted several times already, there are a lmited number of 3D/XT32 upgrade kits available as well for the same reason.

Like 11.1 via DSX or NeoX?

Or Dolby Atmos. I have no room for Wide Speakers, but I have plenty of unused space on the ceiling. Atmos would probably allow me to efficiently use the old surrounds I have mounted in back in the height position.

Jdsmoothy: One of the interesting facts during my research process was that the AVR-5308CI(A) is still being advertized on Denon's web site. This was one of the factors why I decided to get the XT32/3D upgrade at such a late date. My research led me to believe the upgrade was better than any other alternative in terms of SQ/delivery of power to speakers including purchasing the new Denon AVR-4520CI or the new Marantz AV8801 Pre/Pro. I may regret my decision as Denon NJ indicated to the authorized repair facility that it will be two weeks before they can rebuild the video/network boards. Stay tuned and thanks for your insight. I do miss my AVR-5308CI, hope I don't regret my decision.

Dave
Edited by DaveC56 - 2/3/13 at 5:54am

I love the 5308ci and had the $1000 upgrade, now my main concern is that parts will become hard to get. I have been looking at the 4520ci and it is under $2000. So what do you do, The older Denon 5308ci is still be sold for over $2000. I have not seen any being sold with the upgrade at this time.What do you all say

No way I'd swap a 5308CI with upgrade for a 4520. The only real difference between the two is 11.1 vs. 9.3. 4K isn't gonna do you any good for a few years. Going with a 4520, I think you'd be let down by the sound, in comparison to a 5308.

I think you are on the right track by looking at the 4520ci the build is not any way close to the 5308.And there is $ 3000 when both are new. No way Denon would cut pricing for the same quality. I will just hope the 5308 last for a long time.(LONG LIVE THE BETTER FLAG SHIP AVR RRECIVER ).

I also believe the HQV video scaler is superior in the 5308CI, although it can't upscale to 4K. Affordable 4K UHDTVs are several years away. I'll keep you posted as I'm a couple of weeks away from the upgrade/repair to be completed.

Thanks for your comments, and I'm looking forward to the improved SQ with XT32.

Dave

You are both right, I will just keep the 5308ci it is $5500 receiver plus a $1000 upgrade. Why pay $2500 and on some sites less than $2000 for a receiver that will be under $1200 in two years. I know parts are getting hard to find.