The "Official" Denon 4308ci Owners Thread - Page 62

kemiza,

How do you compare the sound quality/characteristics of your new denon AVR against Yamaha 3800? I am in the process of deciding one between the two and would like to hear your opinion. Thanks.

I've had my 4308CI up and running for about a month now. Here're my experiences so far:
1. I have a 7.1 system
1. Connecting to my wireless home network was painless and the the firmware update was flawless using the wireless network.
2. I used 8 different listening positions for the Audyssey EQ.
3. All speakers are set to small with a 60Hz crossover set on the receiver. The SW is set to LFE+Main. The 60Hz setting gives me the best bass response for my speaker system.
4. I have the Audyssey set to bypass the L/R front speakers.
5. I've pretty much stayed with the rest of the Audyssey settings. I did add +2dB to the bass tone setting.
6. Each input I've connected seems to produce a different volume output level. The TV/CBL analog is the lowest in volume. I'm not sure if it's because I have the output from the CBL box split between the TV and the receiver. I can't adjust it other than to turn up the receive's volume (10dB is great for broadcast movies). The CD player is next and it's connected via an optical cable. The DVD player (analog connection) and Internet radio seem to be at the same volumes. I don't receive FM or HD radio where I live.
7. Internet radio is exceptional. I have the 'Restorer' set to Mode 3. This is about all I listen to when it comes to music.
8. I seem to use the Dolby PLIIx music or cinema settings exclusively.
9. I see the lights in the left rear of the receiver when it's dark. These are the optical cable connectors I believe.
10. I'm still learning about this receiver and its capabilities. So far, I am extremely pleased.
11. I'm now looking at the HD world and am planning my HT. Wish me luck!
12. Speakers are extremely subjective. I think everyone's combination is the best. There're certainly better ones than mine, but I wanted to have some budget left over for the rest of my HT. They are:
Front L and R: Infinity Beta 20 with its own Phase Tech PC50 10in. 'Bass Enhancing Module' (left over from my old system)
Center: Infinity C360
Surround L and R: Infinity ES250 (one for each side)
Surround Back L and R: Infinity ES250 (one for each side)
SW: Infinity SW12
13. The only change I would consider making would be to get a 15" SW with 1000watt amp that goes down to about 17Hz. I like bass. As it is, the SW12 does a pretty good job with a little attenuation on its volume control coupled with the Phase Techs. I did buy a R.A.B.O.S kit on ebay to see if I need to change any of the 'Bass Optimization' settings on the SW12. Probably not, but, who knows?
14. There's nothing about this system that gives me pause for concern. It seems each time I listen to it I just end up saying "Wow".

Not sure you need 15 inch 1000 watts for good bass. My 525 Watt 12 inch SVS PC-Plus is awesoem window rattling clean bass.

I understand that SVS makes an extremely nice SW. I think I may have exaggerated a little. Since something in the 15" 1000 watt range would probably cost as much as my entire system. As it is, I am very happy with what I have. I just may have a little SW envy going on is all.

You won;t have any envy if you have a SVS, I must say it is the one compoenent of my system that I don;t see changing, other than to upgrade maybe some day to their Ultra. Awesome deep rich clean bass. NEver heard anything like it. Have mine 4 years and still loving it.

Does anyone know - is it still necessary to do a reset before a FW update? Or, is it now possible to do a firmware update without a reset and without losing any settings? Has anyone tried this recently?

It's been some weeks since I did my firmware update. I didn't do a reset before starting it. I don't remember losing any of my settings either. But, it has been awhile. I started it on a Saturday morning and let it do its thing for about an hour. Then, when it was done, I went back to playing music. Does anyone else have a different experience?

Attached is the proper procedure:

 

Denon FW Update Proc.pdf 179.83203125k . file

What do the different restorer modes refer to (eg, why select mode 1 vs mode 2, etc.)? The manual doesn't state what they do other than that they restore compressed audio.

ps, I've also started getting into some of the internet radio stations and there are some great choices. For now I've just been going to the highlighted folders because there's otherwise too many options and I don't know one from the other (and don't have time to sample 3,000 stations). Is anyone aware of internet radio discussion groups or other resources on the web to find out what the best stations are (such as sound quality, commercial free, good programming, etc.)?

I chose the mode 3 setting simply on how they sounded, and I liked it the best. Other than that, I don't know a darn thing. I think a place to discuss internet radio is an excellent idea. I find the radio website lacks a decent search engine. When I was there last, it showed a little over 10,000 stations were broadcasting. It seems they should provide better ways to weed out what you don't want to listen to, and better ways to find out what you do want to listen to and a way to store it so it will appear on the receiver's GUI. That might be there, I just haven't taken the time to figure it out yet. I'm still looking for a station that favors acoustic guitar.

I have been following this thread from the very beginning and would like to thank all of you for the great wealth of information that you have provided and for helping me with my decision to purchase the Denon 4308CI. This is my first audiophile quality receiver. I was on the fence for a long time, undecided between the Onkyo units and the Denons. I ultimately, after digesting all the info gleaned over the past several months, decided to go the Denon route. I opted for the 4308 over the 3808 primarily because I'm a bells and whistles kind of guy and this this thing does it all. I must say that I am very pleased with my decision. I have owned the unit for just under a week and have had nary a hiccup. The only exception was a lost GUI when accessing the NET/USB features. I chose to not do a firmware update out of the box due to the many concerns expressed on this forum but, after experiencing the disappearing GUI, I though it was time to take the plunge. Before I go there, though, I need to tell you about my network connection as this was an area that I was a bit reluctant about when I purchased this AVR. However, my fears were dispelled when the network connection went flawlessly the first time. I am using an old Linksys Wireless-B router with WEP encryption. After entering my WEP key in the manual network setup on the AVR, enabling file sharing in WMP 11, and disabling my Norton firewall, my network appeared on the GUI. I then entered the AVR's IP address in my Norton Internet Security settings as a trusted source. I now see my network every time I turn my 4308 on. My sole complaint here is that, when accessing my music files in WMP 11, the tracks on each album are displayed/played in alphabetical order rather than in the order that they are on the CD. Hopefully, this will be addressed in a future firmware update. Which brings me back to that subject. The first time I attempted a firmware update, I initiated it directly from the Firmware Update function in the GUI by selecting START. The update started and then froze at 1/14. After about 20 minutes of no activity, and against my better judgement, I power cycled the AVR. As noted by another user, this scrambled the GUI rendering it useless. Using the controls on the front of the AVR, I navigated to FIRMWARE UPDATE>CHECK FOR UPDATE and selected this option. After a few minutes, the AVR acknowledged a 57 min update was available. I started the update and, approximately 1 hr. later, it indicated Firmware Update Complete and powered on the AVR automatically. This was done wirelessly - not a hitch. All over my previous settings were saved and I have had NO PROBLEMS since.

This is an amazing piece of equipment and I look forward to sharing my experiences with all of you as I continue to learn more about its abilities.

DOC36

Good choice! DOC36.

I posted earlier, I bought Onkyo 875 first and I liked it as far as PQ and AQ (THX2) but it had heat problem. (?)
I just worry, it may break soon as I expect. So, I returned and got this AVR4308CI.
(my original intention)

This one (this is my 2nd AVR4308CI since 1st one lost GUI and do not know what to do)
is working fine now even though, it took over 4 hours to finish FW update (wired).

I am now enjoying web-radio and HD radio. (either one is on all the time if I do not watch movie)

How does the AQ of your 4308 compare to that of the Onkyo 875 that you had?

I had considered the Onkyo but have always been a fan of Denon. My 4308 replaced my aging Denon 5600 THX. I found the 4308 to sound at least as good if not better than the 5600 despite not having the huge terroidal transformer of the earlier Denon.

Is anyone connecting the 4308CI to the TV via an HDMI cale and an HDMI-DVI adapter?

I am haivng problems connecting the 4308CI to my Sony KV-40XBR800 TV. The latter has only a DVI input (no HDMI), so I bought an HDMI-DVI adapter by Acoustic Research. However, often the image flickers alternating quickly between the proper image and a noisy image like the one when there is no signal input (white, noisy picture). This is extemely annoying as the picture is not watchable. This happens especially if I power up the TV after the receiver or if I switch among the different input sources on the receiver. The flickering does generally not appear if I power cycle the receiver (or turn on the receiver after the TV), unplug and plug back the HDMI cable into the receiver, flip through different input sources on the TV (and back to the DVI input). Also, if I do nothing, the flickering tends to disappear after 5 - 10 minutes.

The other HDMI output on the receiver is connected to a Sony Pearl PJ and appears to work perfectly well.

The firmware have been updated to the most recent versions.

Any idea of what might be going on? Is there any setting that I should change?

Thank you.

I have my Deon 4308 connected to a Philip 22" LCD Monitor which has no HDMI input but a DVI input, so i use a HDMI-DVI cable (no brand name, just a cheap one) to connect them up. The resolution of the Monitor is 1050 line, I set the output of Denon 4308 to 1080p. The connection works well, except, sometimes a message pops up on the Philip Monitor screen saying that I am overdriving the monitor, warning me to change the input signal to 1050 line resoultion. I simply igore this message, the connection continuoulsy works well. It seems to me that Denon 4308's HDMI outputs work well with HDMI-DVI cables.

My other HDMI output from Denon 4308 is feeding to my Epson TW2000 projector with 1080p native resolution. The images from my PS3 show
up well in both the two displays.

LOL "Overdriving the Monitor!!!"

Kinda like in The Fast and the Furious "Danger to Manifold" and then the floor drops out.

On a serious note.... good info on the HDMI to DVI idea.

BWClark. This firmware update describes the 3808. Does the same procedure apply to the 4308? I did the first update with no problem. According to the second update, you do not have to do a complete microprocessor reset. Only the cursor up/down and master power. Do you think this is correct for the 4308?

Look for KCRW a public radio station out of Santa Monica, California. The station plays an eclectic mix of music that should suit just about any taste. They have their live streams as well as 24 hour full time music, and 24 hour full time news and information streams as well. Have fun discovering.

How can i find the HD radio from the internet and is there have any HD radio station have 5.1 audio Thanks for helping.....

I'm not sure that I understand the first part of your question. HD radio is over the airwaves NOT over the Internet. If you're asking how you can find what stations broadcast HD just Google on HD Radio. Internet radio feeds are probably as good or better (depending on their bit rate) as HD radio. I don't believe that the HD Radio technology even allows for 5.1. In any case, the great majority of the program material is 2.0.

Your lucky. I can not get any picture at all to my Optoma H79 projector threw hdmi to dvi cable . tried new cables and different settings with no luck. Denon told me to use component

This might sound crazy. I had a similar problem with my dvi tv and hdmi projector. One of the reasons I got the 4308 was for the two HDMI outputs. Denon told me the same thing. Tv is Output 2 and projector is output 1. To make this work with no problems I have to set the out put whenever I change not use both or the Auto. This way is works fine. Hope this helps.

From what I could tell, the modes are designed for different quality levels of compressed audio; Mode 1 being low quality and Mode 3 being high quality. I set my receiver to Mode 3 and WOW what phenomenal sound I get when listening to my digital music collection over an Apple TV.

For storing the Internet Radio stations you like, hit the "Memory" button on the remote when listening to it and it will be stored in your "Favorites" folder. I think there are some other options for setting presets, but I haven't had a chance to dive into it too deeply yet. There's a German Baroque classical station I found that is very good, and that's not even a type of music I'm familiar with (not even close). I expect internet radio will expand my horizons .

One gripe is that when listening over a long period the signal occasionally drops and doesn't automatically reconnect itself. You have to manually go back and reselect the station. I hope it turns out that there's a way around that.

Could someone please explain the HDMI setup menu on the 4308? I have my 4308 connected via HDMI to my Pioneer Elite Plasma Pro 150FD, and HDMI connections between my Blu-ray and Directv receiver to the 4308. What are the best settings in the HDMI setup menu for this. I'd like to minimize the processing so I get the best possible picture on Blu-ray and Directv.

Right now I have all of the default settings (i/p scaler is A to H; Resolution is Auto, etc.) I'm just not sure what all of this means, like i/p Scaler, 'A to H', etc.

Thanks!

This is so sad... So I would have to use component cables? After I spent $80 for a 50' HDMI cable and $15 for the HDMI-DVI adapter?

I was hoping there was some setting on my 4308 that I had to play with...

Since you do get picture sometimes and not the HDCP snow, you should be able to get it to work. Perhaps the long HDMI cable is the problem; can you try a shorter cable?

Hi there,

There are many posts here regarding the 4308CI. In Europe Denon sells the 4308DAB (with the Digital Audio Broadcats radio system available).

The reveiver serves me very well. I have only two outstanding issues:

1. Auto lip sync does not seem to work. I have connected the denon HDMI monitor 1 to the 52PFL9632D/10 from philips that also has a hdmi1.3a port. Lip Sync should be negotiated automatically (it is enabled in the Denon). But it does not, no delay is added to de audio. For now manual delay serves me well enough. DOes somebody have this working?

2. I do nothave blu ray yet (awaiting the denon DVD2500BT), for now I am using the Philips DVD9000SA to show my DVDs. The player connects to the denon with a 1.5m HDMI cable. The picture is excellent (current setting: dvd player output 576p, denon output 1080p), however there is a black line of about 1.5 cm (1.2") at the left of the picture. I would love to use the complete screen. If I connect the dvd player directly to the TV's HDMI port the screen is completely filled. I tried all upscaling mode combinations, in the DVD player and the Denon. All show the same. One strange observation: when I overlay the denon's menu over the dvd picture, the white lines in the menu covers more of the screen, leaving only 0.5" black. Som it looks like the denon is doing something.

Anyone out there that has the same issue? And a (re)solution maybe?

Thanks,
dewadden.

For reference if listed the latest firmware versions below:
Main: 01.64
Sub: 00.73
DSP1: 36.49
DSP2: 39.41
*Ethernet IMG: I200711130120
*Ethernet BL: B200707020733
*Ethernet CNE C 20071113
*Ethernet WEB: W200711130103
*Ethernet MAC:
GUI FPGA Config: A070629B
GUI PRG: 00007621
GUI DAT: 37750008
DGTL FPGA: 00.71
VIDEO PLD: 00.50
DAB VER: 0300

why is auto-lip sync on the 4308? Normally there are no lip-sync problems so why would one want this on a receiver? Are you guys standard have lip-sync OFF?

I think the problem may be due your very long cable length of 50'. Such a long length of HDMI with a cost of only $80, may not be of good enough quality. However, of course, there have been a lot of argument on other forums on whether digital signal need have good quality cable or not.

I am now also using a 15m cable (about 49') connecting my Denon to Epson TW2000, my cable is a not good one still cost me US$173 in Hong Kong (it believe it costs more than US$200 elsewhere. Anyway, it works OK. While my HDMI-DVI cable to my Philips 22' LCD Monitor is only 1.5 m long, hence I use a cheap one which cost me US$15 only.

Thanks for the information. Now, all I have to do is find that 'Memory' button. Seriously, it's time I started using it since I keep finding more favorites. One thing I noticed on the radiodenon.com website is that you are supposed to be able to add a station to your 'Favorites'. When you do, it says, "It will appear on your DENON Product after it is updated. Your DENON Product updates automatically once per day. Or you can manually update your DENON Product to see your changes now. Click here to see how to do this."

When I 'Click here' it takes me to some 'Super Guide' page that doesn't contain any 'how to' information. So far, my Denon hasn't updated "once per day" either. I'm sure somewhere buried in the manual there're instructions on how to do this. It's something I'll work on when I have some more leisure time.

If I understand correctly, breaks are caused by network congestion. "Buffering" means that a few seconds are saved 'ahead' for you, so that tiny interruptions in service won't make you lose the sound -- it gets taken out of the buffer instead. When that runs out, it 'breaks'. I guess its just the nature of the internet. I listen to internet radio at work through a Cat5 - Fiber Optic - T1 connection and I still get occastional 'breaks'. Even so, I've been able to listen to hours and hours of uninterruped music without breaks or losing the station. Then, all of a sudden, it happens. I suppose there's some other technical reason for loosing the station altogether. Maybe it's if you have a greater than a tiny interruption, you're toast.