So as many around here know I have been an Onkyo receiver user for the past 5 years or so. I played around with the Pioneer SC07 a couple months ago but the last different brand receiver I had was the Denon 5803A. I am glad I decided to give the 4310CI a shot. I admit I was mainly attracted to the PLIIz Height sound option. Comparing it directly the Onkyo 607 (the first PLIIZ Height receiver I tried) is really not fair since it is one of their intro models. So how does it sound?
Sound Q- I am very impressed with the PLIIz Height sound. I know it is not natural but I am fan. Literally when watching a football game. The roaring crowd has a nice effect in them. As does helicopters and rain. The last chase scene of the latest Friday the 13th 2009 comes alive when it starts to rain. It really pulls you in. I am now using theis option whenever possible. I like how the 4310 allows you to do set up. It has many other options including the new Audyssey DSX Wide sound option. I have spent a little time with it and will spend more in the near future. So far I like what I am hearing but need more time to compare. DTS-HD sounds terrific as well. I have used the 4310 both as a pre-pro and as a receiver.
Setting Up- I really like the GUI. It is simple and very easy to understand. I also like how it has the logos for the surround sound formats. Very cool. The INFO options are very informative. You can see what exactly is going in and out. From sound to resolution to color space and even upconverted deep color bits! It is all here. You will never question what is going on. The Audyssey set up was also pretty easy to do. I noticed a hige plus in sound after doing it. All sound levels were nearly spot on and I barely had to tweak them. Everything is very straight forward. Also with the Set Up it allows you to choose which speakers are going (A or B or both) for each and every surround mode. I love being able to control everything. This allows the Height speakers to go with the surround backs. Something I couldn't do with the 607 from Onkyo. though I would expect their higher models to allow that. I am anxious to try the 4810 in Sept since it will be a true 9 channel receiver.TIP> Use the REAR/AMP speaker terminals for the Heights and the L & R Rears with Surround A while using the Surround Backs with Surround B...
The Remote(s)- I guess there is not to much to say. They both work well and both get the job done. People who use a universal type won't care either way. Still not bad but nothing to write home about either.
Conclusion- I am still getting used to the 4310CI but am enjoying it while I am which is a good sign. The impressive cosmetic look compliments the new DVD-A1 Blu ray/Universal player (pic 1). And since I just hooked both up the last couple of days my theater smells like electronics.
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The last I will say is that with as flexible as the 4310 is I doubt you will need more. From the vast amount of sound options to the dual HDMI outs that will even pass the signal when the unit is off. The excellent scaling deserves to get mentioned as well. Being able to select video level, DNR, Chroma Level, Brightness, COntrast, Hue and Enhancer (my favorite which emphasizes contours without hurting the image) which is very impressive. You get to pick resolution as well as pick scaling for analog and HDMI sources. Sending in DirecTV HDMI in 1080i has yeilded terrific results thanks to the 2010 Anchor Bay chip. So as you can see I am really impressed with the 4310CI. I just hope the next time I do a firmware update (via the ethernet connection) it goes a little more smoothly. I had to try and retry a few times. I was worried I would have to send it back at one point then it magically moved past that dreaded 29 minute mark!
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If that is my worst hiccup so far then I think I am doing pretty good. So until other receivers come out with PLIIz Height then the 4310 is top of the class for me. It may very well take the 4810 to get me to switch which is saying a lot. If you are on the fence don't hesitate. If you have the capability to do the new Heights then this is the perfect receiver to jump in with.
