1. Posted: Jul 4 2008

   Denon 4308CI Receiver Strengths: Great quality picture and sound, excellent build quality, nice display, GUI interface, easy to assign/rename imputs, HD radio, 4 HDMI, 140 Watt multizone output, good value for price point. Weaknesses: Complicated user manual, Useless remote, Faroudja vs. Silicon Optix processor Price paid: $1,780 (2/08)from a reputable retail store. (Please do not ask which one as I was given an insider price) Summary: After considerable research I purchased the Denon 4308CI to upgrade a prexisting Sony STRDA555ES receiver. My main desire in upgrading was to obtain HDMI connection capability and take advantage updated sound processing and 1080P upscaling. I ruled out various other comparable recievers for a variety of reasons, including heat generation as my components are enclosed in a audio rack partially recessed into a closed media room. As a longtime Sony fan and owner of three ES AV recievers, it came down to a choice between the STRDA 5300ES and the Denon 4308CI. I opted for the Denon over the Sony for a few reasons. The display on the Denon is much larger. It might sound silly but I like to see the information displayed on the receiver from where I'm listing to music. The Sony display was rather small. I also liked the fact that the Denon has internet streaming capability and HD Radio reception. The Sony has more HDMI hookups and a longer warranty (5 years vs. 2 for the Denon) but the Denon has increased power handling and full 1080P upscaling. Pricewise the Denon was a few hundred dollars more then the Sony but I felt that it had a more "modern" feature set. So far after 4 months of use I have been very pleased with the Denon. Sound is fantastic and the GUI was intuitive. I disagree with some of the other reviews that I have read regarding the ease of setup. It took a little longer then I anticipated to set up but as I previously noted the GUI was fairly intuitive. I really like the fact that you can rename the inputs so when you select them from the function selection dial it will display whatever name you decide on. I prefer optical connections so I had to reassign some of the optical connections. Rear connections seem pretty sturdy. The unit gets warm but not hot after a few hours of use. Still havent taken advantage of the 1080P upscaling as of yet. HD radio signal reception is pretty strong and so far no interference despite living in a New York City Apartment building. Harmony 880 Universal Remote works better then supplied remotes. Video processing is excellent. I have however occasionally noted video artifacts. This reciver uses a Faroudja DCDi FLI2310 processor which is simply not as highly regarded by professional reviewers as the Silicon Optix Realta HQV processor used by Denon's flagship 3800BDCI Blu-ray player or the Silicon Optix Reon chipset used by receivers such as the Onkyo TX-NR905 and Integra DTR 8.8. However, overall picture quality on standard 1080i and 720p cable source material is excellent. 3808CI vs.4308CI? The 4308CI appeared to have a slightly more "attractive" build quality and appearance. In comparing the two models side by side before purchasing, the 4308CI simply looked better. However, HD radio, increased power handling and WiFi capability were the primary reasons I opted to spend more to purchase the 4308CI. 4308CI and 3800BDCI blu-ray combo. Have had the 4308CI and the 3800BDCI paired for the last three weeks. The Blu-ray picture is simply amazing. Will never purchase another standard DVD again if available in Blu-ray format. Conclusion: I've been very happy with the 4308CI. It offers great sound and picture features at an attractive price point. However,if you are interested in better video processing you may want to check out the Onkyo TX-NR905 and Integra DTR 8.8 as well. Review system components: (used in review) Panasonic TH-50PZ750U 1080P (limited Ed) Artcoustic DF-65's Artcoustic DF-Multi (center) Denon 3800BDCI (DVD)(used three weeks) Sony ES 5 Disc changer Sony SACD player Monster HPS7000 Signature Series Monster AVS2000 Signature series Polk XM Radio Tuner

2. Posted: May 19 2008

   I have had the 4308ci for about a week. The picture quality and sound are outstanding, but as others have noted, this is a complex receiver with lots of options and a very poorly written manual. I have spent hours figuring things out by trial and error. Just one example: the receiver comes with two HDMI monitor outputs. Switching from one to the other should be easy, right? Well, it is, but it's taken me a week to figure out how to do it in the grahical user interface, since its buried a couple of levels down in a HDMI setting menu. Still haven't figured out how to do it on the remote. I actually thought the unit might be defective! So, this is a receiver for those who want great quality with lots of options and are willing to work to get it.

3. Posted: Mar 27 2008

   The item is one of the best I've ever bought. The quality of the product is amazing. I already have an AVR 4306, but without a doubt the AVR 4308CI is better and worth the money.

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