2. home-theater
  3. 1288467037

Pre/Pro vs. Denon AVR-4311CI under $2,000

The time has come to “update” my surround-sound preamp/processor. I want to get the most up-to-date unit having the latest codec’s, Audyssey EQ, HDMI 1.4, etc. The unit will NOT be used for music listening – only for watching movies. Amplification is not an issue either, as I currently have individual amps for every channel. I’ve read about the Denon 4311CI receiver having all the current “bells & whistles”, and the internal amplifiers can be shut off to run as a pre/pro only to eliminate feedback. I would prefer purchasing a separate surround-sound preamp/processor (instead of a receiver), but at a street price of $1,500 (MSRP $2,000), is there anything else out there that competes favorably with the Denon?
Ken
kgproperties
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
Denon, for sure
kardi1969
1 posts
 
In my experience (a/v retail since 1997), Denon's are a bit complicated to operate and the sound is a bit too polite for some people. However, they are very well thought out, reliable, they switch HDMI without glitches (unlike many non-japanese receivers) and they come with a spectacular surround decoder.

A NAD piece would give you a more dynamic and full sound but at the expense of a few (necessary?) features and they have reliability issues. The only serious competition I see to a AVR-4311Ci is a Yamaha RX-A2000 (or 3000). Go check them out, it's the only way to choose!
paracrine
8 posts
 
Onkyo PR-SC5508 is loaded with options and the latest home theater features you are looking for at the 2,000 price.
http://onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=PRSC5508&class=Preamplifier&p=i
Firmware updates a bonus for the ever changing theater market, easy to operate and a nice remote.
eyecatcher127
4 posts
 
check out the marantz av7005
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