Home > Consumer Reviews > Denon AVR-4308CI Multizone Home Theater Receiver with Network Streaming and Wi-Fi

**Update 11.18.09: The Pioneer Elite SC-27 is fantastic. Beautiful video and sound output. I highly recommend.

I have had 3 Denon receivers in the past. Two from the 90's of which models I don't recall, but I was going to upgrade to the AVR-4308CI from the once flagship AVR-5700 that I have had for 9 or 10 years. These new receivers have plenty of great features like automated speaker setup, wifi, etc. I was prepared for the same quality of sound, at least, of the old receiver.

I currently have a 5.1 Paradigm Reference surround system. Two front, two back, Center, and Sub. Using component video inputs and optical sound inputs for HDTV/Blu-ray/Xbox/Tuner. However, this receiver will not allow me to have rears if I have no side surround. If I turn off side surround, it will not allow me to use rear surround at all. Shutting off side surround shuts off *all* surround. So I plugged the rears into side surround, which produced poor results. Then I tried turning on side surround, with the rear speakers plugged into rear, and leaving side-surround empty. This also produced poor results. Then I tried turning off surround altogether, and attempting front "faux" surround, which was very undesriable. No matter which setting I tried, the results were poor (meaning, basically, that sound was not clear and crisp and voices were mumbling or muffled.

I also tried using a Blu-ray player (LG BD390) and, from component input, I was getting horizontal dark and light monochrome artifacts. It came from this particular receiver, because I plugged in two TVs to the reciever, and the same artifacting occured with both. Plugged it back into the AVR-5700, and problem solved. I can only assume this was some attempt from the receiver to mess with video that I was never able to alter and track down in the settings.

For the sound issue, I updated all of the firmware which took 1.5 hours. I attempted to alter all of the automated settings to manual settings to try to tweak everything sound-related I could, but nothing came out un-muffled. So, I tried contacting Denon for assistance to see if they could offer suggestions. I was met with what I can only describe as patronizing "assistance" from a person who had me swap cables around and change settings I'd already changed. He acted as though there is no way the product would produce poor results, and I'm obviously an idiot.

So, in any case, plugging the AVR-5700 back in fixed every problem I had been having, so I am sending back this terrible receiver to a company I no longer respect and will purchase a Pioneer Elite SC-27 next.

I bought this system in late October for a Christmas gift and it was faulty right out of the box. It wasn't until Jan 2nd that I had the opportunity to hook the receiver up with my new projector, plasma, HD cable, and XBOX 360 components. Once installed the audio and video was flashing on and off with all inputs and outputs. Its Feb 21st and I just got off the phone with Denon customer support (hold time over 1 hour, bad sign) regarding the back order for the part which is apparently on a boat from China. Not Kidding. (Back log also means there are more people like me, another bad sign)
Its been 4 months and I'm still without the receiver and Denon custom support was unwilling to offer me any choices regarding the return or exchnange of the product. They essentially told me "tough luck" and that I lost that opportunity when I didn't check the receiver when it was delivered. Remember Christmas present.

Also, I must warn you that the authorized service centers you must send your product for warranty work are limited. I live in South Carolina and had to deliver the receiver to Atlanta GA to be repaired (cost of shipping). Once in Atlanta it took more than 3 weeks before it was in front of a service technician (another bad sign).

Summary: bad product followed up by even worse customer service and support. Once you purchase a product with this kind of price tag, immediately check to make sure it works.

Just bought this unit as an replacement for my Denon 4802R 7.1 THX AV receiver. This new unit while not THX rated out performs the other in every area. Both units were driving a set of M&K S-150 THX speakers in a 7.1 configuration. The 4308CI made more of a improvement than I would have expected. I bought the new unit for improved features which it has more than I'll ever use...the improved sound is a bonus.
I found it very easy to set up after spending some time with the unit.

The setup is :
Denon AVR 4308
Denon DVD 1940
Polk ATi 7 family of speakers with Polk CS 5 center speaker
Sanyo PLV Z 5 projector

As am based in Bangalore, India, I have constraints on access to the latest goodies, especially media, and at price that folks in US/UK enjoy!

It was almost on impulse that I bought the 4308 in Dec 2007, especialy with the Internet Radio feature. The amp + Dvd player combo is simply awesome. I have been having som issues with the Internet radio as the signal strength of the WiFi is not all that great. That apart, the sound and video quality are superb. Had to buy the Z5 projector, which offer 720p, sadly. However, the overall quality and experience is great. The SACD audio quality is OUT of this world!!

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.