Denon 4311
One of the attractive features about the Denon 4311 is its compatibility with Apple’s Airplay – something that not many AVRs in its class can boast about.
So for those who own an iPhone, iPad or an iTouch, streaming audio would be a breeze.
But surely, for its price, there ought to be other features that deserve the price it’s asking for?
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Features
This model is different from its predecessors in that it is made in Japan (our research shows that lower-end Denon models are made in China).
Featuring nine 140 watts per channel, it has seven HDMI inputs (one on the front and six at the back) and a pair of outputs (all 3D and ARC-compatible and all ascribed to the HDMI 1.4a specifications).
Compared to its predecessor (the Denon 4310), this model includes two additional internal amplifiers, thereby making this machine a full-fledged 9.2 channel system. It also packs in the latest audio goodies for Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby ProLogic IIz, and Audyssey DSX.
As it supports wired networking, there’s access to internet radio and streaming of formats such as FLAC HD.
The Denon 4311 is the first receiver to incorporate Audyssey’s MultEQ XT 32 Room Correction. To the user, this translates to a resolution 32 times better than the MultEQ XT system.
Denon 4311 – Our Take
The 4311′s audio playback quality is crisp, we believe, owing to the inclusion of Audyssey’s new Sub EQ HT.
However, some may feel that this machine is a little too heavy on the bass, especially when stereo sounds are concerned. Yet, those who feel that ‘heavy bass’ is the essence of a home theater system, would appreciate this feature and find that it is indeed a ‘blessing’ especially when it comes to watching action-packed movies.
Another feature we like about the Denon 4311 is its increased seamless connectivity (in comparison to its predessors and others of similar standing). Made for Apple-gadget lovers in mind, what we find interesting is that it makes retrieving content from iPhone/iPod even more effortless – making use of a USB cable, rather than possible cumbersome dock.
Just to add to that, the receiver is also compatible with the updated ‘Play To’ functionality of the new Microsoft operating system.
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Getting a Receiver – Considerations
The price of Denon 4311 is relatively steep and certainly not everybody (audiophile or not) would want to fork out $2000 for just part of a home theater system.
But from what we know, those who DO spend between $200 to $500 on a receiver, usually tend to upgrade every three to five years. Come to think of it, we are no exception. Our first receiver was by Bose – recommendation by a friend. We liked it, if not we wouldn’t have used it for five years. The Denon 4311 however, gave us a totally different ‘wow’ experience. And we’re not saying this just to justify our purchase. It’s more because we know Denon is not upgrading this model soon – meaning that the company has ‘pre-amp’ the features to suit future compatibility.
