Early details trickle out on new Denon receivers

The Denon AVR-4308CI is loaded with connectivity

(Credit: Audioholics)

We're slated to attend a Denon press event on July 24, where we'll almost certainly get the details on its new line of receivers, but it looks like the good guys over at Audioholics got on early look at a couple of the new models--the AVR-3808CI and AVR-4308CI. You can check out the full details at Audioholics, but here's the short story:

The AVR-3808CI comes loaded with four HDMI 1.3 inputs and a single HDMI output. It also features a new graphical user interface (GUI), and we're betting it probably looks like the leaked photos we blogged before. Like the new Onkyo receivers, the 3808 has built-in decoding for both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, although prospective buyers should be aware that currently no Blu-ray or HD DVD player is capable of outputting these soundtracks' formats to the receiver in bitstream format. The 3808 can also upconvert analog signals to HDMI, along with scaling them to 1080p. Some enthusiasts have lamented that Denon decided to use Faroudja video processing on these models instead of HQV (seen on Onkyo's receivers, like the TX-SR875 and TX-NR905), but we'll withhold our judgment until we actually get our hands on it. There's also an Ethernet jack, and you'll be able to stream digital music files and Internet radio to the receiver. The Ethernet jack also enables custom installers to log into your receiver and make adjustments offsite.

The new look of Denon's receivers

(Credit: Audioholics)

The AVR-4308 is largely similar to the 3808, including the GUI, Ethernet jack and internal decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. The 4308 ups the HDMI ante a bit by including two HDMI outputs, which can be useful if you're lucky enough to have both a projector and standard TV in your home theater. It also features some enhanced multiroom functionality, including a Zone 2 component video output.

According to Audioholics, the AVR-3808CI and AVR-4308CI will retail for $1,600 and $2,500. We'll have a full roundup of Denon's full receiver lineup--along with confirmed prices and specs--when they're officially announced later this month.

Sources
Audioholics' full story on the AVR-3808CI
Audioholics' full story on the AVR-4308CI

[brentskie]

What do the Denon's have that the Onkyo's Don't?

Denon's coming out with new receivers. Yahoo. Hey, wait a minute, they look just like the new Onkyo receivers
(except for the fact that the Denon's cost $600-$800 more for basically, the same basic receivers with the same technology)

That is, of course except for the DENON name that will cost you the extra dough so you can tell your friends you have a DENON and act like you're a true audiophile when you're really just overspending!! Yes, you're paying extra for the name !!

Of course,that's just my opinion.I wonder what CNET's will be?

[thegizzard]

vs. Onkyo?

Aside from NOT having HQV, the Denon's DO have an Ethernet port for Internet radio. You have to decide if its worth the extra coin for the big D.

Pro installers love Denon because of sweet margins.

[J G M]

Um - your link to "New Onkyo receivers" goes to a 2-year old story on 2007 models.

[J G M]

Um - never mind. Somehow I got to this from the 2009 Onkyo article.