Denon AVR-3311CI 7.2 Channel Networking Multi-Source/Multi-Zone A/V Home Theater Receiver with HDMI 1.4a Supporting 1080p and 3D (Black)
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The Denon AVR-3311CI 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver: Premium Technology and Performance gets Networked. The new AVR-3311CI is a technological tour de force, designed for consumers wanting to network their AV system. It’s also one the first to come equipped with HDMI 1.4a connectivity, including 3D pass-through (Broadcast and Blu-ray), along with Audio Return Channel. Ethernet connectivity opens up your AV system to host of exciting capabilities like audio and jpeg photo streaming via as well as hundreds of Internet radio stations. Pandora is supported along with subscription music services like Rhapsody and Napster. Flickr photo streaming is also featured. The AVR-3311CI packs a punch with 7-channels of onboard amplification producing 875-watts of total power (125 per channel) delivering detail and dynamics to music and movie soundtracks. The amplifiers can be assigned for 7.2 channel surround sound, or a 5.2 channel system in the “main” room and power a pair of speakers in a second “zone”. This only scratches the surface of the AVR-3311CI Multi-zone (3)/multi-source (3) capability. Enhanced power amp assign features, second and third zone programming feature allow the AVR-3311CI to be the hub of a sophisticated whole house system. For video connectivity, the AVR-3311CI is equipped with 1080p and 3D (all formats) compatible HDMI 1.4a Repeating technology, delivering both audio and video to your HDTV with single HDMI cable. This HDMI connectivity supports the latest generation surround sound formats available on Blu-ray disc, including Dolby TrueHD and DD+, dts-HD and dts-HR. Also included is Dolby Laboratories new Pro Logic IIz Matrix decoding featuring front height effects channels that expands front soundstage.
Features
- Fully discrete 7-channel power amplifier delivers 125 watts per channel (875-watts total)
- Decodes Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital Surround EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIz,
- HDMI 1.4a Repeater Inputs (6) and Output (1) support 1080p/24, 3D (All formats) Audio Return Channel, 7.1 Uncompressed Audio
- Anchor Bay ABT-2015 advanced analog and digital video 1080p/24fps/60fps upconversion and deinterlacing with multi-cadence detection
- Audyssey DSX surround processing, Audessey MultEQ automatic room acoustic measuring and correction system
- Dimensions (W x H x L): 17 x 7 x 15 inches
- Weight: 29 pounds
Great receiver, so far
I was looking for a receiver that would sound just as good with music as it does with movies and video games. After comparing several models last year, I liked the warmer sound of the Denons compared to Onkyo’s harsher, “in your face” sound. The Pioneers sounded nice, but lacked Audyssey (more on this in a second) in favor of their proprietary MACC equalization app which I haven’t heard much about. Marantz sounded great but I was concerned about reliability and they aren’t as fully featured as are comparably priced Denons.
I also wanted a unit that’s up-to-date with all of the latest surround sound formats and was relatively future proof for several years. The 3311 seemed to fit the bill perfectly and, after owning one for a few days, I’m very happy with my purchase so far. The sound quality is great. I had thought that my old Onkyo sounded pretty good, but this surpasses it by far. Audyssey MultiEQ XT does a great job at tailoring the equalization to compensate for the acoustical flaws in the room. I’ve never had a system that sounds so balanced, detailed and immersive. It just sounds right. There’s plenty of power to drive most speakers, though there’s also the option to use the pre-outs to add even more power (by the way, the upcoming model AVR-991, which will be priced a bit lower, is very similar to the 3311, minus the pre-outs and a couple of other features). It’s got all of the features I ever see needing
To me, this is the sweet spot in the new Denon line as far as performance, features and value. It’s reasonably priced, being $300 less than last year’s 3310, yet has more features and probably better sound, due to the upgrade to the “XT” version of MultiEQ. It’ll cost alot more to go to the next higher model (4311?) and the difference in sound quality is likely to be marginal, if noticeable at all, based on comments I’ve read. The unit also comes with a 3 year warranty.
Based on experience with this receiver so far, I’d definitely buy it again and would recommend it to a friend. Tip: look for it on sale. I got mine for 25% off list price despite being a newly released model.