Denon 4308CI vs Onkyo NR905

[dugpa]

So, time to finally update my receiver. I love my Denon 3803, but it's time for something with HDMI and decoding of the new audio formats. So, I'm debating between the Onkyo TX-NR905 and the Denon AVR-4308CI. I've always had good luck with my Denon products. But on the flip side, the Reon in the Onkyo is appealing over the Faroudja in the Denon. I know there were some issues with DTS-MA in the Onkyo. Those get fixed?
So, what's everyone's thoughts?

[Ruined]

DTS-MA issues on the Onkyo are 100% fixed via this simple firmware upgrade:
AVS Forum - View Single Post - The Onkyo/Integra direct firmware updates

Specifically this file:
905 DSP upgrade

...is to be unzupped and burned as an Audio CD. You then plug a DVD player that is capable of playing DTS CDs into Optical port 1 of the Onkyo and initiate the firmware upgrade process as described in the AVSFORUM thread. I tried it myself and it takes less than 5 minutes to complete. Newer units are being shipped with it already installed.

The Onkyo is a better buy than the Denon due to its far superior video processing chip. The design of the 905 is pretty awesome too, if you crack it open.

[chlngr1970]

Something the 4308 has that the Onkyo may not. Wireless network. How cool is it that you can access your media library, and your AVR via the network? Use our laptop to setup your system. Your installer can even access your 4308 over the network to resetup your AVR if it ever has to be replaced. I am SERIOUSLY considering this as my AVR upgrade.

j

[dugpa]

What about the lip sync issues and the color space decoding error in the Onkyo? Those fixed as well?
Wireless networking isn't important to me. My media is all on shiny discs and will be until I'm dragged kicking and screaming into changing. I don't have a network hooked up at home and don't really see any need for one right now.

[Wirehed]

I just did this exact same comparison and ended up buying a Marantz 8002 instead.

I could only compare it directly with the Denon, but the Marantz sounded superior to me. The Denon has a lot of nice features for sure, but I consider them to be "extras."

The 905's video processing is a big plus of course.


It's a tough choice.

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by dugpa

What about the lip sync issues

Fixed in MAIN Firmware 1.08 found on the above linked AVSFORUM page.

and the color space decoding error in the Onkyo?

Fixed in MAIN Firmware 1.05 found on the above linked AVSFORUM page, which you don't need to install if you just install 1.08.

So yes, they are fixed.

[dugpa]

Ah, didn't think about the Marantz. Another one to consider. I'm curious though, why the Marantz over the Denon?
The video processing is making the Onkyo a strong front runner for me right now, especially as the prices are dropping to get ready for new models. What about the heat issues with the Onkyo? How bad is it?

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by dugpa

Ah, didn't think about the Marantz. Another one to consider. I'm curious though, why the Marantz over the Denon?

FYI I have heard that the Marantz uses the TI DSP chipset also and has the DTS-MA "bomb" but has no firmware fix available yet. I am not 100% sure of it but I was reading AVS earlier and people were complaining about it on the DTS bomb thread.

What about the heat issues with the Onkyo? How bad is it?

It gets hot, but it doesn't affect performance at all. Its designed to run hot much like a high end CPU or video card. Just make sure you give it enough breathing room, no sealed AV enclosures - should be open on at least one side for air to circulate.


Really, once you see the Reon in action with DVD there is no contest anymore if you don't have another high end scaler available for use. It really is that good IMO, and if you've seen the XA2 you know how good it is. With the 905 you can make any DVD/BD player that outputs native 480i over HDMI into an XA2 quality player. And it does a good job of deinterlacing 1080i HD football games on cable, too

I'll probably end up getting the Sony 350 or 550 over the Panasonic BD50 just so I can maximize use of the Reon in my 9.8... The BD30 could only do 480p over HDMI, and over component it does 480i > 480p > 480i which is even worse.

[dugpa]

Yeah, I've been leaning towards the Onkyo for the Reon. I really wish Denon would spring for it on their midrange models instead of just on their flagship.
Does the DTS-MA fix affect performance any? Seems to me if it's compensating for a hardware problem with software there has to be some compromise somewhere.

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by dugpa

Does the DTS-MA fix affect performance any? Seems to me if it's compensating for a hardware problem with software there has to be some compromise somewhere.

Nope, its just correcting the decoding process. No different than the DD+/TrueHD fix in the first DSP firmware upgrade for the 905... Due to being a packeted sound format unlike PCM, either DTS-HDMA works, or it doesn't - no in-betweens. Prior to the fix, it didn't work in certain sequences of 1s and 0s resulting in the bomb. Now it the algorithms are fixed and it works everywhere.