| Denon AVR-5308C1 7.1 A/V Receiver |
| Written by Piero Gabucci |
| Monday, 02 March 2009 00:00 |
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Page 6 of 6
Conclusion This AVR-5308CI distinguishes itself from other receivers with consistent performance in both audio and video domains. For those considering taking the plunge into separates the 5308 will make you reconsider, as I wondered if I should continue using it for my main system. I certainly appreciate the diet this unit went on from the 5805 too. I truly wouldn’t let the price be too much of a factor, with the all-inclusive built-in features; first rate video processing, playback of every music source out there (XM, HD, Internet, wifi network and iPod docking, and portable USB drive connectivity), and multi-zone capable, I’d say the MSRP $5,500 is a bargain. The Denon AVR-5308CI delivers and at this point is the best receiver I’ve reviewed, by far.
Comments (4)
Price
written by BobMac , March 03, 2009 What's the second best receiver you've reviewed? $5500 is a lot of cash in this economy or any other. I want a receiver with a great amplifier and great sound quality, but I don't need a lot of those extras that I'll never use.
price
written by Piero , March 09, 2009 I hear you – five grand is five grand. I think to answer your question you have to determine what features you can live without. You mention great amplifiers and sound quality, all subjective. In solid state equipment the general rule for me is the more power the better. And many receivers with their infinite channels tend to not make them discrete. The 5308 “acts’ like separates - that is pre/pro and amp. I personally never use a receiver for a second let alone third zone, but others may. The other big thing is internet connectivity – who knows what the future will mean in terms of downloads and watching/listening material. I’ve seen many spend thousands getting their computers to do what the 5308 already does, besides storage. Companies like Denon, Marantz, Onkyo, all offer receivers at all price points and are all quality products, start with what you can afford and run down the list. Secrets has reviewed many Denon’s at all price points – can’t go wrong. Thanks for your comment though.
Twice as Good?
written by Goodie , March 11, 2009 Would you say this is twice as good as the Onkyo 906? The Onkyo costs half as much, but, it seems to offer all of the same features.
Twice as good?
written by Piero , March 13, 2009 First, let me say how amazed I am that companies like Onkyo, and their other company Integra, can manufacture for the kind of products they produce. It’s also unfair to just call them value pieces, they hold their own and exceed others costing more sometimes. I cannot comment as I’ve never reviewed the TX-NR906, although I’d like to, perhaps I’ll ask for one. I did however review the top end unit for Integra, the DTR-10.5, which listed for about $4,500 back then. So I can’t say much about the Onkyo but will say that Denon does offer receivers that offer pretty much what the Onkyo does at the same price point. Twice as good is a bit of an unfair question – is a Lexus priced at $50,000 twice as good as a Honda at $25,000? Well it depends I suppose. Write comment
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