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Denon AVRX3100W 7.2-Channel AV Receiver Black $997.70 ($700 off RRP) @Videopro

630

Great price on this 'mid range' Receiver, With my impending 4K TV purchase, sound will be the next frontier for me. My trusty Onkyo TXSR701E will move to a dedicated projector room, so this is looking like a good proposition.

Attached a couple of quotes and a review for your reference;
From audioholics.com - "105W per channel, but more importantly the AVR-X3100W offers a full complement of preamplifier outputs for attaching an outboard amplifier. $999(US Price) also buys you improved multi-zone capability, with Zone 2 HDMI, Toslink, and digital coaxial outputs that can deliver content independent of the main zone.
The next important bump is to Audyssey’s Gold suite of DSP technologies, as well as the option for Audyssey Pro, which allows installers to finely tune the performance of your system.
Last but not least, the AVR-X3100W supports video upscaling to 4K/60Hz resolution, taking full benefit of the HDMI 2.0 specification."
"The AVR-X3100W really catches our eye thanks to the inclusion of 7.2 channel preamplifier outputs, Audyssey Pro, and an independent zone 2. These options really set the 3100 model apart, allowing it to function as the command & control center for all but the most complex of A/V systems.

Review: http://www.trustedreviews.com/denon-avr-x3100w-review

Digital cinema $1799.00 (http://www.digitalcinema.com.au/denon-avr-x3100w-7-2-channel…)

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  • +1

    I have the AVR-X2000. Great unit. Can only imagine the 3100 being even better making this a great buy!

    • I have the AVRX3100W which I bought from Amazon Germany for a little less than this price a few months ago. Sounds very good with my Wharfdale speakers.
      The Ios app works well to control the unit and the internet radio is great too.

  • +1

    It says it has Spotify; anyone know if this is "Spotify Connect"?
    Also - is this receiver overkill if I only want stereo?
    Lastly, what's some good, not too expensive speakers to pair with it?

    • +7

      You don't buy a home theatre receiver to listen to stereo, unless you're wanting them audiophiles to come at you with pitchforks. I suggest having a look at whirlpool for a good stereo amp. As for speakers, that entirely depends on you and what you're listening to and how you like your tones. When you say not too expensive, I'd have a look at a decent pair of bookshelves and move on from there. Fwiw I like my music slower and with more warmth, so the KEFs were a decent pick up. Was tossing up between those and the Paradigms, but I don't know what you consider inexpensive

      • +3

        Stereo is fine. The bonus is the number of hdmi ports you can switch….as most devices you want to feed to your TV are hdmi

      • I have a Cambridge Audio Azur 551R home theatre receiver. It plays stereo as good as any stereo amp I've heard, and I've heard some stereo amps that cost twice as much as this unit.

        I'm ready for the pitchfork wielding audiophiles. They shall be met with burning napalm at the door, with Carmina Burana playing on my system in the background.

      • +1

        I do.

        That was the only way to get a slimline unit that fit in the space I needed and took hdmi in/out. Yamaha RX-S601. This unit can bi-amp, so it's not a complete waste. Very feature rich in general.

        There were a couple other options, but they were poor in terms of input/outputs, and some were known to misbehave by cutting off sound when gaming (an Azur for example, IIRC) or by having other known faults. So they weren't viable options.

      • Also, as alluded to, different people like different speakers, you really want to listen to them first if at all possible.

      • Is this because of price or sound? Looking at https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum/126?g=185&p=3 there doesn't seem to be much on stereo amps. I also prefer warmth.

        • I might have misunderstood - you're looking at something for your TV right, and just want two speakers to drive it - in that case ignore what I was alluding to above.

          Audition some KEFs - bring a CD with some instrumental tracks and have a listen. They make two types of bookshelves - a smaller one and a large one. I got the large as front speakers and they're doing the job well for about $600 on the pair, but I assume that your 2 could possibly fit in a 2.1 (sub) so you'd cut off at around 80-60hz for lows.

        • @D3m3ntia: Yes that's right, but also to play Spotify music independently of the TV. Think I'd prefer a slimline receiver though. Thanks for the speaker recommendation.

    • +3

      I have x1100 and yes they have spotify connect.

      turn on wifi, open spotify, connect to denon then play…works most of the time :)

      • Why do you need to turn on wifi? Is it not on all the time?

        • +1

          Not on my phone it isn't.

    • +1

      This sounds like overkill for what you want

  • +2

    Hmmm.. Was thinking of the marantz but at this price the denon is a worthy proposition.

    • +2

      Was under the impression Marantz & Denon are same thing, just different badges.

  • +2

    Hmm, with reading up on the HDfury Integral lawsuit today, it would seem any impending 4K TV purchase must be paired with a HDMI 2.0a, HDCP 2.2 compliant AVR. Or, no UHD BluRay for you(!) on this AVR. Unless you buy a HDfury Integral of course LOL.

  • +2

    Beware, this doesn't have HDMI 2.2, so it will not handle things like Netflix 4K

    • +6

      There's no such thing as HDMI 2.2.. I think you meant HDCP 2.2.

      • +1

        Jeezuz, all this time I have thought it was HDMI 2.2 HDCP compliant. Thanks.

  • +1

    Great price OP.

    I'd encourage anyone interested in this to do some research though. I've had a bad experience with my Denon (not this model - mine is a 789, few years old). Check it out in-store somewhere and make sure you like the user interface (as Denon seem to have the worst), and see if it has any common faults (mine regularly trips into safe mode since it is apparently set for overseas voltage, despite being a local model).

    But this is a great price as long as it checks out on inspection!

    • +1

      To be honest, I think all interfaces are a bit average…. had a variety of Yamahas, now have a couple Denons and a Marantz, all not very user friendly.

      • That's interesting about Marantz, I've been keen on them for a while! Still a confusing and glitchy interface?

        • As far as I know Marantz and Denon are one and the same now too, so that won't change. I have also noticed many random bugs, especially HDMI sources not coming up.

    • +1

      I have the same model (789) Worked very well for a long time, 5+ years. Only now it's having an issue with one speaker where it runs at half the volume, but once giving it a tap (the receiver) it seems to work again.

      • I'm glad yours is still going strong, although I really think that as consumers we deserve things to last much longer than 5 years. My old man had a Marantz amp for a good 2-3 decades without issue!

        My Denon works and sounds great, when it isn't flashing the red light and shutting down.

        • +1

          Actually had that model too, sold it recently, needed more HDMI inputs. Mine didn't have any faults, however it had minimal use too.

        • I agree with you, they really should last longer. Cheap ass electronics, most likely planned obsolescence.

        • +1

          @skazclaw:

          I bought it at least five years ago with the aim to get a good 10+ years out of it. Unless the circuits die I won't be replacing it. I can get more hdmi ports by attaching a switcher. Only thing it won't do is 4K but that's not relevant yet.

          The planned obsolescence stuff really bothers me as well. 'Audiophiles' do tend to buy into that pattern hook line and sinker though.

        • +1

          My first Denon receiver is into it's third decade and going strong. Although it has been demoted to just doing rears in my study. The only problem I have had with my recent Denon is a failed 50 cent fuse. Although for some time before the fuse failed it would regularly have a flashing red light and shut down @monkeynews. Now it is fine.

        • @rinco: Wow thanks for the heads up, gonna have a look at the fuses in my 789, can't hurt to have a look.

      • 589 here, 6 years old, still going strong. Gesa a lot of use as I've got the TV going through it as well.

  • +2

    Sound is subjective

    Amplifiers are no different

    Please listen to the amp before purchase

    I am a tighta$$ (not that t1ghta$$)

    Some amps sound strong, loud and sharp = great for action movies

    Others are subtle, vibrant, colourful … .

    I use reviews for alot of things as an educated consumer

    • Agreed, definitely listen to them, rather than just comparing specifications.

      I can't vouch for this specific model, but I'm a fan of Denon amps.

      • +2

        Problem with this idea is, when you do, are you going to buy the exact same speakers as the showroom has, is your room similar in size and furnishings, all these make a big difference on how the sound will be produced.
        At this level you can't go wrong, IMO Specifications and reviews from a variety (where available) of reputable sources are the best way to evaluate the quality and performance of a receiver, tv etc.
        In my case, when I bought the Onkyo, I went for Specs and price, specs to drive my large Jamo D365, and I absolutely love it, friends and family who appreciate good sound almost always comment on the sound when they hear my set up. A few years ago I bought this from JB in Melbourne, price matching a Sydney store.

        • Well it helps if you're buying speakers at the same time. But at least you should be able to compare with the same brand speakers.

          Also with the Audyssey signal processing you'd hope that the acoustic differences between your room and speakers would be minimised.

          I guess when I was buying (around 15 years ago) I was surprised in the sound difference between amplifiers on the same set of speakers. I expected the speaker brands to have a specific "sound", but why should the amplifier vary so much - particularly given you're dealing with digital data for the most part. FWIW, I was comparing amps with stereo speakers and all the signal processing disabled (and they were in a similar price range).

  • +1

    Good price but probably not the best choice for a 4K TV since it won't work with 4K blu-ray without HDCP 2.2.

  • Anyone recommend a solid review site for AV receivers?
    What I've looked at widely differ.
    I have up to $3k to spend due to insurance claim.

    • +1

      http://www.whathifi.com/

      Can't really go wrong with Denon or Marantz. Yamaha's latest AVRs are also great value due to having the MusicCast multiroom system.

  • Nice price.

  • +1

    Is it worth paying extra for Atmos?

    • +1

      Got room to set up everything correctly?

    • +1

      I got Atmos setup at home and we watched Mad Max and Transformers: Age of Extinction in Dolby Atmos. You can hear all these sounds in different parts of the room. In one of the scenes my dad stood up to check the back because he thought he heard a downpipe bursting… To which I told him it was just Atmos.. I'd say it makes about 15% difference to sound effects quality..

      • +1

        Haha, I can just imagine your dad.
        pipe burst noise
        Dad: "huh, what was that?"
        You: "It's just Atmos"
        Dad "What are you on about son!?"

      • +2

        Lol when I first setup my speakers and I was trying it out I could heardog barking, I thought 'this efing awesome', then I turned the amp off and there was a dog actually barking outside. :\

  • +10

    Just be aware this is the older 2014-15 model. The latest model is AVR-X3200W. Adds features like Dolby Atmos, HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2, Wifi 802.11n, Headphone EQ, WiFi Enabled/Disabled, HDMI ARC Enable/Disable, DTS:X + DTS Neural:X (via firmware upgrade early 2016) and New IOS and Android remote app.

  • +7

    Good price, but as ad says, it's "run out model". For another $150, I got the Denon AVR-X2200W 7.2 Channel. It has Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, full HCDP 2.2 support so it will work with 4K content. This model has none of those techonlogies so as such if you don't think you need the next generation stuff and futureproof your hardware for the next 5 years, this is a good model as the power wattage will be more powerful for those who need more speaker power..

  • I'm no audiophile but wouldn't this be a better choice for the price($749) Onkyo Dolby Atmos, HDCP 2.2.

    • Not really. The 500-series is Onkyo's "top of the low end" level (ever since they re-branded it from the 400 series with the move from 414 to 525). I have a couple Onkyos two steps up from that and they are good receivers - Onkyo is well known for bundling features in so that they have a great spec list … but you need to consider the quality of the amp and this Denon has a much better amp, and has better reliability. Albeit without Atmos …

      • And no hdcp 2.2, surely not worth the sacrifice? Like I said I'm no expert but for $200 more you're getting no atmos, no hdcp 2.2 and less watts per channel.

        • +3

          The heart of a receiver is the amp, not the decoders. The amp in the Denon is better, and you can see that in the specifications. You are comparing a mid-range amp to a low-range amp. As for Atmos … personally I'd rather have Audessey full surround as it's the best room correction setup I've seen - but it's a matter of opinion and each person will have a different speaker setup. As for watts per channel - this is marketing. It's also misleading .. the Onkyo is 115 W/ch at 6ohm at 0.9%THD when single channel driven, but drops to 65 W/ch at 8ohm at 0.7%THD when dual channel driven. The Denon is 135 W/ch at 0.7%THD at 6omh with 2 channel driven and 115W/ch at 8ohm with 2 channel at 0.07THD. Look at the THD - it's an order of magnitude of difference - the Denon will put out more sound and cleaner sound than the Onkyo. Everything in home theatre is a trade-off … if you want a better amp with atmos and hdcp 2.2 it will cost more since the Denon is a discontinued model on clearance. I would advocate amp performance over features. If you don't mind a lower range amp with the features you want at a cheaper cost, then grab the Onkyo but you are getting a lower quality machine. Also, the Onkyo used to have HDMI panel and network chip issues. I believe those are sorted, but I don't think the 500 range has the built in fan which the higher models have - so you might want to get some cooling for it.

        • @solar: Thanks for the info, especially regarding watts. In regards to comparing atmos with audassey though, aren't they two completely different things? Audassey is a speaker configuration tool whereas as atmos is a surround sound technology/standard.

          What I'm taking from that is, if you want to go loud, get the denon, if you want features get the onkyo at ~$250 less(I've seen it for $645 so if you can get it for that even more of a saving)

        • @solar: As you've already noted, would depend on what speakers you have or want to buy, the speakers i have are rated 6ohms 100watt from what i can tell so the onkyo would be suffice in my case. I guess if you have powerful floor standing speakers then you really need to pay attention to the power output.

        • @itsak: Didn't mean to make it sound as a comparison between Atmos and Audessey, I meant a trade off. The Onkyo doesn't come with Audessey anymore - it has it's own proprietary setup now. Again, opinions vary … but I find that speaker calibration makes a big difference and I'm past the days when I can be bothered to do it manually, so having Audessey affects my decision. (That said I haven't tried Onkyos replacement for it). You would be trading Audessey out to get Atmos in the comparison of these two receivers.

        • @solar: All good, happy to have a friendly debate if it means i learn something. Apparently AccuEQ(onkyo's auddessy) was terrible in it's early days but it has been improved quite a bit now. See reviews here and here especially in regards to accueq.

    • Can anyone else explain how the onkyo isn't a better buy more than just because "denon is better"

      • I would genuinely like to know myself, i'm just going by the specs, i'm sure someone can explain to us.

      • Well, its technical, but basically it boils down to the fact that Denon is just better.

      • My Onkyo blew its HDMI controller board as it ran too hot.

        Read up about HDMI issues.

        • Was it the current generation onkyo?

    • We use our Onkyo AVR as a BBQ, pretty good to cook meats on it… Yeah, it gets that hot. They prob fixed this issue now, but the good old days (about 7 years ago), those machines ran HOOOOT!

      • I'll let you know if it's changed when i get mine setup and going.

    • I want to know more about this amp.

  • Im sure this is a great device. Are there actual places i can enjoy great sound without getting too involved with the tech?

  • so if this doesn't support atmos, and if I try to play some video that is in atmos format
    it won't have any sound right?

    • +1

      It won't be encoded with atmos exclusively, it will have other supported formats such as Dolby true hd.

  • Seems a bit pricey for someone who just needs a 4K + 7.1 receiver like myself but doesn't know what Audyssey Pro and independent zone 2 are. Also I would need HDCP 2.2.

    • +1

      Audyssey is a great thing. At least for a noob like me, it calibrates the receiver taking in consideration your speakers, room layout, and where the viewing area is.

    • Zone two means you can run another source in parallel with any free speaker channels. ie, stereo in one room and 5.1 in another room at the same time

      • With the multi room on this unit, I think it does, can I output say a second foxtel box via hdmi out to the tv on my deck? my current pioneer receiver only outputs analogue sound to the deck speakers so this would be good. Was looking at a higher end SC-LX58-K however this is a lot cheaper.

        Enjoy stereo sound from one source in one room, and 5.1 surround sound from another source in the main room. Simply connect a pair of stereo speakers to the multi-room amplified outputs. Or, connect a separate stereo amp and speakers to the Zone 2 pre-outs, and enjoy full 7 channel surround sound in the main room.

        The dual HDMI outputs support different program sources, so you can enjoy a surround movie in the main room and a separate stereo program with video from a different source in the second room.

        • Yep, you should be able to do exactly that if this has a HDMI output for each zone as has been mentioned.

  • Denon avr's also have a reputation for over heating - not sure if it affects this model, but swiftly returned my x4000 early last year due to this problem!

    • They've got nothing on Onkyo's for overheating! I've got two Onkyos currently, and I make sure to run cooling fans for them. Great machines, just something to keep in mind.

    • +1

      I know what you mean. I haven't run into any problems, but I'd recommend anyone with a Denon, or considering one, have enough ventilation space at the TOP/SIDE of the unit and store nothing directly on top of it.

      • +1

        All of these points are good tips for the novice and uninformed.
        However, just about anyone 'should' know by now electricity creates heat, just touch your power board after a couple of hours of driving a TV and sound system, and you'll see/feel.
        Heatsinks can only go so far to keep the units from overheating, that's essentially what they do. Heatsinks are not really 'a cooling tool'.
        Careful consideration should be taken when choosing entertainment units etc.

        I first went into the market (a long, long time ago in a galaxy…), when alot of 'amps', now called receivers due to all the input and outputs (there are still dedicated stereo amplifiers) had fans built tin.
        Back then early 90s, I chose a heatsink model from Pioneer, still going strong, as I did not want to hear the fan etc.

        My Onkyo TXSR701 has never overheated, even in the middle of a 40degree summer day.

        • Yeah, My brother purchased a Pioneer which to this day, is still working like a charm. The one and only Pioneer device I had was a DVD player/burner/HDD recorder which blew a small fuse…replaced it $1-2 later from DSE part and it ran as new. Still have it, despite its age.

          Nothing is 'made to last' these days, but if you treat your big ticket items, KNOW how to use it properly and don't pressure it with weight from other devices or store in direct sunlight/non-ventilated areas, it should still be able to work its magic.

      • +1

        @roosta

        +1 on this, with the Denons or any receiver really. I have the X4000 and I've only had it cut out once due to heat when I first got it. I then increased the ventilation on the top/side and since them I have had no issues with it, even at reference + levels.

        Pic here if interested:

        http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj137/bassmaniac69/Home%2…

        • +1

          Cheers!

  • +1

    I have the X4100w and is a great receiver for my klipsch speakers. I had to buy a $65 device from Amazon to bypass the HDCP2.2 issue to pass Netflix 4k from my Roku 4.

    • +1

      Could you link what you bought?

      • It was a panlong HDMI splitter on Amazon - strange, they are no longer listed!! Google "panlong hdmi splitter hdcp 2.2" and you will see forum talks about this as an option to bypass hdcp 2.2

        • There's a HDCP 2.2 to 1.4 converter at Radio Parts too. I haven't needed one yet, but it looks decent.

        • @Carve2: Nice! That's pretty much what my device does. The hardcore video buffs might not like the YUV 4:2:0, but that doesnt affect me so much.

    • How is the Roku4 (where did you get it from if you don't mind me asking?,What did you pay for it?, ).
      I am looking at getting one for the inlaws, who currently have the WD TV but it's the unit without Netflix. I was also considering the Telstra Tv(Apparently is the same unit as the Roku3?).

      • Imported it from BHPhoto Video in the USA :) was about $150 delivered

        • That;s where I saw it also, thanks.

  • Good Price
    But can it do 7 channel stereo?
    And does it have a RF remote, so you can hide the unit in cupboard or change music from outside?
    (yes, i know it can be used via phones running the app)

    • +1

      If my similar ones are anything to go by it can, though I found it didn't seem to activate the sub, may have to play around with it.

    • +1

      I believe this unit has an IR only remote (my X4000 is IR only) so you may need to look at an external solution (Harmony etc) or an IR extender like this:

      http://www.selby.com.au/ir-infrared-remote-control-extender-…

      I run an Harmony Ultimate system with the IR blaster (although I use one of the IR outputs direct to the remote input on the Denon) as all my gear is in a cupboard. It works a treat, however if you don't have a complicated setup then the IR extender is great and a lot cheaper. However, it won't let you change things from outside of course, or if you are not in the room with the IR receiver. On that note, the app is a lot handier in that respect over the remote as it gives you a visual on what you are changing :)

  • Have a Denon AVR2113. One of the best purchases I've made…love the damn thing. Highly recommend the brand. Fairly easy to use for first-timers. Hard to pick any faults - just runs at a very high temperature.

  • +1

    I've got an Denon 7.1 AVR3801 that's been providing me with awesome music and home theatre since 2001. Going great and strong. I highly recommend the brand.

  • Is this model made in Japan? Or do they only reserve Japanese manufacturing for the flagship amp?

  • It looks like the link in the original post for the unit at Digital Cinema has now been updated to the new price of $998 down from $1799.00 (http://www.digitalcinema.com.au/denon-avr-x3100w-7-2-channel)

    • They must've seen this post!, good on them for 'nearly' matching the price. IMO. Anyone interested though should give Videopro (the ones who brought the price down first) their business.

  • The current 4K model with HDCP 2.2 and Atmos is not much more expensive at $1,348.20 delivered
    http://www.deniswhite.com.au/denon-avr-x3200-7.2-network-av-…

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