Denon AVR-5308CI

The Denon AVR-5308CI is the flagship model of Denon's 2007 lineup of new A/V receivers. While other models like the AVR-4308CI ($2499) and AVR-3808CI ($1599) were available as of late July 2007, the AVR-5308CI will hit shelves in January 2008, retailing for $5200. This receiver is the first to support Windows Vista and features a multitude of streaming options over Ethernet, WiFi, and USB.

Where to Buy

Denon AVR-5308CI
MSRP $5,199.00
Release date December, 2007
Brand Denon
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Pros & Cons7
Reviews14
Details
Buy It5
Competitors3
Comments10
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Pros & Cons

ProSCORE
13 reviews
86
negative
mixed
positive
10 positive
0 mixed
3 negative

[i] How is the ProSCORE calculated?

show me!

Pros:
Do you agree?
•
Ethernet, WiFi, USB streaming
+11agreedisagree

•
Includes powerful Realta HQV video chipset
+9agreedisagree

•
HDMI-to-HDMI upscaling
+9agreedisagree

•
A ton of inputs/outputs (6 HDMI in, 2 HDMI out)
+9agreedisagree

•
The best receiver I've ever had. Simply spectacular
+2agreedisagree

•
remote configurator still needs work...IR slow enough to cause "where am I confusion"
+1agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?
•
Very expensive - $5199
-2agreedisagree


16 people added to this review by submitting or voting on pros and cons. Add your say!
See individual votes »

Details

Unlike the other models in the lineup that have Faroudja DCDi chips, the AVR-5308CI will make use of an Realta HQV video processor from Silicon Optix. This chip is loaded iwith video processing features, and allows all analog sources to be upconverted to a true HD 1080p signal output on either of this receiver's two HDMI 1.3a outputs. It also features upscaling of lower resolution HDMI sources to the HDMI output (HDMI-to-HDMI scaling), which is a rare feature.

Features

  • Realta HQV video processor (first in industry)
  • 6 HDMI inputs, 2 HDMI outputs
  • Windows Vista compatible (first in industry)
  • upscales all sources to 1080p
  • HDMI to HDMI upscaling
  • built-in Ethernet, WiFI, and USB ports for media streaming
  • supports mp3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, and iTunes
  • Multi-room, multi-source
  • Power: 150 Watts / channel

Submit a link

This report was started August 12, 2007 at 12:20 pm by Erik
with the last edit occurring July 20, 2009 at 2:00 pm by Sina Irani
This page has been viewed 14912 times, with 106 edits by 23 contributors.
See the full report history »

Buy It

Denon AVR-5308CI

• Denon AVR5308CI Reference-Level 7.1-Channel Multi-zone Network Streaming AV Receiver

• AVR-5308CI Receiver

UPC: 081757507714

EAN: 081757507714

MPN: AVR5308CI

Denon AVR-5308CI

• Denon AVR5308CI Home Theater Receiver NEWEST VERSION

• AVR5308ACI 7.1 Channel THX Ultra2 Home Theater Receiver

UPC: 883795000819

EAN: 883795000819

MPN: AVR5308CI

Competitors

Denon AVR-5308CI is ranked 1st among it's competitors.  See the top picks in A/V Receivers »
Integra DTR-8.8

Integra DTR-8.8

MSRP  $2,400.00    Released  September, 2007
Pros
  • Lots of power with large toroid - THX Ultra2
  • HQV Reon video upscaling
  • Well engineered with good industrial design
  • Decodes True HD and DTS-HD MA
Cons
  • $600 more expensive than the TX-NR905 with not that many more features
ProSCORE
3 reviews
80
Vote! (6 votes)
vote Denon AVR-5308CI 67% vs. vote Integra DTR-8.8 33%
Pioneer Elite SC-09TX

Pioneer Elite SC-09TX

MSRP  $7,000.00    Released  December, 2007
Pros
  • 10.2 surround channels
  • Loaded with features
  • 200 Watts of continuous power to 10 channels
Cons
  • Expensive - $7000
  • Overkill
ProSCORE
3 reviews
67
Vote! (3 votes)
vote Denon AVR-5308CI 67% vs. vote Pioneer Elite SC-09TX 33%
Yamaha RX-Z11

Yamaha RX-Z11

MSRP  $5,499.00    Released  November, 2007
Pros
  • 11.2 channels - 140W x 7, 50W x 4
  • WiFi, LAN, USB
  • 1 HDMI input on the front panel
Cons
  • Very expensive
  • Four surround presence channels are useless unless you reassign them to auxiliary zones.
  • At this price point, it should have one more HDMI input (it has 5) to guarantee you don't run out
ProSCORE
8 reviews
64
Vote! (4 votes)
vote Denon AVR-5308CI 100% vs. vote Yamaha RX-Z11 0%

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Comments

1.  avatar Erik said:

This thing is a behemoth! I'm curious to know how the Realta HQV chipset compares to the Reon HQV found in the top of the line Onkyo's (for much cheaper $1600 vs. $5200 in this model).
Aug 12, 2007 12:30pm
2.  avatar GT-D said:

If only I lived somewhere large enough to warrant such A/V power :D
Aug 13, 2007 9:46am
3.  avatar kirbalo said:

The Realta HQV has some distinct advantages over the Reon HQV in that the Realta is programmable/upgradeable to add new functionality as it is created, utilizes a faster CPU core, as well as a much higher capability 16 to 1024 TAP adaptive scaler, a more capable "Cadence" detection engine and more capability in the Geometry Processor (eWARP2) giving the end user much more flexibility when used with an HDTV Projector. The eWARP2 and eWARP VX engines are an option on the Realta and Reon chipsets respectively, depending on which part number within the family is used.
Aug 13, 2007 12:22pm
4.  avatar heapatrouble said:

Alot of people don't seem to comprehend the concept of power as it relates to amp output. Anyone looking at a receiver or amp purchase needs to keep in mind that it takes 10x the power to double perceived volume. For me, this component is a no-brainer in its price range and possesses numerous unique features. I like the fact that Denon seems to have done away with the dual surround zones in favor of a more simplified design, somewhat smaller format than the 5805 series and more cross-compatibility with other types of CE devices.
Aug 15, 2007 6:31pm
5.  avatar BlackWarlock said:

Hello,

After doing some research I have to specify one thing about HDMI to HDMI upscaling :

- Actually this is a rare feature within the Denon 2007 lineup because only the 5308Ci will do the job
- Onkyo's 2007 AVR (as far as I know 875 & 905) will do HDMI to HDMI upscaling
Aug 29, 2007 6:31am
6.  avatar cstein said:

The price will have to come down somewhat otherwise Onkyo will kill them with the NR905. I know there are Denon purists out there, and the quality is certainly there, but this unit as best I can tell isn't even THX certified. While the processor (Realta vs Reon), on paper, should render better results, Onkyo has more to offer and under $2k.
Sep 27, 2007 5:36pm
7.  avatar doubt said:

I'm not sure if Denon is going to be able to compete at the 905's pricepoint, the Realta chip is far superior in every way to the Reon... I'm actually surprised Denon has been able to get their price down so cheap using that chip.

Denon has to have some models shipping with the Reon chip in the near future. Does anyone know? That's kind of what I'm waiting to hear... as I can't afford anything with the Realta and don't expect to in the near future.
Sep 28, 2007 10:32am
8.  avatar furz said:

5308CI

Crappiest sound I ever heard. No midrange and distorted highs. Hum in bass.
May 02, 2008 11:00pm
9.  avatar omarbec said:

Great Receiver, true reference quality and features. The competion does not even come close, at any price.
May 31, 2008 1:33am
10.  avatar heapatrouble said:

In response to csten's comment, yes, the 5805 is THX Ultra2 certified. In response to furz, I suspect that he is experiencing a significant ground loop in his household electrical supply as his comments are completely inconsistent with those of proffessional reviewers, general user experience and with my own listening.
Dec 19, 2008 4:14pm
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Reviews

Sort by: Most helpful  •  Newest  •  Most positive

kirbalo

avatar
June 12, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
80
negative
mixed
positive
4 pros
1 con
want itwant it
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Ethernet, WiFi, USB streaming
  • Includes powerful Realta HQV video chipset
  • HDMI-to-HDMI upscaling
  • A ton of inputs/outputs (6 HDMI in, 2 HDMI out)

Cons

  • Very expensive - $5199

Comments

"The Realta HQV has some distinct advantages over the Reon HQV in that the Realta is programmable/upgradeable to add new functionality as it is created, utilizes a faster CPU core, as well as a much higher capability 16 to 1024 TAP adaptive scaler, a more capable "Cadence" detection engine and more capability in the Geometry Processor (eWARP2) giving the end user much more flexibility when used with an HDTV Projector. The eWARP2 and eWARP VX engines are an option on the Realta and Reon chipsets respectively, depending on which part number within the family is used."
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

Erik

avatar
August 12, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
80
negative
mixed
positive
4 pros
1 con
want itwant it
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Ethernet, WiFi, USB streaming
  • Includes powerful Realta HQV video chipset
  • HDMI-to-HDMI upscaling
  • A ton of inputs/outputs (6 HDMI in, 2 HDMI out)

Cons

  • Very expensive - $5199

Comments

"This thing is a behemoth! I'm curious to know how the Realta HQV chipset compares to the Reon HQV found in the top of the line Onkyo's (for much cheaper $1600 vs. $5200 in this model)."

Competitors

Erik prefers Denon AVR-5308CI over Yamaha RX-Z11
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

heapatrouble

avatar
August 15, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
4 pros
0 cons
want itwant it
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Ethernet, WiFi, USB streaming
  • Includes powerful Realta HQV video chipset
  • HDMI-to-HDMI upscaling
  • A ton of inputs/outputs (6 HDMI in, 2 HDMI out)

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Comments

"Alot of people don't seem to comprehend the concept of power as it relates to amp output. Anyone looking at a receiver or amp purchase needs to keep in mind that it takes 10x the power to double perceived volume. For me, this component is a no-brainer in its price range and possesses numerous unique features. I like the fact that Denon seems to have done away with the dual surround zones in favor of a more simplified design, somewhat smaller format than the 5805 series and more cross-compatibility with other types of CE devices."
"In response to csten's comment, yes, the 5805 is THX Ultra2 certified. In response to furz, I suspect that he is experiencing a significant ground loop in his household electrical supply as his comments are completely inconsistent with those of proffessional reviewers, general user experience and with my own listening."
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

omarbec@ca.rr.com

avatar
June 6, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
5 pros
0 cons

Pros

  • Ethernet, WiFi, USB streaming
  • Includes powerful Realta HQV video chipset
  • HDMI-to-HDMI upscaling
  • A ton of inputs/outputs (6 HDMI in, 2 HDMI out)
  • The best receiver I've ever had. Simply spectacular

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Competitors

omarbec@ca.rr.com prefers Denon AVR-5308CI over Integra DTR-8.8, Yamaha RX-Z11, Pioneer Elite SC-09TX
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

omarbec

avatar
May 31, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
80
negative
mixed
positive
4 pros
1 con

Pros

  • Ethernet, WiFi, USB streaming
  • Includes powerful Realta HQV video chipset
  • HDMI-to-HDMI upscaling
  • A ton of inputs/outputs (6 HDMI in, 2 HDMI out)

Cons

  • Very expensive - $5199

Comments

"Great Receiver, true reference quality and features. The competion does not even come close, at any price."
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

rudolpht

avatar
April 6, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
4 pros
0 cons
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Ethernet, WiFi, USB streaming
  • Includes powerful Realta HQV video chipset
  • HDMI-to-HDMI upscaling
  • A ton of inputs/outputs (6 HDMI in, 2 HDMI out)

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Competitors

rudolpht prefers Denon AVR-5308CI over Integra DTR-8.8, Yamaha RX-Z11
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

ardinia

avatar
December 28, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
4 pros
0 cons
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Ethernet, WiFi, USB streaming
  • Includes powerful Realta HQV video chipset
  • HDMI-to-HDMI upscaling
  • A ton of inputs/outputs (6 HDMI in, 2 HDMI out)

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

jcarcopo

avatar
October 6, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
4 pros
0 cons
love itlove it
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Ethernet, WiFi, USB streaming
  • Includes powerful Realta HQV video chipset
  • HDMI-to-HDMI upscaling
  • A ton of inputs/outputs (6 HDMI in, 2 HDMI out)

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

pnsmith123

avatar
December 22, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
3 pros
0 cons
love itlove it
have ithave it

Pros

  • Ethernet, WiFi, USB streaming
  • The best receiver I've ever had. Simply spectacular
  • remote configurator still needs work...IR slow enough to cause "where am I confusion"

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

AaronD12

avatar
July 17, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
0
negative
mixed
positive
0 pros
1 con

Pros

Did not agree with any pros

Cons

  • Very expensive - $5199

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No
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This product is also known as:

AVR, 5308, CI, AVR5308, 5308CI, AVR5308CI