TV & AVR Shopping

By Scott Wilkinson • Posted: May 30, 2011

I am in the market for some new gear—specifically, a new plasma and receiver. Is Home Theater planning to do a review of the Panasonic VT30 any time soon? I expect it to improve upon the VT25, but I would like to hear it from you or Tom Norton before I get it.
On the receiver front, I would like your opinion on the Denon AVR-4311CI versus AVR-4810CI. What are the differences between the two? In your opinion, do those differences or features justify the 4810CI's extra cost?

Spencer Torgan

We just got the VT30, and the review will appear in the September 2011 issue of Home Theater. Like you, I expect it to improve upon the VT25, but not necessarily by all that much. We still have a VT25, and we'll be doing a direct side-by-side comparison with the VT30, so stay tuned for that.

As for the Denon AVRs, the 4810CI is last year's model and Denon's first 9-channel model with Audyssey DSX processing. This year's 4311CI (pictured here with its two included remotes and calibration microphone) improves upon the 4810CI in many ways—for example, it has Audyssey Sub EQ HT and MultEQ XT32, Dolby Volume, iPhone connectivity, Airplay upgradability, and pre-amp mode, which turns off the internal amps for less heat and more power to other parts of the AVR—and it's $1000 less expensive. Seems like a no-brainer to me.

If you have an A/V question, please send it to askscottwilkinson@gmail.com.

Comments

Submitted by uavAVTheaterGuy on May 30, 2011 - 6:38pm.

I'm a certified CI DENON integrator, and here's some extra info about the Denon Models. First off NEITHER model is "current" anymore. The new AVR-XX12 series is the latest from Denon.

They replaced models as high as the 3311, but did not overhaul the 4000 and up. However, expect to see a new upper end model positioned between the amazing AVR-5308CI, and the AVR-4810, coming out probably early next year, or by christmas time.

The 4810 came in LATE 2009, and is now 2 generations old (the new AVR-XX12 series is shipping now).

The 4311 is still available, but in VERY limited quantity according to DENON. (My Los Angeles based install firm has ZERO left in stock, and we will NOT be receiving any more from DENON, as they are no longer being produced).

I hope that doesn't ruin your plans for the receiver. If you can find a dealer who still has the AVR-4311CI, pick that puppy up cuz it BANGS.